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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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I bought a dell with no special sound card and now I need something better. I see the choices at Dell right now seem to be these: http://search.dell.com/results.aspx?s=dh...amp;y=0&p=1Sound Blaster X-Fi Extreme Audio Sound Card Sound Blaster X-Fi Xtreme Audio PCI Express Sound Card Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium PCI Express Sound Card Sound Blaster Audigy SE PCI Sound Card Any thoughts? Thanks, Saxmaam
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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What do you want to do, and what are system specs (so we know the options)?
OS? Win7?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Get a M-Audio card instead, much better, and very stable driver wise. 10 years here and going strong.
24/96 delta
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I agree with Robh...don't get a Sound Blaster card. They are not very good for anything other than basic audio.
Just my 2 cents!
Dave
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Quote:
Get a M-Audio card instead, much better, and very stable driver wise. 10 years here and going strong.
24/96 delta
Yep that's +1 from me as well - never had any probs with mine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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OS - Win 7
Dell Studio XPS 8100
Those are some pretty strong votes for M-Audio. Dell tells me I need an
PCI Express x1 interface. Does that sound right? I didn't see anything but
regular PCI cards when I looked at the m-audio site, but maybe I wasn't
looking in the right place.
SaxMaam
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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While I might tend to disagree about what can be done with Creative cards -- there are some folks who have been able to get stellar results from them -- they are no longer the easy-to-use and rock solid in operation situation that could be. Creative has had driver problems, there have been features advertised for use by the working musician that are either not implemented very well or even nonexistant, and IMO the hardware of the cards outstrips the software and drivers that Creative typically supplies with them. It is revealing that an open source project (the KX drivers) can get so much more out of the cards, but use of those is not advisable for the nontechnical type or the person who just wants to get on with the music rather than deal with operational and control issues that might look more like the cockpit of a 737 to them <g>.
The M-Audio Delta card, as already recommended to you, such as the AP 24/96, on the other hand, enjoys very good driver support, has a large and generally happy customer base and has indeed proven to be able to turn in yeoman's duty day after day with little to no sudden problems cropping up out of nowhere. There is a learning curve, but it is very minimal by comparison to other sound devices IMO. And the track record of the card is getting to be quite venerable indeed, many of us have had the same AP card going on years, simply installing it into new machines with new Operating System releases, download and install the correct and latest drivers from the M-Audio suppport pages - and are up and running with very little technical fuss.
M-Audio AP2496
Known to work and play well with PGMusic products.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I'm one of those guys that love the 737 cockpit.
Check my specs.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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So that AP2496 is a regular PCI, not PCI Express x1. It's a different connector. So I'm still not sure what to do here.
Maybe I'm on the wrong track. What I want is to get good MIDI sounds. Should I just be using a software emulator? I have a BIAB everything pack that's a couple of years old, and I seem to recall there's some kind of good software emulator in there ...
Susan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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If good MIDI is all you want go with a HW unit like the Ketron.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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For software emulator in Win 7 you can't use the old free one that came with BiaB (VSC DXi) IF you are running 64 bit Win 7. VSC only works on 32 bit systems.
Next suggestion would be the Coyote Forte for $40, or hardware synth for a few hundred. Forte is sold here on this site (or on Coyote site), and comes with a demo period to try it out.
Delta cards come with no MIDI synth sounds, you'd have to use software synth or hardware synth running thru the card. Creative cards usually do include a synth.
Last edited by rharv; 09/24/11 10:39 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Journeyman
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I use M-Audio USB. No problems yet. Was the most cost effective as well ...
I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....
I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)
BIAB 2022W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4
Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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Quote:
I use M-Audio USB. No problems yet. Was the most cost effective as well ...
Does that include a hardware synthesized midi sounds? What model?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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OP
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Quote:
For software emulator in Win 7 you can't use the old free one that came with BiaB (VSC DXi) IF you are running 64 bit Win 7. VSC only works on 32 bit systems.
Next suggestion would be the Coyote Forte for $40, or hardware synth for a few hundred. Forte is sold here on this site (or on Coyote site), and comes with a demo period to try it out.
Delta cards come with no MIDI synth sounds, you'd have to use software synth or hardware synth running thru the card. Creative cards usually do include a synth.
Does Coyote Forte come with any version of BIAB these days?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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No but you can still buy it. The version that does come free is the Coyote Wavetable, which is different and not as good.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Apprentice
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Apprentice
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Is it midi sounds that you want or are you more interested in VST plugins. They can be very realistic and use midi data to trigger the sounds. They are also soundcard independent.
There are some good free vst downloads to be had.
Regards.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
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Quote:
Is it midi sounds that you want or are you more interested in VST plugins. They can be very realistic and use midi data to trigger the sounds. They are also soundcard independent.
There are some good free vst downloads to be had.
Regards.
I don't know! I think technology has changed a bit since I last paid attention. I'd like BIAB to sound well of course. But there are some other music programs that use MIDI sounds and I would like them to be decent also.
Can you point me to a good VST site?
SaxMaam
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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MIDI samples that come bundled in or with the soundcard are all but nonexistant anymore.
Some of the Creative cards still support use of Soundfonts for the MIDI sounds, but apparently even some of those are now no longer actual separate hardware storing and controlling those sounds, the cards now just come bundled with the equivalent of a software based soundfont player.
My advice to SaxMaam is to keep it simple and first purchase and install Band in a Box, use the computer's internal soundcard and either the built in Microsoft MIDI software synthesizer that is a part of the Operating System. The purchase of Band in a Box will include an evaluation copy of the DXi software synth that works with Win7 and it is good for 30 days. That should give you time to decide whether to go that 40 dollar route or perhaps look into hardware MIDI synth options.
Meanwhile, Band in a Box can run quite well enough using the computer's already included sound device.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thanks Mac,
I think you're right about my path forward. I've had BIAB for many years and I think I have the 2010 everything pack. Do you know if that will run under win7? I have win7 "home premium". Do you know how to tell if that's 64 bit or 32?
Susan
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Right click on 'My Computer' and select properties. That should say if it is 64 bit Windows. If it doesn't it is likely 32 bit.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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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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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
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We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
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Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
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- The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
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