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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Nomi Offline OP
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Hello PG Team,

First of all: When I start Band-in-a-Box from the external SSD, the version “bb2026_mac_update_build1003” appears to work perfectly, as far as I can tell so far.

Because I sometimes find it easier to open saved files from the internal hard drive, I also installed the main programs on the internal hard drive and set the external SSD as the location for RealTracks and RealDrums. However, when I go to Styles and run “Rebuild,” the RealTracks list is empty, except for a handful of organs. This means that, in a song, I would not be able to add an additional track or replace an existing one.

Is there a solution for this?

What I also find very disappointing, by the way:

I have purchased every upgrade to the Audiophile version for almost 20 years. The latest upgrade to the 2026 version seems to be a “light” version that deletes previously purchased data. For example, all of my MIDI SuperTracks had disappeared. I was able to download and install them from my account under the 2025 version, but what else was deleted? With such a large number of files, it is almost impossible for me to keep track of everything.
In 2025, I purchased the Audiophile version online, and it seems to me to be identical to the hardware version. So why is the online version a “light” version that deletes previously purchased data?

Regards

Nomi


Germany

iMac, Intel Core i9, 64 GB, macOS 15.7.5 (24G624)
BiaB 2026 for Mac, Audiophile version
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Hi Nomi,

Nothing is deleted, everything that you had previously should still be present and work as normal. The Audiophile PlusPAK upgrade works the same way as the regular PlusPAK this year and in the past: It just ADDS the 2026 content to what you already have. So if you have an Audiophile from last year, you now have the equivalent of a 2026 Audiophile.

Quote
I also installed the main programs on the internal hard drive and set the external SSD as the location for RealTracks and RealDrums. However, when I go to Styles and run “Rebuild,” the RealTracks list is empty

You might not have the RealTracks data files installed on the internal drive. The RealTracks have a few different components. One is the large RealTracks folder with audio files that you have on your external drive - that's fine. Another is the .ST2 files in the Band-in-a-Box/Soloists folder. I think that if you open the RealTracks Picker, click the [#] button and select the option "Show N/A RealTracks" you might find that they all show up with the text [N/A] [ST2 not found]. If you have a complete Band-in-a-Box folder on your internal drive minus the RealTracks folder I would expect it to be at least 35 GB.

So what might have happened is that you installed everything to your external SSD, and then installed just the Program installer to your internal drive. In that case you would be missing new RealTracks data files. And unless you already HAD a (2025) Band-in-a-Box folder there you would be missing ALL the RealTracks data files.

The fix is easy - you can copy/merge the folders from the Band-in-a-Box folder on your Audiophile to the Band-in-a-Box folder on your internal drive. When you do this, just omit the RealTracks and Drums folders (do not copy). Also, you can omit the Artist Performances and Instrumental Studies folders as those can be quite large as well.

Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 04/24/26 04:48 PM.

Andrew
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The 2026 upgrade "lost" the location of my RT and Drums folders. The BIAB Install Manager knew where they were but the BIAB app did not. BIAB expects to see these folders on your System Drive but that's not where mine are—nor yours, either.

Once I figured out the problem, fixing it was easy. In the Window menu, go to Real Drums Settings and Real Tracks Settings. You will need to re-map the correct locations of both folders as Custom locations. Updating each of the two is a little different (which should have been fixed years ago). Click on the little boxes to navigate to the correct location, then hit Update. and OK. Once you get the hang of it, you'll always know and then it no longer becomes an issue.

If you have any problems with this procedure, Support can walk you through it in real time which takes about a minute if you've never done it before. See my screen shots below:

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BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Nomi Offline OP
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Hi Andrew,

Thank you very much for your help. I followed your instructions and copied folders from the external SSD to the internal HD. The RealTracks lists and Drum lists are now populated, and the RealTracks and Drums can now be used as intended.

You wrote, “Nothing is deleted, everything that you had previously should still be present and work as normal.” However, let me say that I was not hallucinating when the “MIDI SuperTracks” lists were empty on both the internal HD and the external SSD, and only showed the intended tracks after I had downloaded and installed them from my PG account and the files for the year 2025.

Nevertheless, once again: thank you very much for your help.

I would also like to thank you, Mike, for showing me a way that would certainly have solved my problems as well. However, I did not try it anymore, as I had already successfully followed Andrew’s approach.

So, all the best to both of you,

Best regards.

Nomi


Germany

iMac, Intel Core i9, 64 GB, macOS 15.7.5 (24G624)
BiaB 2026 for Mac, Audiophile version
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You're welcome.

In the Audiophile version before 2025, The RealTracks and Drums folders combined were nearly 2TB. Going to FLAC in 2025 reduced the file sizes considerably and now the combined folder is just under 816GB.

Having a couple of 8TB USB 4 SSDs hanging off my Mac Studio, It's convenient for me to just move the RT/Drums folder to one of my VI drives rather than add the drives I receive from PG Music—I only connect them to add the extras that I've purchased over the years and run updaters as released.


BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!

Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.

Holiday Weekend Hours

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Saturday, May 16: Closed
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resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!

This Free Bonus PAK includes:

  • The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK: -For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles. -For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
  • MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
  • Playable RealTracks Set 5
  • RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
  • SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
  • FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
  • MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
  • Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
  • RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
  • SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

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