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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,845
PG Music Staff
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OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,845 |
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: 12,844
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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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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:
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-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
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- 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
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Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
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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!
Special Offers
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
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.
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