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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
PS Since posting the above, I've rechecked my system's performance in Task Manager with this batch of songs, and find my memory was playing tricks.
CPU Usage leaps up to 100% and hovers there or just under until the song starts to play. On the other hand, the usage of physical memory is modest, with available memory dipping slightly, but hovering around 1/3 of the total 1GB.
So it looks as though I'm going to have to dig deep into my sporran and get a laptop with a much faster processor if I'm to get a quick response on a gig, but that I may not need to go over the top with memory capacity.
As it happens, my clarinet-playing colleague has a new laptop which we use on gigs, so mine is used for preparing songs and individual practice, and will only be used on gigs if something bad happens to his one.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread - I've learned a lot about BIAB while looking into it - and I obviously have to keep Fast Generation switched off.
I still think there's a problem with the underlying Fast Generation code which has been revealed, not caused, by my slower machine. If the "Next" button is pressed after a song has started but before the generation is complete (or the equivalent in JukeBox), BIAB doesn't tidy up properly before starting on the next song, and trips itself up.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Quote:
PS Since posting the above, I've rechecked my system's performance in Task Manager with this batch of songs, and find my memory was playing tricks.
CPU Usage leaps up to 100% and hovers there or just under until the song starts to play. On the other hand, the usage of physical memory is modest, with available memory dipping slightly, but hovering around 1/3 of the total 1GB.
CPU ramping up to 100% is not a bad thing. (Unless it goes there and stays there...) Using 100% of the CPU is exactly what we want to see when performing such tasks. Good thing. But read on...
Bear in mind that there *must* be some of that 1gig left untouched by the application as the Operating System is going to chew up quite a bit of ram. Also, if your computer uses onboard video with ram sharing, there will typically be a chunk of your physical ram set aside for the video only, this can be as much as one forth of the 1gig total. An application such as BiaB will get a portion of ram, but if that is filled, then the OS goes into the disk swap routine in an attempt to provide more ram space by using part of the hard drive. This swap can lead to timing probs with realtracks. The real answer to this problem is to install more physical ram in the computer. Adding a nother gig is a great idea and doesn't cost all that much these days. There should be a decided difference in performance when using 2g as vs the 1g, matter of fact, 1g is considered barely enough to run the operating system these days and that goes even if running the lowly old XP. Upgrade your ramcount.
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So it looks as though I'm going to have to dig deep into my sporran and get a laptop with a much faster processor if I'm to get a quick response on a gig, but that I may not need to go over the top with memory capacity.
Rethink on the ramcount front. "You can never have enough physical ram"
On the other hand, there is no need to overload the ramcount either. But most puter deals out there do not include enough ram to begin with at purchase time for doing our kind of work. When I pick up a new one, I always allocate a little bit more for extra ramsticks of the proper size and type. This can often mean having to put two sticks of brand new ram in the parts drawer immediately upon purchaae as the proper use of Double Density (DDR) type sticks means using matched pairs and the mfrs typiocally will do things like install two sticks of 512 to yield 1g - meaning that to properly install 2g, the 512s must be reomoved and replaced with two 1g DDR sticks. Still, it is worth it, especially keeping that live performance issue in mind.
Quote:
As it happens, my clarinet-playing colleague has a new laptop which we use on gigs, so mine is used for preparing songs and individual practice, and will only be used on gigs if something bad happens to his one.
I heartily reommend that you look into raising the ramcount on your older computer before giving up on it. I personally am known for using all sorts of aging XP junk on the live gigs. The only real difference is the loading time of realtracks, which can be gotten around with the use of Freeze tracks. Myself, I have developed the habit of immediately loading the next songfile as soon as I'm done playing he last song, giving more time but making such invisible to my audience. But I don't like to use the Jukebox much on live gigs, preferring the "wait for MIDI input" command to actually start songs.
Quote:
I still think there's a problem with the underlying Fast Generation code which has been revealed, not caused, by my slower machine. If the "Next" button is pressed after a song has started but before the generation is complete (or the equivalent in JukeBox), BIAB doesn't tidy up properly before starting on the next song, and trips itself up.
FWIW, I have developed the habit of not trying to tell BB to do something while it is still doing the first thing *grin*.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
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OP
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
I'm revisiting this problem, as my clarinettist colleague has been persuaded to use my RealTrack-enhanced versions of our repertoire, synched via Dropbox, as the definitive list, but when he tries to use JukeBox for practice he gets crashes and missing voices in the songs.
He gets very tetchy when this happens, and blames me for interrupting his practice sessions, but I think it's probably happening because he's inclined to set the JukeBox to random, and to click the next button if he's recently practised the song he's offered.
If I can calm him down enough to set RealTracks options as if for a slow computer ("But my computer ISN'T a slow one!"), I'll be able to test this theory.
Incidentally, I've just upped the memory on my elderly laptop to (the maximum) of 2G, but before-and-after stop-watch timings of "Play" and "Generate" have demonstrated absolutely no benefit. As the CPU usage goes up to 100% when generation is taking place, I conclude that the problem is not memory size or disc speed but a lack of raw CPU power.
That's fifty quid that could have bought me a lot of porage!
It would be helpful to have a more elegant way of dealing with the speed of play-back overtaking the process of RealTracks generation, but I suspect that I may be a lone voice here.
Incidentally, Mac, how do you generate the next song without the risk of it's starting to play before you want it to? I can't find a "generate-but-don't-play" button.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
...Incidentally, Mac, how do you generate the next song without the risk of it's starting to play before you want it to? I can't find a "generate-but-don't-play" button.
One way is to hit the Prefs toolbar button and in the first Prefs Window, take a look on the RH side for "Pause Play until MIDI or Key Received" and check it.
When a songfile is opened, it will then not immediately play, you have to hit either any key on a MIDI keyboard or instrument that is attached to the computer and recognized by BB to start the song, OR hit any key on the computer keyboard to start the song.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Quote:
It would be helpful to have a more elegant way of dealing with the speed of play-back overtaking the process of RealTracks generation, but I suspect that I may be a lone voice here.
There is, it's called a fast machine as I've said like 25 times already. Your friend can be as techy as he wants, he doesn't understand how the RT's work and how manipulating audio files in real time requires the latest and greatest to avoid frustrations.
I'm certainly not making fun of anybody or trying to make you feel bad or anything. Money is a big issue to a lot of people in this rotten economy so if someone can't afford it, they can't afford it. If that's the case with you or your friend then just realize you'll just have to live with some limitations until you can get a faster system.
Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 09/13/12 12:11 PM.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 175 |
Bob, I take your point, but the specification here... http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.requirements.htm...makes no mention of CPU type or clock speed, and only asks for a minimum of 512MB of RAM. Crashes, segmentation violations and missing instruments on songs don't immediately suggest to the user that his computer isn't powerful enough. I wonder if a dual progress indicator like there is in a YouTube viewer could be implemented instead of the text indicator saying how many % of the track for each instrument had been generated. If proportion of total played is seen to catch up with proportion of total generated just before things start going wrong, the obvious conclusion can be drawn. I'm not getting these crashes now that I've disabled fast generation, and I hope my colleague will follow suit. Mac, Thanks for the tip - it's just a matter of knowing (and remembering!) where to look...
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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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- 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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- 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!
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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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