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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2 |
Good morning. Long time user, first time poster. I currently use the BIAB 2009 audiophile PC flavor and absolutely love the product. I am interested in the Mac 2009 flavor and was wondering why current 2009 owners have to pay for its Mac counterpart? Sorry if I am missing something here but all software vendors supply the same edition of their software in PC and Mac version (when Mac is available) for one price. For example, when you buy pro tools, toontrack, reason (etc...) you will always have a PC and MAC edition of that particular software release; they don't ding you twice if you want to use it on different operating systems. I certainly can understand some small fee to cover some overhead costs but to charge a current PC/BIAB owner nearly the same price for the Mac flavor of its PC counterpart seems excessive. Thanks for any clarification. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
Contact PG Music directly. All we can do is speculate here.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 66
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 66 |
Seems straightforward enough to me... You're using two copies on two different computers; you pay for two copies. Only you know you're only using one at a time 
Stephanie
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 335 |
Quote:
Sorry if I am missing something here but all software vendors supply the same edition of their software in PC and Mac version (when Mac is available) for one price.
For example, when you buy pro tools, toontrack, reason (etc...) you will always have a PC and MAC edition of that particular software release; they don't ding you twice if you want to use it on different operating systems.
I certainly can understand some small fee to cover some overhead costs but to charge a current PC/BIAB owner nearly the same price for the Mac flavor of its PC counterpart seems excessive.
However, you failed to mention that Pro Tools you can't use on both systems at the same time. Plus you need M-Audio or Digidesign hardware to run Pro Tools....in addition to an iLok doggle.
However, a better comparison would be Finale or Sibelius, which they allow you TWO computer licenses, and it doesn't matter what type of system you run it on. PC and a Mac, two Macs. You get two licenses to use. I think this is what you mean.
That is a good question. The licensing for PGMusic seems to only allow you to use it for ONE computer, which seems a little unreasonable. A lot of people who use the program have two computers (studio and a home one, or a home one and a laptop, etc, etc). It would be smart on PGMusic's part to have some sort of policy on this, and at least ALLOW use of a copy of Band in a Box on TWO computers rather than the ONE that is in their agreement thing.
Musician, Polymath, Google Jedi, Apple Master, Windows Wrangler and Digital Wizard. High ratings in Nerd-fu & Geek-fu.
M1 Mac Mini, MacBook Pro Touchbar 15", Intel 27" iMac, M1 Mac Mini
https://musician.social/@ericdano
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 86
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 86 |
I don't think what they are asking is too much for the main program, what I don't like is not being able to use the same real drums and real tracks that I have already paid for. I can only hope that PGmusic is working on this, they are a tireless bunch of guys who try to please their customer base and that's the only thing that's keeping me from getting the Mac version also.
Dennis
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
I doubt that a universal format for RealTracks and RealDrums will come anytime soon. PG has elected to use AIFF files for the MAC instead of WAV but more importantly, WMA files are Windows-only. PG had to choose a MAC compressed file format and went with MP4. I don't know if anyone has tried but you could convert your WAV to MP4 files and see if the metadata in the text and BTO files works on the MAC side.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have 3 computers and use the PC version on all of them.
It's still on the external hard drive provided to me, and I just plug and play. I never installed anything but the font on each system. That said, I should make a back up of the hard drive just in case, but 8 months in and it gets used every day.
I'd be way more worried about the people who pop up on the forums and get all frustrated and don't get the issue ironed out with live help. I suspect they never purchased a copy at all.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 193
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 193 |
My Mac Pro has two operating systems (vista and Leopard) so if I could use the PC and the MAC Bandinabox on it that would be just 1 computer at a time.
I hope PG music will also think about people who has a desktop PC at the studio and a MAC laptop for live venues.
They also could use Bandinabox on just a computer at a time.
Last edited by Sergino; 07/25/09 07:45 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3 |
Any definitive/official input on this? I've a dual-OS computer too. Simply won't afford to buy everything twice.
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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 |
I wouldn't pay for it at all. I just did the update and it's buggy...very buggy.
I don't know what's going on but something is wrong. The Windows version doesn't have these problems.
I would list them but i'm tired of it.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>> I would list them but i'm tired of it.
Well it would certainly help if you told us what bugs you are having, or post a link to a previous forum message.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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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 |
Ok for one thing just pressing the stop button doesn't always work. Another thing, is the looping. When i'm in the notation window (unfortunately , they haven't implemented the highlight feature) looping resets back to the beginning. those are just what i tried before giving up Now maybe i'm doing something wrong but it's funny but i' don't recall ever having a single issue with the Windows version and i've been using it since the beginning (back in the distant past  ) Mind you, I love BIAB for windows and don't really care much about this Mac version as i'm a happy camper. but still... Les Paul June 9, 1915 – August 13, 2009 ....
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>> Ok for one thing just pressing the stop button doesn't always work.
You can use the Spacebar to stop the song. (starting and stopping the song with the spacebar is a new feature of 2009.5) Not sure why the stop button isn't always working for you, it works for me. (escape has always worked) Likely you need to press the STOP and hold it a little longer than normal, since the Mac gets busy sometimes (playing Realtracks for example), and maybe it ignores your click. Lemme know if you ever see the same issue with the spacebar.
>> Another thing, is the looping. When i'm in the notation window (unfortunately , they haven't implemented the highlight feature) looping resets back to the beginning.
On the very first row of notation, it will loop to the beginning. That is normal, and is the same for Mac and Windows. Looping everywhere else works correctly, and I just tested that with the latest Mac version. If you can duplicate a problem like that, please let me know, otherwise try it again, from something other than the very first row of notation.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
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Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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Forums57
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