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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
When upgrading to BIAB 2017 from an earlier version (2014 in my case), does 2017 get installed right over the earlier version, or is it best to install it into its own directories?
Also, I'm really curious whether anyone runs BIAB (especially 2017) directly from the little USB hard drive that it comes on? In the voluminous information online, I recall reading somewhere that this is possible. If it is possible, what's the down-side and what's the up-side (other than saving HD space)? Does it require less configuration (ie - for MIDI/Audio settings) than if you install to your computer's hard drive?
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
The recommendation has always been to install directly over the original installation. That way, you keep all of your RealTracks, styles etc. That's the way I and most other members choose to adopt.
I run the Audiophile version directly from the USB Hard drive. I don't know about thumb-type removable drives, I think there are possible performance issues. That's the only downside I'm aware of.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
The recommendation has always been to install directly over the original installation. That way, you keep all of your RealTracks, styles etc. That's the way I and most other members choose to adopt.
I run the Audiophile version directly from the USB Hard drive. I don't know about thumb-type removable drives, I think there are possible performance issues. That's the only downside I'm aware of.
Thanks, but your response is a little confusing for me. On the one hand, you say that you install directly over the original installation. But then you go on to say that you run the Audiophile version directly from the USB Hard Drive That seems contradictory to me.  Just looking for some clarification. Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
Yes, you install it over the existing one. And yes, lots of people run it directly from the hard drive that it comes with. This works very well.
Have Fun! Peter Gannon PG Music Inc.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,356
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,356 |
Bert,
With the Audiophile version, it's possible to install the equivalent of the UltraPlusPak with wma audio files on to the computer's internal hard drive. The wav files remain on the USB drive because they take up a great deal of room.
What Trev (Videotrack) is saying is that his hard drive installation is simply installing over what was already there. His audiophile Realtracks and Realdrums, though, are on an external drive.
What I suggest you do is to try it out.... when you get the program, run the minimal install to set up the program for Windows and then run it from the external drive. If you like doing it that way, there's no need to change.
If you choose to do it that way, though, get some kind of external drive so you can backup the program. If anything happens to your portable drive, it can be very frustrating if you don't have a program backup.
Hope this helps. Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
I run BB off of the USB drive. I have an older computer and it does take a little bit of time for the USB to come up. Once BB is up and running there is no time delay in running BB from the USB drive. I also choose the setup with minimal installation. There are 3 choices to choose from. Depending on how much room you have on your hard drive, other choices puts more BB on your hard drive but keeps the majority on the USB drive.
I believe I chose #1 and happy with that choice. If I had a complaint (older computer), it's the time to the USB to be acknowledged.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
Ah, understood now.
Thank you all!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 273 |
FWIW - I just conducted a little experiment running BIAB 2014 from the provided USB Drive.
First, let me explain that I have a somewhat complicated set-up: 2 soundcards (internal and external-USB), a number of piano/keyboard VSTs, and a DAW (Reaper). My keyboard is a Kawai VPC-1 connected to the PC via USB-MIDI.
I've been running BIAB 2014 completely off of the computer's hard drive, and have ALWAYS had problems configuring things correctly so that I could seamlessly play along with BIAB with my VSTs. There seemed to always be conflicts in the audio/MIDI settings that needed sorting out, depending on which VST I was using.
So, based on the info I received in this thread, I decided to try running BIAB2014 completely off of the provided USB hard drive. More specifically. I simply dbl-clicked on the BIAB application file. (I did NOT uninstall BIAB 2014 from the computer's hard drive beforehand).
The result was that BIAB2014 ran with each and every VST (both standalone and from within Reaper) without a hitch! In fact, it seemed to "auto-adjust" its MIDI-Audio settings on the fly. When playing a VST from within Reaper, it used one of the sound cards, yet switched automatically to the other sound card when playing a VST from outside of Reaper! IOW BIAB2014 seemed to exhibit more flexibility when run completely off of the provided USB hard drive!
Did this happen because I never uninstalled BIAB from the computer hard drive (and perhaps the USB-Drive's version of BIAB was using parts of the computer hard drive's installation)? Or is this normal behavior when running completely off of the provided USB drive?
As far as I can see, the only drawback was that BIAB took longer to load - but after loading, it ran just as fast!
My configuration problems (until now) made me hesitant in upgrading to 2017, but now I'm considering it much more strongly!
Thanks!
Kawai VPC1 MIDI Controller; Asus A53E Laptop running Windows 7 - 64 bit; BIAB 2017 UltraPlusPak (upgraded from 2014 EverythingPak), running from Laptop's Hard Drive.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Newbert: "As far as I can see, the only drawback was that BIAB took longer to load - but after loading, it ran just as fast!"
Exactly.
DE
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
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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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