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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
I have used Band in a Box for a long time and changed the computers many times. Upgraded many times.
Problem 1: When I upgrade - what exactly do I need to download?
Here is also a confusing thing - I have 2016 EverythingPak, should I then upgrade to 2017 EverythingPak? That would be the logical answer, same for same, but it seems that if I have bought 2016 EverythingPak and upgrades the same product, I get the same Everything again and I pay for it again.
You should make that clearer.
Problem 2: So I download it all because my old computer got pocked by pickers.
57 files, if I counted them correctly. Then I start:
1. click to mount
2. Click to open the DMG
3. Click the .pkg
4. click 'Continue' in the new dialog
5. click 'Continue' again
6. click 'Continue' again
7. click 'I agree'
8. click 'Install'
9. Enter my password <= AAAARGH! 57 times!!!
10. wait
11. click "Close"
12. Unmount the DMG
Then I repeat that 56 times
After I finish, hours later, I hope that I installed everything, that I did not accidentally skip some great style that I can identify with, so I try to look in the Applications folder, but of course they are spread out and the numbering does not match the DMG's so instead I just give up and work with what I've got, unable to ditch the feeling that the style I really wanted, the bass I am looking for, was left uninstalled.
I suggest three things, that can be either, or or both
1. Chained install, that a DMG looks for the next one and continues automatically
2. Much bigger DMG's put 10 in one
3. In program listing of what I have not installed, basically a list of everything you have to offer and checkmarks for what I have. That would be good also for sales
Another solution would be "on demand" install, when I choose that I just have the basic programs and stubs for all the styles and stuff. When I want to use them, they are being downloaded and installed. This would be by far the best option for all of us because then we only fill our machines with what we use and from your side, you do not have to serve us downloaders with more than what we need. The load on you servers would also be more evenly distributed.
BiB is great, but this download/install thing has annoyed me many times and I felt it was time to speak up.
Last edited by Ralof; 02/28/18 05:26 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674 |
Hello Ralof,
You have some good points. However, I will point out that there are only about 20 files total, and the dmg's are pretty large, so one thing I would want to look at is how you are downloading. (I'm not arguing that 100 GB of files is a quick and easy download and that it can't be improved).
With regards to 2016 -> 2017 upgrade, if you had the 2016 EverythingPAK, then the 2017 PlusPAK is a good option if you are downloading and don't need the entire 2017 EP on a new hard drive. This gives you all of the new RealTracks material etc.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
Hello Ralof,
You have some good points. However, I will point out that there are only about 20 files total 20 files? I have 57 listed [ Internet Order # 29XXXX, 8 files ] [ Internet Order # 23XXXX, 7 files ] [ Internet Order # 23XXXX, 40 files ] So I was wrong when I said 57, there's only 55
... and the dmg's are pretty large, so one thing I would want to look at is how you are downloading. (I'm not arguing that 100 GB of files is a quick and easy download and that it can't be improved).
With regards to 2016 -> 2017 upgrade, if you had the 2016 EverythingPAK, then the 2017 PlusPAK is a good option if you are downloading and don't need the entire 2017 EP on a new hard drive. This gives you all of the new RealTracks material etc.
Maybe you see the possible confusion there? You write "the 2017 PlusPAK is a good option if you are downloading and don't need the entire 2017 EP on a new hard drive"I want the entire EP on my harddrive, but is the 2017 EP different from my 2015 EP? Apart from the PlusPAK? These are things you ponder when you sit with the finger on the trigger. If had gone for the EP, I would have paid for what I already own. But you should really make some kind of in-system download manager. Just have the demos in and mark the styles we have already downloaded while we at the same time can see and check out the ones we have not. If the one we want is not what we own, then we can buy it. More money for you, because we all know that if *that* style is what makes our song take off, we'll buy it 
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi,
If you already have your 2016 EverythingPAK installed (or a 2015 EverythingPAK and 2016 PlusPAK, which has the same content), then all you need to install is the 2017 PlusPAK (7 files).
If this is installed on top of the 2016 EverythingPAK, then you end up with the same content as someone who's purchased a 2017 EverythingPAK, you just don't have to pay for, download, and reinstall all the RealTracks you already own from the previous version.
Does this help?
Thanks
Kent
PG Misc
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
Yes, or no, I did eventually, before I posted here, figured out that I did not need the EP. My point was that it is far from clear on buy/upgrade page
Look at this:
First time purchase:
Pro $129
EP: $569
PlusPAK not available
2017 PlusPAK:
-not listed as Upgrade
Upgrade from 2016:
Pro: $69
EP: $379
Here's thing: When do I buy the $379 EP upgrade? If I did not have it before, then it is a first time purchase and that is $569. And if I had it... well, then I have it already, don't I?
In any case, since the computer I had the old version on is not more, I do have to download all of it. Install all of it. Open 55 DMG, click "Continue" 165 times, type my password 55 times and eject DMG's 55 times.
When I'm done I can only hope I got them all because, from what I can see, the program cannot tell me what I haven't got.
An in-program download, including purchase the new stuff, would also allow you to quickly release styles one by one as soon as you are ready with them. Please consider it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,674 |
Yes, agree with most of what you are saying. To answer some of the questions
- the 40 files was likely from before we consolidated the downloads.
- The EP upgrade is from any 2016 package.
- To confirm you have all the RT, open the RT Picker and check the box 'show n/a'. If there are no n/a then you have them all.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
Thanks. Seems like I am missing everything from Xtra PAK. I should have it I guess? You also say "the 40 files was likely from before we consolidated the downloads," but, well, on my "My Products" page I have them 40, no consolidated files.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312 |
The Xtra Styles PAKs are an additional purchase, as they're not included in any Band-in-a-Box package. I believe you've been purchasing PlusPAK upgrades, so you would not have these. If you're interested in adding these to your collection, they're available here: http://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=mac
Callie
Marketing Representative
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
Yes, I found the Xtra, but I'm curious about this: - the 40 files was likely from before we consolidated the downloads. As I said - I have 40 files in my original EP, on my PG Music download page. Any way for me to get them consolidated? I doubt this was the last time I went through the install process. It sure was not the first...
Last edited by Ralof; 03/06/18 07:49 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,312 |
I've taken a look at your Account with us (from your shopping cart) and updated your installation links to reflect a 2017 EverythingPAK (since that's what your Upgrade history indicates you own now) - so you'll see a shorter list of files to download.
Callie
Marketing Representative
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 8 |
Thanks a lot! That will save me many hours on the next install
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 1 |
Reading this thread... Is it possible to install BIAB directly to an external drive if I've used the download option? Or do I have to purchase the HD?
It looks (on the Windows posts) that they have to first install it on C: and then move it to another drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi JazzmanRP,
You should be able to install to any drive you like from downloads, but if you live in North America and are getting an UltraPlusPAK or higher, I'd highly recommend just ordering the hard drive.
It only costs an extra $15 (for shipping), and you just have to run one installer and wait an hour for it to finish. Downloading Ultra or EverythingPAKs makes sense if you live overseas and want to avoid expensive import fees, but not so much for Canadians or Americans who'd only save $15.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,360
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,360 |
Hey Jazzman,
Like Kent said, if it makes economic sense to have a copy shipped to you then that would be the quickest and easiest way to go.
But, if you do choose the download option from PG Music for the Mac version, what you are actually downloading are .dmg disk image files.
What I do, is every time a new version of BIAB comes out, I get about 5 or 6 blank DVD's and download the all disk image files form PG Music .
Then I use Apple's "Disk Utility app" to burn each of those .dmg file downloads to a DVD.
Sure it does take more time that way, but at least then I have a full set of factory install disks, same as you would get if they were shipped to you on DVD.
Then I can install on any drive I want, or re-install if I want to change drives or if something goes south on my computer.
Hopefully this helps.
- Jay
MacPro 5,1/12 core@3.46GHz -- OS X 12.7.6 -- ATI 7970 -- 32 Gig RAM -- Crucial 500GB OS SSD -- Samsung EVO 1TB Audio/Sample SSD -- BIAB 2025 -- Logic Pro X -- Cubase Elements 14 -- Too many plugins
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
It's not that complicated. You have to install the application and supporting files into Applications. Real Tracks/Real Drums, however, can be installed onto a different drive. You have to set the path in Real Tracks Settings and Real Drums Settings under the Windows drop-down menu when you're done.
Only those of us with the Audiophile versions of BIAB need the drive shipped. Those tracks are not available for download (but I wish they were).
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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