Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#601081 06/08/20 01:46 AM
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
mrgeeze Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
I just watched the Plugin video for Logic.
I can see some convenience in its capabilities.
From 10k feet, it appears to provide a limited subset of biab features accessible from Logic.
Charting a song, selecting a real style, generating wav files. All the big points.
What about midi tracks? Adding/Changing parts? Any big missing gotchas?

I'm just wondering whether those using it find it a great improvement over having both programs (biab and logic) open at the same time on your mac.
I get not having to gen the .wav tracks and use finder to drag and drop into the project.
Just wondering if enough other features are lost to make this minor inconvenience not worth the effort.

I don't believe there's a right answer here.
Just wondering what experiences users have had so far.

I may crossgrade to the Mac version this year and this feature could aid the decision.

Thank you in advance for your feedback.


biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,803
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,803
I’m not fully sure what you are asking. The plugin doesn’t have all the tools BiaB does in either pc or Mac. It never will. The idea behind it was to create tracks and drag them to the DAW where the average DAW user is comfortable with the tool set. There midi can be edited with ease. Same with audio. I use the plugin in both Studio one on pc and Logic on Mac. The plugin is working very nicely in both.

You can add midi from midi styles, and any RTs/RDs that have real charts. These can be edited in the DAW. Both Peter and Andrew have said the plugin was not developed to be a full on BiaB, just a way for DAW users to get tracks fast.

Envision Realband In a PC it is a DAW with BiaB generation inside. There you can edit audio and Midi to your heart’s content. This is not done in the BiaB portion of the program, it is done in the Powertracks portion. It is the same with the plugin and your favorite DAW.

Im still wrapping my head around Logic and Mac in general but so far I like it


HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 6
S
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
S
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 6
so dumb question here...

Are you guys using the daw app in Mac with a windows usb drive?
If so how?
I have the 2021 Audiophile drive but would love to use that with Logic on my Mac.

thanks,
Steve
Ps. new user here

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
All the styles and RealTracks can be used on both Windows and Mac (even though the RealTrack audio files needs to be converted from .wma to .m4a, as described in another thread), but the BIAB application and daw plugin are platform specific. Hence you will need the Mac version of BIAB to run it with Logic.

Best regards
/Björn

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Bjorn is correct, however I should point out that converting WMA to M4A will reduce sound quality, as it is converting from one lossy format to another.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
B
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
B
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 78
That's right. The quality is good enough for trying it out, but I wouldn't use it for any serious work.

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Hello, I have windows BIAB, this year I switched to Mac and Logic Pro, I an waiting for BIAB Mac. BUT are you saying real tracks for MAC are no good.
What good is it if you cant use real tracks.
Thanks
still learning BIAB, I got it a while ago and never got the hang of it, Im going for it again, really wanted the MAC version, wondering if i made a big mistake?

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
mrgeeze Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
As I understand this conversation the conversion of win real track to Mac real tracks will result in loss of fidelity due to compression.

I assume (please confirm/deny PG Staff) that if one purchases the Mac version of the software all the real tracks will have equal the quality level of the windows real tracks.

There are no doubt other gotchas between the two versions but I'm hoping quality of 3000+ real tracks is not one of those.


biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,040
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,040
Windows uses the audio file formats wma for compressed RealTracks and wav for uncompressed RealTracks. Mac uses audio file formats MP4a for compressed RealTracks and AIF for uncompressed RealTracks. The file formats used on each platform are native to the platform.

However, RealTracks are not just audio files. RealTracks are made of audio files and supporting files. The supporting files are not cross platform compatible.

Both Windows and Mac Band-in-a-Box versions can import cross platform audio files. You record an audio file in MAC BiaB and Windows BiaB can import the file.

The talk about the loss of fidelity is when you convert from a lossless audio file to a compressed audio file or if you convert from one compressed file format to another compressed file.

A lossless audio file is CD quality. Compressing an audio file looses some data. Compressing an audio file twice like you do when you convert from one compressed file format to another looses even more data.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 8) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 4
Thanks, I also checked PG Music and said the same, ok now im happy I'm going with Mac
Thanks for the info

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted By: SalMinasalli
Hello, I have windows BIAB, this year I switched to Mac and Logic Pro, I an waiting for BIAB Mac. BUT are you saying real tracks for MAC are no good.
What good is it if you cant use real tracks.


What we're talking about is converting Realtracks from a Windows version to a Mac version. If you purchase a Mac version, it will be the same quality as the Windows version.

Originally Posted By: mrgeeze
I assume (please confirm/deny PG Staff) that if one purchases the Mac version of the software all the real tracks will have equal the quality level of the windows real tracks.


That is correct. The Realtracks are all saved to either WMA (Windows) or M4A (Mac) at a bitrate of 128-160kbps, so they're the same quality for both versions.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
mrgeeze Offline OP
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Does the bitrate of the audiophile version differ from the above.?


biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
The Audiophile edition uses uncompressed files, either WAV or AIFF. Bitrate is 1411kbps.


I work here
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
Topics86,257
Posts802,411
Members40,076
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Schusterpech, Kingloud, Elle, bechda, geswho22
40,075 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 125
zedd 111
DC Ron 89
rsdean 87
Today's Birthdays
dryan08
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5