If you had an alternate universe where Mac has Rosetta, it runs the same 32/64 bit apps on all updates n upgrades. Would you get users complaining ?: "WTF I went to run a 32 bit app and it worked, this is no good, I don't want this !" "I upgraded and all the apps still worked, this is totally unacceptable, can we stop this from happening some way ?" "I clicked on a ppc app and it ran, WTF is going on here, how do I stop this ?"
NO you wouldn't because that alternate universe would be heaven.
It's easy saying it's not a problem but if you are one of the many programmers that have to actually fix these issues all the time it's another story. All these posts here and all the pressure is on the programmer !, NOT apple ! I think you guys should give the empathy to the programmer and copy paste all these post to the apple forum. You don't want to allow them to get away scot free from any of the responsibility.
It's not a football team rivalry where you say that team is bad this team is good, it's just truth. How many of you have spoken out and said anything at all to apple rather than to me ? The more you speak up and tell the truth the more likely this will bring about change, sure you might get censored on fb or twitter but you've gotta try.
Thank you Pipeline. On one side, I think it's inevitable that Apple will need to remove certain functionality for future progress, like removing 32-bit support in Catalina and jumping from OS9 to OSX - imagine the coding nightmare if macOS still had compatibility with OS9 apps and earlier!
On the other side, software developers like us have great difficulty when we have to chase down issues that crop up due to Apple "progress". Case in point - Apple made an update to their MobileDevice.framework in Mojave and High Sierra that automatically installs when an iPhone is plugged in, and the "update" removes all 32-bit functionality from that particular framework despite the fact that Mojave supports both 32 and 64-bit apps. This update causes BIAB 2018 and earlier to not start, and fixing it on our end requires a complete rewrite of BIAB as a 64-bit app (much like we did going into the 2019 version).
Realistically though, Apple isn't gonna change how they operate unless we all vote with our wallets, and I know most of us won't.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 02/10/2110:47 AM.
Thanks Simon, well said. The good thing is Mac uses Windows hardware so if anyone else gets fed up they can easily install Win10 on the hardware. You can even extract all the drivers out of the BootCamp pkg. I loved Mac and would rather use it but this issue just put me off it, I don't need anymore stress in my life You can only multiboot so many different version of Mac on your machine or so many VirtualBoxes. I think apple takes users for granted, but PG don't.
Not for much longer, thanks to the new M1 chip - although some enterprising individuals have figured out how to load Windows 10 for ARM onto the new M1 Macs and apparently it's quite fast - though of course BIAB still requires Intel/x86-64.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 02/10/2102:51 PM.
You can't really throw all the Intel Macs in the garbage even though that is what apple want you to do to "buy" their new hardware that is made in China at cost to them of $5. It will be way cheaper and no more problems like we have here on a regular basis, to install Win10 on them, END OF THESE PROBLEMS. Windows Biab 2021 RealBand 2021 they are old news here Last Weeks Apple
Pipeline. lol. i DO HOPE the big guys switch to high end macs etc etc. that means more cheap intel refurbs flooding the market for us poorer musicians. best to stay behind the tech curve imho. i'm seeing great deals on refurb xeon beasts from earlier generations. both on the apple and on the win side. under 600 buks. lots of deals. even seen refurbs for 150 buks, plenty good enough to run bb. ive found the ssd's make a big diff in daw work.
best muso.
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.)
We thoroughly enjoy our cloistered Apple world ... two iPhones, HomePod, Apple TV, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Play in the vehicle and two Macs.
I resided in the PC environment from the early 80’s until 2011. And I never look back.
Just wanted to mention that we aren’t all Apple haters
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
« Just wanted to mention that we aren’t all Apple haters« +1 For information, I had a « Big Sur » problem with my notation software, but it was corrected in a few days...
...that means more cheap intel refurbs flooding the market for us poorer musicians. best to stay behind the tech curve imho....
For sure as apple tell the followers these are now last weeks models, get rid of them they are now worthless, there will be too much shame involve if you are seen with one. Apple fined for slowing down old iPhones A good idea is don't allow users a panel to upgrade ram/hard drive/cpu make it real difficult to open same with iPhone don't allow users a panel to replace the battery we want them to "buy" a new iPhone. I use iToiletPaper now.
i dont hate apple. i just wish their pricing schemes were more friendly towards poor musicians that often struggle with very low/no budgets for gear. as to phones, my wife has a motorola hyper that was cheap. she loves it, it seems to do everything but shine ones shoes. lol. great camera on it also. does everything we ever want.
i send out lots of good wishes/mojo for a great songwriting and healthy year to all mac pg users. peace and love to all. best. muso.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 02/12/2105:49 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.)
I was planning to update to BIAB 2020 but I won't until this issue is solved. Notation window doesn't work. Neither the daw plugin, even with GarageBand. Do you have an idea when this thing will be solved?
Just wait until Windows 11 comes out. I'm not saying that things will stop working, but things will stop working.
Originally Posted By: Janice & Bud
We thoroughly enjoy our cloistered Apple world ... two iPhones, HomePod, Apple TV, iPad, Apple Watch, Apple Play in the vehicle and two Macs.
I resided in the PC environment from the early 80’s until 2011. And I never look back.
Just wanted to mention that we aren’t all Apple haters
Despite Apple taking away the ability for me to upgrade my Ram or replace my battery, I'm still an Apple user myself. Got a Mac Pro, Macbook Pro, iMac, and iPhone SE, and there's no way I would want to trade that for Windows and/or Android. Low latency audio simply works on Apple, where we have to jump through hoops for Windows, and I'm not paid enough to deal with that on a regular basis.
Originally Posted By: PLS
I love windows and I'm fortunate to have several at my house as they allow for natural light to shine on all my Apple equipment!
I also have some great windows! Mine are all east-facing so my Apple equipment gets a lot of morning sun!
Originally Posted By: scostudio
I was planning to update to BIAB 2020 but I won't until this issue is solved. Notation window doesn't work. Neither the daw plugin, even with GarageBand. Do you have an idea when this thing will be solved?
Regards
We are not aware of any Big Sur related issues with the DAW plugin, what issue are you having? Perhaps contact support and we should be able to get that going for you. The notation window issue is resolved now, and the patch for 2020 is available here: https://www.pgmusic.com/support_macintoshupdates.htm#2020_422
Thank you Simon and everyone at PG Music for getting us up and running on Big Sur. Now we can all quit [*****] and now I can move over to the iMac from my dual booted MacBook.
One final [*****]... I had a thought about Apple making changes constantly, I think that is the price we pay for progress and security. Just imagine wanting to stay with last years car model because it worked just fine. How many would be driving an Edsel, or a Model T? Technology is moving at lightspeed, it is hard to keep up. I used Windows machines at work in engineering, mostly graphics and spreadsheet computation. It was so nice to come home to my Macs. To be honest I finally decided to try BIAB in 2020 after writing it off for decades, the only reason I have it now is because of the lockdown, up to this point I had never had a problem with any program because of Apple updates, and BIAB is the only program I am running that was not compatible out of the gate with Big Sur. I am not saying other companies were not behind the curve, I have looked at the compatibility lists online.
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!
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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 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!
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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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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.
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)
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