|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272 |
It looks like I'm going to have to finally replace a couple of my old desktop PC's.
I kept one around for music production that's running Win XP and the "2496"
plus a day-to-day machine bought running Vista and then upgraded to Win 7.
I'm looking at replacing these 2 with a single desktop PC but am having trouble
getting recommendations for a replacement for the 2496. I thought I remembered a
discussion about sound cards on the forum here but can't seem to track it down.
Any thoughts/ideas/advice on a replacement PC and/or soundcard?
I would use the music part mainly for the occasional home recording session (live vocals)
plus the usual BIAB/RB sessions.
Help!
Thanks!
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,992
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,992 |
I would get a USB audio interface because that is most likely the most competitive interface environment at the moment.
Focusrite seems to be a very popular brand on this forum. They recently updated their interface product line and the audio drivers are frequently updated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333 |
I'm looking at replacing these 2 with a single desktop PC but am having trouble getting recommendations for a replacement for the 2496. Any thoughts/ideas/advice on a replacement PC and/or soundcard? You piqued my curiosity and as I expected I'm not seeing a lot of "PCI card" type of choices out there. Maybe I'm missing something in my searching. Much of the audio interface products seem to be pushing everyone to USB and not much in the (dated?) PCi configuration. I also had the PCI 2496 in one my backup computers but that was loooong ago. It is a good card. But, if you're updating the computer too that will require some thought and maybe PCi isn't the technology to remain with. Plus, the prices being asked are...well....out of this world, to say the least. If you go with a PCi type card just make sure your new MB has that slot. Oh....I'm still using the Delta 44 and it works great on Win7 and there are Win10 drivers. Anyway.....I'm little help so good luck on your quest.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,483
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,483 |
Good point about the motherboard. New ones may no longer even have a PCI slot. They should have a PCIe slot, though.
Some years ago I thought it was better to get audio out of the box, so to speak, to avoid electrical and radio interference. The USB interfaces certainly solved that. But great equipment like RMI, Lynx and MOTU cards are still fine in the box.
I had a 2496 card, too.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333 |
Good point about the motherboard. New ones may no longer even have a PCI slot. They should have a PCIe slot, though. Yes....I meant to have the "e" in there.....my oversight and thanks for clarifying. I just rebuilt my computer about 6 months ago and made sure it had a PCIe slot. I guess my reluctance to trust USB as a reliable/unfinicky audio interface is long misplaced.  Back to topic....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272 |
Creative SoundBlaster ZxR PCIe
This seems to come up fairly often in the "consumer" category.
Anyone have one, or know anyone who does?
I'm just looking for something in the same "spec range" as my old 2496.
Thanks all for your input!
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,992
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,992 |
A few more thoughts: If drivers are available for your current card and if your computer's motherboard has a spare PCIe slot then you can use a PCIe to PCI adapter. +++ THIS ONE +++ costs $60 US but is industrial grade. Knock offs are available starting at $10 US. Buy a motherboard with high end audio functionality built-in. Virtual reality and gaming have forced motherboard manufacturers to pay attention to motherboard audio. A search of just one motherboard manufacturers' products revealed twenty motherboards with premium, audiophile quality audio with professional grade components. +++ HERE +++ is one example.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,272 |
Great suggestions Jim.
Thanks, I'll check them out.
LLOYD S
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,860
Posts797,028
Members39,974
| |
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