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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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dr_t Offline OP
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I learned today that BIAB for Mac doesn't include the Medley Maker feature, which is gutting.

Considering that the Mac version costs exactly the same as the Windows version, I wonder what other features are missing... anyone know?

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Importing ABC files does not work. I'm told the developers are working on it.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=661708#Post661708

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The Mac version gets closer and closer to the Windows version with each new release. However, the Chord Tutor in the Guitar Window on a pc offers a wide range of alternate guitar tunings, along with additional instruments like banjo, ukulele, and mandolin, all of which are missing in the Mac version. Since I play multiple instruments I am really looking forward to this being added to the Mac BIAB.

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=657972#Post657972


UltraPAK 2021, 27" late 2012 iMac, 16 GB RAM, OSX 10.15.7
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Guitarist,

Should you decide to place a post in the +++ Band-in-a-Box Wishlist forum section +++ for the Mac Guitar fretboard window to offer all the display options available in the Windows Guitar fretboard window I will be happy to add my +1 to show my support for the request.

Sometimes it is difficult for users to identify differences between the Mac and Windows programs. When differences are noted a wishlist post allows other users the opportunity to discuss or support the request.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1211) RB (Build 3) - 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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Thank you, Jim. If you follow my link you will see that I already did post my request in the wishlist forum and you did give me a +1. smile


UltraPAK 2021, 27" late 2012 iMac, 16 GB RAM, OSX 10.15.7
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Shucks Guitarist, I feel a little embarrassed now. blush I apologize for not remembering. I hope a lot of other users will continue to jump on the bandwagon and support your request. It's got a lot of like and no dislikes already. smile


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1211) RB (Build 3) - 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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The one thing the Windows version has that I wish was in the Mac version is RealBand. Yeah, I know, it's not exactly in Band-In-A-Box, since it's a standalone program, but it's been my DAW of choice since I bought the Windows version of BIAB three years ago. Nowadays I do most of the prep work on the Mac side because I prefer the Mac and I have a nice powerful MacBook Pro that glides through BIAB, and it would be nice not to have to switch platforms to do the mixing and production.


Creede Lambard
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MacBook Pro/Monterey, BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
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and a banjo named Tuneslayer
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RealBand for Mac has been requested multiple times in the Wishlist section by Mac users. However, I can't imagine PG Music investing in a Mac RealBand program at this stage. First, RealBand is free to BiaB for Windows users so there is no money incentive. Second Mac users have GarageBand and a free plugin that performs many BiaB functions in the DAW. It only takes a few moments to post the request though.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1211) RB (Build 3) - 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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I wish I could come up with a financial incentive for PG Music to do a Mac version of RealBand, but nothing comes to mind.

I've tried GarageBand, but for whatever reason I just haven't warmed up to it. Maybe I should give some of the other DAWs out there a try and see if I like any of them.


Creede Lambard
Computer Nerd, Bon Vivant and Filker at Large
MacBook Pro/Monterey, BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Logic Pro X, Audacity, lots of tools & toys
and a banjo named Tuneslayer
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TS.
more than a few people use reaper for mac.
www.reaper.fm
plus a ton of great user videos.
talk to people on the reaper forum mac section if you doubt me..and ask them what they think.
it'll run like a bunny rabbit with a small footprint on your mac b pro.
(i use reaps on pc and love it.)

you can also try reaps for free. but please give them the 60 buks if you do. lots of pg users use reaps.

also if i remember traction waveform free have a version for mac. looks nice.

https://www.tracktion.com/products/waveform-free

there is also studio 1 for mac and many others.
hth
oldmuso

Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/04/21 04:44 AM.

my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..)
https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs
(90 songs created useing bb/rb)
(lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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Tuneslayer,

I never got along well with GarageBand either, but I got its big brother Logic Pro and love it. I've been using it for years now. Logic is now available as a free 90-day trial if you'd like to check it out. https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/trial/

Many years ago I bought Tracktion and used it for a while. It's now called Waveform and since a free version is available, it's well worth a look. The only caveat is that the user interface is quite different from any other DAW that I've seen. It's very logical and simple once you get the hang of it though.

If I didn't already have Logic Pro, I think I would probably get Reaper, as justanoldmuso suggests. You can get a free 60-day trial and if you decide to buy, it's very affordable.

Ron


UltraPAK 2021, 27" late 2012 iMac, 16 GB RAM, OSX 10.15.7
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Thank you all for your comments and recommendations. I downloaded Reaper for evaluation yesterday to see if it fits my needs and how well BIAB integrates with it. I'll most likely do the same for Logic sometime this week.

Much of the reason I've stuck with RealBand has been that I didn't have to lay out any extra money for it and it's sufficiently similar to BIAB for me to start learning right away. The first is important because I'm on a fixed income at the moment and don't have a lot of money to spend on a hobby; the second, because I know practically nothing about mixing and production, and anything that makes the process easier is all to the good.


Creede Lambard
Computer Nerd, Bon Vivant and Filker at Large
MacBook Pro/Monterey, BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Logic Pro X, Audacity, lots of tools & toys
and a banjo named Tuneslayer
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

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