|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1 |
Hi everybody. I used BIAB back in the late 90s when it was mainly just running MIDI devices on Windows. (Now I have a 2011 MacBook Pro laptop with the recent OS X Yosemite operating system, and am considering purchasing BIAB for my Mac to mate up with Garageband (track editing/instrument capabilities, etc.) and MuseScore (notation) for live performances, either solo or incorporating other band members as I can (including lead sheets for them, etc.), depending on gig and money). Unfortunately, the few MIDI files I did have, about 30, are on an obsolete computer and its OS collecting dust in a house I own in another State as life went along! I was always impressed with how my mostly simple MOR pop rock tunes came together quite nicely with the various styles and just typing in the chords, since my songs were more chord than riff or motif based. I typically sing and play lead and/or rhythm guitar over these back tracks. Now it looks like BIAB for Mac is even far more advanced. I probably would just start with the most basic versions for my simple MOR pop rock oldies and Christian Contemporary (well, more like 70-80s stuff, ha). Where have you guys found the best purchase prices, and anybody know how long it will be before the 2015 version arrives, since 2014 is almost over? Do you think the basic Pro version would cut it for my simple MOR genres? I do mainly Beatles, Moody Blues, 50-70s pop rock, some old and new country, old school R&B, soul, etc. Mainly dance or wedding gigs for Boomers and Gen X. When I do solo gigs, it is mainly singer songwriter, easy listening stuff. All advice welcome, since I am starting over altogether with BIAB for Mac.... I am not in a huge hurry, working full time, engaged, doing an MBA on my GI Bill finally, so this is more of a strategic planning, max bang for the buck planning phase over the next year or so to get back to the conveniences of creating backing tracks for future gigs, vice gotta have it now....... Figured I would join the forums and figure out the best approach with good comments and advice from you more experienced users. Thanks! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393 |
Nealix,
Welcome to the forum. Be prepared to be blown away by Real Tracks, which are recordings of real instruments. These work in place of, or along with, midi tracks. Yes, BIAB has come a long way from the late 1990's. In regards to which pack to get, the general advice is to buy as much as you can possibly afford. The basic program is the same in all the versions, the difference is how many real tracks and styles you get. PG Music usually has holiday sales specials, so keep an eye on their website. This is usually the best time to buy.
In regards to the 2015 version, the Mac version has usually come out months behind the Windoze version. So the 2015 version for Windows may show up real soon, but the Mac version... well, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Bruce
Last edited by babarton; 11/26/14 04:06 AM.
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 Macintosh
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20 |
Hi Nealix and welcome back! I've owned just about every version of BIAB since it's inception (I have versions here in my dusty studio that came on 5-1/2" floppys!! OMG). I now only buy the version on the USB drives. I love the "no install" feature ... run it directly from the drive!!
Even though your needs are simple now, as your needs grow and you learn how easy it is to make great music in BIAB on the Mac or PC, you will want to have the tools BIAB can provide to help you achieve your musical visions.
To that end, and if your budget can accommodate it, the MegaPak would be my recommendation on the minimum package to buy. As Barbarton says above, if you have not experienced Real Tracks, you WILL be blown away with the sound, quality and ease of use!! And, since variety IS the spice of life, the more real tracks and soloists you have available, the more creative you can and will be. I love mixing styles in unusual ways. Sometimes I get music and sometimes not, but it is ALWAYS interesting!!
I have just purchased the MAC version (2014) (finally left the Microsoft world, my last BIAB version for my Win7 machine was 2013)) and it is wonderful so go for it and enjoy the music!!
Last edited by Ron95; 12/05/14 03:32 AM.
Ron95
As a teacher, Experience often begins the first lesson with the final exam.
BIAB user since 1990 - Yes, I really am that old!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786 |
Greetings, Nealix! My first advice is simple: Do "window shopping" on the site before you even start to thing packages, sales or anything else! What I mean by that is, sample the demos of everything you can find, both the classic midi "Styles" you remember from days of old, and the Realtracks. Here are links to what I think are the three most important samples categories: For the midi Styles: http://www.pgmusic.com/addons.styles.php?os=macFor the midi Supertracks: http://www.pgmusic.com/addons.supertracks.php?os=macAnd for the Realtracks: http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.realtracks.htmNote: Be aware that Mac users can NOT buy individual Styles, Supertracks nor Realtracks (those all still come in .exe format only), so you're rather forced to buy package sets. Have fun!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,061
Posts799,599
Members40,025
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean