|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Hi,
I was advised to get a dedicated USB port sound card for about $100.00. One that was mentioned was Tascam. I see all kinds. Does anybody have a recommendation? Tascam US144 MKII USB 2l.0 Audio Interfact about $120.00 or Tascam US122 MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface about $110.00? Or other kinds? I see more expensive ones out there.
How about recommending a good audio microphone to use recording voice into BIAB?
Thanks!
NatchezToo
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
It would be helpful to know what your intentions are with the interface. From your second question, it sounds like you need the interface for realtime recording? As for a mic, I highly recommend the Shure Beta 58.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,096 |
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
I agree, John knows this stuff and I love my PCI Card, but if I was looking for a USB device, these have got quite a buzx going on..
http://www.focusrite.com/comparison_chart/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Quote:
It would be helpful to know what your intentions are with the interface. From your second question, it sounds like you need the interface for realtime recording? As for a mic, I highly recommend the Shure Beta 58.
I was told by the Tech on BIAB that I needed to get away from ASIO and get a dedicated interface. He recomended the Tascam (among other for around $100.00). I want to have someone sing my lyrics into/onto my songs in BIAB. I can't sing (sigh).
Natcheztoo
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
Quote:
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
I agree, John knows this stuff and I love my PCI Card, but if I was looking for a USB device, these have got quite a buzx going on..
http://www.focusrite.com/comparison_chart/
I'll have to find out if I have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available. What and where are they?!!! I told you I was as dumb as a bag of hammers about this computer stuff! I'll get back to you on that.
NatchezToo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Quote:
I can't sing (sigh).
Me either, but it doesn't stop me!!!
You should take your computer to a shop to have them check your motherboard. It doesn't really sound like a good idea for you to be poking around in there. There is no shame in not being a strong computer user. Just remember, you aren't a strong computer user YET. You will learn and grow into it and the learning never stops.
Okay, IF you can get the side cover off the computer, look inside along the big circuit board. That is the motherboard, so named because just like a family, everything is supported by the mother. A STANDARD PCI slot will be white and about 3 inches long running perpendicular to the back of the computer. Looking down on the slot, you'll see a "slot" or a "key". That will come in WAY down the road.
A PCI Express slot will be about 1 1/4 inch long.
An AGP (video) slot will be brown.
A lot of this is going to depend on how old your computer is. If it is "pre PCI-E" and "PCI-X" you will have standard PCI slots. That's why I suggest you take it to a shop and let them look.
You can find this stuff Wikipedia but step 1 is being able to see your motherboard, which means taking the door off, and again, not knowing your experience, I don't know how that will go. Just visit Wikipedia and type in PCI SLOT and you will get explanations and pictures of what the cards look like that fit the slots. The "notch" in the card has to line up with the slot, and that determines if it is 3.3v or 5v data bus. And just for another wrench in the works, some cards will work with either 3.3v or 5v.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Tons of folks use USB audio interfaces (I do). I can't see USB being an issue for you. I use a Tascam US-224 (obsolete), but I have heard the tascams you mentioned are pretty decent. Plus you can probably find slightly better prices if you search around on-line.
I've used my ancient tascam us-224 on windows 98, windows 2000, windows XP, vista and windows 7 64 (both desktops and laptops) and never really had any issues. USB is a nice flexible first choice. Internal cards are more for someone that has a dedicated music machine and they want the best all around performance.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071 |
I have been using a USB audio interface for a year now with no issues.
There appears to be a Firewire vs USB war going on, much like the Mac vs PC wars. One says the other’s junk while boasting that they are the best. My guess is that either will do the job for you if you select a good brand like Roland, Tascam, Focusrite etc and make sure there are drivers for your OS.
I choose a USB because it appears that a lot of peripherals are going the USB route. Thus far I have recorded live 3 guitars and one vocal track while playing a number of midi tracks on my DAW with no problems what so ever.
I hope this helps.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 128 |
To all: Thanks! I am not trying to "have a dedicated music machine." Just trying to get voice/vocals on to my songs in BIAB. So, unless somebody posts a strong admonition not to, I think I'll try a Tascam of some sort.
Thanks again. You guys are helpful.
NatchezToo
Jerry Krouse
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,606
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,606 |
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
Just curious...what's wrong with USB sound cards?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
Just curious...what's wrong with USB sound cards?
Bandwidth.
I have a USB device on order that has 8 outs & no ins. I'm real curious if it works good. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
Just curious...what's wrong with USB sound cards?
Bandwidth.
I have a USB device on order that has 8 outs & no ins. I'm real curious if it works good.
John, I’ll bet the 8 outs and no ins is a typo!
My Roland Octa-Capture has 10 ins and outs counting the SPDIF ins/outs. I’ve had no problems thus far, see my previous message. This is an USB 2 system BTW.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 108 |
Hi Jerry,
I have spoken to a good number of customers using the entry level Tascam devices and they tend to play well with our software. USB audio devices are quite widely available at the moment, I wouldn't discourage their use (if any device is going to be using more bandwidth than is available with USB, it won't be using that standard anyway). The majority of people I speak to on the tech lines who use audio interfaces are using USB audio interfaces and there aren't any show-stopping problems with using this standard as far as I am aware.
To be clear you were likely recommended an external audio interface because they have better signal quality / preamps, and for the most part have their own specifically programmed ASIO drivers (you don't want to get away from ASIO, it's necessary to use it for recording for its low latency); these ASIO drivers tend to be more reliable than using generic ASIO drivers such as ASIO4ALL.
-Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,606
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,606 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Just curious...what's wrong with USB sound cards?
Bandwidth.
I have a USB device on order that has 8 outs & no ins. I'm real curious if it works good.
John, I’ll bet the 8 outs and no ins is a typo!
My Roland Octa-Capture has 10 ins and outs counting the SPDIF ins/outs. I’ve had no problems thus far, see my previous message. This is an USB 2 system BTW.
Yes, I have used the same audio interface without any problems (USB v.2 too), using several in & outs, of course. I think bandwith shouldn't be a problem anymore.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
Avoid USB if you can.Unless you have a laptop then that's about your only choice. I think you have a desktop. Do you have any spare PCI or PCIe slots available?
Just curious...what's wrong with USB sound cards?
Bandwidth.
I have a USB device on order that has 8 outs & no ins. I'm real curious if it works good.
John, I’ll bet the 8 outs and no ins is a typo!
My Roland Octa-Capture has 10 ins and outs counting the SPDIF ins/outs. I’ve had no problems thus far, see my previous message. This is an USB 2 system BTW.
Nope not a typo. ESI GIGAPORT. I use 8 separate outs to my mixer fro RB.Presently using the Audigy2ZS notebook card.Just looking into the future for when my computers with PCMCIA & Express slots crap out. That'll be the end of that card.
ESI GIGAPORT
If you're curious:
The hardware mixer gets these outs from RB:
Channel 1=drums
2=kick
3=bass
4=solos
5=acoustic guitars/strings
6=electric guitars
7=piano
8=organ & horns
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071 |
John, not trying to start a war just trying to understand. Wouldn’t your inputs be through your USB port? My card has 10 inputs but all 10 of my outputs are through one USB port.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I use the Stealth Plug for input.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,071 |
Quote:
I use the Stealth Plug for input.
Thanx John. Now I get it.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Jerry
Advice here from someone who does EXACTLY what you want to do (or so it seems):
Tascam US-122 (audio/MIDI interface)
Rhode NT1-A (mic)
They work fine and are excellent value for money. I sourced and chose the Tascam myself and the mic was recommended to me by a pro sound engineer. I have been delighted with both ever since.
I record vocals and sometimes guitar / percussion / whatever. Two input channels are quite enough for that. With a laptop you can even record a live gig in stereo through it - either by using two mics (left and right) or taking output directly from the mixing desk. I also use it for running a two mic karaoke roadshow.
As to laptop or desktop - no difference other than the usual. With a laptop you are free to travel.
HTH
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,638
Posts807,822
Members40,179
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean