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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20 |
If I were to build or buy the ultimate Band in a Box PC, what should I focus on?
Or, better yet what would the ultimate config be?
Accessories?
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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 |
For performance, production, etc?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20 |
I've been tinkering for a while. Finally decided to get serious and record my songs. I have a Fostex mr 80, vocal harmony, professional recording mic. Now my pc seems to be suffering. Takes a long time to render any RT styles. Planning to get 2013 (I still have 2008). Thinking of the audiophile version.
Guess it would be production.
Ideas?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
During the beta testing, I ran BB2013 from the USB drive on an aging XP laptop, on a Win7 Desktop and two sessions back to back on a brand spankin' Win8 laptop.
All performed remarkably well, the only exception being a slightly longer loading time for Realtracks when using the older XP machine. Don't take this the wrong way, the wait state is bearable, I'd say averaging about 20 secs (guesstimated, not timed) at most to load an all realtracks demosong.
Things just kept running this year, no crashes, freezes or the likes.
That said, I wouldn't recommend going with a bottom end economy puter, but I don't think you have to have a supergamer i7 either, although such is icing on the cake.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
See my basic specs below. I built it specifically to run Propellerhead Reason 6, but it manages BIAB quite handily. Closely based on a design from iBuyPC.com,* I built it from components. Price for equivalent performance now would be a little better than the +/- $1,000 it ran this past spring. (Or you could spend the same money and blow me out of the water.)  Anyway, decide on a budget and go from there. HTH, Richard *They build primarily for gamers, but with the right sound card they're great for music production. All PCs are burned in and guaranteed for 3 years(!). Spec a silent case and liquid cooling for added value as a music machine.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,461
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,461 |
CACntryGuy, welcome to the forums!
My box is close to what Ryszard has -- slightly faster i5, no SSD, different flavor of graphics card -- and everything's running golden. More to the point, my previous computer (sitting here until I clean out some space in the bedroom for it), with a lot less RAM, a lot slower CPU, and less than half the GPU, also ran it just fine.
Seriously, I think the most important thing would be a decently fast and roomy hard drive. As long as the rest of it is anywhere close to at least lower-mid-range, you should be just fine. Better sound card than mobo is optional but preferred; note that Creative cards have really lousy luck with 64-bit Windows.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20 |
Awesome info guys.
I was figuring more memory and a high end sound card would be the biggest contributions to the best machine. But, the higher speed hard drive makes sense.
"Mr Immediate" (me) was looking for 'immediate' RT rendering. So, I could see the memory and harddrive having the most effect at least lessening the rendering time.
Thanks for the advice!
Also, thanks for the welcome. Been a long time BIAB tinkerer.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Your assumptions about ram and hard drive are correct.
The hard drive store the raw realtracks, but when a song is generated and played, the results are pulled off of the hard drive and stored in ram and then played back from ram.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
You would want to install the whole BB install to your PC's internal drive (likely c:\) The Everything Pak is 65 GB. So you'd need to have that much space available. Most PC's come with at least 250GB, so that shouldn't be a problem. But some come with Solid State Drives - great drives, but only 80-120GB in total. So I wouldn't get one with a SSD as an "ultimate BiaB PC", unless there was another drive on that PC as well. Other than that, CPU horsepower is good - faster the better. And fast hard drive is good too. Of course you'd want the latest goodies, like USB 3.0. If its a laptop, the quality of the built-in speakers would be important too - since you would be using that a lot. You can measure the speed of your PC by a geekbench test (free http://www.primatelabs.com/geekbench/ ). Most new PC's are above 2000, and the real screamers are up around 8,000. I program BB Windows on a MacBook Pro (running Windows 7 under Bootcamp) and its' Geekbench is about 3,500. I also test it on my older XP laptop with a geekbench of 1,100, which works, but obviously things are slower.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204 |
Peter thanks for the link. I ran the Geekbench test and this is what I came away with. I have an HP pivilon dv7 64. The free version will not read 64,only 32. My final score is 7991. What does this tell me ,if anything.  Leon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Peter thanks for the link. I ran the Geekbench test and this is what I came away with. I have an HP pivilon dv7 64. The free version will not read 64,only 32. My final score is 7991. What does this tell me ,if anything. Leon
While you're waiting for Peter to weigh in, I'll tell you that AFAIC that's an impressive geekbench score, certainly your machine should run Band in a Box quickly and efficiently!
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
<<< My final score is 7991. What does this tell me ,if anything.
Smokin' !!!!
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,601 |
More than three times my score (four year-old Core 2 Duo, which works fine with BIAB).
Smokin' is putting it mildly.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
My newer unit doubled to ONLY 6000, but very happy with it
and the ATI grapics built into the APU.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 204 |
Mac, It is very quick. My wife has a toshiba i5 all in one and it is much slower. My question was about Geek Bench not reading 64 units. It could be that these #'s are not correct. Never the the less it is fast enough for my needs, which at 73 years are few, if you get my drift.  -Leon
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,461
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,461 |
For what it's worth, I just got 9607 on my i5-3570K in 32-bit mode, which is apparently right on track, and the chart for 64-bit mode says it'd get around 16K. Agreement with everybody, you should have no trouble running BIAB at speed.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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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