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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68
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OP
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68 |
As you can see my poor old trusty notebook (specs below) is struggling to run many tracks especially when I add effects
I'm gonna keep it for gigs (BIAB backtrax) and invest in a new desktop for my studio
Any advice on a powerful desktop that will grow with me?
I am very quality conscious
Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400, 2.66 GHz. 4 MB L2 cache 1333 MHz FSB, 8MB DDR3 DRAM. HDs 1320MB Win7 64bit. BB2010.ver 304 Reaper DAW. Melodyne Editor
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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Assuming a name brand vendor (such as HP or Dell, etc) I would buy the fastest processor I could afford, but with the least amount of memory and smallest hard drive they have. I would then order the memory hard drive space I wanted from somewhere like newegg.com.
I remember when I bought my HP, it came standard with 2GB RAM. I wanted 4GB RAM. HP wanted something like $200 to increase from 2GB to 4GB. Instead, I took the 2GB box, went to NewEgg and purchased 4GB for about $80 and it's worked great ever since. I took the $120 savings and purchased the sound card I wanted. I think for hard drives, I ended up expanding my disk space for about half of what HP wanted to charge.
But that's just me and I have no problem rooting around inside the computer case.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
plotzie.
see my tips in the tips n triks section.
lotsa info. save me retyping lots plus i'm not well. . flu.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
I always build my own. If you buy all the parts at the same place and not some off beat stuff it is really easy. The last one has ran like a champ for 7 years.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197 |
Try Newegg for this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E16883107984That is a quad core AMD processor, with tons of RAM and a 750GB hard drive. You can add a 500GB hard drive for about $70. The power supply is 300 watt no name, and I would recommend upgrading that to something a little more powerful, say a 500 watt or something in that range. No PCI slots, so if you have a PCI sound card, don't buy this. It has only PCI-e, on x16 for graphics and 2 or three x1 for everything else. Asus makes the Xonar D2X sound card which has PCI-e. There are really only three manufacturers of computer sound cards that support PCI-e, and that's Creative, Asus and AuzenTech, and AuzenTech still uses Creative chips. I like my Asus card, it offers 7.1, coaxial and optical digital ins and outs. It is expensive, however. If you're going to go Firewire <shudders> or USB <semi-shudder> then you should be pretty well off, as far as your audio interface goes. If you're planning on gaming on this system, it'll support lower end games, WoW, Second Life, Sims, but if you want to run COD4, Crysis, etc., you're going to need to do a major upgrade to the video system. Or, if you don't mind building your own, you can start here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.311917...and work your way down.  If you're handy with a screwdriver, and know your way around the inside of a computer, you might try something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboBundleDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.319352You'll still need some extras, like a CPU cooling fan: I like Zalman. http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E16835118056You'll need a video card, but for audio only, and not gaming, that's not a huge issue: http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E16814102843Something like that would be a good, general video card, if you want to go blow up some people when you're not making music. Finally, you'll need an OS. http://www.newegg.com/Product/NewProduct.aspx?Item=N82E16832116754Your choice on 32 bit or 64 bit, but 64 bit takes advantage of everything in that package. Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 42 |
There are so many choices out there... If you want to shop for systems that are pre-packaged for music apps, check out musiciansfriend.com http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/computers-peripheralsIf you are going with components, another good place to shop is tigerdirect.com. They also have everything from bare bones systems to top of the line gaming machines. Usually they are pretty competitive. Good luck.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197 |
Of course, the other issue is that our OP lives in Johannasburg, South Africa. Somehow I don't think either Newegg or Musician's Friend is delivering there.
However, the stuff that we've posted can at least be an example of what we might suggest.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68 |
Thanks guys for your valued advice. I have purchased an HP with 3 year 24hr response onsite warranty
Processor type Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400 Processor
• 2.66 GHz, 4 MB L2 cache, 1333 MHz front side bus (with Win 7 64bit) I'll soon upgrade to 8 mb
I got this at a Ridiculous price. Also a 20"LCD monitor
I'm gonna run my Compaq notebook at gigs with BIAB 2010
Thanx again
Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400, 2.66 GHz. 4 MB L2 cache 1333 MHz FSB, 8MB DDR3 DRAM. HDs 1320MB Win7 64bit. BB2010.ver 304 Reaper DAW. Melodyne Editor
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
plotzie as soon as you get your new system run dpc latency checker on it n strip stuff out that might cause red spikes. http://www.thesycon.de/deu/latency_check.shtmlalso spend an extra 70 buks and install a second drive 7200 rpm with 32 mb cache as a dedicated recording drive. thats what i would do.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68 |
Txs a mill. I have just downloaded the latency checker and I already have a Seagate USB 500gb HDD. What do you mean by "dedicated recording drive"?
My new PC will only be used for BB/RB/Reaper etc. No games or mail etc
Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400, 2.66 GHz. 4 MB L2 cache 1333 MHz FSB, 8MB DDR3 DRAM. HDs 1320MB Win7 64bit. BB2010.ver 304 Reaper DAW. Melodyne Editor
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
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Sometimes it is a good idea to have a second drive on the system so you can store all the audio and midi data there. This leave the primary drive to run the programs, and allows it to stream the music files from the second drive. If the mother board has two drive busses, and most do this helps out the process.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 68 |
Thax all for valued advice. As you can see I have my new gear up and running. Not one error (BB,RB M-Audio Fast track pro) All on Win 7 64 bit
Regards
Plotzie
Intel® Core™2 Quad Q8400, 2.66 GHz. 4 MB L2 cache 1333 MHz FSB, 8MB DDR3 DRAM. HDs 1320MB Win7 64bit. BB2010.ver 304 Reaper DAW. Melodyne Editor
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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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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!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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-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)
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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 Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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