|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Time to retire the 2003-vintage job as it will no longer run necessary applications (Real Tracks, Tracktion 3, certain plugins) well or at all. Unfortunately, a new machine won't run certain older apps that I would rather keep (Nuendo 1.6, which requires a parallel port dongle), meaning I would like to have an equivalent software DAW to take its place. Real Band ain't it, although I want it available.
I am likely also going to need a new audio/MIDI interface as my PCI-based Soundblaster Audigy won't be usable and I am dubious about my Tascam US-224. (I had my heart set on the Lexicon Omega, in part because it comes bundled with Cubase LE4 [which will also run some killer Sound Fonts I have], but some valid reservations exist.) I would prefer something with an actual MIDI port or ports as opposed to USB so it will be compatible with some of my older gear.
Let's say I have less than a kilobuck to play with. I would like to keep the PC in the $300 to $400 range if possible. Is that reasonable for an off-the-shelf unit? Interface under $200. We're not talking ideals, just good serviceable gear. Let's talk processor, memory, 7200-RPM drive, as much RAM as possible. Dual video outs would be nice. (Do new PCs come with that?) I'm thinking I can get more bang for the buck out of a desktop, yes?
I had hoped to maybe get BIAB 2012 or Reason 6 (I get a sidegrade discount and that could be my DAW, too), but probably not both, and maybe not either. I may become a free/shareware DAW user before this is all over.
I have probably omitted a great deal; parts of what I have said will be misunderstood; and new ideas will be raised. Here I am, an A+ trained PC tech with almost 20 years of hacking behind me and I feel like a newbie. Let the games begin.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Quote:
... Interface under $200. We're not talking ideals, just good serviceable gear...
Before the weekend is out, I will test recording in Sonar using the US-224 on my windows 7 laptop. If it works well then you can save yourself $100 - $200 right there on a audio interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Quote:
... Interface under $200. We're not talking ideals, just good serviceable gear...
Before the weekend is out, I will test recording in Sonar using the US-224 on my windows 7 laptop. If it works well then you can save yourself $100 - $200 right there on a audio interface.
Thank you. I just recalled that there is a bundled version of Cubase with the 224, fully functional but for having only one level of undo. Well, we've dealt with that before, haven't we? 
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Reaper.
MTS -- MultiTrackStudio.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
Quote:
I will test recording in Sonar using the US-224 on my windows 7 laptop. If it works well then you can save yourself $100 - $200 right there on a audio interface.
My experience with the US-428, which uses the same driver as the US-224, was that it mostly didn't work with Windows 7. Tascam last updated the driver for Windows Vista, so the drivers are unsigned as far as Win7 is concerned. The US-428 driver DID work in Win7 when my Win7 was done as an update on top of Vista where the driver had been previously installed and working. When I started having issues with the update install and did a clean install on another drive, Win7 rejected the drivers as being unsigned. I did some extensive Googling and found several little tricks to force Win7 to take an unsigned driver, but each time I managed to get it to accept the driver, it didn't stick. Win7 always deleted the driver. I would point out too, that on the Vista to Win7 update, the presence of the US-428 always caused Win7 to hang on shut-down. If I remembered to turn the US-428 off before a shut-down, the computer would shut down normally. Other than that, the 428 operated normally.
I never did find a way to get the US-428 to operate with my clean install so I switched to the FW-1884 as my interface. Its a great mixer but TASCAM has told us that they aren't going to support it beyond Win7.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Ryszard, There are several items in your opening post that have me wondering if you might already have everything you need except for the PC. All modern laptops, even the cheaper ones, have dual video if you count the laptop screen as one of the screens. Regarding soundfonts - you can use the freeware SFZ+ from Cakewalk (get yours here: http://www.store.cakewalk.com/b2cus/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=35-CWSZ1.40-20Eto use your soundfonts - no need to buy anything or be forced to use a certain DAW software. The 7200 RPM drive is no issue if you are comfortable replacing a typical 5400 rpm drive in a lappy with the 7200 flavors available inexpensively from places like www.techforless.com and first imaging the old drive to the new one. I actually haven't found a need for a 7200 rpm drive in my new lappy - yet. Maybe once I get cranking on a big number of tracks, but my typical stuff actually runs happy with 5400. Can't speak to getting the US-224 to work with Win7. I do now have a Tascam US800 that I have working servicably in Win7. Nice clean pre-amps - much better than my old FireBox. Watch for them to go on sale at Musician's Friend for $99. That price is current about every 6 weeks or so, for a week at a time so it seems. I also don't understand the 'actual MIDI ports' comment. The US224 has MIDI in/out on the back - What's not proper about those connections? The US-800 is USB connected, and has DIN style MIDI ports on the back. Doesn't have all the cool mixer sliders and transport controls that the US-224 has, but perhaps you don't use those? Most laptops in the 400-500$ range have multiple ways of doing dual video. Mine that I just bought has a VGA port as well as an HDMI port on the thing. I use the lappy screen and an external VGA monitor simultaneously. I put all the static stuff (like the US800 control panel) on the lappy screen and all the stuff I interact with on the external monitor screen. However, I might spring for a nice big 32" LCD monitor and use the HDMI. You could actually afford that in your $1000 price limit. Lappy for $400-$500, VIZIO 32" LCD for $350 at Sam's Club (join if you have to) http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/product.jsp?productId=prod3770254&iid=CRSJ684and still have a couple hundred left over for an interface of your choosing. Boom.
Last edited by rockstar_not; 01/05/12 12:34 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
Honestly, if you pay more than a couple hundred for an interface, either you're getting ripped off or you're buying for a band.
There are always deals at Micro Center, New Egg, 1SaleADay.com, Woot, places like that. You might be able to get a monster for less than a thou; a computer that will serve your music needs for years is easy.
And, if you're worried about the hard drive speeds, get an external drive and record to that. Many of them come with USB 3.0 now, and a PCI card for that is thirty to forty bucks. (I've been recording to external hard drive anyway -- that way, I'm reasonably sure to keep the data if the computer goes, and I can also take it with me to use on the laptop.)
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I have the us-224 working on a clean install on a windows 7 laptop. I just haven't tested recording yet (just playback). I'll test recording in the next day or two. If that works, great -- if not, well ... then I'll be following your buying decisions!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Great stuff, all. I was about to ask where everybody was but you came through in a big way. Kemmer, I look forward to your test results with great anticipation! *** Rockstar, The US-224 is unique in being the lowest-cost interface and control surface I have found. I do use the transport and sliders, particularly with Reason. I'm sure it could be made to work with BIAB, too, but PG haven't supplied the drivers. The comment about MIDI DIN ports was made when I wasn't sure if I'd be able to use the 224. I am also losing the use of my PCI-based Audigy 2 ZS Platinum Pro's DIN ports. If I can use the 224, great; if not, I need to keep looking. I'm fixed for video for the moment. I've still got a couple of ancient 17" CRT monitors hanging around which I will use until they die. (One is in the process.) The 32" unit sounds like fun, but I'm shopping for a new TV as well. I'll save the huge screen for that. *** Tom, I never would have thought of an external drive but I'll keep your suggestion in mind. I have no problem swapping out internal drives. *** To many, I kinda had my heart set on that Lexicon unit but I kept reading reviews from several sources. Upshot seems to be that IF you got a good unit and IF you could get it installed it was great. MANY people had install issues (which I suspect were due to technical ability) as well as objective issues such as dropping the USB connection, losing the drivers, hardware problems, etc. I still think it's a great unit at a great price, but I've had enough of dealing with iffy systems. I want bulletproof. MF offers a 3-year extended warranty. I MIGHT consider it if the 224 doesn't work out. *** Keep those cards and letters coming, folks! Thanks, R.
Last edited by Ryszard; 01/05/12 08:15 PM.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
Quote:
....Keep those cards and letters coming, folks! Thanks, R.
---Ok, another card,(I've been called worse, lol). I recommend waiting awhile. Intel is supposed to be coming out with something new, and it shouldn't be too long now. I'm guessing july or august should see some killer deals--this fall at the very latest.
---If you positively can't wait, at least go i5 with plenty of ram. Think $650 instead of $350.
Just my 02, good luck on whatever you decide!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Well we know Windows (8) is heavy on touch screen.
The all in one touchscreen stuff at Best Buy right now is sort of cool but...
They need to be lighter, thinner, and more portable.
I do however see it coming. The bride and I have Android phones, 3 laptops and a 'computer', plus a tablet. I can use dropbox on any of them and have the files available at your fingertips. Quite weird.
I'm working on a Celtic set times 2 (Burns night then St. Pat's day...then combine them the rest of the year). So when I get a tune ready I put the pdf of the band in a box leadsheet and the backing track into the dropbox and on a break she can tell me what to fix. And send me emails about what to do next.
So sad that my autocomplete box is unchecked and so much stuff hangs in ...sigh.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
BTW, a friend of mine bought an 8080 in the day. Olivetti. Didn't get a 286 due to the rumour of a 386. Put that off. And the next thing. The olivetti packed it in and he found an Olivetti typewriter/wordprocessor. Ran that for 10 years. Ribbons or something became hard to find. Then he reverted to an IBM selectric he got a garage sale. Another 10 years go buy and finally Dad let me take him and get a computer.
The next 6 months I played support hotline.
Phone: "The needle dooey isn't showing up."
Me: "what?"
Dad: "The thing where you push on the other thing with that thing thing."
Me: "OH, you mean...???"
I'm sure you get this.
I found out it was my youngest brother, who had a free computer in his office at the school board was getting info from the IT department. When I asked my brother what computer he had at home he said..."why buy a computer when you get one for free at work?" Hard to argue that. Now he's 55 and he and his wife both pull down top buck as senior teachers, and they just moved 'home' to live with his wife's mother because 200k is not enough to afford those vacations. Geez. And to think I quit teaching to bird dog forest fires.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,114 |
Quote:
I have the us-224 working on a clean install on a windows 7 laptop.
If you actually did get the driver to stick in a clean install of Windows 7, I'd appreciate some insight on how you were able to do it. I don't need the know how for myself any longer, but I'm a moderator at tascamforums.com and get lots of questions regarding making the driver for the 224 and 428 work in Windows 7. It would be nice to pass on what you have learned.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Quote:
Quote:
I have the us-224 working on a clean install on a windows 7 laptop.
If you actually did get the driver to stick in a clean install of Windows 7, I'd appreciate some insight on how you were able to do it. I don't need the know how for myself any longer, but I'm a moderator at tascamforums.com and get lots of questions regarding making the driver for the 224 and 428 working in Windows 7. It would be nice to pass on what you have learned. -- Keith
You know, I really should have taken screen shots as I went along and really documented it -- but I didn't know if it would work!! here's my best recollection. I used this post at http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/1101-63-tascam-driver-windows as a guideline: Quote:
impy: Ok this post is the only way to make your lovely us-428 working atm with windows 7 32,64 bit.First of all download the official vista driver v 3.40 from http://tascam.com/content/downloads/products/314/US224_Win_3.40f.zip . After that you have to run the setup. During the installation steps you wll get an error message that the driver couldnt be installed. Bypass it!!!!!Now you must have a folder with the name US428 in your program files.This is the place where you must seek for the driver under the manual istallation process.Go to device manager, there you will find a unoknown device (this must be your us428 exept if you have others devices without drivers lol), righ click on it and choose update driver. Then choose the ''search my computer" option.Seek for your driver at US428 folder that we mentioned before and let windows handle the rest.That's it now you have your US-428 working.!!!!!
Here's what I did:
1.) Install the 3.40 windows vista tascam driver driver.
2.) When the "can't install" error popped up -- I just click OK.
3.) The extracted drivers were installed in the newly created c:\program files (x86)\us224\ folder.
4.) Here I deviated from the impy's instructions. There was no "unknown device" in the "device manager" list. So I plugged in and turned on the Tascam US-224. Windows did its thing "recognizing" the plugged in USB device. I don't remember the messages here (sorry). I then went to the control panel --> device manager and lo and behold there was an "Unknown device" listed.
5.) I right clicked on it, selected "Update Driver Software". I clicked on "Browse My Computer..." since I knew the drivers were in the c:\program files (x86)\us224\ folder.
6.) After that, everything seemed to work as expected.
7.) I am using MME audio "driver mode" for sonar because the laptop built in soundcard couldn't use anything else. When I record, if I have extra latency, I'll try the WDM/KS "driver mode" (this is the one I am using in Sonar on my Vista machine).
I hope I covered everything.
Kevin
P.S. Follow-up: I just recorded a direct plugin electric guitar to the US-224 and I did need to switch away from the MME driver mode to WDM/KS to eliminate the fairly obvious latency in playback. In any case, I was able to add a recorded track to a sonar file using the us-224 in windows 7.
Last edited by Kemmrich; 01/06/12 07:22 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Here's my simple studio setup using a 42" LG 120hz HD LED TV as a second monitor for either my Dell laptop (Win 7) or Dell desktop(XP).
Was using two 22" monitors but when my old TV died I bought the LG for Xmas at amazon (with the help of some unused Discover air miles).
Extended my computer desk top and added a lazy Susan ($10 at Lowes) so I can spin the TV and watch from the adjoining bedroom. Very handy!
What a great purchase, very easy to setup, super bright screen and no more computer glasses.
Thought of adding a card to use all 3 monitors but find that these two work perfectly.
One obvious note is that a bigger monitor does not translate to a bigger desktop area,ie. no more room for more windows, just a bigger image.
However, can't wait for next Xmas to get a second 42" (maybe 3D by then).
Guess size does matter!
I mostly use BIAB and then Realband for my song writing hobby and production though I have Reaper and Audacity (for creating MP3's mainly)
Other toys include:
Line 6 Toneport UX1 for interface
Shure 5655D Dynamic and AKG Perception 120 Condenser mics
Korg nanoKey midi controller keyboard (OK but not crazy about the key action, may get a Casio
Casio CTK-2100 61 Key Personal Keyboard with New Voice Pad Feature at some point)
Ovation Legend Acoustic Guitar
Yamaha SBG 500 Electric
Misc harmonicas, banjo, tin pans etc
All works quite well for my basic needs and done on a budget over time.
Good luck on your set up.
Carkins
Photo of Studio:http://www.carlkocich.com/MusicStudioPhoto.html
Songs:http://www.carlkocich.com/Music.html
[image]http://www.carlkocich.com/MusicStudioPhoto.html[/image]
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I did the same thing last year and had similar concerns. I stick with desktops because of the available monitor sizes. I picked up a used 32" Sony Bravia for $260 and all I can say is what a revelation. Working with these programs on a screen that size is great. I have a 17" Acer laptop and when I boot that up the screen looks like my cell phone in comparison.
I went for a custom built PC. If you can find a builder in your area then that allows you to do detailed research as to what works best with what. It's all available using Google and various music forums. I'm using the EMU 1820M that requires two dedicated PCi slots and a lot of newer mobo's only have one so that's one example of having something custom built knowing up front what I'm going to need with no surprises later. With a limited budget like you I determined that the AMD Phenom with a Gigabit mobo was the best bang for the buck. The one thing it doesn't have is USB 3 but adapter cards are only 30 bucks or so and I can upgrade any time. The PC in my sig cost me exactly $600 including Win 7 64 Ultimate. Best Buy had a similar HP on sale for $749 last year. Considering how fast PC parts change pricing it's probably less now.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Quote:
I'm a moderator at tascamforums.com and get lots of questions regarding making the driver for the 224 and 428 work in Windows 7. It would be nice to pass on what you have learned.
Keith,
Does the forum end up having any influence with TASCAM itself? As a recent customer of a TASCAM US-800, I'm surprised at their lack of interaction with their customer community and seemingly unconcerned attitude with oddities with their product line.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Think this [url=http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0378290] PowerSpec
B633 Desktop Computer[/url] will get it? # Intel® Core i5-2320 # Microsoft Windows 7 Professional (64-bit) # 8GB DDR3-1333 RAM # 2TB 5,400RPM Hard Drive # SuperMulti DVD±RW Drive # Multi-In-One Memory Card Reader # Intel® HD Graphics 2000 # 10/100/1000 Network # 802.11b/g/n Wireless $500 There's a Dell Inspiron 620-3766 with a 1 TB 7,200-RPM drive for $629, but it hardly seems worth the difference.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Absolutely as far as specs are concerned. Just think about your future needs and would that entail opening it up to install a card of some sort. Understand the different types of expansion slots it has or doesn't have and what can and can't be used with them. My EMU 1820M is already an antique, the new ones are all strictly USB so you may never have a need for installing a physical card anymore. I'm such a geek I would find out exactly what mobo is being used and do a bit of Google research to get some opinions on it. Another reason for going custom built is the fact that almost all of the lower priced PC's advertise a great CPU because people understand that but then use a $59 mobo. When you do some reading you find that a $100 one is way better and if you knew the difference you would easily spend the extra $40 for it but in order to get that from a name brand it's not just the mobo, they only put it into their next higher level machine so it costs maybe $700-800 or so. Custom built is the only way to get that killer mobo without paying for the other stuff. This is similar to the way cars are sold, there's one option you really want but you can't get it without buying the whole "Premium Package" for $2,500 or whatever.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I'm asking because I don't know, people. That's why a write this post as a "newbie." I have no idea how to select a mobo. I feel that I messed up on the last one, else it would still be handling the job. Please say more.
This PC has the core i5 processor, lots of memory, and comes in under the $650 price point mentioned above. Other than that--baseball been berry, berry good to me. Please speak to me on a very basic level here.
Edited to add: The link above gives very detailed information, with the possible exception of the motherboard itself. It does say that it uses the Intel H61 Express Northbridge chipset.
Edited to add: "Express" being code, I suppose, for "el cheapo." I looked at the mobos and CPUs in Micro Center's catalog. It's beyond Greek and clearly assumes much knowledge aforehand.
Last edited by Ryszard; 01/08/12 03:21 PM.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,452
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean