Been using BIAB for years, this just started. When I play any backing track it sounds like there's a loose wire on the speaker, that scratchy staticy noise, and it's coming out of each of the 4 speakers. But it only happens with BIAB. Any other app the sound is fine (youtube, software piano, etc). I'm not aware of any changes to any software. I'm at a loss, any thoughts where to start?
BIAB 2016 (438), Windows 7, audiophile 2496 connected to Sony amp and stereo system.
Could be one of several causes. Because the sound is OK on other apps, my first thought is sound card buffer size. You may think if your DAW or other music program is OK then BIAB should be also, but BIAB requires more CPU power than most programs.
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
Otherwise please provide more info. What is your single-core Geekbench (free) score?
Does DPC Latency Checker (also free) show red spikes?
How much free space by % is on your hard drive (more than 15, I hope)?
Are all your audio and video drivers up to date?
You say it just started. What could have just changed such as a Windows update?
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Been using BIAB for years, this just started. When I play any backing track it sounds like there's a loose wire on the speaker, that scratchy staticy noise, and it's coming out of each of the 4 speakers. But it only happens with BIAB. Any other app the sound is fine (youtube, software piano, etc). I'm not aware of any changes to any software. I'm at a loss, any thoughts where to start?
BIAB 2016 (438), Windows 7, audiophile 2496 connected to Sony amp and stereo system.
Interesting. I got static today as well, seemingly after I upgraded to BIAB 2018.
But if you are at 2016 with the problem, perhaps it is something in a recent Windows update and sound handling.
Haven't had time to follow up on all your suggestions but here's where I'm at:
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
Card is from 2008. It's running ASIO, sample rate 44.1kHz, buffer size 64. Haven't had a chance to try with larger buffer. I do notice that if I just play my piano on the thru channel but without the backing track playing, there's far less static than if I just play the backing track.
Quote:
Otherwise please provide more info. What is your single-core Geekbench (free) score?
1835/4770
Quote:
Does DPC Latency Checker (also free) show red spikes?
Haven't run it
Quote:
How much free space by % is on your hard drive (more than 15, I hope)?
50%
Quote:
Are all your audio and video drivers up to date?
Audiophile has latest updates, video driver I'm not sure.
Quote:
You say it just started. What could have just changed such as a Windows update?
I checked the windows update log, it's all antivirus, MSE security stuff. The last non security update was .NET framework a week ago.
Geekbench score is adequate but not great. By audio driver, I mean the driver for your 2496, not the BIAB update (however, that just went to 509 today).
However:
The buffer size of 64 sounds like the problem to me. Jack that up to 500 or thereabouts.
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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Is this an older M-Audio 2496 card? Running on ASIO? Increase the buffer size.
I increased the buffer size and it solved the problem. It was 64, went to 256 and problem gone. Tried 128 and it was better than 64 but still noticeable. I have no idea what caused this to show up, but I'm happy it's solved. tnx
I'll add this just in case it helps someone else searching the forum to solve a static noise issue.
I had random quiet crackling going on similar to a bad speaker cable or speaker jack but rather quiet.
Solution for me was to put my wireless keyboard and mouse receiver (a square USB gadget about the size of my thumb nail) on a little 6 inch USB extension. I guess it was too close to the computer (laptop) itself and too close to the other USB connections. Moving it farther away solved the problem.
The nearby USB connections have my BIAB hardrive and my Audio Interface connected.
Oh yes, RFI is one of the more fun challenges. But MarkL’s problem turned out to be buffer size, my first guess.
Well, i begin to doubt the relation between static and buffersize: ASIO, 512 samples, USB soundmodule set to 44.1kHz. Rarely i work with the audio track in BIAB (510), but for an arrangement job imported a 16 bi6 44,1 kHz mono file. Graphics look OK, but seemingly at different places i get static for about 2 secconds, very loud. AND THEN THE WEIRD THING: when you solo the audio track with the editor open: NO STATIC, muting the Audio track, still bursts of static. Erasing the audiotrack, stilil static, reloading the song, still static. (other songs that never had audio, no static).
UPDATE: reloaded after a 2nd reboot, and then there was NO STATIC. Wonder if it has to do with windows ... - F
ideas welcome anyway.... PS, i'll be off-line a few days from 31- Jan.
2 seconds of loud static might be a plugin telling you it is not registered.
Well, finally got the time to suss things out. REMOVED all DX and VST pluggies (none' selected), but the static (2sec) bursts are there as soon as a mono 44.1 kHz 16bit mono audio file is loaded (the static is not visible on the Audiotrack edit page). Always at the same bar, unless you quit BIAB, reloading the lot ... static still there, different spots.
Muting Audio, static still there. Killing Audio ... still there, but seemingly less frequent.
Loading a song without Audio, (no reboot of BIAB necessary) no static. Saved the song MGU without audio, reloaded it, imported the Audio ... still static, other place, and less bursts .... beats me ..
PS, ASIO, WAS, MME all behave the same.
Q: In what folders does BIAB search for pluggies? Is there a txt or lst file to manually edit the plugins listed? In the dialog DX/VST where one selects plugins manually there's none present that might be suspicious. - F
Another wild guess: did you recently buy a new wireless router, or wireless keyboard or mouse? Or move a router next to your PC?
nope, no blueutooth, no wireless, USB can be the culprit, doubtful though ...
Well i am updating my sound module, new firmware available, and once i figure out were BIAB looks for the plugins, AND if you're right, there might be a stray one ... My guess is now that it might be related to audio frequencies, and maybe i should create the file from another source, or test all in Realband first. All in due time, later thus, busy week ahead ... F
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.
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.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 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 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean