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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
fianoman
well actually to be completely honest mate.
after testing a ton of lappies this year for friends my conclusion
is most el cheapo lappies are consumer junk.
i wont bore you with all the puter engineering details :-)
but poor firewire chipsets/slow drives/bad dpc are just a few issues.
imho they need a decent round of re engineering.
the only lappies i suggest folks look at are the adk ones..but
they are pricey.
moi..i'm staying desktop.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42 |
We are in absolute agreement there puterman. :-)
I did commercial graphics for a number of years and a laptop will not come close to a desktop for processing power. However...
I have two places, weekend and workweek, and it is a little tough to pack up a cpu, monitor, keyboard, etc. and schlep it back and forth so laptop wins out.
When I get some extra coin, I will probably move over to the Mac platform. I have let Mister Softie irritate the dickens out of me for a couple of decades so I figure I will give Mr. Jobs a crack at it soon....
In the meantime, I will get my laptop lean and mean and hopefully have some fun!
Thanks for the input.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
fianoman well actually i'm no great lover of the mac platform either . cos if i got a mac and it goes on the fritz i gotta send off to apple care. and my studio is down. other reason is new processor technologies are prolly coming (as they always will do mate..eg 16 cores.),.... and i dont wanna spend big buks on say a quad core mac to find its superceded. my basic issue with macs is you have to constantly rebuy the whole shebang. at least on a pc desktop i can slap in a new mainboard n processor. eg right now i can upgrade one of my old desktops to a quad for a couple a hundred buks. cant do that with macs. as an alternative, check out the pc quad core lappies sometime here.. (they are also an apple dealer.) www.adkproaudio.comas always ymmv/i got nothing to do with em. but they are properly configged imho. and a good alternative to macs.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42 |
"record 64 tracks live" Pretty bold statement!
Thanks for the site, I had not heard of them. Looks like some cool gear...
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
fianoman
re adk..check out their client list mate.
but of course the big names can afford such.
(whereas us poor schleps cant..lol).
if you want a no brainer el cheapo solution
to save yer hard earned buks. ..but desktop.
look for a refurb dual core amd 64 desktop .
such normally go for 200 buks with warranty.
or a dual core intel C2Duo.
then install a second 70 buk drive 7200 rpm internal
with 32 mb cache<<<note the cache...
and your rocking. for bout 290 buks.
(if the refurb has 1 gig of ram...add another gig. )
easy 80 traks in a song.
way more than you need.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
I'm writing this on a windows laptop with a GB of Ram, early centrino processor and WinXP that's been awake for over a month. I never run virus software since it chokes the life out of your computer ... and only got bit once by a virus bad enough to have to reinstall when I stupidly opened a link I knew I shouldn't. It's all about where you go on the internet and what you download or open.
Whenever I think 'herky, jerky,'' I always thnk the soundcard buffer is set too low for whatever it's trying to do and is unable to keep those bytes flowing to the CPU. The fact that changing the instrument back to VSC cleared all the problems is pretty strong evidence to me that the computers fine ... and there was some parameter setting not working right with the forte.
BTW ... I'm with the kid. Reinstalling is the last thing I ever want to do given all that's loaded on my machines ... using disk imaging software like Acronis is another story. Just keep track of those restore points and every so often rewrite the backup disks after a lot of installs.
Something goes wrong with your computer? My experience is that it's about 5% a new install, 1% an actual hardware failure/ change and 94% you weren't paying attention to something you were doing and made some change you didn't intend.
This sounds like a 5% problem.
Prado
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88 |
Quote:
BTW ... I'm with the kid. Reinstalling is the last thing I ever want to do given all that's loaded on my machines.
Trust me when I tell it's the last thing I wanna do, too. It was a joke. Every time I say it, I'm kidding. And my son knows I'm just bustin' his chops. It's always the first thing out of my mouth when people come to me with computer problems: "I'd format and reinstall."
I will say this, though, and I mean this with all seriousness: If your machine has been hit with a virus or serious malware, it's not really your machine any more. The only way to be absolutely sure your computer's clean of viruses, trojans, or really bad trash apps is to F & R.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
Schnazola
used pc's are so darn cheap and at throwaway prices...
if one doesnt have a lotta buks...use 2 pc's.
one for the net and one for the studio daw.
my studio pc never sees the net.
runs like a charm.
one problem ive seen is , many times , sometimes
people are useing one pc for everything.
the net, real time chat, family finances, etc etc..
n the poor thing is loaded up to the gills with junk.
then people wonder why the poor thing isnt doing
a good job at music creation.
first thing i do is look in the temp directory.
a good clue as to how well a pc is looked after.
then i run tests on how fast dialogues display.
as well as a dpc test. n do hard drive tests etc.
its like a car , ya gotta maintain it properly
and configure it properly.
and most importantly choose the right configuration...
processor//memory//drives etc etc.
my bug about lappies is the manufacturers put in decent dual core processors these days,
and skimp elsewhere. even on the mac people were complaining bout the switch of
fw chipsets on pro recording forums.
but to be fair to manufacturers its a hotly competitive market driven by consumers often wanting
cheap prices.
people just arent willing to fork out for a proper configged daw laptop like adk has.
with say a nice quad core processor and decent drives n chipsets.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 88 |
Quote:
my studio pc never sees the net. runs like a charm.
I keep a remarkably clean machine. Clean Desktop, very little running in background, tidy Registry. Obsolete apps removed. By my colleagues' standards, it's a lean, if not mean, machine.
But still, you make a good point. Why burden even a hot rod with network junk and other stuff unrelated to creating music. A dedicated workstation sounds like just what the doctor ordered!
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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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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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