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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
I'm considering treating myself to one of the new iMacs - my current PC-based hardware is getting very old now, and I use an iPad for charts on gigs, so the wall-to-wall Apple setup looks attractive.
There doesn't seem to be a version of BIAB 2013 for Mac yet, but assuming this is coming soon, will I have to buy a complete Mac replacement for my Audiophile edition of BIAB 2013 if I make the jump to Apple?
It seems to me that executable files take up a very small percentage of the disc, with the rest being taken up with data files of one sort or another (especially all the WAV files associated with RealTracks).
If there is (or will shortly be) an economic migration path from the Windows to the Mac version of BIAB 2013, I'll probably follow it, but if I have to discard my Windows version of BIAB I might just stick with a PC upgrade.
As an alternative, I believe that the more recent Macs can be persuaded to run Windows software, but this may not work for a program like BIAB which links very tightly with the hardware.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
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There are lots of folks running Windows on the Mac using programs such as Bootcamp and Parallel, etc.
Matter of fact, Peter Gannon himself has told us on this board that he has been using a Mac lappy that way to develop BiaB on for the last few versions.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Thanks, Mac. I missed PG's references to this development path. I'll have a look at Bootcamp and Parallel - the name "Bootcamp" implies a dual-boot set-up, which I'd rather avoid. I've been using Ubuntu as my main operating system for the last couple of years, but can't get satisfactory audio performance using BIAB with Wine or VirtualBox - I have to boot up a "real" version of Windows to use BIAB.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20 |
Bootcamp is featured on the Latest (Intel) Macs. It's their system for setting aside a partition to install your copy of Windows on. The Parallels program allows you to switch over to Windows like it's just another application on the Mac, without re-booting. Simple as that. I use it every day, works great.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Thanks, Garyj.
I see from the Bootcamp website that:
"To use Boot Camp, you need:
"An Intel-based Mac with a built-in or external USB keyboard, and a built-in trackpad or USB mouse."
I don't think this would apply to the new iMac, which has an external keyboard and mouse, neither of which is connected through a USB socket. In any case, this is a dual-boot solution, which I don't find attractive.
Are you able to run a Windows version of BIAB in the Parallels environment without any glitches? This looks like the route I would take.
Michael
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Veteran
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Posts: 38,502 |
I think that when they say, "built-in" they are indeed referring to your iMac.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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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 |
Yes, I do run Windows 7/64 under bootcamp on a MacBook Pro, and it works great - no issues.
I've been told that Parallels also works, though I don't use that- maybe someone who uses Parallels with BiaB Windows will post on that.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,750 |
just for clarity's sake: you will need to purchase a copy of windows
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 20 |
Yes, I meant to say that I do use BIAB Windows version on my 2010 MacBookPro OSX 10.6.8, using Bootcamp and Parallels and Windows XP. It does work amazingly great!! (I purchased BIAB Mac version last November, and after learning how much more advanced it is than the Mac version, more feature-rich, –and how flaky I feel the Mac version is), PG was kind enough to let me exchange it for the Windows 2013 version. I also purchased the EverythingPAK external hard drive, which I highly recommend! I've just installed a 1.5Tb hard drive on my MBP, plenty of room for the BootCamp partition and the EverthingPAK. Very cool. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78 |
I've been running BIAB with Parallel Desktop as well as VMWare Fusion for many years - works like a charm. Running a DAW (like RealBand), it's a different story. The sound card is accessed via a Parallels or VMWare emulation layer. That means no ASIO driver, and a somewhat slow and unreliable functionality. If you need RealBand, then Bootcamp is a better option. But since you are on a Mac, you could use GarageBand instead of RealBand.
/Björn
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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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 |
Thanks Bjorn,
Btw, ASIO works fine with Bootcamp/Mac for BiaB and RealBand for Windows
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Thanks, everyone!
I've been dual-booting Ubuntu and Windows XP on my elderly Dell computer for nearly three years now, and virtually all my computer-related activities can now be carried out without Windows - photography, accounts, email, correspondence, genealogy, music engraving, website maintenance are all handled with Open-Source software.
Which leaves Band-in-a-box high and dry on a Windows island! Although it runs after a fashion under Wine or VirtualBox in the Ubuntu environment, the sound output is jittery - I'm obviously asking too much of old hardware. I've worked round the problem by moving BIAB to an (also) aged laptop, which is dedicated to BIAB, and gets the job done, although a little slow at (re)generation.
I'm drawn towards the iMac by my use of the iPad for jazz charts (and BIAB-generated MP3s for practice purposes), for the Apple reputation as being good for photography, and by its elegant looks and small desktop footprint.
My plan would be to migrate my activities to the Mac environment while maintaining triple-boot capacity (Mac-OS/Windows/Ubuntu) to manage the transition. I haven't looked at running Ubuntu in VirtualBox on the Mac - that would simplify the changeover, allowing a switch between Mac and Ubuntu applications without the need to re-boot. Now that I know I can run BIAB in a virtual Windows environment, I can go ahead.
I'll just have to wait for the bank account to fill up again after Christmas...
Michael
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Reporting back following my purchase of an iMac - thanks to all for the contributions which helped my make the decision.
I chose to purchase Parallels - the public-domain offerings don't seem to be available for Mac OS X Mountain Lion - and have found it very user friendly.
One of Parallels's excellent features is the ability to "migrate" a complete Windows setup to the Mac, which simply clones the PC to a virtual machine on the Mac. It does insist on your entering the Windows registration code, which I found stuck to the bottom of my laptop.
This way I was up and running very quickly on my Mac, without even having to reinstall BIAB!
So far, I haven't discovered any flaws in the running of BIAB, and am able to spend time on migrating my other files and applications to the new environment.
One other agreeable feature of Parallels is that it also supports a pre-packaged version of Ubuntu 12.04, so I can simultaneously browse my collection of photographs using "Shotwell" in a Ubuntu window, while listening to BIAB-generated music in an XP window and keeping track of my mail on the Mac itself.
I also have a Windows XP Professional Virtual Machine set up - this allowed me to migrate a legacy accounting package, for which I no longer have the distribution discs, and for which I occasionally had to boot up my desktop in Windows instead of Ubuntu.
No doubt I'll find something to complain about once the honeymoon period is over...
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
Seems like a very complicated setup. I find windows to be just fine for almost every situation.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Short version of long story:
Elderly Dell PC running XP Pro, taking about 20 minutes to get going in the morning, probably because of Antivirus, Ad-blockers etc.
Too mean to buy a new computer.
Installed Ubuntu 10.04 - quick startup, plenty of excellent open-source software, no need for virus protection.
BUT running several programs on Windows with no Ubuntu equivalent => use of Wine or VirtualBox to manage these, with occasional boot into Windows (e.g. for legacy accounts program).
Already had iPod, two years ago purchased iPad to display jazz charts - not supported on Ubuntu, awkward and slow on VIrtualBox Windows.
The iMac allows me to run all my applications smoothly, with no need for dual-boot to switch between OSs - no regrets!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,634
Veteran
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Sounds interesting! I'll definitely be keeping this in mind.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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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 |
Thanks for the information FoxyLady!
I'm interested in the migration program. Did it:
1. Move your Windows installation from the old machine to your new Mac, without you needing to install windows (other than just entering a serial number).
and 2. Move of your programs and contents of your drive from the old machine, so that you didn't need to install programs again? That can be tricky, since there are registry entries etc.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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)!
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- 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
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- 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
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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