|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Dudded again...!
I have the Everything Pak on the USB drive which I bought only last November.
I posted on here that there seemed to be an inordinate lack of features in the Mac version when compared to the Windows version, yet the Mac version is the same price, and the Mac is probably the leading computer used for media purposes.
Now BIAB 2012 for the Mac is here - and STILL no Lead Sheet, still no useful notation (a rapidly scrolling single line is totally useless - may as well not be in there), and various other features that are in the Windows version but not in the Mac version.
And they want another $159 for me to upgrade, not counting the cost of my bandwidth for the download! And why exactly would I need to upgrade all the styles, sets, real tracks etc, as opposed to just downloading the few new ones?
PG Music - this really is scandalous. How can you, in all conscience, charge the same for the Mac version as you do for the Windows version, but with the Mac version being a crippled sub-set of the Windows version?
What is WRONG with you guys? WHERE is the Lead sheet and notation capability? Until we get that, BIAB is just a plaything to go widdly-widdly with on the computer on a desk.
Please tell me how you can justify the price, and why the lack of lead sheet/notation facilities... and why your effort on the Mac is so poor that we are regarded as second-class citizens?
I will NOT be upgrading BIAB. There is nothing in the 2012 version that would make me want to part with yet another $159.
Signed - a disgruntled customer who is happy to pay for good stuff, but is sorely tempted to look for "free" versions of software if the customers get treated this way.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
Can't be more agree with you,man!!!I wrote also angry letter to PG Music,but do not expect any answer,of course!
I do not understand that attitude towards Mac users!?Are we some kind of 2rd part people,musicians or...Obviously brothers Gannon worked hard to gain cash,but not hard enough,to please the Mac users :-((((
back to the point:
Why we,Mac users,MUST always wait for the new version and why is that huge difference between PC and Mac version?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22 |
yea. I'm waiting to upgrade BIAB until they bring Mac up to date, but I doubt they will. So sad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
The disappointing part is that some items have been on the "wish list" / requested for years. I would much rather have these than the 'features' introduced in 2012.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
Having missed adequate lead sheet/notation features in BIAB for a long time, I now learned to concentrate on the strenghts of the software (which are a lot !) while doing all notation stuff with another one - Musescore (http://musescore.org/) - it's free and absolutely suitable for my needs.
Being able to import BIAB.SGU - files, it's very easy to use with BIAB and the results are great.
So I hesitated not a second to upgrade to BIAB 2012 (mainly because of the new RealTracks) and I appreciate if BIAB will improve its unique characteristics while leaving notation etc. to others.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
Do not believe anyone here is trying to discredit the fantastic BIAB and how useful it is for the musicians.The point is WHY WE CANNOT HAVE BIAB EQUAL TO THE PC VERSION?What wrong is it about it?Do not we pay the same money for the software?Then why that discrimination?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
I thought the title of this thread was
"ARRGGGHHH - STILL no Lead Sheet or useful notation on Mac"
and not
"Differences Between the MAC and PC versions (2011.5)" or similar ...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Not sure what point you're trying to make there, Rob - the lack of lead sheet and notation IS a difference between the Windows and Mac versions - despite being charged the same for each version.
Musescore is pretty good, BUT it won't run in sync with BIAB, so it's a bit of a kludge to play a backing in BIAB and trying to keep Musescore somewhere close to where BIAB is.
Why should BIAB leave notation to others? It's already in the Windows version. And most other DAW-type programs have very strong notation (eg Logic etc) on the Mac.
I think it is a marketing decision rather than a programming one, and I think (IMHO only of course) that the decision is a wrong one. I think they underestimate the number of Mac users involved in making music, and who would dearly love to have lead sheet and notation capability.
BIAB actually DOES have a sort of half-baked notation - but it's only single stave, and flies by so quickly it's useless as a performing tool. And you can't read ahead, as most good sight readers do. So it's just a token implementation.
We need multi-line notation, plus the ability to print off lead sheets complete with chord symbols.
This has been requested by many people for a long time - and I really don't know why PG Music are ignoring those requests. They would get a lot more sales and upgrades if they included those features.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22 |
I won't be buying either until there is a reason.
Dave
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
Folks, don't get me wrong - your calls for adequate notation features in BIAB are perfectly eligible - I just wanted to tell people who are not aware of MuseScore that there is a free application which can read BIAB-files thus making leadsheet printing (including advanced notation features) out of BIAB-files very easy and pleasable. Of course there are uses of BIAB where this approach is not suitable.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15 |
I wish I would have know of these issues before I just purchased the HD version yesterday.
Richard Venneman
Retired church organist, pianist, keyboardist
Yamaha DGX-660
Maschine MK3
Sampletank 4 Max
EZ Keys
A few basic IK Multimedia midi controllers.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,486 |
Hi rvenneman,
The program is brilliant. It's absolutely fantastic accompaniment software. I imagine that you're going to be quite amazed when you hear it.
Regards,
Noel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Noel96 - nobody is arguing that the program is not brilliant. It is.
But the fact remains that despite being charged the same for the Mac version as for the Windows version, a major feature such as notation and lead sheets is missing in the Mac version. Along with other features too - but this thread is about the lead sheets etc.
Now you may not have a use for lead sheets, or on-screen notation that is actually usable, but many people, including me, do. In fact I used the Windows versions from the very early days until I switched to Mac about 3 or 4 years ago. And the notation and lead sheet that evolved on the Windows version made the program actually very useful, in the real world. And everyone's real worlds are different, of course.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
I have to agree totally. I love BIAB, but it is just unfair to charge the same amount for a program that is crippled in some ways in comparison to the PC version.
I will wait until I see these much needed features until paying for any upgrade.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 150
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 150 |
Oh my! I've been gone from this forum for a couple years. I stopped in to see if they finally added the lead sheet to the Mac version. Alas, no joy. ...sigh.... The thing is, they promised this back in 2010 for a future release. Well i've got news for ya......times up  Arnold: "I'll be back" .......rrrrrrr 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,366
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean