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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
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I've working on a simple ballad, 4/4 time, slow tempo. Sometimes the song has one chord per measure, sometimes two, sometimes three or four. I'm using BiAB 2014 for the Macintosh. When I select Style: Band Styles (Best RealStyles...) I get about ten styles that aren't dimmed out. Four under Jazz/swing, five under campfire, and one or two others.
Is BIAB working as it ought to?
If not, what might have gone wrong? If so, why so few?
Thanks in advance.
Artie
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Hi Artie,
What BIAB package did you get? (For example: ProPack, MegaPak, UltraPlusPak, etc.)
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15 |
Hi Artie,
What BIAB package did you get? (For example: ProPack, MegaPak, UltraPlusPak, etc.)
Regards,
Noel Hi Noell, I didn't get any packages, just BIAB 2014. I didn't realize those might be necessary for non-professionals and casual users like me. Is BIAB working as intended? Am I making any obvious mistakes (aside from not purchasing packages)? Cheers, Artie
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,933
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Hi Artie, I apologise for not explaining myself fully. Please have a look at the below link. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htmWhich one of the options on that page did you buy? From what you say, it sounds like you might have purchased the $49 option. I need to clarify this, though. The reason I ask is because the number of styles, Realtracks and Realdrums that come with your purchase is dependent upon how much money is spent. It might well be that the version of BIAB you bought (in addition to previous versions that you might have upgraded from), did not have all the styles, Realtracks and Realdrums. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15 |
Hi Artie, I apologise for not explaining myself fully. Please have a look at the below link. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htmWhich one of the options on that page did you buy? From what you say, it sounds like you might have purchased the $49 option. I need to clarify this, though. Noel Hi Noel, No apologies needed, and I appreciate the assistance. I've seen this page before -- BIAB: All Purchases: Mac. As a matter of fact, I've studied it several times and I still don't understand it. I originally purchased BIAB 2013 (for the Mac), without any PAKs. I assume PAK stands for package. Then, when BIAB 2014 (for the Mac) was released, I purchased the upgrade, probably for $49. It's not clear that I gained any new functionality for my $49. I still don't know if I'm doing something wrong and if my current version of BIAB 2014 for the Mac is working correctly. My best guess is that BIAB is working right and I will have to purchase some kind of expansion pack to get more styles for my song. This was less than clear when I purchased BIAB 2013, and when I purchased the upgrade. At the risk of sounding snarky, I wonder if BIAB is more like bait-and-switch-in-a-box. If I had known I would have to spend hundreds more dollars to get some of BIAB's famous functionality, I might not have made the original purchase. My current version of BIAB is usable, and has some value, but it's more limited than I anticipated. However, BIAB has a steep learning curve, and I'm still a newbie. It's possible there's something important I don't understand. If I wanted to spend a modest sum expanding the capabilities of my version of BIAB 2014 for the Mac, I honestly cannot tell from the chart (BIAB: All Purchases: Mac) what PAK I should buy. I can't afford hundreds of dollars. Cheers, Artie
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,933
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Hi Artie, Thank you for the extra information. If you purchased the $49 upgrade from 2013 to 2014, my understanding is that you'll get the updated interface for 2014 (i.e. the new look dashboard) but no additional gain in styles, Realtracks or Realdrums. I'm not PG Music staff, though, so it would pay to clarify this with them. When you first purchased version 2013, I suspect that you bought the introductory package (the ProPak) because this is the cheapest deal that allows a user to get the minimal functionality of BIAB. The cheapest package that has ALL styles, Realtracks and Realdrums is the UltraPlusPak. Historically, PG Music have sales for the Windows version around Christmas each year. I'm not sure if that happens with the Mac version but it would be easy to clarify with a quick email to sales@pgmusic.com. These sales usually offer terrific upgrade deals. If, as mentioned above, your 2013 purchase was the ProPak, then this could explain the reduced number of styles. Hovering the mouse over the different prices for a package gives a list of what the package contains. That's how I obtained the two images below (the top one lists what's in the ProPak and the lower one lists what's in the UltraPlusPak).   As can be seen, the ProPak has Style Sets 0 - 3 whereas the UltraPlusPak has Style Sets 0 - 77. The ProPak also has Realdrums Set 1 and 30 Realtracks whereas the UltraPlusPak has all Realdrums (Sets 1 - 29) and all Realtracks (Sets 1 - 205) which is getting close to 2,000 Realtracks (if I recall correctly). Quite honestly, PG Music have been one of the most reliable and helpful companies that I have dealt with. It is not their policy to try and hoodwink customers. When you made your initial purchase, did you consult with their sales staff? I have found them to be terrific. Kind regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 15 |
When you first purchased version 2013, I suspect that you bought the introductory package (the ProPak) because this is the cheapest deal that allows a user to get the minimal functionality of BIAB.
Right. That's what I got. The cheapest package that has ALL styles, Realtracks and Realdrums is the UltraPlusPak. To me, $489 is a LOT of money! What about the MegaPak for $269? Would that be a mistake for some reason? Meanwhile, I've already spent $129 for BIAB Pro 2013 + 49 for the 2014 upgrade = $178 If I want more functionality, must I purchase the MegaPak or the UltraPlusPak? These seem to include BIAB 2014. Does that mean I threw away my original purchase price of $178? That doesn't seem right. If, as mentioned above, your 2013 purchase was the ProPak, then this could explain the reduced number of styles. You're probably right. Being a new user with no familiarity with BIAB, I had no way of understanding the cryptic description of what I would get with BIAB Pro. Normally "Pro" means "top-of-the-line." Apparently, in BIAB it means something else. When you made your initial purchase, did you consult with their sales staff? No, that never occurred to me. Do you think they would have said, "Seriously, dude, don't by our entry level product. Don't buy anything from us. You can't afford it." I appreciate your help, Noel, and I would appreciate a bit of guidance regarding MegaPak vs. UltraPlusPak, not that I can afford either one. I'm not a professional musician. I'm not highly trained. I'm just a dope who sings badly in a community choir. Every once in awhile, I want to sing Danny Boy or Blue Bayou or Boogie on Reggae Woman with a suitable accompaniment. I thought I would be able to do that with BIAB Pro. Best regards, Artie
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
Hi Artie, ...and I would appreciate a bit of guidance regarding MegaPak vs. UltraPlusPak, not that I can afford either one. I'm not a professional musician. I'm not highly trained. I'm just a dope who sings badly in a community choir. Every once in awhile, I want to sing Danny Boy or Blue Bayou or Boogie on Reggae Woman with a suitable accompaniment. I thought I would be able to do that with BIAB Pro. This you can do. The question is: What do you think a suitable accompaniment is? Guidance depends a lot on your framework of expectations. I have quite a few friends who are professional musicians. Those who have Band in a Box have the PRO package. They use that for practice purposes when the band is not available. They often use it only for segments of songs to get them right. Before using BIAB they recorded their own backing track playing two or three instruments. BIAB frees them the time for more effective practising. The original intention was, as I understand it, to create backing tracks to practise. That is what professional musicians mostly do with it. The PRO Pak has the correct name. When I bought BIAB I wanted it to create backing tracks that I can use on stage. So I read the PGMusic web site very carefully more than twice. I also read some forum entries. As you wrote, it is a lot of money. After I thought I understand then I got the EverythingPAK -- in December, because the forum members were talking about the annual discount prices in that time of the year. Buying one of the larger PAKs will not get you more functionality. The software is exactly the same. It will get you more choices of sounds, in this case RealTracks. Read the forum about RealTracks before you make a decision on what you think you want to buy. There are so many posts from new users asking questions as you are one yourself. The answers should give you enough insight. Then ask your questions. They will be answered. Guido
Last edited by GHinCH; 09/23/14 05:54 AM.
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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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