|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22 |
Although I have already ordered the MAC version (I haven't received it yet), I am curious if there is anything posted about what the differences are between the 2 versions. I know the MAC is lacking some features but I'd like to see what they are.
Thanks.
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22 |
Any takers...how about PG, do you have anything posted?
Thanks.
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Hi Dave,
Main difference is that the Mac version lacks:
1. Leadsheet Window
2. Audio track
The Mac version has some features that the Windows one doesn't, such as better "low latency" audio support (no need to use ASIO drivers, as latency is low with the native drivers). Also simpler MIDI hookup, using built in Apple DLS synth.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22 |
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 52 |
Piano roll editor ( for editing the melody graphically ) and the conductor window are missing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196 |
I suppose it’s true that Apple’s DLS synth can simplify MIDI hookup, but many would say the quality of Apple’s DLS sounds leaves a lot to be desired, and that better software synths are available on the PC -- that, of course, isn’t PG Music’s fault. But the Mac version of BIAB does make it possible to simultaneously route different BIAB parts to several different synths, using Apple’s Core Midi -- which helps if you’ve got a nice sounding piano module, but another synth has better guitar or drum sounds. I was always bewildered that I couldn’t seem to do that in the PC version.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6 |
I thought I'd add a few differences I found between Mac and PC versions (I figured it would be nice to have all the differences in one place). Apparently, the mac version can't yet automatically transpose at the end of each chorus... http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.p...amp;Search=trueNo Note based lyrics for the Mac version yet... http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=331212&an=0&page=6I hope that when the lead sheet function is added that Note Based Lyrics would be added along with it. Also, I hope the 2nd endings, etc. come with the addition of leadsheat functionality. The drag and drop audio feature to GarageBand is a pretty cool feature for the MAC, though. Cheers, Tim.
Last edited by ewitim; 01/30/12 02:16 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
No Tabs in the Mac version either ..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
and no scrolling function for auditioning through bar(s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25 |
I've been eying BIAB for quite a while to buy it, but until the mac version has some of those key features mentioned, I will keep waiting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
You might have to wait a long time. Most of these have been requested for years, but pgmusic seems to have its own ideas on what Mac users need/want, regardless of what we say.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
seems like the brothers Gannon are Mac haters-I do not have any other explanation.And if they don't make Mac version like PC,I'll want my money back-for sure!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24 |
No big piano display. Karaoke?
No keyboard editing of notes with arrow keys.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Some parts of the software WILL NOT compile on a Mac. There is no way to do that, short of a complete rewrite in a new language. Mac/Apple/Jobs...they just never did develop a compiler that would work, and didn't think it mattered.
That is not something that is complicated to understand.
Due to legacy code issues on the PC platform, code developed LONG AGO, still has compilers and will still run.
Then again, it's normal to see about a thousand posts in the PC forums and only 10 or so here in the same time.
I have an ipad, and am taking delivery of a 2200 buck US Apple computer soon. But I have a PC or two, and run Band in a Box on that. Given I spent 25,000 bucks on my first computer for my business (Unix), and I had only 4 8 inch floppies, no hard drive, the fact that you can get a pretty good PC to run band in a box for 400 bucks should be a bargain. Do every thing else on the Mac. To me that's a no brainer. I've spent 400 bucks on a pre amp. I couldn't even hear the difference though my mic.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
''Then again, it's normal to see about a thousand posts in the PC forums and only 10 or so here in the same time.''
maybe here lies the sad story about Mac BiB...the rest is simply nonsense!!!
But then again-maybe that's why people do not want to spend their money,buying software that is not up to the expectations...
bear in mind that we do not pay less for the program,lacking many of the PC futures...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Your staunch defence of PG Music continues to amaze me.
Are you suggesting that (a) the code for BIAB is so old that parts will not compile on a Mac? Seriously? So re-write the damn things in Mac code - if others can do it, especially for a potentially big market, and growing, then PG Music should be able to do it. After all - they've got 90% of the program running on the Mac - and that runs very nicely. They can do it.
And as for suggesting that people go out and buy a PC to run BIAB while doing the rest of their work on a Mac - I'd suggest you get back in the real world. That is NOT a fix for what is a glaring set of omissions from the Mac version.
Nope - there is a problem, real not imagined, whereby the Mac version is lacking numerous features that the Windows version has. My own main interest would be in the lead sheet and notation department.
The solution to the problem is to fix it, whether it's a rewrite of sections, or a re-compile, or whatever. The solution is NOT to go out and buy another computer just to run BIAB.
I haven't heard such a silly suggestion for a long time!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Everyone says I'm not buying it, and I'm sending it back, and I hate it, and it's not Mac like.
Pfft.
According to you, DR. Gannon is robbing you blind.
I heard Mac/Apple did that to them.
Of course all of us can change if we try. But if you can't find compilers, why would you rewrite the code?
Can you code in Turbo-Pascal? (I think that is it, maybe lisp too.) Might just be plain ol' pascal for all I know.
Of course you can. And you are a doctor too, maybe you should phone Dr. Gannon up and point him in the right direction. Poor man.
Part of the problem may lie in the Canadian angle. It's hard to program when you have to play God save the Queen between compiles.
You may be onto something though. Hate is illegal in Canada. Perhaps, as you allege, this is a hate crime. Calling Dudley Doo-right.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
if you can not deliver,then do NOT do it!!!Mac users are NOT second degree users!!!We,as users ,have the same rights and demands as PC users-it is just a choice of software platform.After suffering many years with crashings,viruses and other bugs,you are not going to convinced me to buy PC just to run BIB...BIB is NOT a professional program-it is a good toy for learning and practicing.Maybe that's why is PC popular...but it does not mean we have to get second grade product for the same money
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Quote:
if you can not deliver,then do NOT do it!!!Mac users are NOT second degree users!!!
I suspect if they didn't deliver [a Mac version], you would be complaining about why there isn't a Mac version, at which point you would be in worse case 'cause you wouldn't have anything.
Anyway, my understanding (and I'm just speculating here) is that there are two different code bases and as such two different products (that do very similar things). It would be nice if it were a common code base and they could just cross-compile. But, as two separate products, they are free to market and sell it as it is for what they ask. If you don't like it, don't buy it. If you want new features, suggest them. But suggestions aren't the same as threatening them, as I've seen both here and the PC forum: "If you don't do this for me, then your product stinks and I'll never buy the product again." (and that's the polite language version)
If you don't like it for what it is or if it doesn't meet your needs, then just get your money back and go find another product that does. I mean, there's a lot of products in this technology space, right?  No one's forcing you to waste your money. Try getting your money back from Microsoft, if you didn't like one of their products.
But, if I were a betting man, I bet most folks make a copy of it before they sent it back. And then still complain. Just sayin'...
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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
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!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,438
Posts805,132
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean