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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Having taken some 60,000 lines of code and ported it from system to system I can attest to the fact it's no mean feat.
You cannot compare apples to oranges here, for you don't know what computer language Band in a Box was written in, nor do you know the history of compilers made available when the o/s changed.
Certainly if you wrote software BEFORE the days of windows, in a 'mathematical' language, which is what music really is, you might have a struggle to find a compiler. That was, and remains the case, lack of a compiler. Given the tiny market share, and the mentality that all things Mac are free, any software developer has to assign resources where they generate revenue, not to please a few people who might buy the software.
Anyone with a head on their shoulders would understand that if there were no huge issues, and if the process was easy, you'd just take you code and load it and hit the button and end up with a finished product. It just does not work that way.
I took 200,000 lines of Cobol from an IBM mainframe at Bell 25 years ago and replaced it with 500 lines of code and a database manager. From punch cards to data entry by exception. From Mainframe to Unix. It was open to every Bell based business in North America, and I got $200 per install from Newfoundland to Texas. They tried, whined, cried, and did everything but threaten me in some jurisdictions when I refused to assist in writing it for Dos. They paid for Unix, it had shell scripts and AWK commands and filters and pipes. Still can't do that in 'Dos/Windows'. Nor can you call up the network at 2 a.m. and run software on distributed machines, collect the results, filter them, batch print them, and mail the results to 200 managers. Easily done in Unix.
I just don't get the point of assuming that Pgmusic is at fault for not providing the same programs on Mac.
Remember my video editing experience. There was no company locally with 30 employees who sold and trained AVID on Macs. But there was one using HP computers and a turnkey AVID solution with Sony camera support for DV. And I've been retired for 9 years now, and that project started 5 years before I retired. I lead it. I think we were leery of the fact that Mac's were promising the ability to write DVD's but in our decision flow chart that was the #1 requirement, to make training DVD's for 12 to 14 fire stations and eliminate the need to take them out of service and move to our training facility. I got the tour of all the leading video production facilities in our area, and the top Mac dealer showed me 2 places doing wedding videos on Macs.
I have no idea of the current state of affairs. I have one PC/Win 7 system, and now 3 Ubuntu based machines networked. Is the Win7 machine for pinnicle, which is close enough to Avid I didn't need to learn much, and to run Band in a Box. All other tasks have been on Ubuntu, including all internet stuff except to download updates to Band in a Box and transfer video between systems.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 116
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 116 |
Awesome! A flame war in the mac forum! We're got like 3 dudes arguing! hahaha. Anyways, I was playing around with the PC version of BIAB... and I say, MEH.
On the mac side, I would quit my moaning if I could just know what chorus I'm on! Geeze! Don't talk to me about switching to notation view. That view SUCKS.
Seriously, how much programming would that take? Add the stupid number to the chord view! YARG!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 265 |
While I liked Macs, I switched to Windows systems about 15 years ago because "not available for Mac" was happening too often - and PCs were generally much cheaper.
Tough to be a continual BIAB stepchild. :-)
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59 |
Quote:
While I liked Macs, I switched to Windows systems about 15 years ago because "not available for Mac" was happening too often - and PCs were generally much cheaper.
Tough to be a continual BIAB stepchild. :-)
Hi you all
Well Sam, I kind of went on the same path but in a different way. It went : PC-MAC-PC (15 years) and 1 year ago back to MAC. I still own a portable PC. I really don't want to put down the Windows OS. It worked fine for me and Windows 7 is even better. But, from my very modest stand point, having went through a lot of PCs (also in maintenance) I think machine wise, MACs are more stable and reliable. I also got fed up, choosing between a zillion manufactures each time I wanted a new PC. Prices have gone down in the MAC world, I think now you can find a machine that suits your needs at a decent price. But then again this all personal.
I must admit that what made me come back to MAC though, is that I could find the same notation program I use and of course BIAB. For other PC programs, if you try and find an identical twin on MAC, well yeah, maybe you get the "not available for Mac" message. But you can always find something else which is as efficient. But I can understand that maybe for people like you Sam, that are in the professional musical world, studio work etc... It's more difficult and high priced in a MAC environment.
Since my work needs with BIAB are very basic, maybe I'm not a good example, but I don't think that we are less considered by PG. It's true, having worked with both PC and MAC versions, differences do exist. But for what I have to do with BIAB these differences don't affect my work. Not to the point where I would consider running BIAB in a windows environment on a MAC. And let's face it, I'm no commercial expert, but the market is much wider for PCs. Me, I'm just glad there's BIAB for MAC. One thing I hope though, is that John is wrong when he says who knows if the next MAC OS would support BIAB... You seem knowledgeable in that field John, but I do hope you're wrong on that one ! 
I've only been using BIAB for 6 years but like you Sam, be it PC or MAC BIAB does it for me. Anyway if someone decides to go back to MAC, as I did, you know what your getting into. I don't regret my choice.
Last edited by Pierre Julien; 01/07/11 03:40 PM.
Best of all and hope your day is a nice one
Pierre
IMac OSX 10.6.5 / latest BIAB
vista BIAB 2008
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
Actually, I think there are interesting possibilities here.
The Mac version requires OSX which is a Posix compliant OS and since v10.5 is in fact a certified unix OS when running on intel. This suggests that a port of the Mac version of BIAB to linux may not be an unreasonable hope.
I imagine the biggest hurdle may be the gui API's - is the OSX gui X Windows?
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 344
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 344 |
My humble opinion is that less is better, often  I've been using the program since version 10 for windows, than switched to mac 6 years ago. Last year was the most important, because i used Binab with real tracks for live performances, in addition to the usual work of making backing tracks. Can't say now how many gigs i did with it, not few though, well i can say i had very very very few problems with it. I mean i don't regret the hundreds of functions i don't have in the mac version, as long as i got a light, reliable program. Besides i am convinced that what mac version really needs from win version for being "perfect" is 4 maybe 5 things, not more. Perhaps in 2011... 
Macbook M2 Pro 32 GB ram | OSX 13.6 | BinaB 2023 | Logic Studio XI |
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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 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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
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.
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)
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.
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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