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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196 |
I'm a Mac user, who's been running BIAB Windows 2009 with VMware Fusion, and it runs nearly flawlessly. There are limitations -- can't use any of my Firewire peripherals (neither Fusion nor Parallels will recognize them), and waiting for a second OS to boot is a bit of a drag, not to mention that the second OS eats up additional RAM. It's also more difficult (for RAM and other reasons) to run other Mac OSX audio or video software simultaneously with Windows BIAB. And there are other things I don't like about Windows (like having to run and update my antivirus software all the time).
I also have BIAB 2009 for Mac. But I haven't used it that much, since it seems to be missing a few features, and by now I'm comfortable with the Windows version, along with its various plugs-in (like Forte) not available on the Mac.
In my ideal world, PG would sell me a version I could run on either platform, with all the RealTracks and RealDrums also ready to run on both. But PG apparently won't.
I can't afford to keep upgrading BIAB on both platforms simultaneously forever, even at PG's reasonable upgrade prices. So could somebody tell me:
- How do Mac BIAB 2009.5 and Windows BIAB 2009.5 compare?
- Any features I'll have to kiss goodbye to, if I upgrade only my Mac version to 2009.5?
What about the audio features in the Windows version -- what's missing in the Mac version? (I like the TC Helicon harmonizer in the Windows version.)
- Is there anything the latest Mac version does that the Windows version doesn’t do, or does better?
- What about the overall speed of the program on each platform?
- Do the Mac and Windows versions work equally well with third-party styles?
I'm also interested in what "crossgrade" pricing PG offers -- didn't see it on the web site -- but if I go all-Mac, I’ll need all the BAIB styles, realtracks, realdrums, and every solo disk as well (already own them all, except for the latest ones just announced, for the Windows version.)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I say stick with the Windows version, not only are you accustomed to using it, but there surely are quite a few things that the Mac version has yet to implement.
Consider picking up a PC just for BB, they are dirt cheap these days. Even a laptop like the 300 Acer or HP minis will do the trick.
Then you can generate with BB on the PC but record with the Mac.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1 |
I would like to know more about the comparison too. I am a Mac convert and have BIAB 2008 running in Fusion. I would like to have 2009.5 in Mac, but from all the data in the BIAB web site, I can't seem to figure out what to do?
Can I use the "update" price to go to Mac 2009.5, based on my past purchases of Win? The latest purchases were UltraPak 2007, then a MegaPak upgrade to 2008.
Confused.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9 |
There are features still missing in 2009.5 for Mac, in comparison with the 2007 for Windows version I had running under Parallels:
- no multiline notation window
- no repeats/codas/1st-2nd endings dialog
- no simple marking and looping of any arbitrary section
- no choice of jazz or regular fonts in lead sheet printouts
- no chord symbols like a triangle for Maj7 in lead sheets
When I first bought 2009 for Mac I found this pretty annoying, but in the end I decided to just work with it and see what happens. And you know what? After a while I found I was getting things done fine in the Mac version, eventually I de-installed the Windows version and I've never missed it. I still hope those features I mentioned above will be coming soon in the Mac version, but in the meantime it's just not worth the hassle of working with Windows.
So that's my advice to jholman - since you already bought 2009 for Mac, give it a proper trial by using it exclusively for a while, that's the only way to find out what you really miss.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Can I use the "update" price to go to Mac 2009.5, based on my past purchases of Win? The latest purchases were UltraPak 2007, then a MegaPak upgrade to 2008.
Hi,
Why not take this up with PGMusic Sales directly?
Via email or telephone call, they have a tollfree telephone wats line up there.
Good people, they will find the best possible upgrade paths and pricing for you quickly.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 89
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 89 |
jholman,
You are doing yourself a huge disservice by running BIAB on your Mac using Fusion. I too did it that way at first. I was sold on Fusion because you do not have to reboot to switch between the Mac & PC.
I had serious latency problems when I tried to record through Fusion. I went to the Mac store to get help. I was told that they could not resolve the issue. They suggested that I run the Windows program using Bootcamp instead of Fusion. I figured it was worth a try. It was quite an ordeal to reinstall everything but I am kicking myself for not doing it sooner. The latency problens went away but the big difference is in the sound quality using Bootcamp. It is also much faster. Everything works much much better using Bootcamp instead of Fusion. Also, using the ASIO drivers makes a huge difference.
Do yourself a favor and try Bootcamp and ASIO drivers. You will be glad you did.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196 |
Quote:
jholman,
You are doing yourself a huge disservice by running BIAB on your Mac using Fusion. I too did it that way at first. I was sold on Fusion because you do not have to reboot to switch between the Mac & PC.
I had serious latency problems when I tried to record through Fusion...
Thanks for the suggestion. I don't doubt that the Windows version of BIAB would run better on a Mac using Bootcamp, than with Fusion. But the issues you raise haven't been problems for me, since I use BIAB mainly to generate MIDI and real tracks, and do almost all of my recording in another program (Logic Pro). It's been useful to be able to generate some tracks in BIAB (Windows version running on Fusion), and import them into Logic -- then maybe decide I really wanted a different chord somewhere, redo the tracks in BIAB, and reimport them into Logic -- all without any rebooting, which would really slow my process down.
But even that routine is a little clunky, so last week I went ahead and ordered the Mac version of BIAB 2009.5. So far, its slightly-more-limited feature set, compared to the Windows version, hasn't been an issue for me -- though I'm glad I've got the Windows version also if I ever need it. (I went ahead and partitioned a 250 GB portable WD hard drive into one Windows and one Mac partition, and now I've got one small drive with both the Windows and Mac versions of BIAB 2009.5 It's the product I wish I could have bought directly from PG, but I guess I've made that point before...)
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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!
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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 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!
Watch the video.
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!
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 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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