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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31 |
Hi all, Could anybody please explain what the various upgrade options are, as I'm finding it rather confusing. I bought the 2011 Megapak for Mac - which arrived just over a week ago by airmail. I'm now working my way through both the manual and the program, trying to get a general feel for it reasonably quickly. It's been something of mixture of delight at what it can do and bafflement at some weird quirks (some of which are probably user errors, but at least one of which has been confirmed by support as a bug with the current version). That's not unusual with new software though. But what I am still struggling with is trying to figure out the details of the Real Tracks, and what the options are if it looks as if I could do with more. The printed manual tells me that that I should be able to find some useful demos "from folders with names like Applications/Band-in-a-Box/RealTracks - Demos/RealTracks102 Demos" but no such useful sub-folders exist. Instead, there is one huge folder with over 300 files in, all of which have cryptic names that aren't very helpful and don't include the RealTrack set numbers. The only simple name among them was "RealSaxDemo.MGU" but when I clicked on it and opened it with BiaB it was a Jazz swing style track which didn't feature a sax at all??? The name that showed in BiaB was then "RealSaxdemo - see memo". Memo? What memo? There does seem to be a lot of loose ends with this current compilation and I'm having trouble finding the useful string amongst them all. I'm sure that the manuals and general layout and installation makes reasonable sense to users who are familiar with earlier versions and have been along for the ride as it grew. But to a newcomer it can be pretty cryptic. Mostly the demo have names like: Guitar,Acoustic,Rhythm,Jazz Freddie sw 140 A only #559solo.m4a or _BLSHUFF.SGU =NEALGP Demo.MGU There doesn't seem to be a list of what belongs to which pack or collection. When I've looked at this site the options also seem hard to fathom. On the one hand there's a list of 120 RealTrack sets at $29 each (for a rather unattractive total of over $3,000 - plus 29 Real Drum set, which would cost over $800 more. There are bundles of sets available at less stellar prices, but these are far too big for me to download, and I can't spot any option to buy them on discs. On the other hand, buying the UltraPlusPak on a hard drive would seem to give the lot for not a whole lot more than the cost of a Megapak and a hard drive.???  I gather than there is some kind of 30 day clause with BiaB and I'm still within that (order processed 16th May, received here on 27th May) but I don't know if whether that would apply in practice to overseas orders (I'm in Australia). Could anybody please suggest whether there is a reasonable upgrade path other than downloading lots of small sets over a long period of time, at considerable expense, or having to buy the whole lot again on a hard drive? Thanks for any help or enlightenment, Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,640
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,640 |
Hi Chris,
PG Music are a sensational company to deal with. They honour the 30 cay money back guarantee worldwide. I'm not sure how it works but I'd get straight on the phone on the toll-free number if it were me and find out. There's probably some small charge to cover freight if two shippings were involved. I don't know this for sure, though.
Like you, I started out cautiously because I wasn't sure how good the program was. After a few months, though,I upgraded to the UltraPlusPak.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,040
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,040 |
Quote:
Could anybody please suggest whether there is a reasonable upgrade path other than downloading lots of small sets over a long period of time, at considerable expense, or having to buy the whole lot again on a hard drive?
Thanks for any help or enlightenment,
Wow, so many questions.
This is why I alway have two recommendations:
1) By the ultrapak on HD - best bang for the buck adn you need all those addons.
2) Buy it when it is on sale.
Yes there is an upgrade path to go Mega to Ultrapac. You simply have to pay the difference (within the 30 day period). Best to call PG direct to arrange.
To your other questions.
1) This app takes a looooong time to learn.
2) Go to Help - What add on's do I have to see a comprehensive list of what you got and what is available.
Good luck.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31 |
Thanks very much for the prompt and thoughtful replies guys. I guess I'm rushing things a bit - as Jazzmandan says it takes a long time to learn, and that was expected. But 30 days isn't much time to review it all, especially when a chunk of it gets eaten up by the shipping across the world. The tip about the "What add-on do I have " button was very useful - thanks for that. It showed that I have a number of RealTracks, including "11 - All Bluegrass Rhythm". Yet when I used a style that required that set, I got a message saying that some of 11 was missing and that I had no mandolin. So I guess that they make choices with the less than complete Megapak version, about which files to include. Normally, I'd expect to take a lot of weeks or months to work through exactly what you can and can't do with new software, but the range of options is so big here, and the task of trying to assess each element so huge that I think I'll just have to make something of a guess whether to stay with what I've got or take a leap of faith and shell out some more dollars. I guess you can't take it with you.... I'll email the sales guys later today and see what they can suggest or offer. Thanks for the help Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,640
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,640 |
Chris,
One other thing I discovered is that once you have the complete version of BAIB, it's very reasonable to keep up-to-date with upgrades every 6 - 12 months.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi Chris,
With the posting of your song. As you suggested, I tried to move the post to the User Showcase Forum. But it got accidentally zapped instead - I don't know why. Sorry about that. So please repost that thread in the User Showcase Forum. It's a real nice tune and performance.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Chris,
The Pro Pak come with about 20 RealTracks.
The MegaPAK comes with about 80 RealTracks.
The UltraPAK comes with all of the RealTracks - which is over 600!
The RealTracks on the Pro and Mega are grouped into "Combos" (which are like bands). So they aren't grouped according to RealTracks Set #. That's why there is no folder to see the demos, just a big list of all of the demos that you get in the RealTracks - demos folder.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 31 |
Thanks everybody for all your patience, and for the useful suggestions and explanations.  Cheers, Chris
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
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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®.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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!
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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®!
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