I received my BiaB 2019 Hard Drive yesterday, Tues 12-11-19... I had already downloaded, & installed the files and updated to builds 603, 604 & 605. I've been playing with it for several days now, and besides a few issues, I'm very happy with the new 64 bit version... Thanks PG Music… Generally the program performs great on my Studio Desktop, and my slower, less-capable Laptop... I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge, and much help from following this wonderful forum... but it pains me, somewhat, to read so much negativity, even though I do understand some of the frustration expressed... I'm confident the good folks at PGMusic, with the help of this great Forum, will in time, iron out all the kinks...
I am using Focusrite USB ASIO along with my Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 interface... works ok, but I still get pops & crackle noise when using Cakewalk Sonar with BiaB open in background, or vice-versa... If I close either program, the noise goes away... I also had this problem earlier, back when I was using an M-Audio pci interface, and previous versions of BiaB...
And I have the same equipment as you. Is your Scarlett 18i20 a first or second generation? Mine is a second and I hope these instructions will work if you have a first.
I don't get the pops and crackles, so let's explore:
1) In Focusrite Control, Device Settings tab, is your Sample Rate set to 44.1?
2) In BIAB, Options, Preferences, Audio go to Audio Drivers. What is your selection for Resampler quality? Then, right above that, click on ASIO Driver Control Panel. What is the buffer size? (You'll also see sample rate there and it should be 44.1).
Finally, since you've discovered running two programs with ASIO gives crackling, try using MME for BIAB. Any improvement?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Pipeline mentioned something in another thread that would also be worth trying in relation to extraneous noises. Try deactivating "ASIO Always On".
If other programs are open that require the audio driver, this setting in BIAB can override other settings.
Given that ASIO is pretty much unique for each device, and this adds an element of unpredictability to these drivers, I personally don't know if this setting will impact sound quality when multiple music software programs run for the Focusrite. I'm passing this thought on as just "something to keep in mind".
And I have the same equipment as you. Is your Scarlett 18i20 a first or second generation? Mine is a second and I hope these instructions will work if you have a first.
I don't get the pops and crackles, so let's explore:
1) In Focusrite Control, Device Settings tab, is your Sample Rate set to 44.1?
2) In BIAB, Options, Preferences, Audio go to Audio Drivers. What is your selection for Resampler quality? Then, right above that, click on ASIO Driver Control Panel. What is the buffer size? (You'll also see sample rate there and it should be 44.1).
Finally, since you've discovered running two programs with ASIO gives crackling, try using MME for BIAB. Any improvement?
I still have my noise. Tried all types of combinations and no luck.
Desktop HP: Windows 10 Presonus AudioBox 22 VSL - updated drivers 1.2TB available on HD; 794GB used 8G of RAM BIAB 32 works fine; 605 update BIAB 64 is noisy; 605 update
Sampling is set exactly is noted in the above post about the Scarlett.
Oddity is that I also have a Dell Laptop with the same problems minus the Personus. The Dell has never seen the Presonus.
I am using Focusrite USB ASIO along with my Focusrite Scarlet 18i20 interface... works ok, but I still get pops & crackle noise when using Cakewalk Sonar with BiaB open in background, or vice-versa... If I close either program, the noise goes away... I also had this problem earlier, back when I was using an M-Audio pci interface, and previous versions of BiaB...
Sonar has a little box (Performance) in the Control Bar that shows the CPU utilisation. If you don’t see it right click in the control bar and select it. If this gets a bit high you will get pops and crackle (static) when using ASIO. The PG VST will lift the CPU rate a bit. In the preferences you can change the ASIO buffers or under Sync and Caching up the playback I/O buffer size. Lift it to 2048 or higher (4096 but it might effect your timing if playing into Sonar with a MIDI keyboard. You can leave the record at 1024.
This might help
Tony
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
Good suggestions above by Tony to check the CPU meter. You may be able to see the same effect in Task Manager.
And he’s right, larger playback buffers may help. The values that are right for you are relative to your computer as well as the sound card. For example, I use 256 for recording, but bump up to 512 for general playback. Too high can actually cause problems, too, so experiment.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Mine arrived too, and on the back there's a sticker saying it's produced in the Netherlands. About 30 km from here ... Why do i have to pay import taxes then beats me ...!
I received my BiaB 2019 Hard Drive yesterday, Tues 12-11-19... I had already downloaded, & installed the files and updated to builds 603, 604 & 605. I've been playing with it for several days now, and besides a few issues, I'm very happy with the new 64 bit version... Thanks PG Music … I'm confident the good folks at PGMusic, with the help of this great Forum, will in time, iron out all the kinks ...
Just moved back to 2018 for now ... the audio handling doesn't work, it seems you can import only one chunk in both 32bit and 64bit BIAB 605. BIAB 2018: no problems, even 24bit files survive, not with 2019 64bit ...
Originally Posted By: bloc-head
.... I did try Noel's above suggestion with inconclusive results... I will try again & experiment more...
Mine arrived too, and on the back there's a sticker saying it's produced in the Netherlands. About 30 km from here ... Why do i have to pay import taxes then beats me ...!
My Hard Drive does not have that sticker, but the box does have a sticker that reads "Made In Canada"
I still have my noise. Tried all types of combinations and no luck.
With windows 10 and USB audio a lot has to be set up right. VCbasics, DotNet, power handling, CPU tuning, AND Graphics drivers tuning (turn hardware acceleration off if possible) are important too. You have all kinds of (digital) noises, spikes, stutters, pinknoise; not clear what's up on your system. If you have an external USB interface and other programs work OK, than it has to to with BIAB. try ASIO, MME or WAS, and buffersize tuning. with ASIO and my RME UFX i can get as low as 128 samples no sweat ....
New Question... I need to free up space on my Laptop's HD, I've decided to remove BB from the Laptop & run BIAB/RealBand2019 from the new USB Harddrive… Should I just Delete the C:\BB folder..?
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!
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!
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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.
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!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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