ASUS K55A In Reaper, with 8 midi tracks, drum track going to Cakewalk SI Drums and 7 others going to SampleTank 3. I was fishing through samples while looping a short section. All was going fine for a while and then it locked up. Forced shut down was the only way out. The PC restarted in some guest user I haven't seen in a few years. I restarted manually and all is back to normal. But, I wonder if the rapid loading/replacing sample in ST3 cause my RAM to choke out.
I currently have 4GB. Crucial .com says 8 is the max. Around $18 for 2 2GB sticks. Should I go for the max? Is there any particular brand or type of RAM I should install on this laptop? Crucial .com shows 2 compatible sticks of RAM. I've only upgraded RAM on one other computer and that was 10 years ago. I'm assuming it has 2 2GB stick in it. Do I need to keep them all same brand? Does adding RAM cause other components to work harder?
Tobias, the following are the ram specs for your machine. The brand of RAM doesn't matter. What are important are the speed, 1600 MHz, and the type, DDR3 SDRAM. There is no need to spend money on faster specs as this is the fastest it will run.
In conclusion buying any brand of DDR3 SDRAM at 1600 MHz will run fine in your machine.
On a side note I had to increase my laptop ram from 4 to 8 gigs because even without using it for music it was a dog with Win 10. 8 gigs is the bare minimum for any 64 bit Windows machine IMHO.
I hope this helps.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
One thing to consider; you probably can't 'add' RAM sticks to it (ie buy two more 2 gig sticks). The physical machine likely has only two RAM slots, so you'd need to buy two 4 gig sticks and replace what is in it currently.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
rharv is right. There is only one empty slot. I've narrowed it down to 2 possibilities on Crucial website. I want to be sure I'm getting the correct thing. They both look the same to me but have different item numbers. Both same price $31.99. So, what's the difference.
I know unmatched brand RAM sticks should work if they have the same specs, and regularly do, but I've also had experiences where they don't. Likewise some of the columns in PC tech magazines over the decades recommend getting matched RAM.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
My rule of thumb is to always get matching RAM sticks. That would eliminate the matching problem that Matt has stated. I also have seen different RAM sticks with the same specs cause problems, even if the sticks came from the same manufacturer. YMMV.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Is there a difference between 2.6GHz and 1.6GHz. All I can find are 1.6GHz sticks. Mine is currently at 2.6GHz and I assume that matches something in the motherboard. If I add a 4 GB stick that runs at 1.6GHz does that cause a problem? I don't know enough to do anything with the BIOS. And, I don't want to have problems I can't figure out without hiring somebody. I've attempted to contact ASUS with this question but I have to do it through their website and enter my serial number but it does not accept my serial number.
It's been years, but the last time I needed memory the vendor's site had a way to look up the motherboard and tell me what to order. I normally buy Crucial or Kingston RAM.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Is there a difference between 2.6GHz and 1.6GHz. All I can find are 1.6GHz sticks. Mine is currently at 2.6GHz and I assume that matches something in the motherboard. If I add a 4 GB stick that runs at 1.6GHz does that cause a problem? I don't know enough to do anything with the BIOS. And, I don't want to have problems I can't figure out without hiring somebody. I've attempted to contact ASUS with this question but I have to do it through their website and enter my serial number but it does not accept my serial number.
According to the ASUS site your K55A takes 1.6 MHz RAM. see here:
I think you are confusing CPU speed (2.4 gHz) with RAM speed (1.6 gHz or 1600 mHz).
Though they are both on the motherboard, the CPU and RAM are entirely different things (though they work as a team a lot). A given motherboard can often use multiple RAM speeds and the manual usually shows you the range. If you want ultimate performance, the fastest RAM your motherboard can support would be the optimal choice. However, it's one of those things you can pay a lot more for and get no real noticeable ROI in every day use. (Note that you also need other supporting things to even really use these higher speeds efficiently, like Cas Latency) FWIW, I think 1600 is the top RAM frequency for the board on this machine also. I think I opted for slower RAM and more of it, but again make sure your total expected number of RAM sticks physically fits into the computer.
If RAM is indeed an issue you'll likely see much more performance increase by simply doubling it (even at the same speed), than if you doubled it and then added the faster RAM aspect.. the faster RAM difference would likely be negligible.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Been busy with other projects for a while. I ordered through Crucial website. 2 stick of 4GB installed about a week ago and system is working great. I can now reopen my Reaper projects with multiple VSTi's going on and it runs stable. Doesn't seem any faster as far as I can tell but at least I can run a lot of stuff at once. The real problem I had was; I could have SampleTank running and add synth tracks one by one and it would run fine. Then I saved the project. Upon reopening it tried to load the whole project including each and every SampleTank synth track all at once. That's where it choked. Problem is; there is no clear warning that I have exceeded my RAMs ability to open a project if I where to save and close it in that exceeded state. So, If I max it out again with having 8GB RAM I'll be stuck and unable to reopen a project. Maybe it would be wise to convert a few keeper ST3 tracks to Audio/WAV to reduce the re-opening load on RAM.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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:
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Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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