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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Dudded again...!
I have the Everything Pak on the USB drive which I bought only last November.
I posted on here that there seemed to be an inordinate lack of features in the Mac version when compared to the Windows version, yet the Mac version is the same price, and the Mac is probably the leading computer used for media purposes.
Now BIAB 2012 for the Mac is here - and STILL no Lead Sheet, still no useful notation (a rapidly scrolling single line is totally useless - may as well not be in there), and various other features that are in the Windows version but not in the Mac version.
And they want another $159 for me to upgrade, not counting the cost of my bandwidth for the download! And why exactly would I need to upgrade all the styles, sets, real tracks etc, as opposed to just downloading the few new ones?
PG Music - this really is scandalous. How can you, in all conscience, charge the same for the Mac version as you do for the Windows version, but with the Mac version being a crippled sub-set of the Windows version?
What is WRONG with you guys? WHERE is the Lead sheet and notation capability? Until we get that, BIAB is just a plaything to go widdly-widdly with on the computer on a desk.
Please tell me how you can justify the price, and why the lack of lead sheet/notation facilities... and why your effort on the Mac is so poor that we are regarded as second-class citizens?
I will NOT be upgrading BIAB. There is nothing in the 2012 version that would make me want to part with yet another $159.
Signed - a disgruntled customer who is happy to pay for good stuff, but is sorely tempted to look for "free" versions of software if the customers get treated this way.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
Can't be more agree with you,man!!!I wrote also angry letter to PG Music,but do not expect any answer,of course!
I do not understand that attitude towards Mac users!?Are we some kind of 2rd part people,musicians or...Obviously brothers Gannon worked hard to gain cash,but not hard enough,to please the Mac users :-((((
back to the point:
Why we,Mac users,MUST always wait for the new version and why is that huge difference between PC and Mac version?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 25 |
yea. I'm waiting to upgrade BIAB until they bring Mac up to date, but I doubt they will. So sad.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 70 |
The disappointing part is that some items have been on the "wish list" / requested for years. I would much rather have these than the 'features' introduced in 2012.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
Having missed adequate lead sheet/notation features in BIAB for a long time, I now learned to concentrate on the strenghts of the software (which are a lot !) while doing all notation stuff with another one - Musescore (http://musescore.org/) - it's free and absolutely suitable for my needs.
Being able to import BIAB.SGU - files, it's very easy to use with BIAB and the results are great.
So I hesitated not a second to upgrade to BIAB 2012 (mainly because of the new RealTracks) and I appreciate if BIAB will improve its unique characteristics while leaving notation etc. to others.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
Do not believe anyone here is trying to discredit the fantastic BIAB and how useful it is for the musicians.The point is WHY WE CANNOT HAVE BIAB EQUAL TO THE PC VERSION?What wrong is it about it?Do not we pay the same money for the software?Then why that discrimination?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
I thought the title of this thread was
"ARRGGGHHH - STILL no Lead Sheet or useful notation on Mac"
and not
"Differences Between the MAC and PC versions (2011.5)" or similar ...
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Not sure what point you're trying to make there, Rob - the lack of lead sheet and notation IS a difference between the Windows and Mac versions - despite being charged the same for each version.
Musescore is pretty good, BUT it won't run in sync with BIAB, so it's a bit of a kludge to play a backing in BIAB and trying to keep Musescore somewhere close to where BIAB is.
Why should BIAB leave notation to others? It's already in the Windows version. And most other DAW-type programs have very strong notation (eg Logic etc) on the Mac.
I think it is a marketing decision rather than a programming one, and I think (IMHO only of course) that the decision is a wrong one. I think they underestimate the number of Mac users involved in making music, and who would dearly love to have lead sheet and notation capability.
BIAB actually DOES have a sort of half-baked notation - but it's only single stave, and flies by so quickly it's useless as a performing tool. And you can't read ahead, as most good sight readers do. So it's just a token implementation.
We need multi-line notation, plus the ability to print off lead sheets complete with chord symbols.
This has been requested by many people for a long time - and I really don't know why PG Music are ignoring those requests. They would get a lot more sales and upgrades if they included those features.....
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 22 |
I won't be buying either until there is a reason.
Dave
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 8 |
Folks, don't get me wrong - your calls for adequate notation features in BIAB are perfectly eligible - I just wanted to tell people who are not aware of MuseScore that there is a free application which can read BIAB-files thus making leadsheet printing (including advanced notation features) out of BIAB-files very easy and pleasable. Of course there are uses of BIAB where this approach is not suitable.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 15 |
I wish I would have know of these issues before I just purchased the HD version yesterday.
Richard Venneman
Retired church organist, pianist, keyboardist
Yamaha DGX-660
Maschine MK3
Sampletank 4 Max
EZ Keys
A few basic IK Multimedia midi controllers.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,677 |
Hi rvenneman,
The program is brilliant. It's absolutely fantastic accompaniment software. I imagine that you're going to be quite amazed when you hear it.
Regards,
Noel
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22 |
Noel96 - nobody is arguing that the program is not brilliant. It is.
But the fact remains that despite being charged the same for the Mac version as for the Windows version, a major feature such as notation and lead sheets is missing in the Mac version. Along with other features too - but this thread is about the lead sheets etc.
Now you may not have a use for lead sheets, or on-screen notation that is actually usable, but many people, including me, do. In fact I used the Windows versions from the very early days until I switched to Mac about 3 or 4 years ago. And the notation and lead sheet that evolved on the Windows version made the program actually very useful, in the real world. And everyone's real worlds are different, of course.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 55 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
I have to agree totally. I love BIAB, but it is just unfair to charge the same amount for a program that is crippled in some ways in comparison to the PC version.
I will wait until I see these much needed features until paying for any upgrade.....
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 150
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 150 |
Oh my! I've been gone from this forum for a couple years. I stopped in to see if they finally added the lead sheet to the Mac version. Alas, no joy. ...sigh.... The thing is, they promised this back in 2010 for a future release. Well i've got news for ya......times up  Arnold: "I'll be back" .......rrrrrrr 
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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!
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