Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Hi,

BIAB 2016 screwed up today. It leads to two related questions.

How many activations does BIAB have for windows?

Related to this, I run BIAB mainly on the desktop and these days outside of being another backup computer my notebook is almost exclusively used for running BIAB for the Jazz Karaoke Jams I run (Karaoke because I use BIAB for backing tracks when we are short of players). I push members to get BIAB so they can practice better for the jams. Rusty folk need to practice. (see the video I made just last night to help with this effort ). So does the total activations apply to 1 machine or both of these machines?

I am preparing to fix/improve that video by the way. I am developing a document plan in MS-word that can be stepped through with a step macro so I can quickly get the next step I want to talk about without floundering trying to find it. It is interesting that this problem occurred just as I am about to fix the video.

Thanks,
John

Last edited by bowlesj; 11/30/18 06:54 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Three. This covers your two computers and gives you a spare in case you need to reformat a drive.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
Thanks Matt, that makes sense in one respect at least. I had to replace a disk drive because my computer was probably 6 years old so I had activated 3 times. I made the video last night so obviously the machine was using BIAB last night on my 3rd activation. It had an error. I restarted BIAB. It then came up and said I had to reactivate (a 2nd bug in a row) so I decided to reactivate because I was in a rush not realizing I had such a small limit.

I say "in one respect" because 3 is really pretty low. Make that extremely low and it does not make sense to me. I guess I should buy Acronis after all rather than use AOMEI. It is a lot cheaper than buying another BIAB. I am torn between using images and reloading. Many prefer to re-install all their software rather than return an image and do it at least once a year even if they do use images. I came up with an imaging strategy that is a great compromise. Because I am torn between the two camps I still use AOMEI and endure the risk that I may need to re-install.

John

Last edited by bowlesj; 11/30/18 06:50 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
You get three activations with each new year upgrade for that version.

Also, should you run into a situation where your backups let you down and you’re stuck, PG Music has said you can talk with Support and explain.

In my opinion, their policy is actually quite friendly and generous.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
If you buy a software , you get the download and the key, surely then it is yours and yours to keep and load as many times as you want on your registered pc ?.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 265
My understanding is that we pay for a license to use the software within the parameters and policies established by PG Music. A very common arrangement, by the way.


Jim
Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.

BIAB 2018 build 519; Dell Inspiron N4110, Windows 10 64 bit, Intel Core i3-2350m running at 2.29 GHz, Memory: 6 GB DDR3, SDRAM 1MHz
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
B
bowlesj Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
B
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 803
This was their response. It was very fast and (considering I still had a 29 day trial to run on as I scramble to get my video perfected for tomorrow) I think this is a good policy in that it is flexible. I have copied the info into my reminder database again so I am almost certain to be a little better at this next time (more relaxed).



Quote:
Hello John,

Seems you have simply just run into your activation limit, which by default is 3. We have gone ahead and reset this for you, you now have another three activations.

Please note, if you a reformatting, or reinstalling the software, you can always release the activation first by going to Help > Utilitites > Special Options for Activation/ Deactivation.

We are a little unsure what you mean about your CPU and Motherboard, these have no correlation to software activation.

If you are reformatting a hard drive, reinstalling windows, or reinstalling the program, it is always a good idea to release an activation as these processes can eat up your renaming activations.

As always, if you find yourself in this situation again, we will always assist you by increasing your limit.

Thank you,
Mikke
PG Music Inc.


The main thing is you want PgMusic to survive. I think all software gets so good it can't get much better. I don't think BIAB is there yet but when it is they still need some programmers and a way to ensure all that knowledge does not get lost to. The wild card is operating system changes and needing to adapt the software to that. I think if a company can hang on to programmers until they retire so the knowledge is not lost while training replacements at just the correct rate they have their act together. Too many programmers is not good. To few is not good. High turn over is not good for us (lots of bugs is the most likely result). Managing testers is all part of it too. Not easy to manage I would think.

Right now I am thinking of upgrading because BIAB can handle any type of time signature (6/8 etc). But I have to be careful. I am concerned the BIAB files I put on my website may not be use-able by older versions since my jam group members may not have the money to upgrade. Interesting situation. Maybe I should stay back and they should upgrade. if that is in fact the case it would make sense for PG-music to give me more than 3 upgrades and I would need to survey my group to find the oldest version out there and only upgrade to that version if that is even possible.

Last edited by bowlesj; 11/30/18 09:12 AM.

John Bowles
My playing in my 20s:
https://www.reverbnation.com/johnbowles
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
The post by PG Music quoted just above also has something important I forgot to mention: you can de-activate a license. If you know in advance you are going to reformat a hard drive, for example, you can deactivate one of your licenses first.

But just look at how PG Music handled the above situation. This is excellent customer service.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104
Originally Posted By: beatmaster
If you buy a software , you get the download and the key, surely then it is yours and yours to keep and load as many times as you want on your registered pc ?.

You usually don't actually buy the software, but you purchase a license to use the software.
The software vendor has the right to protect their investment by including a control mechanism so that the end user cannot illegally redistribute or on-sell.

The approach that PG Music has taken is extremely well thought out, generous, and works well. I don't know of a single case where a bona fide customer has not been able to use the software satisfactorily due to a license restriction.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Wow now calm down , I was only stating a fact the way it used to be now it is like you are renting/hiring the programs.

All of the software is becoming like this, even some plug ins.

But it really should not be like that as you should have the owners rights after purchase.

I understand the reasons i.e. counterfeit bootleg etc. But They always had a control mechanism as to the registered buyer/ computer.

Videotrack
The approach that PG Music has taken is extremely well thought out, generous, and works well. I don't know of a single case where a bona fide customer has not been able to use the software satisfactorily due to a license restriction.

I never said anywhere in my post to contradict any of your statement above, I was stating a wider open personal opinion.

I have software bought in the past,I can load as many times as I want whenever. Still to this day.


But as usual and as stated not more than a few days ago. In another post, some of the veterans on this forum jump in on attack in defending Pg music when no one is attacking them,just stating my opinion.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,104
I am calm. I too was simply stating an opinion as to why manufacturers use techniques to protect from piracy. I thought it was OK to mention that. I apologize if you found anything I mentioned offensive. You shouldn't have.


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
It just seems one way to me , as if or when anything goes wrong, like cakewalk they withdraw and we are not left with a lot after investing a lot of cash in the program.

After all it is not the stock market, or me having a punt on the horses.

No I am purchasing a product.

IMO.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Beatmaster, it has always been like this in the personal computer software market. You do not own the software. You purchase a license to use it which you approve when you install it or open the shrink wrap. If you have a problem with that concept, your issue is not with PG Music. It is with the nature of software licensing law (note I am limiting my answer to the USA).

The question by the original poster was solved, and very well, by PG Music.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Well Matt

I never mentioned PG Music if you read back , my Broad statement not a problem , was about the software licensing law.

It just came to my mind as I read the original post, and was just voicing my opinion.

But as can clearly be seen to anyone reading this, what I said above, some forum members are on attack.

And you have just confirmed that, by your post.


So we will just put it to bed, and I will stay in my place or just leave, like the rest have done as you find out going through and reading the past forum posts.



Attack is the first form of defence.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
I'm sorry we have upset you somehow. This is the BIAB for Windows forum. A user asked a specific question and it was satisfactorily answered by PG Music and others.

You introduced your opinion here:

Originally Posted By: beatmaster
If you buy a software , you get the download and the key, surely then it is yours and yours to keep and load as many times as you want on your registered pc ?.


and here:

Originally Posted By: beatmaster
I was only stating a fact the way it used to be now it is like you are renting/hiring the programs.

All of the software is becoming like this, even some plug ins.

But it really should not be like that as you should have the owners rights after purchase.


In my opinion, your statements go against over forty years of law and practice in the software industry. But you are entitled to your opinion and you are most welcome to carry it forward. May I suggest you discuss your opinion by making a post in the Off-Topic Forum, which is for music-related discussions not related to PG Music.



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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Silly question but how does one check how many times a copy of BB is activated?

Tony

Last edited by Teunis; 11/30/18 12:33 PM.

HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Hey Tony,

By default, you have three activation's. You can always email us here at sales@pgmusic.com or go on to live chat for us to pull up your profile and let you know how many activations you have.

There is currently no way to see this in the program itself.


C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.

Mikke - PG Music
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,685
Looks like I have upset you somehow.


No need to post anywhere else as I said before lets leave it .

Best to you.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,578
Best to you, too. Have a great day.


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.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Originally Posted By: Mikke - PG Music
Hey Tony,

By default, you have three activation's. You can always email us here at sales@pgmusic.com or go on to live chat for us to pull up your profile and let you know how many activations you have.

There is currently no way to see this in the program itself.


Thanks Mikke, I’m not going nuts by not finding it. I guess more folk were wandering about this.

Tony


HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: 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.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!

If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,286
Posts802,690
Members40,081
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
jackblue, Deonne46, TboneBob, Balkanmytime, Cutta414
40,081 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 138
zedd 111
rsdean 85
DC Ron 79
vicarn 74
Today's Birthdays
stevenlynnhall
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5