Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
K
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
K
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Although I have already ordered the MAC version (I haven't received it yet), I am curious if there is anything posted about what the differences are between the 2 versions. I know the MAC is lacking some features but I'd like to see what they are.

Thanks.


Dave
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
K
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
K
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Any takers...how about PG, do you have anything posted?

Thanks.


Dave
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
Hi Dave,

Main difference is that the Mac version lacks:
1. Leadsheet Window
2. Audio track

The Mac version has some features that the Windows one doesn't, such as better "low latency" audio support (no need to use ASIO drivers, as latency is low with the native drivers). Also simpler MIDI hookup, using built in Apple DLS synth.


Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
K
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
K
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Thanks Peter.


Dave
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 52
D
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 52

Piano roll editor ( for editing the melody graphically ) and the conductor window are missing.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
J
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
J
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
I suppose it’s true that Apple’s DLS synth can simplify MIDI hookup, but many would say the quality of Apple’s DLS sounds leaves a lot to be desired, and that better software synths are available on the PC -- that, of course, isn’t PG Music’s fault. But the Mac version of BIAB does make it possible to simultaneously route different BIAB parts to several different synths, using Apple’s Core Midi -- which helps if you’ve got a nice sounding piano module, but another synth has better guitar or drum sounds. I was always bewildered that I couldn’t seem to do that in the PC version.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
E
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
E
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
I thought I'd add a few differences I found between Mac and PC versions (I figured it would be nice to have all the differences in one place).

Apparently, the mac version can't yet automatically transpose at the end of each chorus...
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.p...amp;Search=true

No Note based lyrics for the Mac version yet...
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=331212&an=0&page=6

I hope that when the lead sheet function is added that Note Based Lyrics would be added along with it. Also, I hope the 2nd endings, etc. come with the addition of leadsheat functionality.

The drag and drop audio feature to GarageBand is a pretty cool feature for the MAC, though.

Cheers,
Tim.

Last edited by ewitim; 01/30/12 01:16 PM.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
C
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
C
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
No Tabs in the Mac version either ..

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
and no scrolling function for auditioning through bar(s)

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22
D
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 22
I've been eying BIAB for quite a while to buy it, but until the mac version has some of those key features mentioned, I will keep waiting.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
C
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
C
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
You might have to wait a long time. Most of these have been requested for years, but pgmusic seems to have its own ideas on what Mac users need/want, regardless of what we say.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
seems like the brothers Gannon are Mac haters-I do not have any other explanation.And if they don't make Mac version like PC,I'll want my money back-for sure!!!

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
R
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
R
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24
No big piano display. Karaoke?
No keyboard editing of notes with arrow keys.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Some parts of the software WILL NOT compile on a Mac. There is no way to do that, short of a complete rewrite in a new language. Mac/Apple/Jobs...they just never did develop a compiler that would work, and didn't think it mattered.

That is not something that is complicated to understand.

Due to legacy code issues on the PC platform, code developed LONG AGO, still has compilers and will still run.

Then again, it's normal to see about a thousand posts in the PC forums and only 10 or so here in the same time.

I have an ipad, and am taking delivery of a 2200 buck US Apple computer soon. But I have a PC or two, and run Band in a Box on that. Given I spent 25,000 bucks on my first computer for my business (Unix), and I had only 4 8 inch floppies, no hard drive, the fact that you can get a pretty good PC to run band in a box for 400 bucks should be a bargain. Do every thing else on the Mac. To me that's a no brainer. I've spent 400 bucks on a pre amp. I couldn't even hear the difference though my mic.


John Conley
Musica est vita
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
''Then again, it's normal to see about a thousand posts in the PC forums and only 10 or so here in the same time.''
maybe here lies the sad story about Mac BiB...the rest is simply nonsense!!!
But then again-maybe that's why people do not want to spend their money,buying software that is not up to the expectations...
bear in mind that we do not pay less for the program,lacking many of the PC futures...

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
D
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
D
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Your staunch defence of PG Music continues to amaze me.

Are you suggesting that (a) the code for BIAB is so old that parts will not compile on a Mac? Seriously? So re-write the damn things in Mac code - if others can do it, especially for a potentially big market, and growing, then PG Music should be able to do it. After all - they've got 90% of the program running on the Mac - and that runs very nicely. They can do it.

And as for suggesting that people go out and buy a PC to run BIAB while doing the rest of their work on a Mac - I'd suggest you get back in the real world. That is NOT a fix for what is a glaring set of omissions from the Mac version.

Nope - there is a problem, real not imagined, whereby the Mac version is lacking numerous features that the Windows version has. My own main interest would be in the lead sheet and notation department.

The solution to the problem is to fix it, whether it's a rewrite of sections, or a re-compile, or whatever. The solution is NOT to go out and buy another computer just to run BIAB.

I haven't heard such a silly suggestion for a long time!

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Everyone says I'm not buying it, and I'm sending it back, and I hate it, and it's not Mac like.

Pfft.

According to you, DR. Gannon is robbing you blind.

I heard Mac/Apple did that to them.

Of course all of us can change if we try. But if you can't find compilers, why would you rewrite the code?

Can you code in Turbo-Pascal? (I think that is it, maybe lisp too.) Might just be plain ol' pascal for all I know.

Of course you can. And you are a doctor too, maybe you should phone Dr. Gannon up and point him in the right direction. Poor man.

Part of the problem may lie in the Canadian angle. It's hard to program when you have to play God save the Queen between compiles.

You may be onto something though. Hate is illegal in Canada. Perhaps, as you allege, this is a hate crime. Calling Dudley Doo-right.


John Conley
Musica est vita
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
L
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
L
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
if you can not deliver,then do NOT do it!!!Mac users are NOT second degree users!!!We,as users ,have the same rights and demands as PC users-it is just a choice of software platform.After suffering many years with crashings,viruses and other bugs,you are not going to convinced me to buy PC just to run BIB...BIB is NOT a professional program-it is a good toy for learning and practicing.Maybe that's why is PC popular...but it does not mean we have to get second grade product for the same money

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Quote:

if you can not deliver,then do NOT do it!!!Mac users are NOT second degree users!!!




I suspect if they didn't deliver [a Mac version], you would be complaining about why there isn't a Mac version, at which point you would be in worse case 'cause you wouldn't have anything.

Anyway, my understanding (and I'm just speculating here) is that there are two different code bases and as such two different products (that do very similar things). It would be nice if it were a common code base and they could just cross-compile. But, as two separate products, they are free to market and sell it as it is for what they ask. If you don't like it, don't buy it. If you want new features, suggest them. But suggestions aren't the same as threatening them, as I've seen both here and the PC forum: "If you don't do this for me, then your product stinks and I'll never buy the product again." (and that's the polite language version)

If you don't like it for what it is or if it doesn't meet your needs, then just get your money back and go find another product that does. I mean, there's a lot of products in this technology space, right? No one's forcing you to waste your money. Try getting your money back from Microsoft, if you didn't like one of their products.

But, if I were a betting man, I bet most folks make a copy of it before they sent it back. And then still complain. Just sayin'...


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 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!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

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.

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!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 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!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,294
Posts790,681
Members39,854
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 321
MarioD 216
DrDan 211
Noel96 162
DC Ron 147
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Kara Music Production, Алик
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5