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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1 |
Hi everybody. I used BIAB back in the late 90s when it was mainly just running MIDI devices on Windows. (Now I have a 2011 MacBook Pro laptop with the recent OS X Yosemite operating system, and am considering purchasing BIAB for my Mac to mate up with Garageband (track editing/instrument capabilities, etc.) and MuseScore (notation) for live performances, either solo or incorporating other band members as I can (including lead sheets for them, etc.), depending on gig and money). Unfortunately, the few MIDI files I did have, about 30, are on an obsolete computer and its OS collecting dust in a house I own in another State as life went along! I was always impressed with how my mostly simple MOR pop rock tunes came together quite nicely with the various styles and just typing in the chords, since my songs were more chord than riff or motif based. I typically sing and play lead and/or rhythm guitar over these back tracks. Now it looks like BIAB for Mac is even far more advanced. I probably would just start with the most basic versions for my simple MOR pop rock oldies and Christian Contemporary (well, more like 70-80s stuff, ha). Where have you guys found the best purchase prices, and anybody know how long it will be before the 2015 version arrives, since 2014 is almost over? Do you think the basic Pro version would cut it for my simple MOR genres? I do mainly Beatles, Moody Blues, 50-70s pop rock, some old and new country, old school R&B, soul, etc. Mainly dance or wedding gigs for Boomers and Gen X. When I do solo gigs, it is mainly singer songwriter, easy listening stuff. All advice welcome, since I am starting over altogether with BIAB for Mac.... I am not in a huge hurry, working full time, engaged, doing an MBA on my GI Bill finally, so this is more of a strategic planning, max bang for the buck planning phase over the next year or so to get back to the conveniences of creating backing tracks for future gigs, vice gotta have it now....... Figured I would join the forums and figure out the best approach with good comments and advice from you more experienced users. Thanks! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393 |
Nealix,
Welcome to the forum. Be prepared to be blown away by Real Tracks, which are recordings of real instruments. These work in place of, or along with, midi tracks. Yes, BIAB has come a long way from the late 1990's. In regards to which pack to get, the general advice is to buy as much as you can possibly afford. The basic program is the same in all the versions, the difference is how many real tracks and styles you get. PG Music usually has holiday sales specials, so keep an eye on their website. This is usually the best time to buy.
In regards to the 2015 version, the Mac version has usually come out months behind the Windoze version. So the 2015 version for Windows may show up real soon, but the Mac version... well, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Bruce
Last edited by babarton; 11/26/14 04:06 AM.
Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20 |
Hi Nealix and welcome back! I've owned just about every version of BIAB since it's inception (I have versions here in my dusty studio that came on 5-1/2" floppys!! OMG). I now only buy the version on the USB drives. I love the "no install" feature ... run it directly from the drive!!
Even though your needs are simple now, as your needs grow and you learn how easy it is to make great music in BIAB on the Mac or PC, you will want to have the tools BIAB can provide to help you achieve your musical visions.
To that end, and if your budget can accommodate it, the MegaPak would be my recommendation on the minimum package to buy. As Barbarton says above, if you have not experienced Real Tracks, you WILL be blown away with the sound, quality and ease of use!! And, since variety IS the spice of life, the more real tracks and soloists you have available, the more creative you can and will be. I love mixing styles in unusual ways. Sometimes I get music and sometimes not, but it is ALWAYS interesting!!
I have just purchased the MAC version (2014) (finally left the Microsoft world, my last BIAB version for my Win7 machine was 2013)) and it is wonderful so go for it and enjoy the music!!
Last edited by Ron95; 12/05/14 03:32 AM.
Ron95
As a teacher, Experience often begins the first lesson with the final exam.
BIAB user since 1990 - Yes, I really am that old!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Greetings, Nealix! My first advice is simple: Do "window shopping" on the site before you even start to thing packages, sales or anything else! What I mean by that is, sample the demos of everything you can find, both the classic midi "Styles" you remember from days of old, and the Realtracks. Here are links to what I think are the three most important samples categories: For the midi Styles: http://www.pgmusic.com/addons.styles.php?os=macFor the midi Supertracks: http://www.pgmusic.com/addons.supertracks.php?os=macAnd for the Realtracks: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.realtracks.htmNote: Be aware that Mac users can NOT buy individual Styles, Supertracks nor Realtracks (those all still come in .exe format only), so you're rather forced to buy package sets. Have fun!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
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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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Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!
Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.
Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
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