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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
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OP
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49 |
Quote:
Quote:
The problem, in short, is that misaligned disk partitions cause the disk heads to have to work harder resulting in a significant loss of performance. Needless to say, we all want our DAWs to run as efficiently as possible.
Not sure how serious that 'problem' is. Do you have references and links to benchmarks?
A couple years ago I came accross the info about partition alignment when I was trying to tweak the performance on a Dell laptop to be a portable DAW to supplement my desktop system. There are a bunch of references and benches on the web (hunt the boards). The short answer is, in my personal experience, I did a lot of benchmarks comparing misaligned and aligned starting partition offsets and found read / write speed improved on disk partitions aligned to 1024 kilobytes. I'll look for the benches, but my recollection is the aligned partitions were ~6% to 15% faster read / writes.
My Dell lappy - which was an expensive top of the line machine when new - is 6 year old "dinosaur" now. IDE controller maxing out at UDMA 5, 5400RPM IDE drive. Aligned vs misaligned comparison on the IDE drive was around ~6-8% faster read / writes.
Installed a DVD/CD drive bay adapter in order to use a second SATA HDD to make it dual drive. And dual boot - one XP OS for DAW, the other for general use. The WD Caviar Black is 7200 RPM and Read / write speed comparison aligned vs misaligned was greater - ~12% with aligned partitions on the faster WD Black.
I have another adapter in the main HDD caddy for an Intel x-18M SSD and it blows the doors off the platter drive. Especially the seek times. I didn't mess around doing extensive aligned vs misaligned benches with the Intel SSD, but the initial install was misaligned (using Acronis - see note below) so I realigned the partition starting offset and once aligned it was ~15% faster read / write speed.
Connecting an external drive using an eSATA adapter PCMCIA card I get UMDA 7 speeds. The difference was greater aligned vs misaligned. My recollection on this comparison is a little fuzzy but it was more.
Seems that the faster the drive / controllers / connection is the more partition alignment makes a difference.
Quote:
Just checked the offset of my system disks here on a Vista system -> similar to your complained figures ... you said Microsoft corrected the problem with Vista an Win7 (?).
Depends on where and with what software the partitions were created. Vista / Win7 defaults to 1024k partition starting offset. Have you cloned the drive? Some cloning software create a 31.5k partition offset. *Note below* Was Vista pre-installed on your machine? Chances are the manufacturer used earlier os system to create the disk partition for installation. We have an HP lappy that came with Vista pre-installed that was misaligned to 31.5k (which reads 32256 bytes) in "system info"). Backed it up, realigned the partition >>using Vista<< and it defaulted the starting partition offset to 1024k, re-imaged the backup onto the drive. Faster, though I didn't save any bench comparisons on the HP machine.
(*note* Acronis, Partition Wizard which I have personally used destroyed the aligned partition created with windows or diskpart and installed the old 31.5k default (32256 bytes) though I recall seeing recently that a newer version or tool from Acronis correctly aligns the offset. Drive Image XML will use the aligned partitions made in windows or diskpart without changing the offset)
See for yourself - take a spare drive and partition it with Vista or Windows 7 and it will default to 1024k partition starting offset (which will read 1048576 bytes in "system information").
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49 |
Quote:
Do a search for HDClone 3.9 freeware from Miray Software. It will allow you to clone a hard drive while preserving, even adjusting to correct if necessary, the 4K boundary.
Thanks for the recommendation. Took a quick peek and it looks good. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49 |
Quote:
Quote:
Lawrence,
Why don't you just copy everything off the drive to another drive, repartition the drive, and then move everything back?
Gary
Hi Gary. Thought of that. Can that be done - no copy protection? Besides that, transferring the data back and forth would void the warranty if the drive failed in the future, wouldn't it?
Lawrence
Many thanks to PGMusic support - this reply just received:
"please feel free to copy the contents to another drive, re-partition, and copy back. This will not reflect negatively on your license (we note that you mentioned on the forum that you were worried about that).
Best regards,
Callie Cotterell
Marketing Representative
PG Music Inc."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49 |
Quote:
Hi Lawrence,
Here's a web page that I've found about partition misalignment. It explains it very well.
http://www.storagereview.com/impact_misalignment
If I am interpreting this and your information correctly, the problem is related to hard drives that operate beyond a physical sector size of 512 bytes (say 4K sectors). This interpretation is also supported by Microsoft at
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929491
From what I can find, the RAID disk to which the MS article refers also has 4K sectors.
I notice, from using System Information, that my USB drive from PG Music has a physical sector size is 512 bytes. As previously mentioned, 32,256/512 = 63. Further investigation reveals that these 63 sectors (with a physical sector size of 512 bytes) are perfectly normal; my USB drive is operating exactly the way that Windows was designed to operate and on a sector size that is a perfect fit for this operating system. If, however, my USB drive had a different sector size (e.g. 4K), then (from what I read) I would have potential alignment issues. At the moment, though, it seems that all is well for me.
Regards,
Noel
Thanks for the info Noel. I'm not an expert like you. I do the best I can to understand very technical details that are outside of my realm of expertise. Hand me a guitar!:) I can report unequivocably that benched read / write speeds improved on my machines after aligning the drive partition starting offsets.
As it relates to Biab, the result (in my experience) is faster generation, lower latency, especially with real time midi accompaniment and lower cpu useage.
Thanks again
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
[Noel] (emphasis added) : I notice, from using System Information, that my USB drive from PG Music has a physical sector size is 512 bytes. As previously mentioned, 32,256/512 = 63. Further investigation reveals that these 63 sectors (with a physical sector size of 512 bytes) are *** perfectly normal *** ; my USB drive is operating exactly the way that Windows was designed to operate and on a sector size that is a *** perfect fit for this operating system.***
=============================
Thanks for the info Noel. At PG Music, we use Toshiba drives (not Western Digital), and from my understanding, and your information posted above, things are normal with the sector sizes, and this a non-issue.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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- 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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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