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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22 |
I've been using an old version of BIAB (2006, i think) on a Pentium M 1.66GHz laptop for drum practicing for years. Recently, I bought an Atom-based netbook and I've migrated everything onto it.
Now on the new netbook, song playbacks (just MIDI, no wav audio) will break up at random places. This is driving me nuts. I have nothing else running on the PC. The CPU load is low. So, the problem isn't CPU bound.
Config:
- Lenovo S10 netbook: Atom 1.6GHz, 1GB, 160GB HDD, Windows XP Home SP3
- "sound card": Roland UA-25EX USB audio interface. ASIO compatible.
- Using the default Windows MIDI Synth
I assume an older version of BIAB will be less resource hungry than a new one.
I have no idea how to tackle the problem...
--
John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
Try running your songs out via the headphone jack on the computer and see if that works any better for you.
Good luck.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Yes, I have seen this same issue on our Netbook. It is frustrating, here is a post of info I found from another site>
This issue does apply to both Digital Audio and midi....
I brainstormed for a while last night and may have found another solution to this problem. Back in late December I recalled reading on another forum about a guy who had stutters on his home wifi, but didn't experience them when he brought his netbook to other wifi sources such as his school or at friends' houses. I did a little research into wifi routers causing audio conflicts and didn't find much. I decided to try turning off the wifi on the netbook, then unplugging my wireless router and letting it boot up fresh. Then I turned my netbook wifi back on and it has been working like a champ for over 12 hours. I use a dsl 2WIRE wireless router, and rebooting it seemed to have made all the difference. I don't know if some kind of static or interference builds up in some routers, or why it would only seem to affect audio on my netbook, but since I rebooted my wireless router all is well.
Try rebooting your modem and testing for stutters, or even take your netbook to another wifi location and see if the problem goes away. It seemed like a longshot, but I've got results.
Let me know how this works for you, and maybe we can attribute this problem to certain routers. This might shake up the laptop/notebook world a bit because there are quite a few brands/models of laptop that have had stutter issues that i've read about, and it would be hilarious if it had been routers causing many of these problems the whole time. Wasn't always in relation to wifi, but it could be useful to people who hadn't noticed that the problem is particular to when wifi is activated. I imagine my stutters will return eventually, but if simply rebooting my router fixes it, then I'll be more than satisfied with my netbook.
The other thing Ive been told is that there is a Bios update that you need to make with your Netbook. I tried to update mine by going to the Acer website, and I spent 2 hours trying to get the right update file!
Hope some of this info helps you,
Ed
Last edited by Edward Buckley; 07/28/09 07:45 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22 |
Thanks.
@Barry: It definitely makes sense to try headphone in order to remove the Roland audio interface from the equation.
@Ed: Great info. It's interesting that rebooting the wifi router will fix the problem. Now think about it, both wifi and bluetooth are on on the netbook. Maybe I should turn them all off to see what it'll do.
--
John
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22 |
Some updates.
My wifi router is Linksys Wireless-G. Pretty old. Probably 5 years old.
- I've tried rebooting the router. No difference.
- I've tried disabling bluetooth service on the netbook. No difference.
- I've tried disabling the wifi connection on the netbook. Now, this work!
The next question is: why? And, is there anything we can do to fix the problem?
Last edited by sciomako; 07/29/09 02:41 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have an Acer Aspire, and can use all midi, or all RealTracks with no problem.
My older Sony Vaio required that I disable the wireless network, it was easy because it had a front switch.
That said I am running band in a box on an external hard drive that Band in a Box ships on.
And it works fine with both the onboard sound and a Roland external mp3+ usb gizmo.
I played for 4 hours yesterday, and didn't even have the powercord plugged in, just the netbook out to my Roland Keyboard amp with the melody and piano part muted while I played jazz standards on the accoustic piano.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Xp home on both machines. The vaio is quite old, broken hinge, and I don't regularly use it.
I have an HP quadcore 1 terabyte with 6 gigs of memory beside my Roland keyboard in the big family room. I run that into a Behringer power mixer with 15 inch speakers.
Upstairs I use the wife's netbook, she works and just uses it for email. Ii sit it on the piano and plug in the hard drive and run a jack from the headphone connection to a Roland 60 Cube Amp. Never had a problem with the Acer and XP home, however I am unhappy with Microsoft for they made the Acer reboot this morning, and you don't get a choice. That just drives me nuts. I'm sure their intentions are good but.....
I have a newer Vaio in my study, and it runs Ubuntu. I use it the most, and hope that the Mac port of Band in a Box can be compiled for Linux...that would be awesome.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I should mention that the HP digital workstation downstairs is running Vista 64. The only issue is that the Roland Dxi syth won't work with it, but I'm using a Ketron SD2 on that so it works fine.
The only thing is...don't get a blackberry anywhere within 20 feet of it, you can hear the messages coming in, sounds almost like a telegraph at a higher frequency.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
16. Why is my playback jerky in Band-in-a-Box?
Stuttering can occur if your machine is doing something else and hogging the CPU, like writing a big file to the hard drive or checking a Net connection, or if other programs are working in the background. Anti-virus programs are sometimes the culprit. Troubleshoot this by closing as many background programs as possible.
On Windows 2000/XP, look for icons in your task bar next to the computer clock, and close/exit/disable these programs. You can also troubleshoot by using the Selective Startup feature. Go to Start | Run, type msconfig, and press OK. Click on 'Selective Startup', and uncheck 'Startup items'. Press [Apply] and restart the computer. Note: Windows 2000 doesn't have the system configuration utility.
On Windows 98/ME:
Hold down Ctrl and ALT on your keyboard, and press DEL once. This brings up the Close Program window.
Click on any item listed in this window except for "Explorer" or "Systray" and press [End Task]. If another window pops up saying that the program is not responding, press [End Task] again.
Repeat steps 1 and 2 for each item listed in the Close Program window, EXCEPT for "Explorer" and "Systray".
Note: Pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del twice in a row will restart your computer. If you restart your computer accidentally during this process, most of the background programs will likely be loaded again. You can configure which programs load at startup in the Windows System Configuration Utility (go to Start | Run, and typing "msconfig").
An improperly installed MIDI interface or sound card could also be the problem. Reinstall the sound card/interface, using the latest drivers available from the manufacturer. After you do this, reset Band-in-a-Box to the factory settings by deleting the 'intrface.bbw' file from the C:\bb folder.
Another issue might be that the PCI bus is being locked out by the video driver. This can be caused by accelerated video drivers taking over the system for 50ms or more. The solution is to disable accelerated video. On Windows 98/ME, go to Start | Settings | Control Panel | Display | Settings | Advanced | Performance. On Windows 2000/XP, go to Control Panel | Display | Settings | Advanced | Troubleshoot. Turn the Hardware Acceleration slider to none.
Try the trick I highlighted in bold type first.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Mac,
You suggested disabling video acceleration as a solution another issue I was having at the time. While it appeared to work, I have always wondered whether it applies if you have a dedicated video card. Isn't the purpose of the card to take over video processing instead of having the CPU do so?
Signed,
Just Curious
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Mac,
You suggested disabling video acceleration as a solution another issue I was having at the time. While it appeared to work, I have always wondered whether it applies if you have a dedicated video card. Isn't the purpose of the card to take over video processing instead of having the CPU do so?
Signed,
Just Curious
Onboard video solutions typically don't have their own ram memory onboard, so they must share RAM with the OS and everything else, typically by reserving a certain amount, sometimes up to 256m by default, for the video card. For DAW work, I recommend going into the BIOS and backing that allocation up by a goodly amount, as the DAW software doesn't really need a whole lot of video ram to function well, for example, on my laptop when I use it as a DAW, I have it backed up to 16mb instead of the default 256mb.
For the desktop, the same thing can apply if all you have available is the onboard video card.
Installation of a separate PCIe video card with onboard ram of its own is certainly a better situation, especially for the DAW user who is also a gamer or the like.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22 |
Thanks guys. I'll check out the video settings.
By the way, I did a bit more research (i.e. googling). I found it's a common complaint that the Windows Zero Configuration (WZC) wireless manager causes latency issue because it periodically polls for the presence of other networks even though you're already connected to one. What some people do is turn it off once the connection is up.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 22 |
Tried various other things including turning off the video Hardware Acceleration. None of them makes a difference. I think I can now safely conclude wifi is the sole factor causing stuttering on my netbook.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
I always disable the WIFI on my lappie when producing or DJing... it just frees up system resources, makes everything run a bit more smoothly.. And my laptop has a lot more power than a netbook will.
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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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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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