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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581 |
I'm currently using an M-Audio Fast Track USB interface and their ASIO drivers while doing tracks in Real Band on my Windows 7 64bit laptop. I got it cuz it was low cost, but willing to spend a bit more on something basic, BUT with ASIO drivers that behave VERY well in Real Band.
I use BIAB and RB on my only laptop. It's not dedicated to music only, so I'd like something that I don't have to do a lot of 'turn this off to do this, and 'turn it back on to do that'... is that asking for the moon ? Hope not.
Suggestions welcomed !
Last edited by MitchC; 12/10/11 05:56 PM.
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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What is the spec of your laptop? Recently found that the cheapest Toshiba laptops with their e-series duo core processors are not up to the task of any USB ASIO drivers with Win7 64 bit at play. When I say 'any' I should say these three:
M-Audio Fast Track
TASCAM US-800
E-MU 0404 USB
This laptop was one which you can get at Office Depot and other similar places for around $300.
Office Depot ended up taking it back, thankfully. I bought a refurbished Samsung with an intel core i3 for $80 more and the issues have nearly, not entirely disappeared.
I found out that AMD E-300 series processor is pretty low spec, not much higher than the atom processors that are in the little netbooks. Actually slower than the core 2 duo that was in the 4 year old Thinkpad that I was replacing.
Regarding the turning this on, don't turn that on - I grok with that. Don't get the US-800 for reliable customer service or an active driver refresh.
It could very well be your Win7 setup needs a little tweaking that will also work for your other apps as well. I'm learning that Win7 has many more hooks into power management on various busses that can interfere with audio streaming.
ASIO does require a little extra handling and knowledge on the end of the user, but shouldn't be prohibitive to getting stuff done. What exactly about ASIO is it that you think you need? If you are not using the play-through capability of soft-synths, or need to hear low-latency feedback from effects (for example, with guitar amp simulation) you may not need ASIO capability.
-Scott
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 581 |
Scott,
I have a Dell XPS 17 Core i7 laptop 8gb ram, running Windows 7 64 bit.
I have found it absoultely necessary to run ASIO if I want to add any live performance to a Real Band track. MME drivers have too much latency. Actually the M-Audio has been working OK, but in a recent support call, the tech noted that the M-Audio ASIO drivers were not the best 'fit' for BIAB / Real Band, thus my post asking if there were better alternatives.
I get frequent 'garbled' sound in Real Band doing this or that, and have to quit and relaunch RB quite often. I could very easily continue using the M-Audio Fast Track and their ASIO drivers, just curious if there might be something better ?
Last edited by MitchC; 12/11/11 01:56 PM.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
To repeat what Scott said. You do not need ASIO unless you are playing a soft synth with a controller OR you are trying to record audio while using & monitoring a VST/DX effect. If you are doing neither then your problem is that you are monitoring THROUGH the Fast track. Check your manual for proper setup.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,506
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,506 |
Mitch, ASIO is the way to go for low latency especially if you are using many soft synths like I do. While the "quality" of the ASIO drivers varies from manufacturer to manufacturer of your respective interface, IMHO the real key to low latency is setting up Win 7 properly. The biggest issue you may run into is running your computer with your wireless adapter switched on. ASIO and wireless do not play well together. Also, if you are using an external audio interface, which it seems that you are, go into the Win 7 Device manager and be sure that your internal sound drivers are disabled...no need to uninstall them, just disable them. If you want to probe further into Win 7 tuning take a look at this link: http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledge/questions/847/Windows+7+Tuning+Tips+for+audio+processing over at Native Instruments. The use of DPC Latency Checker followed by the use of the more specific LatencyMon will help you pinpoint your tuning.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
What is the spec of your laptop? Recently found that the cheapest Toshiba laptops with their e-series duo core processors are not up to the task of any USB ASIO drivers with Win7 64 bit at play. When I say 'any' I should say these three:
M-Audio Fast Track
TASCAM US-800
E-MU 0404 USB
This laptop was one which you can get at Office Depot and other similar places for around $300.
Office Depot ended up taking it back, thankfully. I bought a refurbished Samsung with an intel core i3 for $80 more and the issues have nearly, not entirely disappeared.
I found out that AMD E-300 series processor is pretty low spec, not much higher than the atom processors that are in the little netbooks. Actually slower than the core 2 duo that was in the 4 year old Thinkpad that I was replacing.
Regarding the turning this on, don't turn that on - I grok with that. Don't get the US-800 for reliable customer service or an active driver refresh.
It could very well be your Win7 setup needs a little tweaking that will also work for your other apps as well. I'm learning that Win7 has many more hooks into power management on various busses that can interfere with audio streaming.
ASIO does require a little extra handling and knowledge on the end of the user, but shouldn't be prohibitive to getting stuff done. What exactly about ASIO is it that you think you need? If you are not using the play-through capability of soft-synths, or need to hear low-latency feedback from effects (for example, with guitar amp simulation) you may not need ASIO capability.
-Scott
But Scott ASIO sounds soooo much better. 
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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
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