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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34 |
I've been using BiaB since 2014 and in 2019, purchased the latest version on an external hard drive which included the prior versions. With the 2020 update being purchased and added since that time and with addition of other paks (Xtra paks since version 1, multipaks, etc), I've basically run out of space on the 160 GB drive that was provided. Since I'll wish to update to the 2021 BiaB version (whenever that drops), I'll need to consider purchase of another larger external HD.
I'm wondering if I should invest in a SSD (Samsung external) rather than a regular portable external (WD or Seagate). The SSD would be a good bit faster, but the cost does rise as well.
Am I thinking overkill with the SSD making the file access faster or will the regular external drive work as well for BiaB program access without the need for the faster speed?
Would appreciate any opinions/feedback.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,820
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,820 |
Any common computer port will operate at a speed more than sufficient to run Band-in-a-Box externally. An external storage drive, be it a SSD or HDD, can only be as fast as the computer port and the drive enclosure interface card. A USB memory stick or SD card will also work.
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
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Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697 |
An SSD can increase the speed at which BIAB can access the files, though in practice it's not usually a noticeable speed difference due to the compression of the Realtracks. I've even run BIAB from a USB 2 port instead of USB3 and while BIAB boots much slower I otherwise don't notice much change. I'm probably more patient than most though.
An SD card might be way too slow though (depending on both the card speed and card reader speed), and could cause BIAB to pause or freeze, so I wouldn't recommend it. Same with a USB flash drive. If you want to go this way, make sure you get a good card/USB drive with high read and write speeds, and in the case of SD card you'll have to hope that your card reader is fast enough.
I work here
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34 |
Thanks, Jim,
When formatting the external drive, should I leave it in ExFat or format in macOs Extended (Journeled) or APFS (Apple File System)?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 34 |
Thanks Simon,
I'm going to purchase an SSD drive, which may be overkill, but I have a lot of files from 2014 to the present, and will also be purchasing BiaB 2021 when it comes out and likely some other Paks.
Should I format the drive in ExFat, MacOS Extended (Journeled) or APFS (Apple File System.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,831
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,831 |
…An external storage drive, be it a SSD or HDD, can only be as fast as the computer port and the drive enclosure interface card. No… unless you're referring to USB 2 and then accurate enough. A SATA III SSD is almost as fast as a USB 3 port — SATA III being the limiting factor but not by a noticeable amount. An HDD is a lot slower but fast enough for BIAB — that is correct. USB 2 is a lot slower for data transfer. With most systems, still ok for BIAB, I guess, as long as I'm not the end user. Last year (year before?) I tested this and posted the results but I don't recall where. I run BIAB Audiophile on the System drive of my iMac Pro with Real Tracks and Real Drums streaming from a SATA III SSD over Thunderbolt (though no faster than USB 3, the connection is rock solid and never goes to sleep on me). For kicks and giggles, I compared it to running BIAB from the HDD supplied by PG Music and running it from my System Drive while streaming the libraries from the HDD. Both other ways were slower—as expected—but not by as much as could be and that was a pleasant surprise. Running BIAB from the HDD was the slowest but not unacceptably so. Then I swapped in a USB 2 cable—yikes! A USB memory stick or SD card will also work. It depends on the speed which varies greatly. Many of those don't even run at USB 2 speeds. Those newer, high capacity sticks rated at USB 3 should be fine but I've not tested them.
BIAB 2024 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 for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,703
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,703 |
Well this is all PC stuff but I spent a ton of money on the latest and greatest Intel processors and on board SSDs. Yes it is faster than the old I7 intel but the speed is not as useful as I thought it would be. I put a audiofile HDD on a Samsung SSD but the additional speed was not that great. The issue is the SSD now days is pretty affordable to begin with.
The thing can run faster than I can think to begin with...lol
At the end of the day I have never been unhappy buying better stuff.
Billy
“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,831
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,831 |
Well this is all PC stuff Huh? Reread my post. I was specifically referring to the Mac ...but I spent a ton of money on the latest and greatest Intel processors and on board SSDs. Yes it is faster than the old I7 intel but the speed is not as useful as I thought it would be. I put a audiofile HDD on a Samsung SSD but the additional speed was not that great. The issue is the SSD now days is pretty affordable to begin with.
The thing can run faster than I can think to begin with...lol
At the end of the day I have never been unhappy buying better stuff.
Billy You'll see that I agree with you 100% when it comes to BIAB. But, having also spent a ton of money on my rig, it has paid for itself with other apps and AV where I make my living.
BIAB 2024 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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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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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
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