Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Frankp Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
I recently put a macmini on my tv and would like to run BIAB ultrapak 2011 on it.

Can this be done.

Thanks in advance


Frank

Some tunes from me and my collaborator: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGqM6ktMW5ltTnyit1KWPg/videos


Band-in-a-Box Ultrapak 2019, Windows 11, Reaper, Behringer u-phoria UMC404HD, Kali LP-8
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
This is the Windows forum for BB. So I'm assuming that you have the Windows version of Band-in-a-Box, and are wondering if you can run it on a Mac Mini.

Macs can run Windows, but only if you install Windows on them. To do this, you
1. Run the BootCamp program that comes with every Mac. This partitions your hard drive into a Mac parition and a Windows partition.

2. Buy a retail copy of Windows 7 (about $189 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Microsoft-Windows-7-Home-Premium-Full-PC/11331571 ) and install Windows 7 on the BootCamp Windows partition.

3. You can then run Band-in-a-Box For Windows on your MacMini. It will run as well as it does on Windows.

With this setup, you'd need to reboot the MacMini when you want to switch between Windows and Mac. If you didn't want to reboot when you switch OS's, you can install an additional program ( http://www.parallels.com/ ) which allows windows programs to run at the same time as Mac programs run (you still need to buy and install Windows though)


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Frankp Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 216
Thanks Peter for the quick reply.

For me it would be cheaper to upgrade from my 2011 windows ultrapak to the Mac 2011.5 ultrapak for the current $149. Then I'd have both a windows and a Mac version.

If PG music would give me that price when upgrading across these operation systems?


Frank

Some tunes from me and my collaborator: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvGqM6ktMW5ltTnyit1KWPg/videos


Band-in-a-Box Ultrapak 2019, Windows 11, Reaper, Behringer u-phoria UMC404HD, Kali LP-8
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Peter, Frank, and all,

Do you have any idea how well BIAB for Windows will run on a Mac under either bootcamp or Parallels? My wife has one of those 27" iMac's that I've sure thought about installing my music software on. I don't want to convert to the Mac version because I absolutely love Real Band and don't really want to learn to use Garage Band (or a Mac for that matter), but I'm running on an aging Windows XP machine...

Bruce


Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
K
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
K
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Quote:

Thanks Peter for the quick reply.

For me it would be cheaper to upgrade from my 2011 windows ultrapak to the Mac 2011.5 ultrapak for the current $149. Then I'd have both a windows and a Mac version.

If PG music would give me that price when upgrading across these operation systems?



Give them a call and see what they can do. Based on my situation, I was able to get the MAC version when I upgraded to the latest version.

HTH


Dave
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 157
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 157
Bruce,

I run Windows BIAB/RB on my Mac through a Bootcamp partition and it works fine. I have tried it with Parallels and it worked ok but just ok. The problem with using virtual software is that you have 2 operating systems working at the same time which can be a bit of a drain on resources, whereas, through Bootcamp only windows is running. It's cheaper too as Bootcamp is part of the Mac package - you need to buy virtual software if you want to run it that way. Of course, there is a trade-off with using bootcamp in that you have to reboot to fire up the Mac OS.


Andy

Macbook, 2.4 GHz, Lion OSX, 4mb RAM running Windows 7 through a Bootcamp partition,
750Gb 7,200 RPM hard drive, Ultra Pack fully installed on HD
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Andy T,

Thanks much for your feedback. I may end up trying it with bootcamp, see how it does. I sort of figured there had to be some performance tradeoff to run Parallels.

Bruce


Macbook Pro 2018
2.6 GHz 6-core Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM
OS Monterey
BIAB for Mac 2022
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
T
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Guys, HOW did you run BIAB under Parallels? I have the Windows USB BIAB andI have Parallels with Windows 7, and am a newbie on Mac's. When I run Parallels, how do I get Windows to recognize the USB device and then how would I get Windows to recognize my Firewire Presonus Firepod? Thanks!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
T
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
T
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 24
Ok, I found a few of my own answers. :-)

1. My sound card was setup in Parallels but Windows did not have a driver for it. So I ran Windows Updates in Windows (while in Parallels) and the sound card was then recognized.
2. I still have a PCI Device that is not recognized in Windows and I am wondering if that is my Firewire device, because I don'tsee it anywhere else in the Windows Manager. And I don't think Windows Update HAD a driver for it... so where is the driver?
3. WAIT to plug in the USB hard drive for BIAB until Windows under Parallels is up and running. Then you will be prompted for which OS to use the USB device under: Mac or Windows. Choose Windows.
4. Run BIAB in Windows, and setup your audio devices.

So my Firewire is what is left!

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,638
Posts807,818
Members40,179
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
maiyagg, RAYPA, Neveralull, alebasa, Shegzy Empire
40,179 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 88
rsdean 75
WaoBand 48
vicarn 44
Today's Birthdays
pochofenix, sslechta
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5