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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I'm running BIAB 2021 (latest version) on a cheapo HP Pavilion Slimline 400 PC desktop and it works fine (also on low end HP laptop) - I really have no complaints. I mostly use it for making Mp3 backing tracks for solo gutar (country and jazz standards). I sometimes, but rarely output to Reaper - mostly just output as an Mp3 from BIAB and play them off my tablet or phone. While I have no complaints about the sound quality of the files I'm getting, I'm curious if there's a way to improve it via some sort of external sound card or module. I mostly use Real Tracks so a midi module doesn't really enter the picture (used to use one years ago). I assume the sound card on my PC is integrated into the motherboard and doubt there's even a slot for a better one. Not sure if there's any room for improvement - just thinking out loud. Any thoughts?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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While I have quite good audio equipment for audio production, I’m not sure you need anything more than what you have if your goal is only to play back MP3 or WAV files you make in BIAB. Laptops have decent enough sound chips because most people expect them to have good sound for playback of music. My older laptop sounds just fine for listening.
Now, if you are doing recording, that’s another matter. You could try a Presonus or Focusrite interface for not too much. The smaller ones are even bus-powered so you just power them by USB. My one experience with an HP desktop was that they stripped it down so much that there weren’t any slots, power, or even space inside for expansion. A USB interface like a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 would be the way to go.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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The playback sound quality output from your motherboard sound card is likely as good as what you can achieve with an inexpensive external sound card. The weak link for your internal motherboard sound is the mechanical connection of the output jack. Over time it can become noisy and / or have an intermittent connection. External sound cards can be roughly divided into three groups, consumers, audiophiles and musicians. Consumer sound cards like +++ THESE +++ mostly duplicate the features of your motherboard sound card. You bypass your computer jacks so they can't mess up over time due to wear and tear. Audiophile hardware is typically divided in separate components like D/A convertor, preamp, amp and speakers. Musician hardware concentrates on the quality of the sound input, blending the computer output and input signals together so the sound from both is in sync. This +++ REVIEW +++ of the Focusrite 2i2 Generation 3 demonstrates the focus on overall sound quality. I believe most will advise you to get a music based audio interface. My advise is to get a consumer grade interface that replaces the computer jacks. That way when the output jack goes bad it is easily and cheaply replaced. For audio playback, that's really all you need. Note: Looks like Matt and I were typing at the same time.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 07/13/22 11:55 AM. Reason: Clarify thoughts
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Jim is right; there are few things I hate in audio equipment more than mini headphone jacks.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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FWIW, I use external sound modules because I find sometimes the PC audio outputs suffer from hum.
Provided that's not a problem, most modern PCs seem to have surprisingly good sound quality.
The sound quality from an external module may be a little better but for live playing I doubt it's of huge significance.
A module is also usually another box + plug-top + some cables to carry around, lose, break, whatever.
I think recording is almost always better through a module.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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if you are playing off your tablet or phone the sound quality is determined by that device. you may 'hear' a better sound from your laptop with an external card, but the music you create in BIAB stays in the digital realm all the time up to and including the transfer to mp3. so the mp3s will be of the same quality as the original biab files and only leave the digital realm and enter the world of audio when you play them.
so as long as you are not recording the end result will be as good as your phone or tablet - not limited by the soundcard on the laptop.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Jim is right; there are few things I hate in audio equipment more than mini headphone jacks. And I have to chime in here. A USB to Audio interface is the only way to get decent audio out of a computer. The headphone jack is prone to static and perhaps even a ground loop hum and, depending on the computer, might not even have full audio bandwidth. 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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Been there, done that. Don't ever rely on the 3.5mm miniature jack for something important. It's no going to be your friend.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Jim is right; there are few things I hate in audio equipment more than mini headphone jacks. And I have to chime in here. A USB to Audio interface is the only way to get decent audio out of a computer. The headphone jack is prone to static and perhaps even a ground loop hum and, depending on the computer, might not even have full audio bandwidth. Notes ♫ I agree 100% with the sentiment and 90%+ with the whole. I 100% agree that mini-jacks are pretty awful. I implied that other outputs from a PC may be useful, but I think RCAs are as bad or worse. HDMI may be better as the connector generally mates solidly, but then you have to get from HDMI to something useful at the studio/stage end of the chain, and while one's paying for that, one might as well buy a USB to audio module. For a modest cost good audio output, a small USB to audio module is undoubtedly the way to go. I mostly (90%+) agree with the "USB to Audio" part, in particular I've been disappointed in the past by internal cards. That same hum problem again, and not always just from ground-loops, but sometimes picked-up noise just because they're inside the box with all that digital electronics. But other connections like Thunderbolt, the earlier Firewire and Ethernet are available and may well be appropriate. I think most or all of those are more expensive than USB, though. FWIW, I have four USB modules (including my mixer) and one Firewire module. They've all performed very well. The particular problem of earth-loop hum, is that a setup can work fine several times over, then somewhere you'll have a hard to track-down problem, because there's something different with the cabling. Someone's amp plugged in a different branch, someone else's new PC, different earthing in this venue and so on. External boxes seem to pretty much eliminate most of that. The mini-jack has one big advantage, though. It's already there and if/whilst it's working well, anything more may be an unnecessary cost. Caveat emptor.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Did you ever jostle a connection from a mini jack to a PA? Sounds like thunder. Bad form on a gig.
Beating a dead horse even further, it’s not even the right signal to send to a PA or powered speaker. The mini jack is after a volume control (a rheostat that can introduce noise of its own) and it makes the voltage vary. At full volume, it’s more than a line-out signal, so you have to back it off but there’s no way to know without measuring the signal if it’s about right.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Did you ever jostle a connection from a mini jack to a PA? Sounds like thunder. Bad form on a gig. Absolutely, and in comparison to the cost of one's instrument, mic(s), PA, cables and other ancillaries, a USB to audio module is small beer. If one's busking with a 10W mini-amp, not so much.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 62
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Hello Skip Ellis,
my soundcard is not activated and I have no external one.
I'm using hdmi cable with a samsung soundbar to get 7.4.1 atmos sound.
With hdmi u don't use cheap soundcard dac's and u can connect any avr to get hifi.
Maybe that helps?
Last edited by Uwe Schwarz; 07/14/22 08:01 PM.
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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!
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)
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- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
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- 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®!
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!
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 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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