This is my debut on the forum so please excuse if I mess up!
This isn’t a new installation all I’m trying to achieve is to move BIAB (plus it’s library) from one SSD to larger SSD within my Mac system.
It’s taken BIAB Install manager 48 hours to download the following Band-in-a-Box 2021 Full (Mac) This is the main Band-in-a-Box application installer. 1.90 GB Hi-Q Instruments for Sforzando (Mac) 736 MB 2021 Bonus 0-PAK (Mac) 188 MB Artist Performances Full (Mac) 1.82 GB MIDI SuperTracks Sets 10-17 (Mac) 303 MB RealTracks Shots Holds Loops and Reamped (Mac) 6.73 GB RealDrums Sets 1-29 (Mac) 2.99 GB
Earlier today I downloaded an East West library “Voices Of Opera” 40.36 GB without any issues in around 30 minutes. I've tested the speed of my internet which is 117.4 Mbps download - 75.4 Mbps upload, there are no restrictions from my internet provider on downloads. I have a state of the art iMac running the latest version of OS, with 128 GB of Ram, a shed load of available storage plus a fast internet connection directly hard wired to ethernet. Could someone please advise me on why it’s so slow? If I was to continue downloading the additional Real Track Sets the ETA would be a week! Is there anyway I could speed this process up?
Help would be immensely appreciated before I go bonkers.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
Are you aware that you can purchase BiaB on a USB drive? That might be a good option for you.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Hey Bass Thumper - Thanks for the welcome and the heads up on the USB drive.
It's a bit frustrating because I'm only attempting to move BIAB etc. from one SSD to another SSD, I'm informed by Tech. Support that the only way I can achieve this is by downloading and properly installing the program from zero upwards to the other SSD.
Thanks again.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
I'm not sure about that advice. While correct, it may not be the only way. I typically do a minimal install of the program to a new drive. Then I use my copying utility (I use a Windows machine with Total Commander, a clone of the old Norton Commander) to copy all the folders in and under /BB from one installation to another (overwriting only older files). No download needed. When I'm done, I deauthorize the old drive and authorize the new one. My installation is over 2 TB since it is the audiophile version, and I run it overnight, but even that takes less time than you describe. And some folks here use drive cloning software; I don't but it should work as well and maybe be even quicker.
Interesting you mention East West. Well over a decade ago, I bought their orchestra library and it took many DVDs. I had never imagined a program that large. Now that would be considered small.
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.
Something else to consider is packet loss. When this happens, a message is sent back to the sending server for it to be re-sent. If this happens frequently during a large file transfer, slower completion times will result. I don't think speed tests can necessarily identify this, as the overall file size sent is small resulting in few packets sent.
That said, I always admire good engineering and the architects of the internet did a fantastic job in designing for fault-tolerance and scalability. This video explains what many (including me) take for granted every day.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
This is my debut on the forum so please excuse if I mess up!
This isn’t a new installation all I’m trying to achieve is to move BIAB (plus it’s library) from one SSD to larger SSD within my Mac system.
It’s taken BIAB Install manager 48 hours to download the following Band-in-a-Box 2021 Full (Mac) This is the main Band-in-a-Box application installer. 1.90 GB Hi-Q Instruments for Sforzando (Mac) 736 MB 2021 Bonus 0-PAK (Mac) 188 MB Artist Performances Full (Mac) 1.82 GB MIDI SuperTracks Sets 10-17 (Mac) 303 MB RealTracks Shots Holds Loops and Reamped (Mac) 6.73 GB RealDrums Sets 1-29 (Mac) 2.99 GB
Earlier today I downloaded an East West library “Voices Of Opera” 40.36 GB without any issues in around 30 minutes. I've tested the speed of my internet which is 117.4 Mbps download - 75.4 Mbps upload, there are no restrictions from my internet provider on downloads. I have a state of the art iMac running the latest version of OS, with 128 GB of Ram, a shed load of available storage plus a fast internet connection directly hard wired to ethernet. Could someone please advise me on why it’s so slow? If I was to continue downloading the additional Real Track Sets the ETA would be a week! Is there anyway I could speed this process up?
Help would be immensely appreciated before I go bonkers.
First, you can simply copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder of one drive to another. It needs to go in the Applications folder, so create this folder if there isn't one.
Second, if you DO want to use the Install Manager, you can and I would expect it to show close to 100mbps (top right of the GUI) assuming you aren't downloading anything else. It may have been a temporary problem at our end - not sure - but I would quit the current session and run it again, and see what happens...
Thank you all for your help, it’s been a great help.
With regard to Andrew’s response - My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use, I’d literally got no other app.- software etc. powered up. If you check out the 2 screenshots attached the item bs code is different on each one. Having tried this action 2/3 times to no avail I contacted BIAB support who responded with - “You wouldn't be able to copy/move the program to another drive as it can cause issues, so we'd recommend properly installing the program to the other SSD.”
On resolving the problem I’ve now been advised by support - “when Mac 2024 launches it will be heavily discounted during the initial sale launch, up to 50% off typically, so you can get an UltraPAK upgrade for pretty cheap and much less of the current cost the upgrades are. I think this would be the best option”.
I’m somewhat reluctant to pay yet more of my hard earned spondulicks on an upgrade to my current software that does all I need of it, but unfortunately it currently refuses to operate and has issues I’m unable to control.
Thanks everyone again, I feel it pretty reassuring cool having reached out to you guys and received a positive response, thank you all.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use
That doesn't make sense to me, even if files were in use you should still be able to copy them from one location to another. Additionally, it seems very strange that it is complaining about some random RealTracks audio files. Reboot your system and try again, see if it gives you similar messages. If the folder is already partially copied, then merge it when prompted.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 06/13/2408:41 AM.
Hey Andrew - I concur it didn't make sense to me either! All my other software libraries Spitfire, East West, Native Instrument, Toontrack, Steinberg. Sibelius Sounds etc. have all transferred pretty seamlessly. I'm only taking advice from your guys at support, there standard stock reply is "when Mac 2024 launches it will be heavily discounted during the initial sale launch, up to 50% off typically, so you can get an UltraPAK upgrade for pretty cheap and much less of the current cost the upgrades are. I think this would be the best option"
Thanks again I'll take your advice and move on that, nice one!
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
My first attempt of moving the files was to copy the Band-in-a-Box folder from the /Applications folder off one drive to another, unfortunately when I proceeded with this manoeuvre I was rewarded with message that an item is in use
That doesn't make sense to me, even if files were in use you should still be able to copy them from one location to another. ...
Try holding down the shift key when you shut down Windows.
I learned that some versions of Windows (10,11?) leave marks in the filesystem about the running state of the OS when one shuts down. I learned it because my Linux OS kept mounting the Windows filesystem read-only because it thought there were errors on it. The shift tells Windows to close things down fully.
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 .
Hi Michael - I tried your suggestion of rebooting my system and trying again, to see if it gave me similar messages. As the folder had already been partially copied I selected merge when prompted.” Sadly and even with fingers crossed I was quickly served up the familiar “bs6457.m4a” is in use! error message, so I frustratingly I failed, ouch!!!!
Other than getting in touch with NASA I think the best solution is to wait as advised by BIAB support for the Mac 2024 update plus I’ll add the UltraPAK upgrade which would contain all the previous RealTracks as well as the new ones being released for 2024.
Thanks everyone for your help.
Keep grovin’.
Mac platform. 3.3 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i5 - 128 GB Ram - OS 14.5 Samsung T9 4TB SSD, SanDIsk 2TB SSD Cubase 13 SIbelius Ultimate Band-in-a-Box® for Macintosh - Version Version 2024 (803) - 64 bit application
Another vote for adding a signature to each profile.
Does anyone else think that it would be a mandate to have a signature to use these forums. It could save a lot of time answering questions if we knew the OP's system specs and BiaB version.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
It’s awfully hard for an inquisitive engineer to ignore a juicy problem, and constructing a probabilistic simulation of downloading a large file over a network is juicy indeed. Working on something like this is definitely a dementia buster; and fun to boot
This model allows for 5 different paths for packets to take thus allowing for network traffic to be simulated. I’ve run a couple of test cases of my model, and so far it seems to be delivering reasonable results. I used CC Music’s reported download speed rate as a baseline, but any rate can be input.
If anyone else has an inquiring mind and would like to help construct specific use cases and add additional detail to the program, let me know.
I’ll post my results shortly.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2026 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Does anyone else think that it would be a mandate to have a signature to use these forums. It could save a lot of time answering questions if we knew the OP's system specs and BiaB version.
Yes. Me.
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.
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)
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.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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!
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