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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34 |
I've had BB for windows for a number of years & have the 2017 version of BB on it. I want to buy a mac & have the new version of BB for mac put on it. Before I shell out big $ for a mac, I have some questions:
1 Can my folders & files in BB from my pc be transfered to BB for mac.?
2 BB for me was a steep learning curve, would BB for mac require me to learn BB all
over again?
3 Is the layout of the screen the same or similar?
4 Are accessing folders, files, styles & instruments the same or similar?
I presently have about 500 songs I've put in BB in a half a dozen folders. I only use a handful of styles & don't go much beyond the basic functions. I'm not tech savvy. I use my BB tracks to practice my playing. On occasion, I've used some of these backing tracks to sing & play my guitar live to on little gigs like nursing homes and the like. Please use language a simple guy like me can understand.
Thanks,
Russ66
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,039 |
Song (SGU & MGU) files are compatible with both Band-in-a-Box for Windows and Band-in-a-Box for Mac. I've seen several posts where forum members share song files between Windows and Mac computers. There is some differences between the Mac and Windows versions. Mostly because there are differences between the Windows and Mac operating systems. May I suggest you download the Band-in-a-Box for Mac pdf User manual +++ HERE +++ or look through the online manual to get a better idea how the Mac program looks and feels. One difference is the Mac has a Command button that is used a lot as a modifier key similar to how Windows uses the Alt or Ctrl key as a modifier. Another difference is Windows uses wma and wav files for RealTracks while Mac uses mp4 and aif files for RealTracks.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6 |
Be aware that BIAB does not run on the latest version of MacOS yet. If you can get Catalina on your new Mac you could run it OK, but if you have to run Big Sur you should hold off until PGMusic release a version that is certified to run on it. Take a look at the Big Sur thread in the Mac forum to see what problems people are reporting.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,574
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,574 |
I use the Windows version but I do have the Mac version on an older Mac. I had no problem at all adapting (your questions 2 & 3) once you get used to the Command key.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
I too am sitting in a similar place.
I use a Mac and a PC. While they are mostly the same, there are some differences.
My MacBook Pro is almost 9 years old and I'm considering a replacement.
At that time I expect I will abandon BIAB win and crossgrade to BIAB Mac.
I wish to purchase a brand spanking new computer, not a refurb or used model.
I'm probably not going to do anything for at least 6 months, maybe longer
The new Apple Silicon machines have just hit the street. The reviews have been mostly positive but not entirely.
Changing the CPU chipset is a significant issue. I would like for the dust to clear a bit.
BIAB Mac does not run on the latest version of the MAC os. That is a hard no go to me.
I expect when it does run, it won't be without problems.
Not interested in spending a lot of $$$ to be a guinea pig.
I'll give it some time and avoid as much of the problem as possible.
A new batch of Apple Silicon MacBook Pro's are expected out by the end of the year.
For me that's a likely time to upgrade.
But that's just me.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 34 |
Thank you & the rest for the reply and advice, I'm going to hold off from buying a mac for now. Don't want to be frustrated with issues I don't have the skills to resolve. I'm 76 yrs. old, don't need any of that.
Russ66
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Yeah, with regards to the new Apple silicon, I've also heard good reviews, though you would have to look into compatibility with ALL of your software and hardware - it's dangerous to jump on new tech like this otherwise.
From a quick list I created, only three of the major DAW's currently support the M1 chip - two of those three being Apple Logic and Garage Band, and the third only having experimental M1 support.
For hardware you might have better luck, as many audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, etc are "Class-compliant" and will work with generic drivers - however, anything that doesn't use a generic driver might not work at all. Less than half of the major audio interface manufacturers have M1 support.
With Intel you would have better luck, though still less than half of the DAWs out there support Big Sur.
I work here
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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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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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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Forums57
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