Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
RealBand
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
L
LynB Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
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.

RealBand
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,960
J
PG Music Developer
Offline
PG Music Developer
J
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,960
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 (On Vacation)
RealBand
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 118
D
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
D
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

RealBand
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
L
LynB Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
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

RealBand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Originally Posted By: Jeff Yankauer
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. ;-)

RealBand
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,960
J
PG Music Developer
Offline
PG Music Developer
J
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,960
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 (On Vacation)
RealBand
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
L
LynB Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
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.

RealBand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Originally Posted By: LynB
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 03:14 AM.
RealBand
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,454
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,454
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!
RealBand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Originally Posted By: rharv
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!

RealBand
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
L
LynB Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
L
Joined: Jul 2000
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.

RealBand
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
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!

RealBand
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Originally Posted By: LynB
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.com
Add 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.
RealBand
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Quote:
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)
RealBand
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,454
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,454
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!
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,733
Posts795,424
Members39,940
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
MarcAlanMichael, Kylie jen, klausmus, lowihat223, Jwb2k
39,939 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 201
Noel96 113
DC Ron 105
DrDan 103
rsdean 102
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
baz66, joesarahh, prsings
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5