|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
I have searched a bunch and couldn't exactly find an answer, but I did find a reference to it in a way. The double usb hookup on one side of the cable- it's used only to increase power- throughput- when running real tracks from the usb drive? I've only used one thus far, NOT the red one. I thought that was perhaps for another usb recording device. But plug in both for extra speed? If using only one, is there a preference, black or red?
Thanks. I just can't seem to find this answer!
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 141
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 141 |
Hi Dan,
The short answer is the red connector is to provide more power if your computer is having trouble recognizing the hard drive...it does not give you extra speed. Here is longer info from the FAQ section of this web site:
Power supply: Different computers and laptops deliver more/less power to the USB ports. (This information applies to 2.5 inch USB powered drives, not the 3.5 inch AudioPhile editions that use an external power source.)
* On one end of the USB cable, there is a second USB connector you can use for extra power (usually a little smaller than the main one). If your cable looks like that, first make sure you have the larger connector plugged into your computer. It is *normally* only necessary to use the one plug.
* If that doesn't work, try connecting the main plug directly to a USB port on the back of your computer, rather than a USB hub or ports on the monitor/keyboard/front of the computer case. Unless you have a self-powered USB hub (i.e. one that plugs into the wall, or battery-powered) it doesn't have any more current drive than is available on its usb connection to the mother-computer. So each single port on a hub often doesn't have enough power to drive some devices. USB ports on the front of your computer etc. can be similar to this.
* You could try connecting the extra power USB plug to another port (so you have both cables plugged in). Note that there is often a maximum current available per pair of vertically stacked USB ports, so you may have better luck bridging between two pairs. Also, if you have other USB powered devices that require alot of power, such as audio interfaces or a MIDI keyboard, it would be best if each of those had its own pair.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
The FAQ section. Good grief. Thanks for answering. I'll have to look a bit more closely in that section. Thanks again.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
ALWAYS use both. You stand a chance of either ruining the drive or worse burning out the USB ports. This we have learned from prior issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
Oops. Hadn't been using that little red one. going through a powered hub. Went ahead and just pluged it in!
Thanks for the tip
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Yes, thanks for that. I've just been plugging in one into the front usb on the tower. I'll plug them both in from now on. They should be a bit clearer on this matter.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
One or two reported burnt USB ports does not a trend make...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Seems a bit confusing. I mean, I've been using just one with seemingly no issues. What would be an indication that the second one should be plugged in- a lockup? A crash? I have had both of them in RB 2010.5 once or twice. I didn't suspect it was due to the usb cable. Maybe it was. I was chaulking it up to RB being a bit glitchy, as it seems to be at times. But audio seems to stream over just fine generally. This is the first I've ever run into this kind of usb cable and with one connector being red...confusing. I want to give myself the best shot at longevity with this drive. I get the feeling using both connectors could help that cause but it's just a feeling. Very sketchy documentation on this. I wonder- would having both connected speed up regenerating? That can be a little long at times.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
"One or two reported burnt USB ports does not a trend make... "
Look, there can be quite a few reasons why someone's particular USB port died on them. They are going to blame that on whatever device they had plugged in at the time. Whether or not that particular device had anything at all to do with causing the port failure can only be conjecture. For all we know, they might have simply broken solder connections between circuit board and socket by plugging and unplugging rather hard. --A much more likely scenario BTW.
I'm not overly concerned about the issue. If the drive works with only the one plug, that's fine with me. I haven't lost any ports here, and that's on at least three different machines, two laptops and one desktop.
Having both connected will NOT change the speed of data transfer. That's because the second plug, with the thinner wire connecting it to the main plug, carries only the power connects and no data lines, which are on the main plug.
As the directions that come with the drive say, if the one plug will run the drive on your machine, then you can use the one plug. Fearmongering and the Internet being what it is.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Thanks for your insight Mac. I've been doing fine with one connection and I'll just continue.
Dan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
One or two reported burnt USB ports does not a trend make...
I believe there are more issues then 1 or 2 but suit yourselves.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Well If I'm going to suit myself I'd like a fine summerweight seer-sucker. In case today is my last birhthday it should do for the trip to the fryer. Otherwise the birthday suit is fine too.
As to USB's I've had problems and no problems. I've had ports that don't work with 1 or 2 things and not others. I've plugged stuff in and my system ignores it. And I've plugged other stuff in the same dang place and it's fine. Some things have to go in the same place as they started the very first time....other things can move. Go figure. I'd prefer another type of solution, but uSB seems to be the standard so we go with that. I thought the instructions I got were clear, but another set is on the way so I'll let you know.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I believe there are more issues then 1 or 2 but suit yourselves.
3, 7, 15 or what, the count is meaningless unless you also have data as to the likely MUCH larger pool of ALL USB drives sold by PGMusic out there.
Then you have to look at the RATIO of the thing.
Which would very likeldy prove that those who have suffered a "blown USB port" are very likely a fractional percentage of the sample group.
And still, that information does not take into account any of several *other* factors that might cause this problem other than the drive itself, such as the manufacturing process of those particular motherboards, which might be faulty, or the amount of stress that USB ports have been subjected to, which is *very* hard to pinpoint, "my kid did it!" - or some other equally important scenario.
We just can't jump to those kind of dire conclusions over a few samples out of the much larger pool.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Well this isn't a scientific study Mac. It may only be 1 in a 1000 or 5000 don't matter if you're that 1. You've got two plugs. I say use them,minimize the chance of a failure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,103
Posts800,256
Members40,036
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean