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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,652
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,652 |
I have now read two references to "...Product activation is required. "
Has something been changed in this regard for BIAB and RB?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611 |
I didn't see it on RB, but BIAB did ask for an activation key (which was supplied with the online purchase.) Not sure how it works, or if it ties to a single machine. I use BIAB principally on my desktop, but also like it on my tablet. Hope I can continue to use it on both (one at a time...)
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
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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
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Peter told us during the beta that we can install on up to 3 machines using the same key, so people using laptop for one thing and desktop for another should have no worries.
The activation code is tied to each specific computer.
He also told us that if you need to have more than 3 machines, contact PGMusic directly about that.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 32 |
Wow. I never would have expected this from PG Music. I never buy any software that uses challenge-response activation. I am so disappointed to see PG Music has gone in this direction. I already bought BIAB 2014 the minute it came out, just as I've done for absolutely every update since the early DOS days when it shipped on floppy disks. So it's too late to vote with my wallet, but I really hope PG Music rethinks this move. One of the great things about BIAB was the ability to keep it all on an external hard drive and just plug it into whatever computer I am using. I could work on BIAB in my home office, my living room, my home studio or on whatever laptop I have with me while travelling. Now I have to strategically think about what computer it gets locked to and I'm stuck with that. Such a disappointment.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 |
I can't say I'm too happy with this either. I'm sure PGM will be fair but I still don't like the idea of having my software tied to a given machine. There have been many times I need to move it to another PC and keys cause nothing but hassles.
On the flip side though, maybe PGM have been suffering a lot of losses through "sharing" the product. So guess I'll have to adapt.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
Really come on now every software package I have in my studio bar none, have activation codes. Studio one, jamstix, EzDrummer, Sonar, Multitrackstudios, Reaper even requires a license key if you purchase.
Why should BB be any different. My key code came with my purchase confirmation email, and I just cut and pasted with both BB and RB all is good. 5 seconds and I am a licensed owner. This is smart as it keeps honest folks honest. If someone wants to crack and cheat they will find a way.
I imagine that some folks buy and use it properly on a couple of their own computers, but still others then load it up for every friend they have, and that is just not right.
So for users like you and me, we should not care that PG wants to protect themselves from that. That way those that want it, pay for it, and activate it properly, and money is there to do further development.
Regards, Rob
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,586
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,586 |
Hi, Now I have to strategically think about what computer it gets locked to and I'm stuck with that. Such a disappointment. We allow 3 activations per license, and you can use the "Release" and "Restore" options (Help | Utilities) to transfer an activation to a different machine. You can do that without any intervention by PG Music, as long as you have internet. There is also a 30-day grace period. We're trying to keep this very user-friendly. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are having any trouble with activation.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497 |
Fully CONCUR!
I am surprised PG held off this long - and come on folks this is the LEAST intrusive method you could get.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
THREE machines per user on the one activation code is actually fairly generous.
My Sibelius software only allows for two installs, many others, only one.
And, PGMusic are really nice people. If you do have an issue with the authorization thing, a special circumstance, whatever, just contact them directly about the issue, I'm sure they will bend over backwards to help you, just as always.
The late John Conally would be happy for the authorization finally showing up...
During the beta, I was calling it, to myself, the Conally Memorial Authorization Code!
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 450
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 450 |
Unfortunately, the authorization code is probably the only way to stop people from "robbing them blind". I'm surprised wasn't implemented earlier. No complaints here.
Col
iMac, 3.7 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5, BIAB MAC2024 (802), Audient iD4
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Authorization Code may also have to do with the fact that there are now so many top level pro musicians appearing on the RealTracks...
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
It seems that the big gripe is "what if I want to take this over to a buddies house and play"
Maybe you have not experienced this before but I have. You go to that buddies house, and after he sees just how cool the program is and all what it can do, he hits you with, "Wow, that's great could i have a copy on my hard drive so I can keep working on this project?" You have to try to explain how it is not cool to give away licensed software. After the uncomfortable silence, he responds who's going to know!
We all know to use it on that buddies computer you need to do a small install to run from the hard drive., so it is hard to explain why you would go that far and not help a real good bud out here, cause money is tight and he really wants to do this music project with you.
You are safe, cause it requires an activation key code to install on another computer.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Hi, Now I have to strategically think about what computer it gets locked to and I'm stuck with that. Such a disappointment. We allow 3 activations per license, and you can use the "Release" and "Restore" options (Help | Utilities) to transfer an activation to a different machine. You can do that without any intervention by PG Music, as long as you have internet. There is also a 30-day grace period. We're trying to keep this very user-friendly. Don't hesitate to contact us if you are having any trouble with activation. Andrew, Is there any limit to the number of times you can activate/deactivate?
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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!
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-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
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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
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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