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Joined: Aug 2018
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Hi all,
I am just about to buy BiaBand I also have to need a new PC at the same time.
I would normally just got a mid range laptop.
Hi
Howeverf in light of my purcahse of BiAB are there any recoomendations, such as I should get a Desktop with a better Soundcard, more memory etc, ris a mid range laptop fine.
As to usage: I want to use BiaB for playing my guitar with a backing band through an HD500PX Pod - which is MIDI compatible, not orchestrating a 5o piece philharmonic arrangement. LOL
Any help much appreciated.
Play on maestros ...
Cheers
Andy
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Welcome to the forum.
For BIAB, the most important component is the speed of the CPU. Next would be adequate RAM. One thing that is NOT important is graphics. Also, you can run BIAB fine from the supplied USB hard drive, so the size of the internal drive isn’t as important. I would get a SSD boot drive if at all possible.
I would not worry about the laptop sound, either. Instead, get a USB interface for your audio and MIDI, since you’ll need one for MIDI anyway. For example, many of us use a Focusrite Scarlett. Get the model that supports the number of inputs you need.
Hope that helps. You are wise to ask before purchasing.
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
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I would also add to Matt's recommendation that you purchase a Focusrite with the new drivers- not NOS from somebody's stock. The second generation drivers are much better.
Regards,
Bob
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Yes they are; Bob is correct.
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
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Welcome to the forum, Band-in-a-Box and RealBand!
Do you have a spot you normally go to when your creating music? If so then I suggest purchasing a desktop tower instead of a laptop. Desktop hardware is cheaper than the equivalent hardware in a laptop. A desktop is also easier to maintain, repair and expand than a laptop.
If you decide on a desktop think about having two storage drives. Consider getting a 250 to 500 gigabyte (GB) solid state drive (SSD) to use as the primary (C) system drive and a 1 or 2 terabyte (TB) mechanical hard drive for use as a secondary drive. Two drives means less wear and tear on the drives plus your computer will boot up MUCH faster than you're presently accustomed to. A 500 GB solid state drive is less than $100 US and 2 TB hard drives are available for $60 US.
The computer operating system will likely be 64 bit Windows 10. If given the choice between the Home or Pro editions, choose Pro. One of the main issues with Windows 10 Home is you have little control when updates are applied. Windows 10 Pro gives you more control over when updates are applied. Likewise if given the choice between 32 or 64 bit, choose 64 bit. Every 32 bit application I'm aware of, including Band-in-a-Box and RealBand, work fine in a 64 bit operating system.
Last, 8 GB of system ram memory should be the least amount of memory you consider.
Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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I'm with Jim in the desktop group. I think you have greater flexibility with a desktop.
Soundcards in laptops lack a lot to my ears. Parts and upgrades are generally cheaper and more plentiful.
And welcome to a wonderful group of friendly, helpful, and very knowledgeable musicians and songwriters who will never criticize you for asking questions. The only dumb question is the one never asked.
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Welcome to the most friendly site on the web. Also we can never have too many guitarists!
I also are in the desktop computer camp for all of the reasons given.
You have received great advice on computers and audio interfaces but no one has mentioned speakers yet. Laptop speakers are the worst. Computer speakers, those you buy and plug in, range from bad to mediocre IMHO. You will need some near field monitors and depending on either how much you want to spend or how deep you want to get into recording will determine how much you want to play. If you are going to record directly from your POD HD500X then you will need near field monitors IMHO.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Wow, what an amazing reponse  I usually have an amp, headphones, the pod and my guitar so everything else is new to me. I've been messing about for years and never really getting anywhere (I'm 50). I only discovered band in the box about 12 months ago and its just what I need. So the help is fabulous and much appreciated. I'm sure I'll be back for more if you don't mind!
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Very good.
Get some advice about the right external interface to connect and record your guitar along with BIAB tracks.
By the way, you’re bringing the average age here way down.
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
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Wow, what an amazing reponse I usually have an amp, headphones, the pod and my guitar so everything else is new to me. I've been messing about for years and never really getting anywhere (I'm 50). I only discovered band in the box about 12 months ago and its just what I need. So the help is fabulous and much appreciated. I'm sure I'll be back for more if you don't mind! If you have any questions feel free to ask. Myself, as have many guitarist on this site, have recorded guitars either direct input, through an amp sym, and/or via miking an amp. Some of us use BiaB while others use a DAW. I am in the DAW camp. A DAW offers a lot more than BiaB, like more tracks for multiple recordings that you can cut and paste into one track. If you have the Windows' version of BiaB you already have a DAW called RealBand. It is included with your BiaB purchase.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Wow, what an amazing reponse ... So the help is fabulous and much appreciated. I'm sure I'll be back for more if you don't mind! Be informed that you are joining the most amazing and friendliest forum ever, with like-minded people, a wealth of ideas, and a common interest. Welcome aboard. Trev
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
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Apprentice
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As a newbie myself I can confirm all the good things about this forum. Without the help that I've received here I would probably have given up, but because of the help I've now made 7 backing tracks and loving the process.
Narayano
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just an FYI: my last email to support contradicts the recommendation - you CANNOT run BIAB directly from the USB. You can keep the files on it, but the main program will not work if not transferred to main computer's disc drive.
Second, my MacBook only has 250 gigabytes. I cannot install all of the Real Tracks. Get a 1 TB drive!
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just an FYI: my last email to support contradicts the recommendation - you CANNOT run BIAB directly from the USB. You can keep the files on it, but the main program will not work if not transferred to main computer's disc drive.
Second, my MacBook only has 250 gigabytes. I cannot install all of the Real Tracks. Get a 1 TB drive!
Would you mind sharing what Support said? I don't agree with what you wrote, but perhaps the difference is in the details. You certainly CAN run BIAB from the USB drive, and many do it. But you must first install the program and yes, some things do go onto your computer's hard drive. But the install process gives you four choices. One of the four involves copying the RealTracks to your hard drive but you do not have to do that! The minimal install does not take up much room on your hard drive. You should not have to buy anything to run BIAB on your computer unless your computer's hard drive is totally full (in which case you have a bigger problem). ps Warrenton is a really nice place. Great Mexican in El Agave.
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
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Perhaps mine is a unique situation, but I noticed a general slower program launch and file seeking when running from the USB Drive. It wasn't terrible but noticeable. I then used the option to run everything from my C: drive and the problem was solved.
I have a 1TB C: drive so space was not a major concern.
The program loads very quickly now. =/~5 seconds.
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Expert
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Hi Mefree When you say you can not run the program from the usb . I think you are talking about the method of purchase as an installable copy on a usb stick . this is for folks that don’t have a cd drive and don’t want to download If you purchase on a usb hard drive you certainly can run from it as it is pre installed and only needs minimal files on your system hard drive see bottom of purchase page for an explanation of destitution methods. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.packages.htmthis link takes you to biab for windows but will suffice Mike
Last edited by Mike Head; 08/14/18 09:35 AM.
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
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In addition to all this valuable advice, you might want to consider one of those super silent fanless systems available these days. With an all SSD system you won't even hear otherwise spinning HDDs. Check it out, it's a whole different experience - whenever music sounds are silent that is.
BiaB even runs perfectly well on tablet systems such as a Surface Pro - completely installed with all RealTracks and stuff on a 400 GB SD card.
Martin
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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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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."
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!
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