I have switched back to 2020 from 2021 while PG sorts out all the bugs in 2021. I simply installed 2020 over the top of 2021 in C/bb. I would like to be able to switch between years to keep track of how 2021 is being sorted out. What’s the best way to re-install 2021 on the same hard drive so that I can switch between years? Do I have to have different directories for bb.exe the styles etc. Am I right in assuming that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Interesting. EDIT: Never mind; the ideas in the posts below are better.
I think many might actually work, although there is the published requirement. You can let us know. They may not show up in any index.
I haven’t done this but I believe all you need to do is run the latest update of 2020 over 2021, and ignore any warning that should occur. Then to convert back to 2021 you would need to run the BIAB/RealBand first installer you got in early December, and then run the latest 2021 build.
I think ... keep good backups.
Last edited by Matt Finley; 03/26/2111:49 AM.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
I think it will work if you install in two different folders, e.g. install 2020 in a folder named: '\bb_2020\' and install 2021 in the normal '\bb\' folder.
Then in the \bb_2020\ version set the RealTracks and RealDrums to share the folders from the 2021 version. This is done from Options > Preferences > RealDrums > Custom Drums Folder. Do the same for RealTracks.
I believe that you are correct in your assumption that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Another thought: After you install in the '\bb_2020\' folder and set the Preferences for the Drums and RealTracks locations to point to the 2021 folders, you can delete the duplicate set to save space. These would be:
\bb_2020\RealTracks\ and \bb_2020\Drums\
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
I have switched back to 2020 from 2021 while PG sorts out all the bugs in 2021. I simply installed 2020 over the top of 2021 in C/bb. I would like to be able to switch between years to keep track of how 2021 is being sorted out. What’s the best way to re-install 2021 on the same hard drive so that I can switch between years? Do I have to have different directories for bb.exe the styles etc. Am I right in assuming that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Thanks Tony
Yep, different directories are a must. You can point older BB's at the newer one's Realtracks and Drums folders and it will use the ones that are compatible.
I'd install the 2020 version fully, duplicate the folder minus Realtracks and Drums to a new BB folder, then install 2021 over the original 2020 folder. I've done this on my machine for testing purposes, and I have separate folders for 2014 thru 2021.
Not sure if it is an option, but I use separate drives as opposed to folders, so running any version of BiaB/RB/PT is pretty easy. I still use *:\bb for the folder, it just launches from a different drive so no worries.
Example, run the application from C:\bb, E:\bb, or F:\bb and they may all point to the E:\bb styles and Realtracks (latest), yet run their own version(s).
This is easier yet if you have previous years external PGMusic drives.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
If you install BB21 and just use the BB20 exe it all seems to work. bbw64-734.zip put them in the bb\ folder bbw64-734.exe bbw-734.exe and create some shortcuts.
This is an excellent idea Pipeline! So if I'm understanding what you're saying, if I take your zip file and put it into BB21, I could click on bbw64-734 and it would run BIAB 2020. Is this right?
With all the problems we're seeing with 2021 and the workflow issues I mentioned in the beta forum, I think I'm going to have to go this route to get back to making music and get away from trying to figure out workarounds for 2021.
Does this method confirm or presume that the other executables in the BiaB and related folders do not change, and only programs bbw64.exe (and/or bbw.exe) are modified in the 2021 version?
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
I think it will work if you install in two different folders, e.g. install 2020 in a folder named: '\bb_2020\' and install 2021 in the normal '\bb\' folder.
Then in the \bb_2020\ version set the RealTracks and RealDrums to share the folders from the 2021 version. This is done from Options > Preferences > RealDrums > Custom Drums Folder. Do the same for RealTracks.
I believe that you are correct in your assumption that the 2021 styles and RTs will not work with the 2020.
Thanks, that seemed to work OK. My workflow was…..
Left 2021 in C/bb Installed just my 2020 Pluspack exe file in C/bb2020 without any RT’s or style paks that came with my 2020 purchase. Installed the last 2020 upgrade. Created a BIAB 2020 icon on the desktop. Set the 2020 preferences to point to the 2021 RD and RT folders Copied the whole Styles folder from C/bb to C/bb2020 All my styles are found when running 2020 but not the 2021 RTs even though they are in the same folder that 2020 is pointed to.
Does this method confirm or presume that the other executables in the BiaB and related folders do not change, and only programs bbw64.exe (and/or bbw.exe) are modified in the 2021 version?
This presumes that the only thing changed is the bbw exe. It is not the only thing that changed though, there are at least 800 other files updated, which may not work correctly or at all with the 2020 executable. The separate folder approach is better.
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
Originally Posted By: jcland
And am I to assume that doing this will not mess up any activation tickets?
Is there a way to backup those tickets just in case something goes wrong?
All your tickets from previous version should be in C:\Users\Public\Ticket
This should not mess up activation tickets. Backing up and restoring should work, depending on circumstances.
The Tickets folder shows what you have activated, you don't have to "mess" with them, if you registered 2020 and did not deactivate it the 2020 is still activated. If the 2020 is in another folder then it will be reading the 2020 RT list default.sol so that's what you'll get.
Not sure if it is an option, but I use separate drives as opposed to folders, so running any version of BiaB/RB/PT is pretty easy. I still use *:\bb for the folder, it just launches from a different drive so no worries.
Yes, me too. 2020 (724) is on a Win7 setup drive and works like qa charm. 2021 (latest update FWIW) is on my Win10 drive. I create in 2021 but if there are ANY shots or holds in the SGU I HAVE to then run it in 2020 until the hideous issues with horrible S&Hs are fixed - which doesnt seem to be any time soon. That problem has only occurred since 2021 came out. I have to accept the fact that any new 2021 RTs etc will not work in 2020 so am careful about choice. Got me wondering just what DID I pay for in December as I'm still using 2020 in real terms to get my WAV tracks to DAW. Bests Ian
Old Guys Rule.The older I get,the better I was! BB2023 ULTRA, 1013, Win 7 and 10
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean