Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
It's said that BIAB actually runs great on a PC. That's good, but only a fool would trade a mac for a PC. My last Mac ran eight years with only a handful of restarts...except for when I ran BIAB or Office Excel ( it says it all, doesn't it...;-)....).
The same is the case with my current mac. It works steady and like a horse. Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!!

For a mac user BIAB was such a strange universe to enter. The steepness of the learning curve is without comparison. Simple tasks become complicated because there often are multiple and illogic ways of doing things. Also the BIAB terminology needs an adjustment to match what is going on in the rest of the music world. For instance the Preference boxes are so confusing, that I still spend time figuring out how to achieve what I want (I have had BIAB for years now). These things might frighten older BIAB veterans, but hey....:-)....The world is moving on out here!

It's a common view among PC users that the user should be able to change and control everything. As a Mac user, a programmer/analyst and a big fan of Steve Jobs this clearly is a misconception. The interface design should make everybody able to operate the program (Like everybody should be able to drive a car, not only a mechanic). Far too often I'm a 'mechanic' when operating BIAB without being artistic or creative.

However, not all is bad. The RT's are incredible and when it actually works the output is great.
I suggest a rebuild of the whole program. And maybe PG should hire an interface specialist and redesign the whole thing. I would gladly pay twice the yearly amount for a better program. Cause the basic idea behind BIAB is great and has potential.

I think I'll give BIAB one more try. If it doesn't get any better I will have to rely on another program in the future. :-)

Sincerely

Mads A


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,126
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,126
megamads,

While I agree with some of your thoughts I found your analogy of the Band-in-a-Box user relationship being more like a mechanic than a driver weak.

The analogy I visualize is a good marriage. A long term relationship that is loving, sharing and giving but does require constant attention to maintain the relationship. Give a little and receive a lot in return.

When I read your statement,
Quote:
I will have to rely on another program in the future. :-)
my immediate thought was, "and what program is that?". I don't know of another program, running on any computer operating system, with the capabilities Band-in-a-Box offers.

By-the-way, PG Music typically releases the next edition of Band-in-a-Box for Mac roughly six months after the release of Band-in-a-Box for Windows. Among many other changes, the 2019 BiaB for Windows release include a 64 bit version and a DAW plug-in that has additional tracks and multi-riff capability. PC users like me have been fortunate to have multi-riff capability through RealBand for some time but it will be a new feature for Mac users.

The inclusion of just the 64 bit version and the DAW plug-in will likely justify moving up to 2019 Band-in-a-Box for Mac. If the future can be forecast from past experiences, the next edition of Band-in-a-Box for Mac should be released sometime in June or July so you may have new evidence to consider pretty soon!

Should you ever decide to replace Band-in-a-Box I sincerely hope you will share your decision with the forum, let us know what program you choose and will provide us with your comparison about how the replacement program compares to Band-in-a-Box. I would appreciate knowing there are comparable programs.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
I actually love BIAB and the idea behind it, and would spend a lot more on the program made me happy.

For a while I've been using Chordbot (on my iPad), which is way below the standards that BIAB is aiming for. However, I find myself a lot more creative and productive at the end of the day. The idea of music-making-robots are evolving these years, so I'm pretty confident :-)

My point is, that after wishing and hoping for improvements in BIAB every time a new version comes out (for many years now), I just felt like quitting today. I lost faith in that it ever would get any better.....sorry for that.

Sometimes marriages break up even though people love each other.....

Thanks for your reply Jim


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
A few comments.

If your experience go back to OS 9 and earlier, a lot of BIAB for the Mac makes perfect sense. Will that Preference layout survive into 64 bit? I hope not for those who started on Macs in the 21st C. — but I'm quite comfortable with it.

There's a 64 bit version coming. It's been released for Windows already and the next Mac OS will require it. If not in a hurry, you might wait till then.

You do not say what your current Mac is nor what version of BIAB you are running — it definitely can make a difference.

Even more so than the version, how you have it installed can have a great effect.


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
w Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
Originally Posted By: Mike Halloran
A few comments.


You do not say what your current Mac is nor what version of BIAB you are running — it definitely can make a difference.



Not criticizing your comment just want to point out the information provided in megamads signature

Quote:
Music teacher and professional guitar player.
Have BIAB 2017
Using Imac OSX Sierra
Plays Country, Blues and RnB


I truly do not understand megamads comment(s)

Quote:
Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!!


That certainly has not been my experience .


Mac Audiophile 2020 2019 2018 2017 USB plus previous years versions

macOS Mojave - 10.14.6 @ Aug 16, 2019

iMac i3 3.6 GHz 8GB RAM 4K with Retina display

some examples @ sound cloud done with Mac Band and DAW's : https://soundcloud.com/you/tracks
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
I rarely shut down my Windows version and I am having none of your problems. Perhaps an uninstall/reinstall would sort this out.

Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Quote:
Have BIAB 2017

Doesn't tell us which of the 4 versions he has. As I tried to make clear, what version and how/where it's installed does make a difference.


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Thanks for the respons :-)

Like Mike, I can survive the preference Layout and the maze of ticks I have to go through as long as the program does what it is supposed to.

Sorry for not updating my info:

BIAB user since 2008 (I think...???)

Mojave version 10.14.4. iMac (27-inch, late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2018 (263) (with all updates), installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer, ToonTrack; Spark, Arturia; Native Kontakt; ChordBot; Funkbox; Amplitube; iRealPro; OnSong.

Education: Musicians Institute (GIT) 1989-91; Conservatory of Southern Denmark
1985-2000; Bachelors degree in science of information/programming 2005 (SDU, Denmark); Masters degree in political science 2012 (SDU Denmark).

Pro player and teacher for 15 years. Recent years semi pro player.


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Originally Posted By: megamads
Thanks for the respons :-)

Like Mike, I can survive the preference Layout and the maze of ticks I have to go through as long as the program does what it is supposed to.

Mojave version 10.14.4. iMac (27-inch, late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2018 (263) (with all updates), installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer, ToonTrack; Spark, Arturia; Native Kontakt; ChordBot; Funkbox; Amplitube; iRealPro; OnSong.

Not dissimilar to me.

There are 4 packages. Which one do you have?
BIAB Mac Packages

Tell me more about your 2013 iMac. SSD, HDD, Fusion Drive?

Where are your VI libraries installed?


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Hi Mike

Ultrapack; SSD

VI Libraries......What is that?

Thanks for helping :-)

Mads A


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
w Offline
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,082
Originally Posted By: megamads
Hi Mike

Ultrapack; SSD

VI Libraries......What is that?

Thanks for helping :-)

Mads A


That additional/new information makes a huge difference in trying to provide you with the help you obviously require .

Unfortunately there is more information required .

At this stage i recommend that you contact PG's tech group because they are excellent at providing help and guidance .

Good luck and happy keyboarding .


Mac Audiophile 2020 2019 2018 2017 USB plus previous years versions

macOS Mojave - 10.14.6 @ Aug 16, 2019

iMac i3 3.6 GHz 8GB RAM 4K with Retina display

some examples @ sound cloud done with Mac Band and DAW's : https://soundcloud.com/you/tracks
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Thanks Mister Mag

However, I have never experienced any other software that requires this kind of support. Some of the issues the other members ask about I haven't even heard of before. So in that sense I feel like a mechanic when operating BIAB, sorry, Jim.... :-)

ma


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Quote:
VI Libraries......What is that?

VI is Virtual Instrument such as any libraries included with Kontakt. Are they installed onto you'r Mac's internal SSD or an external drive?
Quote:
Ultrapack

Ultrapack has them as well. So you installed the instruments onto your SSD and are not accessing them from the "high-speed USB 2.0 hard drive" that was one of your options when you purchased, correct?
Quote:
SSD

Your iMac could have shipped (a) SSD only (b) Fusion Drive (c) HDD.

Is it still the original configuration or have you changed it? If changed, how?
Quote:
Unfortunately there is more information required .

which is the reason for my questions. I am an experienced Mac tech and if he has the patience to answer, I have the patience to ask.


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974
Quote:
Except when running BIAB. It freezes, functions stop working and disappear.....and its SO INCREDIBLE SLOW !!!


Is this happening with the current version of Band-in-a-Box? There was an issue that was solved in Band-in-a-Box 2016 when running it under Sierra or newer. This would cause some actions on the main screen to respond very slowly.

It seems like you have Band-in-a-Box 2018 so that obviously shouldn't be an issue, but I'm just mentioning this in case you're referring to problems you might have experienced some years ago.

Otherwise, can you describe a *specific* problem that is happening right now with the program? People will want to try duplicate it on their systems, for starters.


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
M
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
Hallo Mike

Everything is installed on the internal HD.
Yes, I have the Ultrapack with current add-ons and updates.
My mac came with SSD.
I have not changed the configuration.

Thanks for helping.

:-) ma


BIAB since 2010

Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.

BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .

Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,192
Even if something wasn't installed in the ideal location, as long as everything can be found, that shouldn't be an issue.

Corrupted paths are a common issue in High Sierra and Mojave. A Safe Boot fixes that and restores the caches to default. Pre OS X, this called Rebuild Desktop and was done the same way. Frankly, I don't expect it to have an effect but it's still good maintenance. This has fixed a number of annoying issues on my and my client's machines including generic alias icons:

Shut down. Boot while holding the Shift key. Log into your User account when prompted. When your desktop icons have finished rebuilding, shut down again. Boot normally.

Assuming that the SSD is healthy and not too full, the normal culprits are (a) an old bit of code that is trying to load and failing thus interfering with the process or (b) something is missing having been overwritten by something else and the OS keeps trying before giving up and moving on.

Either of these can be seen in Console.app. Every process is time stamped. Sometimes you have to drill down to get a good look. Look for something that keeps trying to load but can't or something that BIAB keeps looking for and can't find.

I've had problems with such garbage as 2005 HP print drivers trying to load in Logic, Finale 2009 Help files crashing Time Machine in 2014, Mackie HUI drivers failing to load slowing down Digital Performer... the list goes on.


BIAB 2023 Audiophile, 24/60 Core M2 Mac Studio Ultra/8TB/192GB Sonoma, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer 11, LogicPro
Finale27.4, Dorico5, Encore5, SmartScorePro64, Notion6, Overture5
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!

The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!

There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.

If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.

We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!

Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!

There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.

Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,614
Posts735,143
Members38,517
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
maxrob61, TonyInManchester, jslynbrrs01, amdwilsns01, Juan Jose
38,516 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 182
DC Ron 101
dcuny 88
DrDan 73
Today's Birthdays
brijb20, Erik S. te M.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5