I'd like to know exactly what still needs to be worked on / added until there is no difference in functionality?
There is no list or 'platform features' comparison diagram available (despite frequently requested in that ill-named "Wishlist" forum!), so I can only give you an "off the top of my head" kind of answer:
1. There's no Conductor interface (has been on WinSux for years). 2. There's no "Soundtrack" feature (on WinSux since 2007!). 3. There's no RealBand (and according to Master Gannon himself, never will be!). 4. There's no Vocal Harmonisation (has been on WinSux since 2014). 5. There's no Piano Roll (not sure when they got that on WinSux, I honestly stopped reading & watching any more of the features listing since 2011, it was just too disheartening!). 6. Saw this in facebook: "Fretlight" version still being requested for Mac by someone, for at least the last two years. 7. Multiple GUI and interface issues that stem (according to forum speculations) primarily from the program being a port rather than using the optimal Mac-verse tools for the job, e.g. Pascal being rumoured as the current programming tool still, and no Apple SDK tools being used at all. This is why the program never "feels" (nor indeed looks!) like a Mac application.
The "good news" in relation to your full question is that, there's no differences in functionality between the various packages, just a matter of different amount of contents in each. So for instance, the MegaPak and the EverthingPak can do exactly the same things and have exactly the same features, only one has more things to work with (more RT's or styles etc) than the other. And this has held true on our Mac front as well.
Last edited by Icelander; 12/05/1604:03 AM.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I think what will save it is ReWire, this will be implemented soon, that will mean you basically operate from your 64bit DAW using BBMac to create the tracks on the fly, just like how RealBand works in Win, it uses an app in it's folder bbw2.exe that runs invisible in the background, it is just basically the biab app. RealBand calls on bbw2.exe to generate up the tracks for RealBand. Having ReWire this will let BBMac play along with your DAW start/stop/pause/continue/loop. This way your are not putting all the load onto 32bit BBMac. Win has RealBand but it has nothing on a good 64bit DAW. I think BB would have to be the ReWire master as it don't start play instantly.
You can load the Exported Chord Sheet video in the DAW or when they implement the drag n drop midi BB Chord Output midi file with chord markers in it this will give your DAW a Chord track and any tempo map before dragging in the audio RTs RDs.
I think what will save it is ReWire, this will be implemented soon
There's a lot of certainty in this statement. Know something we don't?
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
You can load the Exported Chord Sheet video in the DAW or when they implement the drag n drop midi BB Chord Output midi file with chord markers in it...
You mean "IF they implement"...or, again, know something we don't?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Interesting thread there...but I'm not seeing anything definitive from PG Music in there, and nothing about Mac (any mention of Mac came from another mac user and yourself). So you'll pardon if I remain sceptic, for a bit longer at least ;/
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I know one thing Mac got before Win was Sforzando integrated at the time of the vst support update.
I've tried getting 64bit no one more so than me, but I think it's just too big an undertaking at the moment for PG, but who knows it could be in development as we complain.
Using ReWire with Biab will be like a Biab vst, until we get one of them.
I do a lot of bit#hing but gotta love it and stick with it as nothing else out there is comparable. The 2017 version has 100 more extra RTs than last year (202). Let's hope the MacBB release date gets close each year, and the same features.
I know one thing Mac got before Win was Sforzando integrated at the time of the vst support update.
Yes, I was surprised to see that listed on the front page as one of the "new for 2017" things just now. But you know how it is with any minority group, we are predisposed towards the "always the short end of the stick". That's just the nature of things
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
Using ReWire with Biab will be like a Biab vst, until we get one of them.
Apropos ReWire, I've just got "Jack" but yet to actually try using it. Just how is this thing favourable to something like "Jack"?
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
I do a lot of bit#hing but gotta love it and stick with it as nothing else out there is comparable.
Oh, absolutely! Our critical thinking (absolutely essential mentality when we work in the beta department, as we both have) shouldn't be taken for (or confused with) mere blinded negativity. If anything, quite the reverse. We want nothing but the best for this wonderful tool that has given us so much, and can potentially give us so much more. So we push, we nudge, nag & 'bit#h', all in order to keep things moving forward.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
Let's hope the MacBB release date gets close each year, and the same features.
I think there may be a word missing from this sentence, but I'll drink to that sentiment - Cheers!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I am new here. I've been reading info regarding BIAB 2016 for Mac. I am using Mac Pro (64bit) as my main computer for music applications (Digital Performer, Reason, Peak). I've been wanting to use BIAB to save time laying down rough and quick basic "real tracks" for RY section for my originals then import these BIAB "real-band" audio tracks into my digital performer so I can work on my brass & string sections later. So I have two questions:
1) Is it possible to do what I described above? 2) For a more advance level, take a jazz dramatic ballad that requires complex conducting tempo or odd meters for an example, can BIAB (with real tracks/real band audio tracks) be synchronized/(slaved to) with Digital Performer (master)?
I was told by a PG sale rep that if I order BIAB Everything PAK now, PG will put the order on hold and will ship the BIAB 2017 for MAC. Can you tell me how soon will the Mac version 2017 be released and ready to ship?
1. Absolutely possible, and it's a very common way of utilising Band-in-a-Box.
2. While you can set BBox to quite complex time sig and vary the tempo (per bar) and it can sync out, it does not sync IN. You'd be better advised to render the BBox tracks to audio and bring them into your designated DAW, where you can snap and stretch them at will.
So in essence, you can get to the desired end result in both questions, the second just takes a bit of a 'detour' to get there.
Version 2017 is in beta testing phase as this is written, so later this month it should be out in full (unless of course testing discovers something very, very unexpected). So it won't be long now
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
My pleasure. The more Mac users of BBox, the better
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
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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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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.
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.
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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)
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