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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 26 |
Hi,
I'm new to the forums and am planning to purchase BIAB 2015 soon. I'm a guitarist/bassist of many years and from what I can tell, BIAB is a pretty comprehensive tool for songwriting, jamming, etc. My problem (though it's not a *real* problem) is which platform works best (or has the most features) for the application, or are they the same regardless or platform? I tried to find an appropo forum other than the dedicated Windows and Mac forums to post the question into but none of the other ones seemed to be the right place so I just chose one. Please feel free to move it if necessary.
My computers are a MacBook Pro with either a 2.4 or 2.6 dual core processor and 8 GB RAM with a 1 TB hard drive. But I also purchased a Dell Inspiron a couple of months or so ago that runs Windows 8.1. It has an AMD K10 processor, also with 8 GB RAM and a 1 TB drive. I'm not a fan of the OS but had to take it for other purposes not related to music production.
I'd appreciate any comments from fellow members having experience with the application on both platforms so I can make a decision that works best. There's more free space on the Windows laptop. But I like working with the Mac and am leaning toward making it work there since I do most of my computing on the Mac. However since I'm considering the Audiophile version because I want the quality of the music I create to be great and the product comes on its own drive, space will probably be a non-concern.
The only thing left is to decide which platform to go with and I'd like to have to opportunity to learn from the experience of others that use the software.
Best Regards,
davidgitar
Last edited by davidgitar; 02/17/15 12:03 PM.
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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 |
David,
You can find several threads on this topic if you search the forums. I switched from Win to Mac about 3-4 years ago, so have used both. There's no questions that the Win version always comes out months ahead of the Mac version (there's no BIAB for Mac 2015 yet), and has always been a little more feature rich. BIAB for Win also comes with the Real Band program, which is a DAW with some built-in BIAB features.
I personally haven't found that I really miss anything the Win version could do, and I usually "drag and drop" into Logic, and work on projects from there.
Another option is to run BIAB for Win on a Mac, using Boot Camp or Parallels or such. I've never done this, but others have reported on these boards that it works okay.
You'll also find that the BIAB for Windows forum gets a lot more traffic than the BIAB for Mac forum... In the end, I think this question comes down to "personal preference". The good news is, you probably can't go wrong with either option! Good luck
Bruce
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,446 |
IMHO BiaB PC has always been better than BiaB Mac.
If you didn't also have a PC I'd say that especially at the entry level the differences aren't that great, but since you do also have a PC, I'd advise you to get the PC version of BiaB.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 26
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 26 |
Thanks Bob. I've done more reading and have come to the same opinion as you. So when I do buy the software, it will be the PC version. '
Edit: I bit the bullet and bought the Audiophile PC version today. Based on what I've read, seen and heard, I believe BiaB is going to allow me to complete a special music project for some of my extended family a lot easier than would be possible otherwise. Appreciate the feedback guys! - David
Last edited by davidgitar; 02/19/15 01:15 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,831
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,831 |
It doesn't answer your question which, of course, you've already answered it via your recent purchase. Congrats! You'll love it.
However, I do want to mentioned that my combination of an iMac with 32g RAM running 2014 Mac BIAB, Logic Pro X, Ozone 6 and Nectar 2 is amazing. Everything is very fast and relatively seamless.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 344
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 344 |
I have been using both along the last years and can say a thing:
Biab for win is much better featured, but:
- Biab for mac haven't crashed one time in several months on my 2009 macbook
- Biab for win sometimes, with some complex songs, unexpetedly quits, although my asus is new and with very few programs installed.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
You went the right way as the Win Audiophile version has wav files that can be used by MacBB also, but the WinBB I don't think can use the aiff mac files. So for $79 you can do a crossgrade and get the MacBB app "Upgrade from 2012 or earlier or crossgrade"http://www.pgmusic.com/bbmac.packages.htmAll you need to do to use it on the Mac also is copy the drive or use the current drive (though it is always recommended to have a backup copy) or if you use that drive on the Mac just rename bb\Realtracks\"Library" to "LibraryM" and bb\Realtracks\Direct Input\"Library" to "LibraryM" This will allow the Shots n Holds to work. Depending on what version os x you are using if it has NTFS write to allow you to write to NTFS win drives, you might need to rename the folders first on windows. If you copy the drive use Mac as it will write to mac file system allowing you to rename folders and also run the MacBB app from the USB 3.0 Mac format drive. Or use the money on Parallels Desktop for Mac and get more features on Mac and as mentioned earlier Realband on the Mac.
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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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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.
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