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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 12 |
I am looking at upgrading my BIAB. What is the advantage of having the uncompressed wav files that comes with the Audiophile Edition as opposed to the Everyting Pak which seems to have the same number of Real Tracks and Real Drums?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
The Audiophile wavs are 'studio' quality. The Everything tracks have been compressed - thus theoretically have lost some quality in the compression. It is a long term discussion whether most people can hear the difference. If you are one who swears to be able to hear the difference in an original CD and one which has been compressed to MP3 or WMA, you should get the Audiophile version. This is especially true if you will be making CDs from your tracks. If using only for performance, the compressed tracks are more than adequate.
R
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 5 |
Hello,
The "Audiophile" version is also desirable if you are planning on doing much post-production work to the audio that Band-in-a-Box produces, as having more initial data allows for more extensive processing.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 63 |
Quote:
Hello,
The "Audiophile" version is also desirable if you are planning on doing much post-production work to the audio that Band-in-a-Box produces, as having more initial data allows for more extensive processing.
Okay this is interesting thanks Evan. Personally the quality of the audio in the regular RealTracks is totally adequate for me personally, I love good sound, they sound good to me. But then I don't spend $1000's on high-end speakers etc.
However, two questions.
1. I often do things like stretching out some of the notes, using Melodyne, for example. Does what you are suggesting mean that because there is more data, the audiophile wav's might... perform better for such purposes? I haven't really had a problem in this regard, the compressed files seem to stretch out fine in Melodyne...
2. If the uncompressed "wav" files are bigger, might it not cause problems when I am mixing down? I've had to disable all the reverb and effects when I'm mixing 19 tracks in Melodyne on my computer, because it slows down so much. Wouldn't uncompressed audio make this problem worse?
Thanks for any answers,
Vincent
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378 |
Your processing power is taking a hit because you're hitting a wall- you don't have enough processing horse power, or you ram isn't adequite enough, or your hard drive is only a 5,400 rpm instead of 7,500 rpm- all of which makes a substantial difference with multi media work. Wav files, as opposed to WMA files will add to the load during real time processing, and it will also add to substantial amounts of hard drive space being needed to accomodate them. I come from recording all my own tracks and always do so at no less than 44.1/24 bits. I believe that is the rate/depth of the uncompressed audiophile files. It was a very tough decision not to go for the audiophile package for me. But I couldn't afford it, simple as that. So it then became, could I be satisfied working with WMA files. I'm pretty picky about such things. I took a shot on the ultra package and I have been fine with the files. I rely on real tracks and for me, what is WAY more important is just clean generations of parts for my charts. It doesn't matter what sample rate or bit depth the file is if it doesn't generate clean parts in the first place, at any given tempo I choose. THAT is what matters mostly. After that, WMA files handle the same way as uncompressed files when it comes to editing and mixing. Technically, uncompressed wav files are absolutely prefered. But does it seriously matter? Not in my experience. If you write quality music and mix quality recordings, that's all that matters really. No one, not the listener or the mixer is gonna throw up their hands and proclaim it's terrible- it's not uncompressed wav files! But the choice is there for those who want it. That's good too. Is it needed, even if you fancy yourself a serious production person? In my opinion, nope. But if you have the means to get an audiophile package, it can't hurt investing in that and on many levels, it helps greatly too. Just have the hard drive realestate available to deal with the file sizes, both internally and perhaps externally. If you work with 24/44.1, you're gonna need room now, and room to grow in the hard drive department.
Working with high res uncompressed audio files demands your attention towards hard drive space and speed. If you have a great computer with a fast processor, 4 gigs memory at minimum, multi core, a 7,500 rpm hard drive, perhaps two hard drives internally such as a 320 and a 500 gig, and a couple of terrabyte usb exteral hard drives to archive projects off to, you're nicley setup to deal with uncompressed files- especially if you do lots of audio work and you're busy churning out the next big hits of the day! But don't let all that scare you off either. I worked with uncompressed files for years [still do] with meager pc's, juggling buffering and slow downs with heavy audio loads, and just get external hard drives for archiving. It can be done- it's just a pain. Good luck with your choices.
I should add one thing too- the 2011 version reduces files needed in general, I believe. That will substantially help the amount of hard drive resources needed to work with things like real tracks. Someone else will have to confirm that.
Dan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,337
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,337 |
As Dan just mentioned, the new elastique algorithm that BIAB 2011 is now using allows them to reduce the size of the Real Tracks to 35% of what it used to be. This savings applies to both the compressed and non-compressed (audiophile) versions.
I find it is reasonably hard to notice a difference in a single track between the compressed .WMA and the audiophile .WAV unless I am on my studio computer with pro sound equipment attached. However, when you start to mix many tracks together, you do start to notice more of a difference because noise in a mix is additive.
Finally, you should always feed Melodyne the best possible quality signal that you can.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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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 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)
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 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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