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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29 |
I've had '20, '21 & '22 Mac BIAB with little or no hiccups in loading or running BIAB. I'm always thrilled & excited by each new version.
'23, however, is so frustrating! Others seem to be having fun, but mine is a nightmare.
Yes, I've hit Rebuild at least a dozen times to no avail. Hasn't helped.
1) It's running verrrry slowly on the same desktop all the others ran smoothly on... 2012 iMac, 24G memory, macOS 10.15.7. Never saw the 'Beachball of Doom' w/ the earlier versions. Now, it's taking 15-20 secs to complete at least half the instructions I give it in '23.
2) Clicking the play button: sometimes the tracks start playing but it's out of sync w/ the moving chord box shading, so by the time they align, 8 or 12 bars in, I have no idea where I actually am in the tune.
3a) RE-GENERATE IS NOT WORKING!! I've lost the ability to add or update various instr tracks. '23 correctly plays any track that I placed there earlier in '20-'22. BUT -- when I need to add an instr now, I cannot get it to play correctly (despite it being a perfect match for the style picked, per genre, time, tempo, style, feel, etc.) -- i) I cannot get any instrument to play on correct pitch, time or feel (even w/ turning on the Fix Key & Chord buttons in the Track edits dialog); ii) it won't just be off-pitch, it's completely out of sync w/ any other track & painful to listen to. In the past, I've simply hit re-generate over & over -- and that would bring a new instr into line w/ the others & sound great together within 2 or 3 re-gens. Now I'm sitting there trying it 9 - 10+ times & it's not even getting close. It remains totally unusable.
3b) This is bad enough in trying to add a new instr track, but when having to update the re-generate on a long established track (by adding a few bars or otherwise updating the structure, etc.), I now LOSE THAT long-perfect track. Not just that one performance pass -- now that instrument itself will no longer work & creates the same problem as the new instruments. And I can't get it back, if I've saved something else along the way.
3c) I've been forced to completely re-arrange 3 or 4 songs now simply b/c of BIAB '23 blowing up on me! UNACCEPTABLE!
4) Upon opening a track I'd labored on, installing tricky bar lyrics into while in '22, Voila! Opening it in '23, all the lyrics are gone. Just not there.
5) Sporadic dropping out of saved instruments when opening a file in '23. I rarely use Utility tracks & will place instr. on the main tracks. So, I'll have a certain well-considered & chosen guitar or something else on some track, fully saved. I open that song file in '23 & it's GONE. Only the white empty Guitar, Strings, Melody, etc. track. I've always relied on BIAB's ability to save, & am paying for it as I have no recall as to which of the 10,000 RTs I had in that spot.
I sincerely do NOT like to complain & I've been totally blissed out by BIAB '20-'22. But I'm finding '23 nearly totally unusable. I haven't even had a moment since installing it to eagerly explore all the new aspects of '23, as I'm still battling all the destruction of what I've had in the earlier versions.
Please help. I'm at my wit's end...
Much appreciated!
E.J.
NYC
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974 |
Now, it's taking 15-20 secs to complete at least half the instructions I give it in '23 Could you confirm that have "speed up generation of RealTracks" checked in the RealTracks Preferences? Also, I would suggest that you close BiaB, duplicate your Preferences folder to back it up (e.g. Preferences_saved), then delete all the files in your Preferences folder and see if the same problems remain. If not, please zip up your Preferences_saved folder and send it to us. Sporadic dropping out of saved instruments when opening a file in '23. Next time it happens, could you send us the file? I'm not sure what is going on, but hopefully there is a clue there and we can get to the bottom of this. BiaB 2023 should be just as fast or faster than 2020-2022. Also the Activity Monitor (Applications - Utilities) on your Mac and see if you spot anything unusual there..
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29
Enthusiast
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|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29 |
Now, it's taking 15-20 secs to complete at least half the instructions I give it in '23 Could you confirm that have "speed up generation of RealTracks" checked in the RealTracks Preferences? Also, I would suggest that you close BiaB, duplicate your Preferences folder to back it up (e.g. Preferences_saved), then delete all the files in your Preferences folder and see if the same problems remain. If not, please zip up your Preferences_saved folder and send it to us. Sporadic dropping out of saved instruments when opening a file in '23. Next time it happens, could you send us the file? I'm not sure what is going on, but hopefully there is a clue there and we can get to the bottom of this. BiaB 2023 should be just as fast or faster than 2020-2022. Also the Activity Monitor (Applications - Utilities) on your Mac and see if you spot anything unusual there.. Thx, Andrew. Yes, 'speed up RT Gen' is clearly checked in RT Prefs. I don't know what you're referring to on "Pref folder" points. I'm afraid you're gonna have to talk me thru that one. I don't see any PG/BIAB Prefs folder; either on the external PG HD or on my MAC HD -- merely my Mac Prefs folders & there's no PG/BIAB subfolder in there... You're gonna have to steer me better on that one... You're talking MAC, right? For its dropping out of '22 RTs when opening a '22-created tune in '23, I don't have one handy, of course, b/c I just dealt w/ the problem on the spot each time (2x). But, if/when it happens again, I'll send it along... Any thoughts on my biggest woe? The inability to add new tracks / update current RTs as noted above in my original post? That's my biggest heartbreaker of the moment... it's got me rather dead in the water. Thanks for the help, Andrew.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974 |
I don't know what you're referring to on "Pref folder" points. I mean the Preferences folder in /Applications/Band-in-a-Box. Do you have Band-in-a-Box installed on your internal Mac hard drive, or are you running it from an external drive? I can't recall if you've told us either way. Let's assume you have it installed on your Mac drive. The idea is to try running Band-in-a-Box at (or close to) factory settings to see if the problem still happens. 1. Close Band-in-a-Box. Go to the /Applications/Band-in-a-Box folder, and you should see a Preferences folder in there. 2. Click on the folder and press Command+D to duplicate it. Name it "Preferences_backup_may24". It doesn't matter what you name it, this is only to keep a backup of the folder with your previous preferences in case you need to send it to us or do further testing, or restore your previous settings. 3. Open the Preferences folder and delete all the files in it. 4. Run Band-in-a-Box now and see if there's any change. Any thoughts on my biggest woe? The inability to add new tracks / update current RTs as noted above in my original post? No, I don't recognize this problem at all, it's very strange. However, often even the strangest problems turn out to have simple solutions once you figure them out, so hopefully that will be the case here. One question: is it only happening with certain songs? Does it happen for example if you load in a RealTracks demo song?
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29
Enthusiast
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|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 29 |
I don't know what you're referring to on "Pref folder" points. I mean the Preferences folder in /Applications/Band-in-a-Box. Do you have Band-in-a-Box installed on your internal Mac hard drive, or are you running it from an external drive? I can't recall if you've told us either way. Let's assume you have it installed on your Mac drive. The idea is to try running Band-in-a-Box at (or close to) factory settings to see if the problem still happens. 1. Close Band-in-a-Box. Go to the /Applications/Band-in-a-Box folder, and you should see a Preferences folder in there. 2. Click on the folder and press Command+D to duplicate it. Name it "Preferences_backup_may24". It doesn't matter what you name it, this is only to keep a backup of the folder with your previous preferences in case you need to send it to us or do further testing, or restore your previous settings. 3. Open the Preferences folder and delete all the files in it. 4. Run Band-in-a-Box now and see if there's any change. Any thoughts on my biggest woe? The inability to add new tracks / update current RTs as noted above in my original post? No, I don't recognize this problem at all, it's very strange. However, often even the strangest problems turn out to have simple solutions once you figure them out, so hopefully that will be the case here. One question: is it only happening with certain songs? Does it happen for example if you load in a RealTracks demo song? Andrew, I just sent an email w/ the subj line: '23 Mac Woes. I've already trashed & regenerated my BIAB Prefs folder in my '23 BIAB HD. The song file here contains a track w/ emblematic problems I'm having w/ '23, w/ adding or updating RTs sounding horribly off. Don't know the tech reason but the aural effect is being off-pitch & off-feel and not coming into alignment no matter how many times I regenerate the track. This, when all the aspects (time, style, genre, tempo, etc.) SHOULD by rights work fine. I'm not shoving obvious square pegs into round holes -- these tracks SHOULD work, have worked in the past but are not now working. I cannot fathom why. I hope this clarifies. Many thanks! E.J.
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Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,974 |
Thanks for sending the file. It sounds great, but maybe you sent the wrong file. This file has a Horn Section track that is frozen but completely empty, and has no guitar track.
However there is something strange - The song is set to the key of Eb but it playing in D. This could have happened if the song was generated, frozen, and then the key was changed later without unfreezing and regenerating again. If I unfreeze all tracks, unmute the horn section at bar 9, and re-generate, all tracks sound good, along with the Horns.
I'm not noticing anything else strange with it here.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
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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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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
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!
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