|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
I have BiaB running on my desktop MacPro, but I keep reading various posts about how advanced the PC version is.
I have a nice i7 Pentium sitting unused in the corner and am wondering if it's worth dusting it off to run BiaB PC.
BTW, I am not really switching to a PC. The i7 would be dedicated pretty much to just BiaB.
I own the Mac USB UltraPlusPak so I'll have to check on the cost to switch/add the PC version?
Last edited by ajoe; 01/27/10 11:39 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
if you look down the left side (you will probably have to scroll) of this link you will see the cross-grade prices, but I would give them a call to verify (it's not clear which direction this cross-grade is going --> Windows to Mac, or Mac to Windows.)
Last edited by jford; 01/27/10 11:45 AM.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Thanks John!
Do you have any experience with the PC version?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
I have extensive experience with the PC version; but unfortunately, none with the Mac version, so I can't provide you a point of comparison. There are others here that use both versions, so they may chime in.
I do read the Mac forum, however, because I believe we can all learn from each other and there are many overlapping features. Which OS folks use doesn't matter to me.
My son uses a MacBook, but his previous machines were all PCs. So he runs the Windows version of BIAB in a VMWare Fusion window under Windows XP.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have experience with both versions. The PC version is indeed way out in front at this point in time, and if you have a (gasp!) i7 available, you have a FAST machine for working with BiaB there! RealTracks/RealDrums will load like the proverbial lightning, man.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,505 |
The Windows version of BiaB has always been (and probably always will be) better than the Mac version.
I have no inside information, but I suppose it is simply a matter of numbers. The latest estimate I read in the computer "trade" magazine I get is that 5% of the microcomputers are Macs, and fewer than that are Linux. That means well over 90% are PCs. It just makes good business sense to spend more time developing PC software.
If you have any of my style disks or fake disks, contact me privately after you make the switch and I'll send you links to download the PC versions for no charge at all.
Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey,
I've used PC and Mac for years, and since the very first version of BIAB for Atari. While it's true that the Mac version lacks some features of the PC version, when you take into account the Driver, latency and timing issues of PCs, My experience with BIAB is always better on the Mac side. I still can't get my interface to work with windows 7, I have to keep switching between ASIO and MME when using a midi controller with BIAB on PC when it does work. I have none of those issues with the Mac version and the Latency is so low it almost does not exist. Sure, it is easy to find people who will knock the Mac, 99% of them have only used a PC and have no idea how much better the Mac OS is for music production. I have BIAB on the PC, but if I want to get something done quick and easy, I go to my Mac.
If I were you, I would stay with the Mac version.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Quote:
If I were you, I would stay with the Mac version.
Thanks everyone for the comments.
After giving this some thought, and realizing I would have to purchase both an upgrade for BiaB and Windows (I was running Win7 beta that expires in March), I really can't justify the switch.
I don't know what's left out of the Mac version, but I haven't really found anything missing for my needs. And, as Ed points out, I might just be buying myself a lot of stress. The PC version might have a few more bells and whistles, but it certainly can't be an more stable and dependable than it is on my Mac.
Last edited by ajoe; 01/29/10 05:22 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
I think the Q you have to ask yourself is more of when and where in the creative process you need/use BIAB? When I use BIAB I do it very early in the process and then I need to be moveable and then really the version on my MacBook is the one to go to (although the PC-version of BIAB is superior). All the midi-styles work on both platforms anyway - the realtracks don't.
I use BIAB mainly for LapSteel, Harmonica and Mandolin + some old midistyles that I did in the past. The LapSteel was a huge leap forward for BIAB and I wish they would focus a little bit more on instruments that give a bit of character, insted of yet another strumming-guitar...?
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
ajoe
before i comment let me say i have no loyalty to any computer brand.
i worked in the puter industry for decades and saw most facets from manufacturing thru marketing.
imho if you dont use that i7 its a waste.
its the first time ive become excited bout a intel processor cos in the past i liked
amd for value for money.
if it were my system i would be useing the heck out of it for songs and lots of other things also.
i would install 2 cheap 70 buk 7200 rpm 32 mb cache drives.
one for win and one for recording to...and to quote one of rharvs great song titles..
i would ride the wind. the i7 is a grrreat processor imho.
it seems such a shame not to use it.
at my suggestion a friend just got an i7.
his first reaction was wow.
its a pity they are so expensive.
just my 2 cents.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
Discovered something yesterday - if you edit your own user-styles - do it on the PC! Here the Mac-developing team really has to step up to the plate and get the Mac on level with the PC. Horrific. I have to transport files back and forth from PC to Mac to do this step in the process.
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57 |
No experience using BiaB with PC here, but I do use BiaB in tandem with LogicExpress (a Mac program) - and I find the wedding of the two programs an absolute dream come true of possibilities.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12 |
Quote:
...I do use BiaB in tandem with LogicExpress (a Mac program) - and I find the wedding of the two programs an absolute dream come true of possibilities.
Hi George,
Now I am curious about your workflow.
I use Logic also. I just export the MIDI files from BiaB and drop them into Logic, but wondering if you have found a better/different workflow that is more seamless?
Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 57 |
ajoe-
With RealTracks and Drums, I now also import audio as well as MIDI into LogicExpress. Once in Logic, I love to improvise numerous tracks of piano just letting my creativity go wild. Only after, do I go back and listen critically. I retain parts of each track that I like, sometimes piecing together snippets from different takes. I sometimes mouse in added notes, altering velocities, adding harmonic enrichment. Even with mouse in hand, I sometimes feel I am still improvising. After deciding on the piano part, I will then go back to see if there is some way to alter my MIDI drums simpatico with the piano - accents and rhythmic dialogs. I often look for humorous exchanges. Musical instruments are like characters in a play!
George
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 116 |
I found several editing functions that I have gotten use to on the PC that isn't available in the Mac-version and therefor I will try to install the PC version on Paralell Desktops - anyone tried that option?
Product owner: BIAB Win 2009 MegaP|Mac 2011
PoCoX8|MD3|H4|VSS3|DVR2|
PT 9.0|Reason 5|K4|Goliath|Ivory|Trilian|VG2|
MacBook 17"|2.8 mhz|4 GB|OSX 10.6.7|One|Bandst.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30 |
Hi,
I am running BIAB 2010, Real Band and PowerTrax on Windows XP using bootcamp. I also have BIAB 2009.5 on my mac partition. Both work very well without many problems. I initially had a small problem with getting everything organized on the Windows side, but that wqs primarily due to not being familiar with Windows XP. Since ironing out midi, external drives, where to put what,etc. I have had no problems. I must say that I much prefer the Mac side, possibly because I am used to the work flow. BIAB 2010 seems to be faster that the mac version, but that said, I still prefer the Mac. My work flow is BIAB-GB-Logic Pro. On the windows side it is BIAB-RB or PowerTrax.
I am using a 20"iMac intel core duo, 3GB memory, 2.16GBprocessor, 500GB(Mac) and 1TB (XP) external hard drives. Alesis IO/26 firewire mixer. Mac partition 220GB, WindowsXP partition 30GB.
Hope this helps.
TakeCare
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,300
Posts802,928
Members40,086
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean