Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#40201 10/21/09 06:23 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
J
jholman Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
J
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Two questions here:

1. Suppose you run Mac BIAB 2009.5 off the PG-supplied USB hard drive, and -- as PG releases updates -- you download and update that hard drive to run the latest version of BIAB and any updated real tracks. What happens if you later decide to install BIAB directly onto your Mac's system hard drive? You'll be using the installer program that BIAB supplied on the USB drive -- but won't that installer actually be putting an "old" (pre-updated, originally shipped) version of BIAB onto your drive? One would ideally want to update the PG-supplied USB drive so that the active copy of BIAB is updated, AND the PG installer knows enough to install that updated version of BIAB and any updated tracks on another drive, if one decides to go that route. Does that happen automatically when one downloads updated versions of BIAB and realtracks to the USB drive? If not, is any way to make it happen, or an efficient workaround?

2. I'm always confused when I see an announcement in the PG forum that real tracks have been updated. It's easy enough for me to check that I have the latest version of Mac BIAB (build 8 as I write this), but how can I tell quickly if all my real tracks are up to date? I suspect I end up re-installing when I may not need to.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664


To install the program on the Mac hard drive just drag it from the USB to your main hard drive , I believe that should work and the installer should be moved along with it if you are then going to be operating and maintaining the program on the main drive. Or are you trying to maintain a back up file?

As to part 2 - I guess using "get info" to check the date the files were created. I'm only aware of one update on the real tracks which was for those who are updating BIAB 2009 , if you have BIAB 2009.5 shouldn't all your tracks be current?

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
BIAB can be copied directly on the PC, but I'm not sure that is the case with the Mac version, Pete.

Anyway, if you do run the installer from outrigger drive, the only update you will have to apply would be the last one available, as it will contain all the stuff that came before it as well as the latest and greatest additions.

RealTracks, well, you have already updated them. Those can be just copied from outrigger drive to the RealTracks folder and done.

At least, that is all I did.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
J
jholman Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
J
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Quote:

BIAB can be copied directly on the PC, but I'm not sure that is the case with the Mac version, Pete.
--Mac



That gets to what I was worried about: I'm no expert here, but I've found that with most Mac programs, you can't just copy the application from one drive or folder to another -- do that, and in many cases it won't work. There is typically an installer program that must be run, and it installs a number of necessary files in other places. Mac OS X has a Library folder, for example, and inside it there's a folder called Application Support. Typically, each program will have its own support folder inside "Application Support." To add to the confusion, Mac OS X has a Library folder for the computer it's running on, and another one (with its own Application Support folder, and more folders inside that) for each User on that computer. I think an installer program may also be putting files in other "hidden" or not obvious places -- in the Preferences folder (also in the Library folder), for example. I just opened my Application Support folder(s), and it turns out I've got folders in there for just about every music/audio application I own, or its vendor -- Logic, GarageBand, Native Instruments, Roxio, Garritan, etc. The lone exception seems to be PG -- I don't see an application support folder for PG or BIAB, so perhaps BIAB does not work in this way. Still, I think the PG installer must be doing some extra work besides copying files (installing fonts, at least?) -- or why does PG give us an installer, and tell us to use it?

So it seems to me (somebody tell me I'm wrong) that down the road, I'd still need to install BIAB using the installer that came on PG's USB hard drive -- and even if I've updated the BIAB program running on the drive, wouldn't it still be installing an old version (and/or any resources for that old version)?
Quote:


Anyway, if you do run the installer from outrigger drive, the only update you will have to apply would be the last one available, as it will contain all the stuff that came before it as well as the latest and greatest additions.
--Mac



I hope it's true that all I'd have to do then is run PG's latest update, and it would update my build 5, for example, to build 15 or whatever it is then. But it seems to me that often software updates don't work that way -- jump a few versions ahead, and often you've got to do several time-consuming intermediate updates before you can update to the latest version. Again, I hope PG is the exception here.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
PGMusic updates do indeed work that way. Installing the latest update installs everything that came before it. That much I'm certain about, Mac or PC versions.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,831
Band-in-a-Box doesn't use the myriad of different locations to put those files... everything resides in the BB folder. So the Preferences reside in the BB folder (in a Preferences folder), instead of wherever the recommended location for Preferences files are supposed to be.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac 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.

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums58
Topics84,392
Posts778,629
Members39,644
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
daveg68, snares33, The Jam Shop, Hyke, bestbushcraft
39,644 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 133
DC Ron 111
WaoBand 108
rsdean 84
dcuny 82
Today's Birthdays
sanityblues
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5