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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 1
Newbie
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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! 
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 393
Journeyman
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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
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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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!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,786
Veteran
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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)
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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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XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
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