|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
I'm wondering if anyone out there has seen this problem.
I'm getting serious pops and stumbles of audio on RT in BIAB2009Win on a MacBook Pro (under Fusion or in a Bootcamp Windows XP Home) when my audio output is USB interface to a Roland SonicCell. Audio using the internal circuitry or a FireWire interface works fine.
What's strange is that CPU and RAM both have plenty of room to spare. The noise gets worse with time. I called Apple and they blame Microsoft (duh). I also get it whether using MME or ASIO. I've tried bumping up the buffer, but then my timing is insanely out of sync (and I still get the noise).
The noise sounds like loud pop and crackles, and the whole song starts to stumble (yet, CPU remains low).
I talked with Roland about this and they suggested that it sounds like the sample rate is too high; supposed to be no higher than 44.1k/16bit.
Any ideas?
(BTW, please no suggestions to change to the BB2009Mac; I'm sticking with the Win version for now.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 24 |
I don't think the sample rate is the issue.
Is there a place to adjust the number of samples being buffered by your SonicCell? This can be done sometimes in the music application, like Logic. Sometimes there is an applet for the sound card. The applet might be a stand alone app or could be in Control Panel. If you can find it, make the number of samples larger. Say from 256 to 512. This will probably fix the stuttering problem, but raising the number of samples processed will introduce a small amount of latency.
Some sound card managers let you adjust the buffer time, instead of the numbers of samples. In that case just increase the number. Say from 1ms to 2ms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
*Have you tried all available USB connections for the SonicCell? (Not all USB ports are created equal, sometimes there is only one that is true USB 2 rather than 1.1, although I'm not certain how all the different Macs handle that, I would think Mac would handle it better than that "other" brand does, but it is worth checking out.
Not only does the USB 1.1 vs the higher bandwidth available via a USB 2 port come to mind, also the sharing of devices internally in the Mac may have something to do with your problem, so trying any other USB ports again would be what I'd be doing next.
Too many USB devices hooked up at the same time might be fighting for bandwidth and attention also. An audio USB device can chew up a heckuva lot of bandwidth.
At the end of the day, the DRIVERS of the SonicCell may be the culprit. Don't know. Worth checking the mfr's website for any possible updates on that front.
Luck,
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
darryla also makes a good point worth checking out.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
darryla,
Regarding buffers, I've tried more and the delay becomes huge; very difficult to figure out the correct delay compensation. I'm pretty sure I still got stuttering, but I'll try it again.
Last edited by shunyun; 06/18/09 11:53 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
Mac,
Well, that's the strange thing about it. I don't get this problem when playing through Mac drivers. And I'm pretty sure it's not a VMWare thing because I get the same behavior in Bootcamp (booting the Mac with the Windows XP operating system). I'm positive that I don't see the problem with Windows Media Player, but I'm going to try this again tonight. I'll post notes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
I tried increasing the buffer and that did improve on the problem, though not 100%. I tried adjusting the timing offset, (about 1280ms) and although they start off at about the same time, they (midi and audio) don't seem to stay in sync with each other. The audio seems to stumble on whatever and then timing is off.
BTW, let me reiterate that this is BIAB2009 for Windows, not Mac. I originally posted this to the Windows forum but it was moved to the Mac forum. Probably makes sense, since no Windows user would run BIAB in a VMWare session... just wanted to make sure you know which we're talking about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30 |
Hi Shunyun,
I to was getting mysterious pops and stutters when using an Alesis IO/26 on a windows partition using boot camp on my iMac intel core duo. I disabled my network settings in the control panel, restarted and everything was fine. I did have to recheck all of my settings for real tracks and real drums as they are on an external hard drive.
Hope this helps.
Bill
PS. The mac version is awesome as well. So far flawless performance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
Quote:
Hope this helps.
Bill
PS. The mac version is awesome as well. So far flawless performance.
Thanks Bill... I tried your suggestion, whacked everything I could. Still no dice. What's really got me frustrated is that the SC works great under the Mac OS. But BootCamp or under Fusion, it sucks.
And no, compared to the Windows version, the new BB for Mac is not flawless. For me, at least. I spent huge dollars on my SonicCell and I can't even use the high banks (hit F5 on the first measure, you'll see something important missing). Course, the Windows version is pretty useless on my Mac as well... I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 30 |
Hi Shunyun,
Re-read your post and missed the most obvious. Are you saying that your interface doesn't work correctly with Real Tracks, not BIAB? If so, I had the same problem with BIAB and RT. BIAB was solved by disabling network prefs, in the control panel. Real Tracks pops and crackles were solved by completely removing the Alesis driver, deleting all references to the driver, reinstalling same. Also, there is a monitoring control that I had to tweak on my IO/26. I am not familiar with the Roland unit, so not much help. I can say that I eventually did get RT to work with my iMac.
Also, I didn't say that the Mac version is flawless compared to the Windows version. My post says that so far, the Mac version is running flawlessly using RD, RT and BIAB on my iMac. The only thing I did was disable network and bluetooth settings. No crashes, no pops, no crackles.
Hope you can get your system straightened out.
Good Luck
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23 |
Thanks Bill and all. I eventually gave in and bought the BIAB 2009 Mac. My reasoning is that, if I'm going to spend any energy reporting bugs, it's going to be for my preferred platform. I'm in IT, so I do this for a living; not exactly what I want to do in my personal art time. But if I'm gonna do it, I'm not going to waste my time with a flawed operating system.
So to wrap up this thread, I believe that the problem lies with Apple's USB drivers for MS Windows. It's the only common factor between VMWare Fusion and Bootcamp. I don't blame them really, it was mostly a concession to enable Windows users to get exposed to a real OS. ;-)
Again, thanks for your help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,599
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean