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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2008
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I'm trying to decide whether to get my 2010 upgrade on DVD or USB HD. I'm tempted to get the USB HD but I'm not sure how best to back up such a large amount of data. I only have one USB port available so I can't connect 2 USB drives at the same time. I do have a 250 GB LAN drive but the connection via wireless is pretty slow for doing backups of this size.
The thing is, with DVD's I don't have to worry if something goes south since I can just reload from disc. If the USB HD goes south I'd be out of luck.
So how do you guys protect your purchase on USB HD?
Any other good reasons to choose the HD version?
Thanks in advance.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
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*Pick up a USB hub expander, they don't cost much.
You should select one that has its own Power supply, though, in order to run the drives.
Use another USB drive to make a backup.
If your machine has internal SATA drive connects, the drives PGMusic have sent me have all been SATA on the inside, but the connect is laptop SATA, you would need a powered adaptor to connect directly to desktop internal or external SATA. I'd go with USB hub for the sake of simplicity anyway. Anyone with only one USB port certainly needs a USB hub.
DVD is very slow.
But it can be of advantage to those who live in countries that charge big TAX on "computer hardware".
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 707
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 707 |
Maybe seems a bit obvious but here goes ... why not copy the data from your new USB drive to C:\BB and use BIAB from there? Your new USB drive then IS the backup and can be safely put in the drawer out of harm's way. Even with Vista, it would take only a few hours to copy this much data from a USB drive to an internal hard disk...
Brian
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks for the idea. I should have mentioned that I don't have enough HD space for BiaB AND the RealTrack/Drums. The way I have set things up is to have BiaB on my HD and RT/D on a LAN drive. There's enough space on the LAN drive but it is really really slow to copy over the wireless.
Thanks anyway. I decided to go with the DVD's for now.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I do what Fifer does except when I get a new one like I just erase the old one and use it as a normal backup drive. When I get 2010 160g drive I'll erase the 2009.5 drive. Then Ive got a spare 80g & 160g drive to store songs on.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
Yes, HD is the way to go, for the UltraPlus or Everything Pak.
In fact, we're going to remove the DVD option, from the online oredering anyway. If someone "really" wants to oder the DVD version, it can still be done by phone, where the sales staff can verify that the customer would prefer getting 20 DVD's, and installing them one by one, compared to a HD option that is pre-installed, for the same price.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
I have never used a USB hard drive before so please bear with me. Is USB really fast enough for multitracking MIDI and wav files? I suppose they must work fine or people wouldn't buy them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:
I have never used a USB hard drive before so please bear with me. Is USB really fast enough for multitracking MIDI and wav files? I suppose they must work fine or people wouldn't buy them.
Plenty of fast, in my experience anyway.
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Journeyman
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Journeyman
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most users will not exceed the bandwidth of USB. just don't use a USB hub unless it's a powered hub and you'll likely not even notice a difference between internal and external USB hard drives.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Personally I prefer the DVDs still. I just like having them in case something goes wrong. I guess its just a matter of getting confident with a new media type.
The other thing is the time required to back up the data, copy my 3rd party styles to the new drive and get all my personal settings copied will take much longer than simply installing the programs and the 3 new RT sets.
I have had problems in the past that required reinstalling a program or a RT/D set. If that happened with the HD version I'd have to restore everything back to the HD which would take a lot longer.
Perhaps you could sell a version with the HD and DVD backups? You could require entering the SN from the HD as proof of legitimate ownership before using the DVDs. If this were offered I would be happy to pay media and duplication costs above the standadrd price.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2007
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I was considering the DVD's as well ... but 20 ??? I don't think so! LOL!
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Posts: 826
Expert
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Unless your a first time buyer you only need to install 4 discs. The program disc puts BiaB and RB on your HD and three discs install the new RT/D. I have to admit though, 20 discs would be a pain for a first time install.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Well, 4 is not bad ... I'd be upgrading from 2009.5 ... so ... but, I read that they will take that option away and you must call customer service to arrange for DVD's. Be nice to have an extra backup like that. I have 2009.5 on the USB drive, on my C drive (where I run it from) and another copy (downloads) on a 1TB drive ... talk about backup??? LOL
Cheers,
Mike
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I have a 250GB LAN drive for backup but it's accessed over a wireless connection making it too slow to handle BiaB and all the RT/D. It would take around 24 hours to copy everything and I'm not confident it'd even get through everything without any errors.
The LAN drive can also be connected via USB which is faster but still around 4 hours. Compared to installing 4 DVDs it's still too long. Even if I had to install all 20 it wouldn't take much more than that. Not to mention that I don't have to install everything in order to use BiaB again.
I guess I still prefer the DVDs. When PGM stops selling the DVDs I'll have to bite the bullet.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Quote:
Perso
The other thing is the time required to back up the data, copy my 3rd party styles to the new drive and get all my personal settings copied will take much longer than simply installing the programs and the 3 new RT sets.
?
Copmpared to DVDs, copying hard drive-to-hard-drive, even with USB in between, is like lightning...
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
Thanks guys, I figured it would be OK but I just wanted to hear from those who have used it.
I just placed my order for the UltraPak USB upgrade from MegaPak 2009.5 DVDs.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Expert
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Quote:
?
Copmpared to DVDs, copying hard drive-to-hard-drive, even with USB in between, is like lightning...
--Mac
I wasn't refering to the actual copy speed rather the time to plan and research what files to move and checking each stage to be sure it's correct. I don't have all the steps memorized.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
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Quote:
I wasn't refering to the actual copy speed rather the time to plan and research what files to move and checking each stage to be sure it's correct. I don't have all the steps memorized.
The hard drive comes with its own Installer program. Use that and follow the prompts, it is much easier than doing that DVD by DVD.
I think you are just looking for reasons to convince yourself on this issue.
The USB drive solution is really a far, far better deal all around.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 11 |
Mac, maybe this is self evident, but if the USB drive includes the programs, all tracks, styles, etc., then I simply copy my songs to the BB folder of the USB drive to become completely upgraded. Songs of the same name are overwritten and others are added incrementally. Some initial setup and a new shortcut and that's it? The program will look to the USB drive for songs, styles, and styles automatically? This is too easy. There must be some trap somewhere I haven't thought of.
Joe
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
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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!
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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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