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RealBand
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OP
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I am finding that starting up RealBand is very slow which is due to the intialization of BIAB functions.
The screen is blank during this process and it is difficult know what is happening.
I have always thought that initialization should take place when required as an option, not every time the program is started up. Fortunately, there is a solution which I have used previously until, for some reason, the setting was overwritten during the testing of the 2016 version.
Open a NEW file in RB and select a style - doesn't matter which and save the altered song file to the RealBand folder as $Options.seq. The $Options file opens at the start up of RB and the Style is recognized as being saved by the program previously and which ignores the Initialization of the BIAB functions. Later on, accessing BIAB functions will result in the program being connected to BIAB at that stage, but it is no quicker. It is very slow.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988
PG Music Developer
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PG Music Developer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988 |
If it doesn't say "Initializing accompaniment engine..." (or something similar) than it means the BIAB functions aren't being initialized, so I'm not sure why it would be slow at startup if you don't see such a message.
Jeff Yankauer
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118 |
Hi LynB
I also had this problem until I did the following. You may have already tried this, but I offer it as a suggestion. I got this idea from somewhere in the forum and was happy to see it worked!
1. I opened up my security suite, in my case, Microsoft Essentials (anti-virus, etc.). Yours should have similar settings.
2. I went to settings, then “Exclude files and locations” and put in the named files you see below for exclusion.
C:bb
C:\bb\bbw.exe
C:bb\bbw3.exe
C:RealBand
3. Then I went to “Excluded file types" and put in:
SEQ. File
Doing this eliminates the time it takes for the security program to search for file viruses in the BIAB & RB programs and in any of my SEQ file(s)when Real Band is opening. I trust BIAB and RB programs and my SEQ files to be virus free. It makes my BIAB and Real Band programs open up much faster.
Don
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RealBand
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
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OP
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Hi Jeff,
A Yellow Peril Message appears which lasts for a short while before vanishing. The user can be excused from thinking that something is wrong.
It may be a good idea to insert an Option in Preferences > File to allow users to switch off Initialization at Startup if preferred.
Hi Don, Thanks for the information. I have saved a copy of your post for future reference.
Lyn
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
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If it doesn't say "Initializing accompaniment engine..." (or something similar) than it means the BIAB functions aren't being initialized, so I'm not sure why it would be slow at startup if you don't see such a message. Now that you mention this, Jeff... I have a question. I have a bunch of songs for gigs that I load one at a time. MOST of them load quickly. Every now and then one of the project files generates the message above "initializing accompaniment engine..." and the song takes a lot longer to load. What puts that in motion? It happens on the same files, every time. In playback mode, I'm not invoking any of the features used to generate real content, so I guess that's why I don't usually get that message until I reach certain files. I have started over and recreated some of the problem files and the message went away... but if there's an easier thing to identify and remove, I'd rather do that. Its bad Juju standing in front of a live audience waiting for a song to load. ;-)
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RealBand
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988
PG Music Developer
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PG Music Developer
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,988 |
It's possible that it's using the engine for something as simple as determining the long style name (the description of the style) from the short style name itself.
Jeff Yankauer
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RealBand
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Joined: Jul 2000
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OP
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Hi Pat,
Watch the Style names. I have found that when putting together a show, I make all the style names the same thus getting an uninterrupted performance. RB goes into the Initializing mode when the style name changes from the last saved. I believe that there should NOT be an automatic initialization process thereby giving the user full control of this function.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Hi Pat,
Watch the Style names. I have found that when putting together a show, I make all the style names the same thus getting an uninterrupted performance. RB goes into the Initializing mode when the style name changes from the last saved. I believe that there should NOT be an automatic initialization process thereby giving the user full control of this function. hmmm... interesting.... especially since I order my set by changing filenames to make them sort the way I want for the gig 01_against the wind.SEQ 02_learning to fly.seq 03_take it easy.seq etc in fact, I just reordered them last night after my practice session.. It will be interesting to see if when I practice today I get the initialization message PS: what do you mean when you say you "make the filenames all the same?"
Last edited by Pat Marr; 12/10/15 04:14 AM.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
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He said make the Style names all the same (before saving) .. not the file names ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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Joined: Oct 2008
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He said make the Style names all the same (before saving) .. not the file names .. ohhhhhhhh! (smacking head against wall) at least that explains why changing the file names didn't generate errors. ;-) But seriously, thanks for noticing that I misunderstood and for redirecting my understanding! I do appreciate that!
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RealBand
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OP
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Posts: 3,161 |
Hi Pat,
I hope you didn't harm your head too much?? As soon as I finish the setup of a song with BB data, tracks and sounds ready for recording etc, I change the Style Name to "Dream". I open files in the last used folder at RB start up, but not open the last Seq used. I can always return to BB processing on a one off basis.
Rarely, does RealBand go into the initialization process and only when a song is loaded with a different Style name to Dream. Using this method, RealBand starts up in approximately 5 seconds. As I have posted before, I think that there should be a method of switching the Initialization of BB components ON or OFF. Maybe an option in Preferences.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Thanks Lyn, this is really helpful information! I'll go thru all my songs today and make sure the style is the same before my gig tonight!
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
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I am finding that starting up RealBand is very slow which is due to the intialization of BIAB functions.
.... It is very slow. Compare that to calling your buds at 10:30pm and asking them to drop what they're doing to help you lay a few tracks on an idea you just thought up..... oh yeah, and bring some beer and chips..... I think RB is way faster but it won't pick up the chips and beer either.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,853
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but it won't pick up the chips and beer either Of course, there's this!
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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RealBand
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If someone made that into a VST plugin they'd be rich!
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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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