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RealBand
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I just got this in an email from alesis
Important News Regarding macOS 11 Big Sur and Alesis Products
It's that time again for your annual 'Don't update to the new shiny macOS just yet' reminder.
macOS updates are always exciting! Bringing new features, improved workflows and new value to your Apple products. Unfortunately, these updates also have a tendency to introduce instabilities for third party hardware and software products.
It is important to us that you continue to enjoy using your Alesis products without any downtime. We encourage you to remain on your current macOS until a full statement announcing hardware and software compatibility is made.
Until then, we also recommend turning off automatic macOS updates to prevent updating accidentally:
we've all seen problems with windows 10 updates but for a major name in music software like alesis to issue a warning is surprising
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2020
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graham. ive given you the best of my thinking in this thread. might i suggest you spend time on pg here and peruse the various videos and manuals bout realband ?? and see if its for you ?? cos its very difficult when one is not in the room with you to show you what a particular software is capable of. there is a LOT RB is capable of. but like biab one has to "delve" and experiment. as you will see, same with any recording studio software there IS a learning curve. https://www.pgmusic.com/videos.realband.htmhttps://www.pgmusic.com/videos.realband.tips.htmmanuals. https://www.pgmusic.com/manuals/index.htmi wish you the best oldmuso bob. my studio computer has never seen the net. i just got an amazon fire tablet which i'm rather happy with for 100 $. i use it for general web surfing and learning bout new recording gear etc. i like it cos its "snappy"/"responsive". best. muso.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 11/12/20 02:41 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2003
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As you know, I don't want to spend unnecessary hours on the technical side of things, I just want to create my backing tracks. I'm far more of a musician than a computer guy. But I'm forever grateful for guys like you who understand these dark arts...!
And here is the catch 22. You have a learning curve on any DAW, RealBand, Garage band, etc. If you just want to take whatever BiaB gives you and play along with it go with the Mac: Note I am assuming that you know a little about Garage Band. You would transfer the audio files to Garage band and record/jam along there. OR if you only want to jam along and/or record one new track then you can do it in BiaB. Note I only know the PC side of BiaB so I am assuming you can also record on the Mac sid. But if you want to adjust some of the BiaB tracks, that is regenerate parts of a track(s) to better suit the song, and easily add more BiaB tracks then you need RealBand. BUT as I said there is a learning curve in any DAW so you must become familiar with your computer and your software. Also don't forget that there is a learning curve with BiaB also. In BiaB I just add chords, pick a style, then transfer everything to my DAW. I only use about 10%-15% of what BiaB can do but that fits my needs and workflow. YMMV
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17 |
Hi Bob.
I've just had a very similar email from Line 6. I think it's always been the case that updating to a new OS brings problems along with benefits.
But it's interesting that at least two manufacturers have seen fit to tell their customers about potential problems.
I've always been one to wait awhile before adopting a major OS update for that very reason.
Unfortunately, my iMac maxed out on updates a couple of years ago so I don't need to worry...!
Graham
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
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OP
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Posts: 17 |
Hi Muso.
Thanks again, you've been very generous with your time and effort to try and help me.
I've spent more than a healthy number of hours researching BIAB and RB on the net, believe me....!
It seems to me that RB is perfect for me, bearing in mind that it will be my first foray into using a computer to record my music. So Windows it is...!
Thanks again
Graham
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
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Posts: 17 |
Hi Mario
I think you've hit it on the head, and I've settled on the Windows version to maximise on the RB potential.
As I mentioned a couple of times in this thread, I understand there's a learning curve to all this and I'm fully prepared for that.
It won't happen on its own and in an earlier post I referred to spending "unnecessary" hours, meaning I didn't want to waste effort on programming so if RB saves me some time and effort in producing a result, that'll be the one for me.
Thanks to you guys for helping out, I'm sure you haven't heard the last of me..!!
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RealBand
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and now eventide says don't upgrade your apple os........
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2020
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I just got this in an email from alesis
Important News Regarding macOS 11 Big Sur and Alesis Products
It's that time again for your annual 'Don't update to the new shiny macOS just yet' reminder.
macOS updates are always exciting! Bringing new features, improved workflows and new value to your Apple products. Unfortunately, these updates also have a tendency to introduce instabilities for third party hardware and software products.
It is important to us that you continue to enjoy using your Alesis products without any downtime. We encourage you to remain on your current macOS until a full statement announcing hardware and software compatibility is made.
Until then, we also recommend turning off automatic macOS updates to prevent updating accidentally:
we've all seen problems with windows 10 updates but for a major name in music software like alesis to issue a warning is surprising I've personally received warnings from many companies whenever Apple releases a new version of their OS. Avid, MOTU, RME, Focusrite I think, just about every audio company releases a statement warning users not to upgrade right away. Software developers (like us) don't get access to the "official" builds of Mac OS until the day it's released - we get access to the pre-release and beta versions, but often there are a lot of changes between beta and final build that can cause issues.
I work here
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
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Posts: 10,937 |
If you don't care if your music computer uses Windows or Mac, then I'd suggest Windows for multiple reasons:
1. Band-in-a-Box for Windows includes RealBand.
2. Band-in-a-Box for Windows has more features than the Mac version.
3. The Band-in-a-Box for Windows forum section has more users than the Band-in-a-Box for Mac forum section. More users equals more people to answer questions.
RealBand can use Band-in-a-Box song files, RealTracks and UserTracks. That means all the files that can be used in Band-in-a-Box also work inside RealBand.
The strengths of RealBand and Band-in-a-Box for Windows compliment each other. Band-in-a-Box is strong in setting song structure and views songs in three parts, Intro, Chorus and Ending. RealBand looks at songs in a linear, time based line from beginning to end.
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 17
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OP
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Posts: 17 |
Hi Jim and thanks for pitching in.
The reasons you've given for choosing Windows make sense to me. Anything that makes my life easier means I have more time for other things.
I'll spend the winter months preparing for the summer gigs. Like every performer, I miss being out there and doing what we love best.
Out of interest Jim, what's your main use for BIAB..?
I'll be using it to create tracks to enhance my acoustic based duo. Bass lines and fills mainly, as I play guitar with my wife on percussion. We both do vocals.
Graham
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
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Hi Graham,
I'm glad you found my comments useful.
I use Band-in-a-Box to learn about audio production. I like exploring how to use effects, learn to edit and mix and how audio tools like midi and loops work. I actually seldom record so having access to Band-in-a-Box to create audio is important to me.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,554
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graham.(and other new/existing pg users.) perhaps you might read and support this wishlist item i posted. ie helping users buy the right computer to run a recording studio. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=619721#Post619721i posted it because ive seen too many problems occur over the years. best. muso.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 11/15/20 03:44 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 734
Journeyman
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Journeyman
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Posts: 734 |
I just got this in an email from alesis
Important News Regarding macOS 11 Big Sur and Alesis Products
It's that time again for your annual 'Don't update to the new shiny macOS just yet' reminder.
macOS updates are always exciting! Bringing new features, improved workflows and new value to your Apple products. Unfortunately, these updates also have a tendency to introduce instabilities for third party hardware and software products.
It is important to us that you continue to enjoy using your Alesis products without any downtime. We encourage you to remain on your current macOS until a full statement announcing hardware and software compatibility is made.
Until then, we also recommend turning off automatic macOS updates to prevent updating accidentally:
we've all seen problems with windows 10 updates but for a major name in music software like alesis to issue a warning is surprising I get these from every vendor/manufacturer every time Apple does an update. They just don't get to tests the final release of the OS until it is released, so they can't be assured it all still works right. They have to send these CYA emails.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,937
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According to +++ THIS +++ article, some 2013 and 2014 MacBook Pro models are getting stuck on a non responsive black screen after updating to the Big Sur MaxOS. Even resetting NVRAM or SMC does not resolve the issue. It appears there are some good reasons not to rush in with this particular update.
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RealBand
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I get these from every vendor/manufacturer every time Apple does an update. They just don't get to tests the final release of the OS until it is released, so they can't be assured it all still works right. They have to send these CYA emails. I can absolutely attest to that. We've had one of the new ARM Mac Mini's in office for a while with the pre-release macOS Big Sur, and we made sure things were happy on that, only to find on Big Sur public release day that the final OS caused issues with BIAB. So there's one reason to go with the Windows version - a few less surprises than the Mac version!
I work here
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RealBand
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my big unobtainable dream for 2021 is that apple and MS
produce a pro audio mini OS that runs all pro audio software /supports interfaces. programmed in asm.
cut out all the bloat.
fast as blazes etc. perchance to dream lol.
my recording computers never see the net.
thus of all my friends i know, i'm only one who has never had a problem. interesting eh ??
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,131
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my big unobtainable dream for 2021 is that apple and MS
produce a pro audio mini OS that runs all pro audio software /supports interfaces. programmed in asm.
cut out all the bloat.
fast as blazes etc. perchance to dream lol.
my recording computers never see the net.
thus of all my friends i know, i'm only one who has never had a problem. interesting eh ?? I kept my music computer off-line for about three years straight but then one of my music software programs demanded an OS update. What a mess I got myself into. The Win 10 OS was so far out of date that I had to format my C:/ drive and do a fresh Win 10 install. Now I keep my music computer off-line most of the time. The only time that I am connected is for Win 10 updates, about every other week or so, and installation and registration of software. I now have to keep Defender and antimalarebytes updated also. Its a real bummer. I have my old XP music computer off-line for years with no problems.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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RealBand
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Mario I have kept my computers on line all through the years no problem, I just am careful what I allow on the computer.
I have both Mac and Win Biab and DAWs. While I love the smoothness of Mac I find Windows to be very solid and I still use RB on occasion. If I had to chose I would most likely chose Windows since I like the package a bit better.
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
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RealBand
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Hi Rob,
My Internet computer is on from around 8 AM to 11 PM and I have never had any problems either. I also am very careful about what goes in this computer and what I view on line.
When working with my music computer I like to keep everything off that can run in the background, including my Ethernet card, Defender, anti-malwarebytes, and cCleaner. That way nothing can interfere with my recordings.
I know this is an old habit that I acquired back in the much slower CPU days but it is one that has always worked for me. So if it ain't broke I ain't changing it. YMMV
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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RealBand
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mario.
re "ran out of paper". makes me giggle lol.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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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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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.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
-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)
- 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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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