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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
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Posts: 464 |
I'm not sure this post belongs here. If I need to repost it elsewhere, please let me know.
My computer seems to be on its last legs. I am thinking of buying something new for recording and keeping a lesser machine for e-mails, etc. I plan to use RealBand, Reaper and a few plug-ins. I am also thinking of purchasing a virtual synth (such as Garritan) to do some of my own arrangements
I have two questions for you experienced users:
1) Is 8GB RAM enough or should I buy a machine that I can add RAM?
2) Do I need processing speed above 3.0 ghz?
Any other suggestions will be welcomed.
Thanks.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Because computers advance so quickly, I always find that getting the best that's possible for the money I'm prepared to spend is the best way to go. I usually get a new computer every 3 - 4 years and the advances during that time are always significant. The last computer I bought at the beginning of 2016 was.. - i7, 3.4 GHz, quad core
- 64 bit
- Windows 7
- 16 GB RAM
- American Megatrends Inc. BIOS
- Gigabyte motherboard
Because I use Reaper 64 bit, it flies along on this machine and makes use of all 16 GB of RAM. 8 GB would still do the job very well, though. BIAB and Realband also travel very fast. Because they are 32-bit applications, though, they only use slightly less than 4 GB of RAM. That being said, I imagine that BIAB/RB will not always be 32 bits. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,631
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Just as important is what is on the machine, software wise.
If it's a big box store machine, there is likely lots of bloatware that should be removed.
This is why I still go through the trouble of building my own machines.
Well that, and so far, for many years, I always seem to have a Windows license available.
I obtained a W7 license that was good for 3 machines and have rotated it through 5 or 6 of them over the years. I also got a W8 license from work (we're MS partners so get special deals/considerations).
Even if I buy a laptop from a Big Box store (or online), I'll likely wipe it and re-install a clean OS without all the junk that came with it.
Last edited by rharv; 06/16/17 01:11 PM.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Noel and rharv,
Thanks for the replies. This helps.
I am going to look into building my own. It sounds like everything is modular, no soldering iron required. If I don't think I can do that, then buying off the shelf. I will also know to look for more speed and RAM.
You veterans make things much easier. Thanks again.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,631
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Building your own should not require any soldering .. unless you are doing it wrong.
Everything plugs together. Just make sure you have the right piece to plug into the available slots.
In other words; get a motherboard with the features you need.
I usually get a motherboard/cpu combination (make sure it fits the available case).
Make sure it has available PCI, PCIe, or whatever, to fit any of your needs.
Lots of USB connections is always good.
If it comes with a good amount of RAM, even better.
Hard drives are not expensive.
The way I look at it is
I have an acceptable case (save $$)
I can re-use existing hard drive if needed (may have to re-activate Windows due to new machine key) or clone it to new drive and use the existing one as an 'extra' for temp files, development/testing or whatever. Not relied on for anything critical because it's old, but usable none the less. Also could just be a backup copy of the OS at a given point in time. (save $$)
The above has value, plus, like I said above, no bloatware to deal with.
Just make sure everything fits and will play nice. If you have a DVD drive you want to re-purpose make sure you can accommodate it.
A good case can last many years; I lucked into one due to my job, and grew to appreciate it over time. It can fit many size motherboards, multiple hard drives (8), different size power supplies, and has the space for extra standard size physical add-on devices (DVD, card reader,etc).
If you don't have a good case to work with, it is worth investing in a good one in my humble opinion.
Guess what I'm saying is, it takes planning, but shouldn't require any soldering ..
All I was implying in earlier post, really, was that if you buy off the shelf, just clean all the junk off the system first thing. I prefer to do that before creating any Restore or Repair or Image Backup disks .. so I don't ever have to do it again.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
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OP
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Posts: 464 |
Thanks, rharv. This is reassuring. I will let you know how it goes.
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 470
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hi 2 solo,
I got a laptop not as good for music production but I dont like sitting at a desk!
The type of processor is important and it comes down to Intel or AMD and usually Intel wins hands down according to my research.Also not all Intel i7 processors have 8 strands so check out how many strands they have as well .So check out the exact i7 processor you are getting as they are not all the same.urs Hugh
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
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If I can build one.... anyone should be able to do it.
No soldering required but some hand tools... screwdrivers, nut drivers, pliers, hammer for those parts that don't fit right, etc....
As far as buying one, or buying the parts to build one, buy the most advanced one you can.
I'm running BB & Sonar flawlessly on an i5 quad core 4GB 32 bit XP Pro machine. It's probably close to 10 years old now.... and still runs everything like a champ.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Joined: Dec 2000
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When you buy a big box machine, there is a great free program called PC-Decrapifier, which will uninstall the bloatware found on new machines. They continually update their database when manufacturers release new configurations. I've used it a bunch of times.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
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Posts: 464 |
As always, you guys are great. Thanks so much for all the info.
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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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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