Would it be smart or stupid to download BIAB2016 into a BIAB2014 download-folder?
I was thinking it might save some gigabytes of download, since a lot of the realtracks are the same (as that archive is progressively growing)
My concern is that perhaps BIAB2016 would skip downloading updated realtracks if it thinks they have already been downloaded?
So, is it necessary to download everything as if it was a first-time install, or could I safely merge the download-files of BIAB2016 into those of BIAB2014? (at the time of download, not at the time of installation, which I understand is to be done into/on-top-of one's earlier BIAB-install)
If possible, we would only have to download those files that are actually new, and not the whole archive all over again.
I always install on top of my current version. I've only used an external USB drive so I don't have experience with downloading, but a PG Music staffer (Andrew) said that they were going to modify the download manager to check and not download files identical to existing ones. I don't know whether that's implemented yet.
Your instincts are correct - there is a huge amount of duplication in each new version, primarily from thousands of RealTracks, space-wise.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
If the download files are the same (f.ex. RealTracksxxx-yyy.exe), then I would think downloading the new over the old should not be a problem. You just want to make sure you have everything you need.
The advantage, though of keeping the old separate from the new, even if there are duplicates, are you then know exactly which files went with which package (so if you go back to install 2014, you would just install the 2014 files). But you may not see yourself doing that.
Then, once you install everything, I would archive the installation files to offline media (either a USB hard drive and/or DVDs); once installed, no need to keep them in your download folder taking up hard drive space on your computer.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA
a PG Music staffer (Andrew) said that they were going to modify the download manager to check and not download files identical to existing ones. I don't know whether that's implemented yet.
Your instincts are correct - there is a huge amount of duplication in each new version, primarily from thousands of RealTracks, space-wise.
Thank you I will hold out on buying until later in december then, hoping the download-manager will be updated. Saving 20-30, or perhaps more, gigabytes of traffic is worthwhile I think.
Originally Posted By: jford
The advantage, though of keeping the old separate from the new, even if there are duplicates, are you then know exactly which files went with which package (so if you go back to install 2014, you would just install the 2014 files).
Indeed I have the BIAB2014 downloads backed up on external media, and I am not going to delete those just yet.
My hope was that I could put the BIAB2014 downloads on my internal harddrive, and then perhaps avoid having to download anymore than just the new/updated material if I pointed the BIAB2016 download-manager into that BIAB2014 download folder.
The BIAB2014 download-folder is just over 50 gigabytes big. I wouldn't mind if I could skip re-downloading a big deal of that data for BIAB2016 if I basically already have it via BIAB2014
This year when I purchased the upgrade, I received a list of new files for 2016
There was also a list of files from 2015.
I only downloaded the files in the 2016 list (as I already had the others)
However, I purchase the Audiophile, and except for the main program, all the files come on a disk, as disk is the only distribution method available for the Audiophile version.
Regardless, you might get a separate download list of only the new files, like I did
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Right, we would need to know what it says for the RealTracks for the regular (not audiophile) version. Can anyone reading answer that, please? It could help clarify whether they are just the new ones, or the whole collection from many years.
FYI, for anyone who doesn't know why VideoTrack mentioned that the external hard disk is the only way to distribute the audiophile version, uncompressed audio takes up about 11 times the size of the compressed .WMA files shipped in the regular version. That required a 1.5 TB (terrabyte!) drive last year. And with 200 more new RealTracks in version 2016, the space needed only gets bigger each year.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Download: Download is the install file, from there the single files for your use are extracted.
I don't know your financial status, but a 4 TB disk holds all my music software that I did download or have on CD or other electronic media. And there is stll lots of room. 1 TB costs about 30-something Euros overhere if you buy a good quality drive.
Installing: There are some files that you have more than once. So far there is a reason that some of PGMusic's programs have their own file access path. Combining these would save you just a couple of giga bytes.
You always should install over the existing installation. That 1. maintains your settings, 2. keeps your extras, 3, saves disk space.
You will need more disk space with each new update. Some of the disk space could be reused when you save your downloaded software after the install onto an external backup drive.
There was one exception to the general rule that each new year's version requires more disk space. When the Elastique algorithms were first introduced, it allowed two out of every three RealTracks to be not used. As a consequence, the total package size decreased. I concur with everything else written, and it's safe to say 2016 requires more space than did 2015.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
you might get a separate download list of only the new files
I'll see what happens when I put in the order
Originally Posted By: GHinCH
I don't know your financial status, but a 4 TB disk holds all my music software that I did download or have on CD or other electronic media. And there is stll lots of room. 1 TB costs about 30-something Euros overhere if you buy a good quality drive.
Yes, harddrives are not the main concern. It's more that downloading a lot of unnecessary gigabytes both takes a long time and clogs up the internet-line for all that time. I am on free traffic, but still, no need to put more load on the system than needed
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Build 428, just released, adds improvements to the download manager, including not re-downloading files.
False alarm. For the first time I can remember, the update (#428) was removed because of other problems. There will be another expected next week. As #428 had the fixes to the download manager, perhaps you should wait.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
False alarm. For the first time I can remember, the update (#428) was removed because of other problems. There will be another expected next week. As #428 had the fixes to the download manager, perhaps you should wait.
Thanks for posting this!
I've noticed a few threads popping up with various error-reports also, so I've decided to hold off until I see where all this is going.
I don't know if these issues are perhaps because people are spanned out on 3 types of windows (7, 8 and 10), but personally I'm staying on win7.
Some context menus .. also with 428 some people could not launch the program. Some keyboard shortcuts not working also. Mr Gannon removed 428 download and recommends reinstalling 427 (ignoring any warnings about earlier version). See the top of the BiaB forum list.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean