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Hello, I have a question. I purchased a speedy, big and impressive external SSD disk. Do you reckon BIAB will function well provided I install it with all the realtracks on this external drive? Besides, will BIAB operate on other computers once I connect the SSD with BIAB already installed? In other words, is it achievable to turn BIAB into a portable program on SSD?
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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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.
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It will need to be activated on any computer on which you run it and you can have up to three concurrent activations. If you want to use on further machines than that, you will need to deactivate an earlier activation to do so.
Edit: Activations are managed via the Help menu.
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 11/22/23 08:00 AM. Reason: addendum.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Gordon is correct. Install onto each of three computers using the minimal install option, that says the RealTracks etc. will be on the external drive.
Another trick I use is, in Windows, rename the BIAB USB drive to the same high drive letter on each machine (ex. I use drive R for RealTracks), so plugging in other devices doesn't bump up the drive letter. Otherwise, your drive is E sometimes, or F, or ... One reason I do this is to use SyncToy to back up any of my song files, and I never have to create new folder pairs to accommodate changing drive letters.
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.
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If you go to a friends house and you both want to jam to Biab you can plug it into your friends PC and it will still work in 30 day trial mode before having to activate, and you won't be locked out if you have no internet to activate.
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Good answers above. There's no reason that it should not operate for you in this way.
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.
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All excellent advice in this thread and I can vouch that it's accurate. I just wanted to mention that we introduced an SSD option for the UltraPAK this year, so it's now possible to purchase BIAB pre-installed on an external SSD! This option is available at checkout when purchasing the UltraPAK or UltraPAK+, and it should automatically prompt you.
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it's now possible to purchase BIAB pre-installed on an external SSD! Over the years, I’ve installed each new band in box over the existing version as well as any additional add-ons that I have purchased. What happens to those add-ones if I choose to run band in the box from that external ssd ?
Last edited by pghboemike; 12/10/23 12:11 AM.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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I save every install EXE file.
If you did not, log in to your BIAB account (different from your Forum account) and everything you registered is there.
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.
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Over the years, I’ve installed each new band in box over the existing version as well as any additional add-ons that I have purchased.
What happens to those add-ones if I choose to run band in the box from that external ssd ? When we ship out hard drives or SSD's, these contain only the new BIAB version you purchased. Any add-ons, past or present, are a download only. As Matt mentioned, you should be able to log into your account and download your past add-ons. If for some reason you can't find the downloads there, feel free to contact us and we'll look into it.
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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I pretty much have every installation media archived back to BiaB-12. But the most recent I got was BiaB-2019, and I bought it on the external USB drive. How do I use that External USB Drive, transfer ALL of RealTracks and historical stuff to it, and combine it all on the external drive? (Or, do I need to take one of my reformatted USB 1TB drives from a previous laptop and somehow reinstall it on to that drive and basically start over? If I'm reading Simon's previous reponse correctly, I CAN combine all of my stuff on that 2019 HardDrive install disk?
Sorry to be such a luddite. I can usually figure these things out. But I just got a new gaming laptop and it is scary-fast and 32GB memory, but the C:\ drive is an SSD, and I want to run BiaB from that 2019 USB harddrive if it's possible. Can I just copy the BB\ folder from my old laptop onto the 2019-Install drive, and it will find all of the styles from the previous installs when the StyleManager updates?
LJ
Last edited by LadyJazzer; 12/13/23 01:02 PM. Reason: expand on question
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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Yes, in theory you can combine all your existing material by copying it to another location where BIAB is installed. Make sure whatever copying software you use will overwrite only older dated files.
I do this every year.
HOWEVER in BIAB 2018 they substantially changed the folder organization. If you are trying to recover files from 2017 or earlier onto a drive with BIAB 2018 or later, it won’t work directly. I urge caution and suggest you call PG Music Support for guidance how to proceed. Be prepared to detail everything you have and exactly what you want to do.
While I and several other fellow users have the experience and skill to do this, we cannot take on the responsibility of guiding you here in case something goes wrong.
ps ever run into Steve Dillard in San Diego? Great trumpet player.
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.
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Thanks! I will contact them.
"You play pretty good--for a girl."
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Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
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Yes, in theory you can combine all your existing material by copying it to another location where BIAB is installed. Make sure whatever copying software you use will overwrite only older dated files.
I do this every year.
HOWEVER in BIAB 2018 they substantially changed the folder organization. If you are trying to recover files from 2017 or earlier onto a drive with BIAB 2018 or later, it won’t work directly. I urge caution and suggest you call PG Music Support for guidance how to proceed. Be prepared to detail everything you have and exactly what you want to do.
While I and several other fellow users have the experience and skill to do this, we cannot take on the responsibility of guiding you here in case something goes wrong. Yes! The process is similar—nut not identical—for the Mac. I save every install EXE file.
If you did not, log in to your BIAB account (different from your Forum account) and everything you registered is there. Some versions only ship on external media. Audiophile ships on an HDD. Once received, I install everything into my Mac — Drums and Real Tracks are about 1.5TB so they go to a TB3 SSD*. I have to remember to reinstall all of my Extras packs both onto my computer and again onto the drive that I got from PGMusic. Same thing with Updates—both the Mac and HDD. Since I do everything twice, I find it faster to just run the individual installers than use the Install Manager though that is getting better. *Is this really necessary? Not really as the overall speed and loading from the HDD is reasonably fast; my iMac Pro and Mac Studio are a lot faster, no denying that. There are reasons I prefer to do it this way, however. First is that I dislike the noise from the HDD. It's easier and faster for Time Machine & Backblaze to back it all up. I like having everything up to date on the HDD in case I ever had to restore from it.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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That's helpful to know that the advice applies generally to the Mac version also. The small SSD drive mentioned above that they are shipping now is only for the Windows version, since BIAB 2024 for Mac has not yet been released.
But that points out that posters in THIS forum should identify whether they are working on a Mac or a Windows machine, since this tech-topics forum does not differentiate. For other questions it may make a difference in the answer.
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.
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That's helpful to know that the advice applies generally to the Mac version also. The small SSD drive mentioned above that they are shipping now is only for the Windows version, since BIAB 2024 for Mac has not yet been released. Not having seen it yet, I'll assume it's one of those inexpensive USB 3 flash drives that are now available up to 2TB. I've tested a few and they're slower than SATA SSDs but about the same speed as the HDDs. These should save a fortune on shipping costs and be silent (which checks one of my boxes). With shelf space at a premium in my studio, I just sent seven of those 2TB HDDs to eWaste recycling a few weeks ago — otherwise, I can't give them away here in the Silicon Valley. But that points out that posters in THIS forum should identify whether they are working on a Mac or a Windows machine, since this tech-topics forum does not differentiate. For other questions it may make a difference in the answer. Amen! Everyone should add their essentials to their signature and keep it up to date as Matt and I do. No one needs to guess your setup this way.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
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Not having seen it yet, I'll assume it's one of those inexpensive USB 3 flash drives that are now available up to 2TB. I've tested a few and they're slower than SATA SSDs but about the same speed as the HDDs. Current drives are USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 over USB-C, up to 1500MB/sec. My laptop was able to sustain about 1000MB/sec, though it only has USB 3.2 Gen 2x1. WAY faster than SATA, which would top out around 450MB/sec. Everyone should add their essentials to their signature and keep it up to date as Matt and I do. No one needs to guess your setup this way. Mine's up to date 
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Not having seen it yet, I'll assume it's one of those inexpensive USB 3 flash drives that are now available up to 2TB. I've tested a few and they're slower than SATA SSDs but about the same speed as the HDDs. Current drives are USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 over USB-C, up to 1500MB/sec. My laptop was able to sustain about 1000MB/sec, though it only has USB 3.2 Gen 2x1. WAY faster than SATA, which would top out around 450MB/sec. Everyone should add their essentials to their signature and keep it up to date as Matt and I do. No one needs to guess your setup this way. Mine's up to date Good info on speed. About your signature, you're a funny guy. Since you have no details, I assume you have access to everything!
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.
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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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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.
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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!
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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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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