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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,918
PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,918 |
There are over 30 new features and enhancements in Band-in-a-Box 2010.5, plus many RealTracks updates.- The StylePicker now has a filter to show/hide Real or MIDI styles. So if you only want to see MIDI styles, or if you only want to see styles that use some/all RealTracks, you can set this.
- If you like the current mix (of volumes, panning, reverb), and you want this applied as a default for all songs, you can now set this by Right clicking on the Combo radio control. Choose "Make Current Mix the Default", "Load Default Mix" or "Reset Mix (to factory defaults)".
- RealTracks naturally occurring pushes are enhanced in many styles. This requires updating the ST2/XT2 files, and these are included in the 2010.5 update.
- When rendering, you can now add a dB amount to the whole mix, so that the mix will be louder or softer. There is automatic "peak-limiting" added, so that the music will not distort if you set it too high.
- Styles can now be made that are set to use Half-Time and Double-Time RealTracks. For example, you can make a Jazz Ballad style (tempo 65) that uses a Sax Soloist at tempo 140 (playing double time).
- If Band-in-a-Box cannot find your RealTracks folder or your Drums folder, a yellow hint message appears at bootup to alert you to that, and tells you how to fix it: "Note: You have RealTracks installed, but none are found in your RealTracks folder. You should point to your correct RealTracks folder in Prefs-RealTracks Settings."
- RealTracks Pushes are now played a little quieter (2 dB quieter), so that they don’t stand out as much.
- For RealTracks, many Jazz comping styles now play triads (instead of 7ths) when simple triads are entered, instead of "jazzing them up" to 7ths chords (e.g. Guitar: Freddie, Wes Piano: Some Jazz. All Stride, Rehearsal). If you prefer this "the old way", where triads are automatically "jazzed up" when comping using Jazz RealTracks, then you can set the Prefs-Realtracks settings option to force 7ths for triads.
- Enhancements for entering songs quickly: Typing special words, instead of chord names, will make the following settings:
begin <enter> sets the begin of the chorus to the current bar
end <enter> sets the end of the song to the current bar
chorusend <enter> sets the end of the song chorus to the current bar
tkc <enter> sets key signature to c, tkbb would set it to bb
trc <enter> transposes song to key of C
t125 <enter> sets tempo to 125
- Enhancements for playing songs from the chordsheet
<spacebar> or double click on ending bar (or a bar in the tag), and it will play from the ending (or tag). This only applies to the chordsheet, since notation windows always play from the ending or tag already.
Right Click on ChordSheet (or notation) to quickly set Chorus Begin, Chorus End, or Song Ending
- Real Drums button now has a menu (like RealTracks picker button) to choose RD Prefs or RD Picker. Ctrl-Click or Shift-Click to choose the Prefs or Picker directly.
- The Auto-generated song memo now says if Real Drums come from the song or style
- A message now appears if a frozen track is loaded, but the required RealTracks or RealDrums folders do not exist.
- Frozen tracks now start playing faster if played again.
- In the RealTracks picker, the columns for Set # and Holds # sort is improved.
- Important change: The default for the tempo swapping feature for RealTracks is now true. It used to be false. Tempo-swapping is a nice feature that will automatically substitute a similar RealTracks that is recorded at a tempo closer to the current tempo. For example, if you load a ballad style, with a RealTracks piano at a tempo of 60, and then speed the song up to 200, BB’s tempo-swapping feature will choose a RealTracks piano that is closer to 200, likely one that is 190. Prefs-RealTracks to disable this feature.
- Band-in-a-Box will keep on generating RealTracks even if some wav files are missing.
- Fixed: Chord Options Update button updates the chordsheet, clear all works better.
- Changed: File-New gets volumes of 127, instead of 90.
- Fixed: Spurious message about better realtracks available when half-time realtracks were used.
- Fixed: Copying melody when regions overlapped was losing some notes
- Fixed: Frozen tracks were playing louder, when Play pressed again.
There have been a large number of RealTracks updates since the release of 2010. These include:- Almost all RealTracks now have improved 4-bar endings.
- Less common and previously unavailable chords have been added.
- Better audio quality and stretching on some styles.
- All known bugs have been addressed.
Click here to go to the Macintosh RealTracks updates page. There is a RealTracks 1-82 update and a RealDrums 1-29 update (these two include all updates since the release of RealTracks for Macintosh). For more details about the Band-in-a-Box 2010.5 update see our Band-in-a-Box updates page.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 57 |
Still no "soloing-keycommand"? Why not replace it for the mute - CMD-3....4....5.... Much more useful IMO
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
disappointed after purchasing the mac version...
- Leadsheet window and Conductor are still only for the windows version?
- the interface is still SOO retro... it feels like an old house that started with a room, then generations by generations added stories and other rooms on top of eachother, without any regard to architecture.
well, luckily it works (although it seems to be more of a miracle...:-))
thanks
Alex
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
oh, and the WINDOW.... that scrolls one screen at a time... how do you highlight to copy rows in different "screens"? the technique to click on the first measure then shift-click on the last, of course, doesn't work...:-(
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
... is anybody reading this?... $159 later, I feel I deserve an answer...:-(
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
Remember, this is a user forum, so users can only give you workarounds, not program fixes.
If you want an answer from PGMusic, then why not send support an email, or user Live Chat, or just call them?
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
well, John, it's just amazing to me how such a great idea for a product can be developed so poorly. An example: the interface never got updated since I first used the program, back in the early 90's...
It really has the potential to replace any type of sequencer/karaoke machine/quick arranger, in stead, all it really is usable for, is for horn players to practice their improvisations. I watched the "new features" video for the mac version, and all I saw was a bunch of bug fixes, that should had been there in the first place, when the "real"-thing started (I missed that update, and I see now that I didn't miss much...:-)) Ear training? Games? "Guess-my-vocal-range"? Soloists? Why?...These are all separate applications having nothing to do, in my opinion, with the original intent of the program: create good backup tracks from the given chords. Why not put in a game of Tic-Tac-Toe?...
So, I'm writing here not because I need help, but because I'm disappointed. Still, I hope that someone other than "users" might be reading this and taking note. Who knows, maybe version 2020.75 will be just the right thing... I just hope I'll still be around to see it :-)
Alex
P.S. I'm sick of "workarounds". We, computer suckers, always rely on them when something is supposed to be there and it's not. It's like you get a new car without wheels... but don't worry, the wheels are coming for sure in the next version. In the mean time, here's a workaround: put your car on a platform and push...
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>>> Leadsheet window and Conductor are still only for the windows version? You are correct, the leadsheet window and conductor feature aren't present on the Mac version. We are working on these things, but our main focus is the musical output, available styles etc., which is identical on both Mac and WIndows. >>> when the "real"-thing started (I missed that update, and I see now that I didn't miss much... If you are referring to RealTracks, well I think that was a good upgrade. >> in stead, all it really is usable for, is for horn players to practice their improvisations Lots of people use Band-in-a-Box for more than that. For example, check out the User Showcase Forum http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=usershowcaseThe 100+ songs in this forum were made using some or all Band-in-a-Box tracks, with additional tracks (vocals etc) added in a DAW. As you may know, you can drag tracks from Band-in-a-Box to GarageBand, Logic or other DAW's.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
HI Peter, nice to hear from you...:-)
The way I understand (and use) your program is either as a pedagogical tool, or as a live performance tool. In case of a studio recording, I would definitely hire musicians... because there's no replacement for the real thing...
As a teaching tool, BIAB is great, I recommend it to all my students who want to learn to improvise. But then, I also recommend them to get the Aebersold's books.
As a live performance tool... well, i was just hoping that, since the last time I bought the program, several versions back, it would have become more developed and useful by itself. AND it would work on a mac...
I am also using it in a workflow that is more of a nightmare... and every time I do a new piece I have to go through my notes to see how to do it. Here it is:
- I start in BIAB, entering the chords, generating an accompaniment and saving the song as a MIDI file.
- I import it in Logic, and "fix" things like stops, breaks, rhythmical figures and crash cymbals that sometimes seem to be missing after a drummer's fill.
- I scan the lead sheet (i need music in front of me... most of the time)
- I put it all together in a program called MidiMaestro, which has 2 crucial features: (1) it allows me to set up unlimited "vamps", which are choruses of improvisation- to get out of them and finish the piece I have to press a button, and, (2) it has a karaoke function which allows for a picture background- this feature allows me to load my music sheet and see it while the sequencer is running.
- unfortunately, this program lacks some advanced song tagging features- composer, singer, style, etc,then a search, setting up sets of songs, and so on. So I had to program myself such a database in FileMaker, and then hook it up to the sequencer program by means of sending events to open MIDI files.
- so the next step for me is to create a record in my database with the song, and enter all the information I need about it. Then, maybe assign it to one or several sets and give it an order number.
I was hoping to be able to do all this with just one program- yours, and i was hoping to do it from the Mac partition, in a nice and elegant design. In stead, I get annoyed by the same small things that I was annoyed 5 years ago- like the chords window that wouldn't scroll one row at a time so I wouldn't be able to copy chords starting in a page and ending in the next... and, every time i open any preferences dialog I sigh...
What do you think? Can Band In A Box become the one program "to rule them all"?... I really wish so.
thanks
Alex
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
>>> I get annoyed by the same small things that I was annoyed 5 years ago- like the chords window that wouldn't scroll one row at a time so I wouldn't be able to copy chords starting in a page and ending in the next...
You can copy a region using [menu] Edit-"Copy From.. To" . Hot key is Opt C. That works for areas that are on multiple pages.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7 |
so... I guess the answer is "no", there are no plans to make BIAB "the one app to rule them all"... and you, Peter, consider that the interface is "as good as it gets"...
well, thanks for the enlightenment. at least I know now not to have any further expectations.
alex
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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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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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There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Holiday Weekend Hours
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Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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.
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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
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- 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®!
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