|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
I have been away from BIAB for several years now and when I was using it, it was PC ver 11. I have now shifted to Apple Mac and would like to upgrade to the latest version for Mac. Can anyone tell me when the next new version of BIAB for the Mac will be issued. I know they usually upgrade for the PC sometime around December. Does that hold true for the Mac version also? Thanks in advance for any answers I may get.
Best Regards,
Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061 |
Phestus,
Generally speaking, Windows (PC) new versions are released during the month of December while Mac versions are during the month of June.
However, as they say in the commercials, "past performance is no guarantee of future performance". PG Music does not announce new versions beforehand.
The most recent Mac release was updated October 23.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Thanks to both of you for the answers. Maybe I'm wrong, probably am, but it seems that the PC version may have a few more features than the Mac version. I still have my PC with BIAB 11 on it and could upgrade to the latest PC ver but I would prefer to go the Mac way if there are no major differences. I have looked at the charts and am somewhat undecided. I would like to have the latest version, so I could wait until December for the PC update. Updating to the Mac version now would mean, in the long run, that I have to pay for two upgrades. I'm 78 years old and retired, so I don't want to spend money unnecessarily. I am certainly open to recommendations from those who are a lot more up on such things. Many thanks for reading my ramble. I look forward to your responses.
Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 40 |
Hello, I'm using the Mac-version and can't recommend it. PGMusic is still letting the Mac-version far behind. A lot of features are missing in comparison to the Windows-version. Its is quite annoying that they don't even mention the differences between these two versions on their website.
Last edited by wbe; 11/18/15 09:58 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061 |
I have the pc edition and do not have access to the Mac version so I'm not an authority and can just give my opinion and impressions.
My opinion: If you have the capability to install and run it I suggest you get the pc edition.
Reasons:
Based on the number of forum posts the pc edition is vastly more popular than the Mac edition. More forum users can support the pc edition versus the Mac edition.
The pc edition has more features than the Mac version (so I've read multiple times in various forum posts).
The pc edition ships with RealBand. The Mac edition has no equivalent and RealBand is worth having for the multiriff feature alone even though RealBand can do much more.
I am not aware of ANY feature or Advantage the Mac edition offers over the pc edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Hello WBE and Jim,
I really appreciate your response to my questions. You have confirmed what I thought to be the case. The PC edition is much superior to the Mac version. I currently have BAIB 11 installed on an ASUS PC laptop and am very satisfied with everything except the latency problem. I have to find a solution to that before I can be completly satisfied that I will be able to fully use it on a PC. I bought an M-Audio M-Track to try to eliminate the problem but it didn't help at all. I will gladly accept any and all suggestions anyone has for helping me with the latency problem. Again, thanks for the information. You have helped me make up my mind.
Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,061 |
I'm not understanding why latency should be an issue, especially since you have a M-Audio M Track interface.
The audio interface will combine the sound you are sending to the interface (typically microphone or instrument) with the sound coming from the computer (Band-in-a-Box instrument tracks audio output) and blend the two audio signals together for you to hear through the headphones. This is taken from the M-Audio website:
"Improved Monitoring for Better Recordings
M-Track offers ultra-low latency monitoring of the input signal—either through the speakers or via headphones. The monitor mix knob adjusts the balance between the direct inputs and the playback from your computer software. In addition, the input signal(s) can be monitored in stereo or mono using the convenient Stereo/Mono switch. This makes it easy to record new parts or add parts to an existing composition. The Headphone output offers its own level control."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 887 |
I have the Mac version only because I use a Mac for most of audio work. I also do some audio production such as mixing and recording and some sound design. I find the Mac version to be pretty good but I can understand why the Windows version is better since most people have a PC.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Hello Jim and Islansoul,
Thanks to both of you for your replies. Got a long way to go before i feel somewhat competent with BAIB.
Jim. Thanks for the info on M-Audio M-Track. I have d/l the manual and will get back at it this afternoon. I'm sure I have been doing something wrong in my setup. Hopefully, I can get it running as it should. Now, all I have to do is wait for the 2016 version to come out. Then I'll be off and running. Thanks again for your help. BTW, since I now plan to be working with the PC version of BAIB I will shift my attention to the Windows part of the forum and this will be my last post to the Apple Mac forum. See you on the PC forum!
Thanks Everyone,
Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
The Win version is way head of the Mac at the moment, but there are die hards that only want "Mac", put Win down but don't mind using Intel, but will only use Mac religiously so that's what they are stuck with until it catches up with WinBB and WinRB. But if you are ambidextrous you can use the Win and Mac without feeling unloyal or guilty or embarrassed or infidelity, you can use Mac with WinOnX or Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp or a 2nd HD with Win on.
Apple now don't have any qualms using the Intel, developed by all the Windows users, I have an old G5 sitting beside me that weighs 10 ton and an Intel Mac that I can lift with one finger.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
If you have decided to use another hard drive in your Mac or Boot Camp rEFIt 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 40 |
It has not nothing to do with "using the Mac religiously" , that I use the Mac. I wouldn't use a Mac , if it would not be the better audio-computer and a lot ot other people are believing the same. E.g. you don't need a Asio -driver , which makes a lot of troubles (my experiences). You don't have a antivirus-program, which is slowing down the system etc. So, PGMusic is doing no good to treating the Mac-community worse than the Windows.
Last edited by wbe; 11/23/15 10:18 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
Sorry wbe it was not aimed at you, I agree having Mac also that it is behind but the win version has taken decades to build to where it is now, I think they are working very hard to catch up in what must be a absolute nightmare to do. I think making the move to offer BB to Mac is a good one, even though this has stopped the a new version of BB & RB for Win being released twice a year. The suggestions above only gives you more "Options" for using the Win version on Mac. I have a friend with an Mac Retina 15" Laptop who uses it for photo work and I suggested getting a 28" 4K LED Monitor (3840 x 2160) UHD resolution for $400, but the Apple Geniuses said she would be better paying $1400 for An Apple 27"(2560x1440) QHD resolution. Sorry I just get this all day long that's why I'm a bit sharp on these things lol.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,108 |
Hi Phestus
Re: Latency Issue
Maybe you are using MME drivers and not ASIO drivers for your audio. MME may give latency issues. Switching to ASIO may resolve this.
From the Help file:
Now there’s almost no latency (delay) for audio or software synths! By using an ASIO audio driver, software synths like the Coyote WT will play with almost no latency (delay is only 5-10ms). So you’ll hear the sounds instantly, and be able to play along using MIDI Thru with the same ultra-low latency.
HTH
Trev
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Just came back to check on things with this thread and find there have been more answers posted. A very big thank you to all who have posted to this query. I hope there have been others,like myself, who have benefitted from all the good info posted here. I agree that audio and video are probably much better served by having an Apple. However, since I already have BIAB11 in use on my PC, I will also load 2016 onto the PC and go from there. I hope I'm not making a mistake but if I am I'll just have to live with it. What I really like about this forum is that there are many users of both systems and they are all ready and willing to answer questions and share their experiences. A novice like me can use all the help he can get. Many Thanks To All...
Phestus
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-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
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- 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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,321
Posts803,357
Members40,096
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean