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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124 |
Does anyone use BIAB Windows on their Mac with Parallels, Bootcamp, etc.? Is there a benefit/detriment to doing this as opposed to using the Mac version of BIAB? Why have you chosen to use one vs. the other? I understand that there are still some features available for WIndows that are not available for Mac and perhaps this will always be the case (the lead sheet window is the thing of most interest to me, but perhaps I can get around this by importing into notation software- although I guess I'll still have to enter chords manually).
I am a relatively recent Mac owner (about 5 months) and I recently loaded Virtual Box and Windows 7 on the computer. I have been playing around with Virtual Box, but don't have any Windows software loaded except that which is a part of Windows 7. I am trying to decide if I should crossgrade to BIAB 2011 for Mac or load my 2007 WIndows version and upgrade to 2011.5 when it is available.
Virtual Box seems to be running pretty well, but I assume that running native Mac software would be a smoother user experience. Thoughts?
-Larry
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
Hi Larry,
Other people may chime in about which version they like better, but I used to have Windows 7 on my MacBook Pro, using Bootcamp. Everything ran at native speeds, so it was just like using a regular PC with the same specs. I really didn't run into any problems at all, and I highly recomend it to anyone who wants to use Windows programs on their Mac. Band-in-a-Box worked great, by the way.
If you use a virtual machine like Parallels, VirtualBox or VMWare Fusion, you can jump between OS's on the fly, but you can probably expect to see some decline in performance, due to the fact that you're running more than one operating system at the same time.
This decline in performance may or may not be an issue, depending on how powerful your Mac is.
Thanks
Kent
PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124 |
Thank you, Kent.
I may give Bootcamp a try too. I think my computer is fast enough that I wouldn't have much of a problem using a virtual machine (although I could use some additional RAM). However, I am having some difficulty getting the virtual machine to recognize my printer. As BIAB is the only software I would be using under Windows (at least at the moment), I guess I have to weigh the additional features available in the Windows version against the simplicity of using only Mac software on the computer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335 |
Quote:
Is there a benefit/detriment to doing this as opposed to using the Mac version of BIAB? Why have you chosen to use one vs. the other? I understand that there are still some features available for WIndows that are not available for Mac and perhaps this will always be the case (the lead sheet window is the thing of most interest to me, but perhaps I can get around this by importing into notation software- although I guess I'll still have to enter chords manually).
No real reason to use the Windows version. In fact, it really doesn't make sense at all. You'd be using up several gigs of space and losing out on things like the DAW mode. The lead sheet feature isn't worth losing the DAW function to me.
Quote:
I am a relatively recent Mac owner (about 5 months) and I recently loaded Virtual Box and Windows 7 on the computer. I have been playing around with Virtual Box, but don't have any Windows software loaded except that which is a part of Windows 7. I am trying to decide if I should crossgrade to BIAB 2011 for Mac or load my 2007 WIndows version and upgrade to 2011.5 when it is available.
I'd crossgrade now. The additions like RealTracks are totally worth it. Unless there is something you absolutely have to have that only runs on Windows (nothing I can think of) I'd ditch bootcamp and reclaim the hard drive space.
Quote:
Virtual Box seems to be running pretty well, but I assume that running native Mac software would be a smoother user experience. Thoughts?
There are a couple of things. When you run something like that, it takes a lot of the available memory. So, if your Mac has say 4 gigs, you'd want to give Windows and Mac OS X half (2 gigs) which means, you probably are going to have less than that when you are actually running programs. The more programs you have loaded, the more memory you are going to use, and BOTH programs will start swapping out to virtual memory (ie: hard disk). When that happens, then your hard disk head is going to be jumping all over, and your system will start crawling.
I really can't see why you'd want that. I used to use Band in a Box under Parallels BEFORE they came out with a good Mac version. Like the YEARS between version 12 and version 2008 I believe. My 2006 iMac handled running BinaB alright. But now that there is a fully native, feature rich (not quite complete but darn close) version, there isn't a good reason for me to run the Windows version. So, I took it off, regained quite a few gigabytes in space back, and gained the really cool DAW feature that lets you take BinaB tracks and drag them to your favorite DAW to play with.
About the only thing I miss from the Windows version is the Ear Training thing it had
Musician, Polymath, Google Jedi, Apple Master, Windows Wrangler and Digital Wizard. High ratings in Nerd-fu & Geek-fu.
M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Pro Touchbar 15", Intel 27" iMac, M1 Mac Mini
https://musician.social/@ericdano
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 83 |
I have both versions, but really prefer the windows version, since it has more features that I use. You have to check for yourself, what you really want to have and need.
I need the leadsheet window, the vocal wizzard, the possibility to add text directly to a certain note, need the possibility to record vocal directly into the program etc. Love to have the practice box etc. etc.
For that the windows version is way better and offers quite a bit more stuff and comfort.
So long,
mos
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124 |
Thanks for the thoughts eric and mos. I do like the idea of being able to drag files into garage band, but I also like the lead sheet and some of the other Windows features. The space bootcamp takes up isn't a big deal because I have more than enough space on the drive to run a separate partition and if I want to run Windows virtually, RAM is cheap enough. I guess I really need to think about how I am most going to use the program and decide what makes sense.
Thanks again.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335 |
However, there is a ram ceiling in iMacs. It's not like a MacPro, where you can get something like 32 gigs of ram. You are limited to like 8 i think on newer iMacs. That might sound like a lot, but it really fills up quickly, and if something like 4 gigs is allocated to windows.....
It comes down to what are you going to use. Are you going to use the leadsheet feature? I looked at it, and it is easier and better for me to use Finale to generate leadsheets.
Are you going to use the vocal wizard? I'm not.
Do you need to record? Here, I would think the Mac would be a better choice as you can use Garageband which I'd say is infinitely better than the Windows version of BandinaBox's recording abilities plus you can then use Logic to further tweak things.
Practice box is nice I guess.......as is the ear trainer in the Windows Version. I still think the Mac version is a better choice if you are on a Mac.....use Mac programs.....etc.
And who is to say that PGMusic won't put in the leadsheet in an update? Perhaps 2011.5?
Musician, Polymath, Google Jedi, Apple Master, Windows Wrangler and Digital Wizard. High ratings in Nerd-fu & Geek-fu.
M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Pro Touchbar 15", Intel 27" iMac, M1 Mac Mini
https://musician.social/@ericdano
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 124 |
The limit on the new iMacs is 16 GB and obviously in the case of bootcamp it would all be available (unlike running Windows virtually), but your point is well taken. There are good arguments on both sides to be sure. One option is to use the Mac version but keep my old Windows version installed on a small virtual or bootcamp partition for the cases I would need the lead sheet window.
On a different point, you had indicated your missing the ear trainer that is available in the Windows version. It's an added program/expense, but you may want to look at Earmaster Pro if you haven't done so and/or are not familiar with it. I find it to be a very good and flexible program.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335 |
I guess. I think it would be better to start a thread and vocally state to PG Music that we want the LeadSheet in the Mac version.
Earmaster is nice, but there are some web things that work as well. I just kinda liked having that simple little ear thing to quiz students with....
Musician, Polymath, Google Jedi, Apple Master, Windows Wrangler and Digital Wizard. High ratings in Nerd-fu & Geek-fu.
M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Pro Touchbar 15", Intel 27" iMac, M1 Mac Mini
https://musician.social/@ericdano
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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!
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.
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!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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