Have just purchased subject. Having Biab/RB on a HD pre installed is new to me. Need some hints,
#1 where is best to place files I work on? #2 is it ok to delete all the old program files? #3 When I am to upgrade my UltraPlusPak, does it mean that I need to replace the HD completely?
1. It always pays to install new versions straight over the top of previous versions. This way, you'll get to keep all the material that you might have collected on bonus paks from previous years. This material is not always made available again in the future.
2. On the USB drive, there's a setup program. That needs to be run. You get to choose what you want to install to your computer's internal hard drive.
* The program can be run entirely from USB * The program can be run from your computer but Realtracks and Realdrums are kept on the USB * Everything can be run from your computer (this is the option I prefer)
(As indicated above, I simply install everything over the top of the previous version and run all the wma Realtracks and Realdrums from my hard drive.)
3. Once you make a decision how to install, simply choose and wait for it to happen. A full install on your computer's hard drive will take around 1 hour.
#3. When you get an update/patch, you can install that to the USB drive, or to where you installed BIAB on your PC, or both.
Next year, for the full annual upgrade, they will send you a new USB drive anyway. I like to update the prior year's drive also, so I have a second copy. But I wait until the initial round of patches in December are complete.
The only reason you couldn't continue doing this is if more and more RealTracks are added and they go to using a larger USB drive.
Hope that helps.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I guess I will be more enlightened when I try it out, if I understand you right I gather that I still install my main exe files in folders on my C-drive, where also PG patches will come to reside just as before but use the new HD for all the heavy wave files, or is that totally wrong?
* The program can be run entirely from USB * The program can be run from your computer but Realtracks and Realdrums are kept on the USB * Everything can be run from your computer (this is the option I prefer)
Like Noel said, I prefer the third option also. BIAB takes up 103 GB on my laptop. I install all up-dates to BIAB on my laptop and to the USB HD as well. Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
As Noel stated, you need to decide how you want to run BIAB. Assuming that you already have BIAB installed on your computer and want to keep doing that, then just tell the installer that's what you want to do. You'll only need to know where BIAB (and RealBand) is currently installed, as well as where RealTracks and RealDrums are installed (assuming you may have installed them to a different folder and/or drive. Once you have this information, just point the installer to the same locations and do the install.
If you instead decide you want to run the program from your computer's hard drive, but keep RealTracks and RealDrums on the USB hard drive that you received, then you can choose that as well; however, if you have any bonus paks from previous versions you want to keep, it becomes a little more tricky to update those (doable, but you need to be careful not to overwrite any of the new files).
If you want to run the entire program from the USB drive, you can do that, but you still need to run the installation utility so that fonts get properly installed on your computer, but the files will all remain on the USB drive. That's the quickest install. However, again, if there are any legacy styles, RealTracks, and RealDrums you want to keep (that may have been a part of bonus paks not present in the new version), then syncing them up will be more difficult. Doable, but still tricky.
Don't know if that helps any; you'll see what your options are when you receive the USB drive.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
All good info above. About the BIAB installer, it should remember the drive letters you chose before. Double-check that, of course, each time you run it for updates.
I have the audiophile version, so I do all kinds of things that you might find different. The point is, BIAB allows me to do that. Some other programs force everything onto a boot drive - despicable, in this day and age.
I would not even be able to load the entire audiophile version to my 500 GB SSD boot drive, because the size of the files is about three times that! So, I install the fonts and a couple of other system files - the "minimal" install option - to my boot drive. I have the RealTracks on a large conventional hard drive all by itself. I have the RealDrums (small by comparison to RealTracks, large by comparison to anything else) sharing yet another conventional hard drive. I keep the supplied USB drive as a backup, but I also use that as a traveling copy on my other computers.
Lots of ways to make it fit.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Have just purchased subject. Having Biab/RB on a HD pre installed is new to me. Need some hints,
#1 where is best to place files I work on? #2 is it ok to delete all the old program files? #3 When I am to upgrade my UltraPlusPak, does it mean that I need to replace the HD completely?
Strat
1. Fastest is a local drive, but USB drive can also be used until it fills up. One of the cool things about the drive is you can save your project to it, go to a friends, plug in the USB drive to his system, open your song and get to work on it. 2. Any important ones will be moved to a backup folder in BiaB/RB when you install the new version over the old one. It is safe to delete this backup folder once you are happy using the new version. 3. You don't have to, but it sure is nice. A year later the price of an additional backup (and eventually just extra drive space) is kind of nice. The way PGMusic offers upgrades, once you have UltraPlus you can just buy the program for the new features at upgrade time .. or just the realtracks .. etc. They do leave lots of options open.
Tips I would offer: IF your system has additional drive space there are optimizations that make a bit of difference. For instance, on my favorite machine I have 6 physical hard drives plus the USB drive. I run Biab and RB main executables from C: (and often save current projects there) I run Realtracks and Realdrums from E: I keep USB drive unplugged except to update occasionally. I also have my 'Temp Audio Directory' for RB set to F:
Reasons for my setup are below (if you are bored or interested)
C: drive is meant to run programs. Even though the only things that actually 'install' in the OS are fonts and PGMusic Plugins (DirectX FX), they take very little room and I just go ahead and install them. E: A local drive for Realtracks and RealDrums is faster than the USB drive for generating and loading (and Initiating Accompaniment, etc). Plus it is a current copy of the whole EverythingpaK USB drive (including accumulated add-ons), should anything happen to the USB drive. F: This is the one most people over look. Your Temp Audio Directory is where the system does all the hard drive work it needs to do. When you actually record Audio, it gets written here until you Save. When you make Edits, all the 'UnDo's are stored and streamed from here until you Save. I see a performance increase when the OS drive is not asked to do these tasks.
But that's just me. If one drive is running the OS and the program, plus generating Realtracks, plus writing any Audio for the session (including incoming tracks and Edits) it is likely jumping all over the place to read data. This can cause stutters, slow response, and other performance issues.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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.
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)
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