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Band-In-a-Box for Mac is one my favorite tools for music composing songs. All I have to do is select the style I want, choose the instruments I want to use, and then enter in the chords, and I have a whole song in less than a minute. However, I have a notion as if I'm the only one on the forum that uses the Mac version of Band-In-a-Box. Most of my topics on the wishlist section are mainly geared towards the Mac version, my posts about Real Tracks relate to the Mac version and so on. Plus, I feel like Windows users don't understand my point of view. I just feel like talking about the Mac version is a waste of time, and Real tracks are pointless.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Islansoul,
I'm sorry you feel that way. You're correct that the forum is composed of more Windows users than Mac users. Heck all you have to do is look at the number of people looking at the BiaB for Windows thread versus the number of people looking at the BiaB for Mac thread to see the truth in that statement but, you're not alone. Icelander (Eddie) is a frequent poster and he uses a Mac. There are others but I presently can not think of their name.
Would you prefer for Window users to not respond to your posts?
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Looking at the number of people browsing the forums, there are usually 10 to 30 times as many people on the Windows forum.
Mac computers are great, but they are but 5% of the computers out there, so most things are Windows oriented.
Real Tracks are available in both the Mac And Windows version.
So most of us who want to help will do so to the best of our ability. But since most of us use Windows, our answers will be oriented that way.
If you mainly want Mac people to answer your posts, put them in the Mac forum.
We want to help, and when asking for help in a forum you will always get some helpful answers and some well meaning but not helpful answers. Thank them all for trying to help and use what you can. If your answer is not what you wanted, try rephrasing the question with the knowledge you gained from the answers that didn't help. Perhsps be more specific or add more background info.
Problems can be frustrating, many of us here on the forum want to help and we will offer what we think the solution to your problem is. Hopefully one of us will come up with the answer you are looking for.
A car salesman once tried to sell me a 1950s Rolls Royce. The price was great, and the car was well maintained.
Then he added that it uses very high octane fuel and that I would have to go to airports to get a fill-up.
That was the deal killer.
In a way that Rolls was like a Mac computer. Nice car, nice computer, but there isn't as much available for it.
Enjoy your Mac, it's not worthless, but there just isn't as much available for it.
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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I feel like Windows users don't understand my point of view. I don't think it's a matter of Windows users understanding your point view, more than not having experienced your point of view. Since the feature set between the two products have gotten so close, I see more Windows users jumping in to help out the Mac users now more than ever. That used to not happen, especially since the features in the Mac version tended to lag behind the Windows version. Yes, sometimes we Windows users mess up and forget that Mac doesn't support a certain feature, but by the same token, with the feature sets so close, there is now a much larger brain trust to work through at least the functionality issues of the program. The Mac users will still have to answer the computer platform specific questions. I just see it as a willingness to jump in and help a fellow musician out. If you don't want the help, then just ignore the post, but wanting to help is and has been the nature of the PGMusic forums from the beginning. Heck, half the time, we don't even understand our own Windows systems and need help from folks smarter then us. And a lot of good information has come from you, Islansoul, as well as Icelander, W, Pipeline and others that we Windows users can take to heart also.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Islansoul,
I'm sorry you feel that way. You're correct that the forum is composed of more Windows users than Mac users. Heck all you have to do is look at the number of people looking at the BiaB for Windows thread versus the number of people looking at the BiaB for Mac thread to see the truth in that statement but, you're not alone. Icelander (Eddie) is a frequent poster and he uses a Mac. There are others but I presently can not think of their name.
Would you prefer for Window users to not respond to your posts? Hello Jim, I fully understand PG Music point of view and Marketing now. They are not trying to belittle the Mac community, but cater to the larger percentage of the computer users, which happens to be Windows users. I also understand that just being able to develop the software for both Mac and PC is a strenuous task. You have develop the concept for that year's BIAB, then write the code the Band-in-a-Box software, then the GUI, then you have to make it compatible with the operating system, then record Real Tracks, then you have to create the GUI, and then you have to satisfy the user whistlist requests, make sure that it is compatible with the OS, and run the alpha and beta testing, and finally market the product. Just having to go through all that and having it run on Windows and Mac, and updating it everyyear is astonishing. I also forgot about Realband and the Powertacks. FYI: I apologize for my foolish and childish remarks. I was trying to be perceived as a narcissist who was trying to gain sympathy to feel prideful. So, to answer your question, I do not mind if Windows users reply to my topics.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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Looking at the number of people browsing the forums, there are usually 10 to 30 times as many people on the Windows forum.
Mac computers are great, but they are but 5% of the computers out there, so most things are Windows oriented.
Real Tracks are available in both the Mac And Windows version.
So most of us who want to help will do so to the best of our ability. But since most of us use Windows, our answers will be oriented that way.
If you mainly want Mac people to answer your posts, put them in the Mac forum.
We want to help, and when asking for help in a forum you will always get some helpful answers and some well meaning but not helpful answers. Thank them all for trying to help and use what you can. If your answer is not what you wanted, try rephrasing the question with the knowledge you gained from the answers that didn't help. Perhsps be more specific or add more background info.
Problems can be frustrating, many of us here on the forum want to help and we will offer what we think the solution to your problem is. Hopefully one of us will come up with the answer you are looking for.
A car salesman once tried to sell me a 1950s Rolls Royce. The price was great, and the car was well maintained.
Then he added that it uses very high octane fuel and that I would have to go to airports to get a fill-up.
That was the deal killer.
In a way that Rolls was like a Mac computer. Nice car, nice computer, but there isn't as much available for it.
Enjoy your Mac, it's not worthless, but there just isn't as much available for it.
Insights and incites by Notes I'm not sure what you mean by that since most audio products support Mac users. In fact, the DAW logic is only available for Mac users.
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021
DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine
plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard,
music producer/engineer
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I have a notion as if I'm the only one on the forum that uses the Mac version of Band-In-a-Box. What? I don't get it, haven't you ever scrolled down in the forum list? Go here: Band in a Box for Mac ForumSome of your midi questions are universal so sure all of us Windows users are willing to help you but start with the Mac forum. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Posts: 221 |
With regard to the popularity of Macs I find it curious that every single studio I have ever walked into and every single studio video I have ever watched (eg Waves engineers) have used Mac computers to drive their DAWs. Macs are ubiquitous in the audio industry. As a Mac native myself I find the PC legacy and orientation of BIAB somewhat of an obstacle. I mean I'm used to the system now and I'm a huge fan but Macs have a certain 'way' that is not replicated in BIAB despite recent improvements. I have long wondered if that is partly the reason BIAB hasn't made the inroads into the audio industry that it really should have.
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With regard to the popularity of Macs I find it curious that every single studio I have ever walked into and every single studio video I have ever watched (eg Waves engineers) have used Mac computers to drive their DAWs. Macs are ubiquitous in the audio industry. As a Mac native myself I find the PC legacy and orientation of BIAB somewhat of an obstacle. I mean I'm used to the system now and I'm a huge fan but Macs have a certain 'way' that is not replicated in BIAB despite recent improvements. I have long wondered if that is partly the reason BIAB hasn't made the inroads into the audio industry that it really should have. As I said in another thread Macs are used in mostly Pro studios while PCs are mostly used in hobbyist's studios. Cost probably is the most important factor in hobbyist's decision. Macs and Pro Tools were way ahead of the game at one time but now PCs and other DAWs have caught up. IF Win 10 doesn't destroy the PC world it will be interesting to see what happens. There are a number of reasons BiaB hasn't caught on IMHO. Poor graphics (but better with the new interface), not 64 bit, GM, and old Win 95 file naming system to name a few. I hope they can fix these and get BiaB out into the real world. YMMV
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Again with Mac going to 64bit only OS in 2018 it would seem inevitable that there needs to be a re-write of the old code, if there is a re-write it would have to be a Cross-platform, giving both Mac & Win 64bit, so the versions are identical and both released in December. One half of the year won't be spent programing the Win version then the next half programing the Mac Version.
I think you will see a whole new era with PG Music soon.
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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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
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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
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
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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Don't wait - order today!
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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