Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Happy New Years to everyone! I have read a few questions on the new feature about the benefits and dangers of erasing the "unneeded" +- files. My question is; other than the reduction in HD space used by this files, is there any difference as far as sound quality or generation of the RT's if I choose not to erase them using the new stretching capabilities? I have also read about the "dont's" on slower XP machines. I'm currently using a Gateway Pentium 4 with 2.6 GHz and 4 GB Ram, is that considered an slow machine for this purpose? I have not had any problems so far on creating my songs on previous versions of BIB. Currently waiting for the DVD's to arrive, can't wait! Thanks for the answers
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
Check in the RT settings and see if the 'use +/- files' checkbox is checked or not (might say something different - can't remember exactly what it says). If it isn't checked, you are using the new stretching algorithms. If you want to see how much longer it is taking to generate a song, time one with and without the box checked. If you can live with the difference, erase them if you want to gain some hd space. If you don't need the space, leave them there and if you want the speed back check the box. Nothing to loose by leaving them there except the hd space. Your call pretty much. Good luck.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
My Lenovo of course is fine. The Toshiba is fine with the new file stretcher however I had to create a new hardware profile the disabled all unnecessary stuff such as the network card.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,650
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,650 |
Don't make the decision on speed alone; actually listen for a difference also. The new way should actually sound better.. at least it has to many of us.
Make your sound your own! .. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906 |
Mike, good advice above. Also, you could run Geekbench on your PC and tell us what you get. It's free at http://www.primatelabs.ca/geekbench/ PG Music did not set a minimum score, but there are a few other known scores out there to compare to.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Thanks for all the answers to all of you. So can I assume that even if I have the +- box checked if I'm not deleting the unnecessary files (space is no an issue at this moment, they are all in an external HD), still the new and old RT,s are going to benefit from the new engine? i have tried a couple of them changing the tempo by quite a difference and even the real drums seem to sound better.
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
And Matt, here are the scores: Integer Processor integer performance 1153 Floating Point Processor floating point performance 1041 Memory Memory performance 1040 Stream Memory bandwidth performance 1060
Total score = 1081
Not sure what it all means, but I hope you'll tell me.
Thanks again
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906 |
Mike, about the +/- checkbox, in Options Preferences RealTracks, there is a checkbox that says "Use +/- RealTracks for Generation". If you UNCHECK this box and everything works fine, sounds good and the Task Manager CPU% does not peak well above 60%, then you could most likely (after a suitable period of testing to be sure) press the button, "Erase unneeded +/- Files". In my case, I did the "Erase" command on a copy of the files, and left the original distribution hard drive untouched, as a backup. Remember, unchecking that checkbox means you are NOT using the "old" style of RealTracks, so they are then superfluous if everything is OK.
About Geekbench, the forum does not have Geekbench reference numbers for machines that work and do not work with the new engine and RealTracks. We probably should start collecting that by anecdotal evidence.
We do know from another post that a PC of about 4 years old vintage with a score of around 1000 was said to work OK. A few others reported scores of 1200 and they did not say the new engine didn't work. Mine is a two-year old Core 2 Duo with a score of 3000. One user of an Intel I5 got a score of almost 6,000. Apparently, the number of cores you have is a multiplier, and BIAB does benefit from using more than one core.
What does it all mean about Geekbench? We won't know for certain until more users on the borderline like yourself report in that it works or does not work without the old +/- files.
One last caveat: if you do erase the old +/- files, you cannot then use older versions of BIAB with that altered RealTracks folder. Versions from 2010.5 and before require those +/- files. I don't know why anyone would want to use an older version after hearing the improvements from 2011. Even if they had an old and slow PC, they could check the checkbox and use the old files with the 2011 version.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Yes I agree on why would anybody go back to an older version of BIB, to me the new stretching capabilities would make me decide in favor of upgrading, it's like having a whole lot of new RT's at my disposal. On the issue about deleting the +/- files (I have them all backed up anyway)I'll probably leave them alone for now until I try the performance as you suggested.
Thanks for your help.
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
The other thing that made me keep looking was that when you install the new 2011 over the top of the 2010 or 2010.5 etc. Any RTs that are new for 2011 WILL NOT have the +/- files anyway so in essence you'll be using a half&half system. I confirmed this in BETA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906 |
Yes, John is saying the same thing I did in another way, and that's helpful. To put it even differently again, you cannot use the newest 2011 RealTracks in versions of BIAB that are 2010.5 or older, so that's another reason why it would be strange to go back to an earlier version.
While this introduces a compatibility problem for users of earlier versions, it is more than offset by the fact that the program can now be distributed on much smaller media.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
And if you choose to use 2011 and keep the +/- files the NEW RTs will have to use the new system anyway as they don't come with +/- files.You have 3 choices: 1. stay with an older version and don't upgrade 2. Upgrade and find a way to make it work with +/- files removed 3. Buy a new computer. BTW if you don't use BIAB live another option is remove the +/- files but leave "fast generation" unchecked.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Again, thanks to everyone for pitching in on this subject. Very helpful as always.
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
I have been looking to upgrade my computer and have been following this post with great interest.
Prior to BIAB 2010.5, without the new stretch feature, I don't recall experiencing any audio issues. Since using BIAB 2011, with the new stretch feature, I started noticing audio drop out. I tweaked my computer system trying to reduce other background functions that placed demands on the system, it help a little but occasion audio drop out still would occur. Using Task Manager to monitor the computer's performance, while using BIAB with the new stretch feature, CPU usage would peak and hang at 100% very often, rarely drop down to the 60 range, but available RAM would remain at 400MB or more.
Testing my system with Geekbench without any other programs running: Geekbench Score 1510 Processor interger performance 1585 Processor floating point performance 2000 Memory performance 900 Memory bandwidth performance 758 Op. System Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Model HP Pavilion 061 EL494AA-ABA a1226n Processor AMD Athlon 64 Processor 3400+ (1 processor 1 Core 1 Thread) Memory 1.44 GB 400Mhz Processor Frequency 2.19 Buss speed 200MHz L1 Cache 64 KB L2 Cache 512 KB L3 Cache 0
I really like the new stretch feature in BIAB 2011, but I feel my processor speed, Buss speed, L2 cache size, and Ram speed are a little weak to support the demands this new stretch feature demands. It will be interesting to see other folks Geekbench results and experiences with BIAB 2011 and the new stretch feature.
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi DHD,
Bill, I ran pretty much the same system during the beta test as you cite here.
Was able to run everything in BB2011 okay - but I did have to defrag my hard disk first, after loading the new program and realtracks.
You might try the defrag.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
Hi Mac.
I did defrag when I first started noticing the audio drop outs, I also eliminated or shut down as much background stuff as I could.
Thank you for your sugesstion.
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Ok, here's what I've done since I was also experiencing some drop-outs and glitches; 1. disabled the fast RT generation thing, 2. unchecked the +/- files usage to try it with older RT's (it works fine)and 3.left checked the high quality regeneration (or something to that effect) when stretching the RT's. So far I have noticed a vast improvement on the elimination of audio drop-outs and glitches. I have not checked the CPU usage afterward, but so far is fine. I'll report later if there are any changes.
Later
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,906 |
Good report. If you are using the +/- files, an interesting test for your machine would be to try the newest RealTracks that do not have the +/- files, such as vibes.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,037 |
Ok Matt, I try them both ways, with and without it and no problem here with the new RT's with the +/- enabled. kept an eye on the CPU usage, and except for one instance that picked for a second at almost 100%, the rest of the time was below 50%, most of the time actually at around 15-30%. So I guess I'm good for now.
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!
Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!
Paket | Was ist Neu
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."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,741
Posts736,780
Members38,561
|
Most Online2,537 Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|