|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274 |
So whats all the fuss?Is 64 twice as fast as32?Is it higher quality somwhow?Will it do a better job of 'something'What? Seems to me its toys for boys,a bit like putting another pair of spotlights on yr car."Hey cool,guys,look at all my lights'. I arrange my songsin BB andvthen send individ trackwavs to my DAW.Will it do that better? Maybe someone(s) will splain to me what it will do for me as opposed to my obviously pathetic 32bits of something.  Ta,Wendy 
BiaB2022PLUS,927. every extras pack I can find ;-),Sonar7XL,Win 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877 |
I have personally not noticed any appreciable improvement in performance, but maybe that's just my modest "rig." In fact, with the little bit of messing around I've done over the last couple of days, I actually sensed that the 32 bit version ran smoother...
While I was somewhat excited to have Reaktor 6 and other plugins/vst(i)s running straight in BiaB, most of those I tried wouldn't run anyway and ended up crashing the system. What's more, dragging RTs/MIDI into Reaper and working from there is still so much simpler, I really could not find a single advantage of using the 64 bit version.
As for the plugin, the first time I tried it it simply crashed Reaper (and I've had Reaper crash less than a handful of times on huge projects, IIRC, when trying to load something dodgy or incompatible), so I'm not even gonna bother with that feature probably.
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Others will be able to explain better than I. But in a nutshell with the increase in 64bit operating systems more and more applications are being written to make use of the 64bits. This increases memory use and can have better maths etc. Therefore the support for 32bit applications is slowly but surely waning. Most of the really good quality VSTs (plugins) for example natively are 64bit. For 64bit plugins to work with a 32bit application they need another program to get them to work (enter jbridge) this is not always successful. 64bits allows for better use of memory above 4gig. These days 8, 16, 32 or more gig systems are common place. It is a shame not to make the best use of them. Operating systems such as those used by MACs are slowly but surely dropping support for 32bit applications. There is a feeling amongst a lot of folk that also see the eventual end to 32bit OS for windows. This will take some time but for years now support for 16 or 8 bits has gone by the wayside. I guess as things change we need to change with them. Make the best use of what is available. Not a great explanation but it has been some time since I have had to make such explanations. See https://www.izotope.com/en/support/knowledge-base/differences-between-32-bit-and-64-bit-audio-software-plug-ins.htmlMuch better explanation Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 12/03/18 12:23 AM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,060 |
Tony has provided a very good explanation above. Put simply, PG Music has future proofed Band In A Box by migrating it into a 64 bit platform. Not everyone will see the importance of this right now, but given time, this move will have become imperative. I like to keep abreast of technology, so am moving now. Plus, I like the new features! 
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878 |
Tony has provided a very good explanation above. Put simply, PG Music has future proofed Band In A Box by migrating it into a 64 bit platform. Not everyone will see the importance of this right now, but given time, this move will have become imperative. I like to keep abreast of technology, so am moving now. Plus, I like the new features! Are there any features available in 64 bit version not available in 32? I realize 64 bit plugins are supported only in the 64 bit version Thanks
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Heddon Super Spook XT (Mullet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,060
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,060 |
Tony has provided a very good explanation above. Put simply, PG Music has future proofed Band In A Box by migrating it into a 64 bit platform. Not everyone will see the importance of this right now, but given time, this move will have become imperative. I like to keep abreast of technology, so am moving now. Plus, I like the new features! Are there any features available in 64 bit version not available in 32? I realize 64 bit plugins are supported only in the 64 bit version Thanks I am told it is the same base code, but just complied for 32bit or 64 bit. Essentially the features are identical across versions (except for the 64 bit only content).
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622 |
I had been trying to use SWAM saxophone modeling as well as Pro Session and Mojo horns (via Kontakt) with Jbridge and experienced crashes after 5 minutes. So far with 64-bit no crashes. An example of what I can now do is use the Melody harmony function to feed a whole 5 piece horn section. Actually, I can use the THRU harmony to play LIVE fully-harmonized horn sections. This alone is pretty cool. 64-bit-ness is not the future.. It's the PRESENT.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885 |
I had been trying to use SWAM saxophone modeling as well as Pro Session and Mojo horns (via Kontakt) with Jbridge and experienced crashes after 5 minutes. So far with 64-bit no crashes. We need to see a lot more feedback like this regarding the BB19.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885 |
As for the plugin, the first time I tried it it simply crashed Reaper (and I've had Reaper crash less than a handful of times on huge projects, IIRC, when trying to load something dodgy or incompatible), so I'm not even gonna bother with that feature probably.
We need this feedback also... 
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,467
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,467 |
Hi Wendy,
If you are using mostly RTs, RDs and a little MIDI then 32 bit will work perfectly. But if you are using 64 bit VSTis and VSTs then 64 bit BiaB eliminates the need for the jBridge workaround. I gave up trying to get 64 bit VSTis to work properly in BiaB but now I will be able to use them natively, i.e. no jBridge workaround. Plus as been mentioned 32 bit programs are fading away.
The bumper sticker said "I'm a veterinarian, therefore I can drive like an animal".
Suddenly I realized how many proctologists are on the road.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622 |
The only issue I have is that when I select the VST, I have ONE SHOT to use the VST GUI. Once it's minimized or closed, it requires shutting down BIAB and restarting. Trying to click again gives an "Editor is already open" error. I guess it IS open, but if I can't see it, that doesn't do me a whole lot of good.
Also, on a smaller monitor, I'd love to have the BIAB GUI menu go away as it takes up half the screen making me scroll all around for the VST GUI. I'm grateful to have something stable, but I hope PG Music can make some small tweaks toward useability. These instruments are killer, and would be fun to use in live settings if it weren't so difficult to change the parameters.
Last edited by PhillyJazz; 12/03/18 04:05 AM.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,885 |
The only issue I have is that when I select the VST, I have ONE SHOT to use the VST GUI. Once it's minimized or closed, it requires shutting down BIAB and restarting. Still the case in BB19?
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,834 |
On the technical side, even though 64-bit operating systems can run 32-bit applications, behind the scenes very memory address reference has to be translated from a 64-bit memory location to a 32-bit memory location. In a 64-bit app, that memory is addressed directly. On today's i7 processors, it is probably negligible, but in theory, that translation takes some time. And if a 32-bit programmer did some non-standard tricks to address memory (for performance, for example), it's possible that the 32-bit app will not operate properly at times in a 64-bit environment.
So, if the application is properly coded, you should see a better performing application running 64-bit code on a 64-bit operating system.
And as has been stated, because it's 64-bit, you are no longer constrained by a 4GB memory barrier of a 32-bit system. Even if your computer has 32GB in it, a 32-bit application can only use 4GB of the 32GB. Now the 32GB gives you more memory space to run multiple 32-bit applications, each application is constrained to the 4GB memory space. While theoretically, you could address 16 Exabytes in a 64-bit environment, today Windows 10 64-bit lets you actually address 128GB of memory (32 times what Windows XP supported).
So, if you use large sample libraries (which you probably aren't really doing much in BIAB), you could natively load all into memory. JBridge gets around that by fooling a 32-bit OS into thinking it's 64-bit, but there are overhead and constraints with that (and id doesn't always work).
And the world is going 64-bit, so as has been said, this will definitely set PGMusic up for the future (at least until a 128GB OS arrives).
Now, if we can just get RealBand and PowerTracks to 64-bit, and get all the plugins and "called" mini-apps up to 64-bit, then that will be "da bomb".
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274 |
Many thank yous.As my Win7 PC only has 4gb memory anyway I guess 64 bits wasted on me.For mysimplistic useage I guess I'll just keep on loving the new RTs and keep on doing what I'm doing the way that I do it.
As thenew one appears to be a bit buggy anyway I'll hold off a couple of weeks before I Splash his Cash.
Wendy
BiaB2022PLUS,927. every extras pack I can find ;-),Sonar7XL,Win 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311 |
Don't forget you can still use the 32-bit version of BIAB 2019 whilst any 64-bit issues are being resolved. You also then of course can get all the great new RealTracks and Drums etc. the move to 64-bit is sonething PG Music had to do i think for their future long term.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Correct. Wendy, it's still a new version of Biab whether you need 64 bit or not. It has many enhancements, new styles, new midi Supertracks, new performances, lots of cool stuff.
Probably 90% of current users are like you, 64 bit does nothing for them and they don't care about using Biab as a VST in a DAW either. But, it brings PG Music into the modern world of 64 bit apps and that's a good thing. The fact that most of us are not power users doesn't mean that others are not high level power users. They will use the VST in a DAW plus they appreciate being able to use 64 bit plugins natively.
Biab needs to be able to accommodate all levels of users from basic to studio pros with degrees in music production.
To those who are having issues with the VST in a DAW part, this is brand new. We know it does work and it's better in some DAW's than others right now. Give it a little time, I'm amazed they got this far with it.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 274 |
Correct. Wendy, it's still a new version of Biab whether you need 64 bit or not. It has many enhancements, new styles, new midi Supertracks, new performances, lots of cool stuff.
Probably 90% of current users are like you, 64 bit does nothing for them and they don't care about using Biab as a VST in a DAW either. But, it brings PG Music into the modern world of 64 bit apps and that's a good thing. The fact that most of us are not power users doesn't mean that others are not high level power users. They will use the VST in a DAW plus they appreciate being able to use 64 bit plugins natively.
Biab needs to be able to accommodate all levels of users from basic to studio pros with degrees in music production.
To those who are having issues with the VST in a DAW part, this is brand new. We know it does work and it's better in some DAW's than others right now. Give it a little time, I'm amazed they got this far with it.
Bob
Im no power user.I just use it like its my own personal Band and I dont have to buy the drinks.I took this up two yrs ago and its let me make backing tracks for the stuff I sing in the way that I want it to be and have more or less ditched commecially made bTs.I found some ideas I have shall we say Challenging but the posters on here have so much knowhow that Ive usually got it done.Im immensely grateful for the advise. Iwonder though if creating NEW styles in MIDI have been abandoned now.Sure there are about 2000 already maybe more but it seems to be all aimed at RTs which I adore. But I just wondered is all. Wendy
Last edited by WendyM; 12/03/18 10:53 AM.
BiaB2022PLUS,927. every extras pack I can find ;-),Sonar7XL,Win 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 34 |
They definitely haven't abandoned MIDI as there's a ton of new MIDI stuff in 2019. I don't use it very much since most of the stuff I do is with RT but I have used it a few times like when I'm needing a piano part and the RT is stretched to the limit (no pun intended) and it's giving me artifacts. I can usually find a good MIDI piano and use it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,484
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,484 |
I remember when BiaB was 8 bit MS-DOS. I suppose if you had a dinosaur computer you could still use the DOS version, but personally, I wouldn't.
Sooner or later there will be 128 bit computers out there and sooner or later BiaB will go there.
You may not need 64 now, but sooner or later you will want it.
Kudos to PG Music for the giant step forward, even though I am deeply steeped in MIDI. In the future, audio will rival the editing features that MIDI offers today, and when that day comes, I may abandon MIDI.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,983
Posts798,602
Members40,003
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean