I need to get a PC where I work because everything there is PC based. It doesn't need to be super powerful, but something I can use to run work software, and maybe sneak in Band-In-a-Box. I'm thinking about going with a surface book. Thoughts?
Computer: Macbook Pro, 16 inch 2021 DAWs: Pro Tools, Logic, and Maschine plays drums, percussion, bass, steel pan, keyboard, music producer/engineer
Pure Surface devices are great but sometimes limited with the number of available USB ports etc.
There are notebook devices that perform a similar function with 'swivel / detachable screens'. Decide on what features you want in terms of screen size, keyboard, touch screen, touch pad, USB ports, required battery life etc and then go shopping.
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
My advice would be get something with plenty of USB 3 ports and a big hard drive. I bought a tablet about 3 or 4 years back. Original ACER Surface (I think). It runs BIAB 2017 fine but is basically a real drag for live shows unless I run with Wavefiles as I have the USB hard drive, midi interface, mouse etc coming out of one USB 3 port. How else will you have all the RealTracks working. If I had to add an audio interface it would be a nightmare. If I'm running wave files, I might as well use the phone...
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
I bought a Dell with Windows 10 at Staples for around $400.00 and it works great with Biab. Mine came with dedicated video card for games and they had others that were a little cheaper. It also came with an extended warranty where if anything happens to it, they will replace it for free.
Biab works great with it and the Realtracks generate in about 3-4 seconds.
If budget drives the decision, and it does for a lot of people, you are fortunate to be buying at a time when what used to be $2000 you can find for $400 or so. I personally went ahead and splurged and spent a lot more to get extra stuff like the i7 processor, 32gb of RAM, etc.... But that was mainly because the studio computer also has to run Pro Tools as well as RB. Like Trax said, he spent $400 and it runs his stuff just fine.
I'd focus on processor speed first, then RAM. If you can find an i7 for not much money, great. Trax, at $400 did you get an i5?
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
Do you have a form-factor preference? Windows computers are available in many forms including all-in-one, desktop (tower), laptop, tablet and convertible (combination laptop/tablet). Everything else being equal a tower should be least expensive but is the easiest to upgrade.
Both Dell and Tiger Direct sell refurbished computers. These are computers that came off lease or were received on trade.
If you go to dell.com/outlet you can find good deals. If they get a return for any reason, something as minor as a power supply, they can no longer sell it as new.
I am using the new 1040XTRAEZ form this year. It has just 2 lines.
1. How much did you make in 2023? 2. Send it to us.
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
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