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#244432 03/17/14 08:13 AM
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Please offer a 64 bit version of the software.

It's tiresome, tedious and annoying to have to go to a DAW to complete a song, when it could be done so much quicker and easier, within BB, if 64 bit were there.


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I would like this as well, but isn't it a bit premature to request this again so soon after the reception to your last thread in December?
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=226069&page=1


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Not really Matt. If the process is started now, then the sooner we could all enjoy it.

What's the the point of midi if you cannot use quality vst instruments with the limitations 32 bit has?

Real tracks are great but you cannot always convert to midi ...... or alter a real track to how you would wish.


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Yes, I agree with the value of the request.


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I'm very uninformed 'bout the advantages of a 64-bit BIAB brings to the table... can some noble soul give me the skinny on it?

Thanking in advance,

Last edited by LtKojak; 03/18/14 03:41 AM.

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A 32-bit OS or program can only address about 3.5 Gb of RAM, whereas a 64-bit jobbie can address as much as 192 Gb. Some VSTi's need a LOT of memory--think on the order of 1-2 Gb by themselves. Users are now able to employ multiple high-quality VSTi's--except that they can't with the memory limitation. Hence the need for the 64-bit program, to take advantage of all that beautiful RAM.

HTH,

Richard


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Originally Posted By: Ryszard
A 32-bit OS or program can only address about 3.5 Gb of RAM, whereas a 64-bit jobbie can address as much as 192 Gb. Some VSTi's need a LOT of memory--think on the order of 1-2 Gb by themselves. Users are now able to employ multiple high-quality VSTi's--except that they can't with the memory limitation. Hence the need for the 64-bit program, to take advantage of all that beautiful RAM.

HTH,

Richard


My actual laptop runs Win 7, 64-bit, but it only has 4 GB RAM.

Would BIAB function "better" as a 64-bit app? That's what I'm having trouble understanding.

Last edited by LtKojak; 03/18/14 08:38 AM.

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I am perfectly happy with windows 7 32 bit at the moment in fact I specifically asked my computer builder four years ago to give me that version as I loved the roland dxi.

I do understand the concerns though, of those that want the 64 bit version of biab and hope it may be available soon to them, but don't hold your breth.

I can't speak for PG music and am not a programmer but it sure comes across to me as must be a massive job to rewrite the program to make it 64 bit, such as their inability to meet the wishes of many users so far for that feature

Sometimes it seems to me that some new code writers for the program would be a great help (and no doubt would cost PG more money) and that the present code writers are somewhat reluctant to let new blood in. Must be a lot of financial considerations involved I would imagine.

Just how it comes across to me, and probably I am totally wrong as I have been proved to be on many occasions.

For me personally I am totally happy with 32 bit biab at the moment, could well change in a few years time.


Musiclover

Last edited by musiclover; 03/18/14 09:13 AM.

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To clarify, a Windows 64 bit operating system can run 32 bit applications. There is backward compatibility.

So you don't need to maintain Windows 32bit O/S to run 32 bit programs. They run perfectly on a Windows 64bit O/S as well.

My guess is that if PGM release a 64 bit version, they will release 2 builds 32-bit and 64-bit, thus maintaining backward compatibility.

This clarification is separate to the O/P's request, in which staying with 32-bit introduces functionality limitations. I definitely support an expansion to 64-bit.

Hope this helps

Trevor







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The major reason for having a 64-bit BIAB has been well stated, namely to access more RAM if running under a 64-bit Windows on a PC that has a 64-bit CPU.

However, there is another good reason.

From the SONAR forum, I routinely read about users of 64-bit systems having trouble with 32-bit plugins. Yes, there's BitBridge and JBridge, but sometimes they don't work with a specific plugin or, worse, are not stable. It's that stability that worries me, and is the reason that I only use 64-bit plugins in SONAR. Doing that, I've never had a problem.

Of course, applied to PG Music, this means that not only should the programs be coded to 64-bit, but also their many plug-ins; otherwise, you get into the need for the wrapper that can (not will, but can) cause problems. That's a lot of coding.



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Mal I totally get it but again this is a Wishlist item. I just did a search and you're all over the Wishlist thread.

Do you know we've been asking about a fix for the VST tempo lock issue for at least 7 years now? Or how about the time sig issue? That Wishlist request goes back further than that.

Some things PG cares about and some things they don't. Again I'm sympathetic to this as well but why keep cluttering up the main forum with it?

I wanna look like James Bond but we all have to face reality at some point.

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I can't really see the issue here. Surely BIAB is primarily a system for making great song backings and has been hugely improved by the addition of RealDrums and RealTracks. It is not a DAW program and therefore not designed specifically to run loads of VSTs like a DAW is. Therefore the need for loads of RAM availability that you would obtain from becoming 64 bit is not essential. I can see 64 bit being a more significant feature for RealBand rather than BIAB. In addition surely it is not difficult to load tracks from BIAB to a 64 bit DAW program and continue from there. I repeat once again BIAB is not designed as a DAW. Therefore why get all heated up about it not being 64 bit? Seems to work pretty well as it is.

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Originally Posted By: funkycornwall
I can't really see the issue here...
...
It is not a DAW program and therefore not designed specifically to run loads of VSTs like a DAW is.


The above statement is actually only partially correct.

Regardless of the application title of 'DAW' or otherwise, Band In A Box is designed to use VST's, but while it remains on a 32-bit application platform, it is limited by which VST's it can use.

Submitted for clarification.

Kind regards
Trevor


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Originally Posted By: jazzmammal
Mal I totally get it but again this is a Wishlist item. I just did a search and you're all over the Wishlist thread.

Do you know we've been asking about a fix for the VST tempo lock issue for at least 7 years now? Or how about the time sig issue? That Wishlist request goes back further than that.

Some things PG cares about and some things they don't. Again I'm sympathetic to this as well but why keep cluttering up the main forum with it?

I wanna look like James Bond but we all have to face reality at some point.

Bob


Well to be honest Bob I don't look on at Malevans post as cluttering up the main forum or any other forum for that matter. He feels that he would like to see this feature implemented and has the right to express his opinion as often as he likes.

As regards facing reality I think that PG will have to face that reality some time in the near future that a lot of users want the 64 bit feature.

As I say I am perfectly happy with 32 bit biab but totally understand Mal wanting to express his opinion and having the right to do it, without someone telling him he is cluttering up the forum.

Musiclover

Last edited by musiclover; 03/19/14 05:08 AM.

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32/64 bit is a non-issue for me. BIAB functions perfectly for my purposes. I'm sure a large number of BIAB users could care less either, otherwise there would be a much louder outcry for a BIAB 64 bit version. If a majority of users wanted 64 bit, I'm sure the issue would be addressed. It seems that a very small minority wants this, making it non-profitable for PG. Business is business. Later, Ray


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32 bit or 64 bit doesn't matter that much to me.

A compromise might be to offer a 64 bit version of PowerTracks and RealBand while leaving BIAB 32 bit.


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If 64 bit and 32 bit were offered, do you really suppose that the majority would purchase the 32 bit software?

I think not and I sincerely see a much greater profit margin for this fantastic software and the developers.


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Originally Posted By: malevans
If 64 bit and 32 bit were offered, do you really suppose that the majority would purchase the 32 bit software?

I think not and I sincerely see a much greater profit margin for this fantastic software and the developers.


I agree with you Mal.

I have seen on other sites where people will not touch a 32 bit program. I would think that PGMusic would gain a few more sales if it went 64 bit and in time, very shortly I think, they will be forced to go to 64 bit. I think the transition period for changing from 32 bit to 64 bit is almost over.


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Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.

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I agree as well, though I think all of my software that used to be 32-bit and that converted to 64-bit did so at no charge to me. Both versions are provided, and you install the one you want. Or even both, if there is a 32-bit-only plugin you can't do without and don't want to lose an older project.

Even with a wrapper as suggested by Dr. Gannon, BIAB should move to 64-bit before too long.


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If BIAB goes to 64 bit I'll upgrade just like I did Win 8 then Win 8.1 For those of us who use BIAB for accompaniment on gigs it probably won't make any difference. All I need for background are bass, drums and occasional guitar. I'd be willing to bet that a large number of users are using BIAB just like that, especially long time users. I personally know some pianists who use BIAB the same way I do. The main emphasis is on my playing, not BIAB. Later, Ray

Last edited by raymb1; 03/19/14 05:04 PM.

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