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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Hi,
Just wondering about the pricing on the audiophile edition - I noticed that there are nice discounts for all other versions of BIAB-MAC 2010. Was this an oversight, or intentional. Are you phasing out the audiophile edition? It's just that in the past, the Audiophile edition was incrementally more expensive than the next most comprehensive package, but now with the discounted price on all other packages, there's a big gap.
How do people feel about the Audiophile edition? Worth it? (I know, I know - it's subjective) - storage for large files is getting cheaper every day, so why not start with the highest quality source files you can, right?
I was initially leaning towards purchasing this edition, but now the price gap has me thinking twice...
Thanks,
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
A big chunk of the price is the included 1.5 Terabyte hard drive. Those types of drives sell on Amazon for about $125. http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Prestige-De...3892&sr=8-1I would say it depends on what you are using it for. The audiophile would be best if you are doing recordings, where you wouldn't want to introduce small amounts of noise, as is present on compressed files. For everyday use (practising, casual recordings), the non Audiophile version is fine.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Thanks for the response - what bit rate is used for the compressed files? I know there's a million opinions on audio file compression, but are we talking 128 kbps neighborhood, 320 kpbs, or some higher, variable compression?
Also, how much space is left on the 1.5T drive with that Audiophile installation? Maybe it would be worth it if there was a ton of space left over that could be used for other storage.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 169 |
I was disappointed there was not some sort of discount for people who had bought the usb hd full BIAB in the past but I do understand the HD price for audiophile edition is expensive. Maybe in the future I will get the audiophile edition as I want to do recording. The price is too high for me at the moment so I bought the USB version.
I am pleased with the 2010 version and so pleased to have scrolling - it works so well with my magic mouse.
Jim
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
>> Also, how much space is left on the 1.5T drive with that Audiophile installation? Maybe it would be worth it if there was a ton of space left over that could be used for other storage.
There's about 450 GB left. Haven't weighed it, but that seems like a ton of space.
On the non-audiophile version....
>>> what bit rate is used for the compressed files?
Different rates are used for the files. Stereo ones use more of course. Compression rates are in the 64 to 128 range.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 196 |
Quote:
A big chunk of the price is the included 1.5 Terabyte hard drive.
Those types of drives sell on Amazon for about $125. http://www.amazon.com/Iomega-Prestige-De...3892&sr=8-1
I would say it depends on what you are using it for. The audiophile would be best if you are doing recordings, where you wouldn't want to introduce small amounts of noise, as is present on compressed files. For everyday use (practising, casual recordings), the non Audiophile version is fine.
I'm thinking about buying the Mac Audiophile edition. A couple of questions: is that "small amount of noise" really the main issue in terms of a discernible sonic difference between the audiophile and other editions? Sure, I'd always like to avoid noise, but it seems to me that it might not be much of an issue with many rock or country styles -- more of an issue with a quiet jazz style that might be using mainly piano and bass. Will I hear other differences? (I should mention that I am fussy -- I never buy Itunes from the Apple store, for example, because I can hear a subtle difference between a 256 bit rate, vs CDs I convert myself with a lossless codec).
Another question: I own both the Mac and Windows versions of BIAB. If I buy the Audiophile version on one platform, can I use the aiff (or in the case of Windows, wav) files, with the non-Audiophile version on the other platform? I've been hedging my bets by purchasing the latest Ultra or Everything Pak in both Mac and Win versions, but buying and consistently upgrading the Audiophile versions both on platforms would be stretching the budget a little too far.
And finally: I'd need to back up the drive, obviously. Since it ships on a 1.5 T hard drive, but apparently about 1/3 of the space is still open, can I back it up to a 1T drive? I'm also assuming its a USB, not Firewire drive, correct?
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 13 |
Quote:
>>> what bit rate is used for the compressed files?
Different rates are used for the files. Stereo ones use more of course. Compression rates are in the 64 to 128 range.
Sorry to beat this one to death, but I just want to make sure I understand correctly. Are you saying that the bit rates used are comparable to the bit rate used in the old (non- ITunes plus) songs you'd buy from ITunes (which were 128 kbps stereo files typically?) I understand that this breaks down to the same as having a 64 kbps bit rate file for the Left channel, and a 64 kbps bit rate file for the Right channel, so for instruments recorded in mono, 64 kbps compression would be comparable to the quality when listening to a sound source on one channel of an old iTunes store-purchased stereo song (like a guitar panned all the way to the left for example).
If this is the case, then I would think that the fidelity would be substantially higher in the audiophile versions, not simply a difference only noticed by those doing critical recordings. I would think that given the target audience of this product, many (if not most) customers would be able to hear some of the unpleasant sound qualities like those in the old iTunes store files, when listening with earphones or speakers.
I'm sure you've had to strike a balance between file size and quality, but it seems like there's a lot of area between the 64-128 kbps range and the AIFF file. I just want to make sure I understand this correctly.
Cheers,
Jeff
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 728 |
Hi Peter!...I'm considering the Audiophile edition for my next upgrade, also. Currently, I have the Everything HD edition but I'd like to have the higher quality recordings for studio work. What resolution are you using to record the RT/RD tracks? 24/96? More? I'm assuming the WAVs on the Audiophile HD are 16/44.1. Is it possible to download the WAV version of a particular RT/RD style if you already own the style in another edition? How many questions can I ask in one email?  BTW...I LOVE BIAB...it's the number one tool in my songwriting/production arsenal. I could live without it, I guess, but I sure wouldn't want to. Kudos. Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,598
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,598 |
Hello Bob,
Yes, the audio files (AIFF) on the hard drive are all 16/44.1. Some instruments may originally be recorded at a higher resolution, but the final mixes are 16/44.1. These files are only available on hard drive - we don't make them available for download. Only the compressed audio files are available for download.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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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 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!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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