|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I don't know exactly how long it took my PC--old install of XP Home, 1.8 GHz AMD Athlon processor, five-year-old 40-Gb drive and 4 Gb RAM--to start, but I used to use a calendar to time it.
It now takes the "new" DAW--same mobo and all, but a brand-new 160-Gb Western Digital Caviar Blue 7,200 RPM main drive and a just-broke-the-seal install of XP Pro--45 seconds to boot from a cold start and 1:15 to reboot.
Oh, my.
I'll have plenty of questions about how to keep it that way--or improve on it--but I wanted to share that.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,505 |
It's nearly impossible to keep a PC running as fast as when you first get it, or set it up, unless you never install anything else.
For some of us, the difference between a PC and a DAW is something more like this:
DAW - has a sequencer and other specialized music software and hardware
PC - has a network connection and loads of non-music related software
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539 |
My XP DAW still boots in under 45 seconds. That's complete - no hourglass or flashing drive light. Ready to go.
Its about 4 years old. The key, as Matt said, is to not load stuff on it that starts running processes when the system starts. Using prudent install rules you can keep it this way and not slow it down.
Don't put anything internet on it (no browser or antivirus)
If you install any graphics or camera stuff go through the processes so they don't load anything at startup; only when needed (manual start in the computer management - services list)
Hopefully you have a nice big clean partition for the Temp Audio Stream in the audio preferences area that is separate from the main drive XP runs on..
Keep your RB/Backup or PT/Backup folder clean before defragging every so often.
These tips have served me well for stability and quick startup over the last few years.
One of my instructors tells me I can shorten the start up time more by using a few registry edits that keep the windows prefetch list small, etc. I'm happy the way it is; "if it ain't broke don't fix it"
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Hopefully you have a nice big clean partition for the Temp Audio Stream in the audio preferences area that is separate from the main drive XP runs on...
Please say more. I get conflicting reports on partitions, but most say don't bother. Where, how big, and why?
thx,
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Conflicting reports? Meaning?
Different partitions/harddisks for better performance and safe backups.
Better performance: while your windows and programs run from one, your audio can run from another disk(best solution). This prevents audio to "wait" for seeking time on the harddisk that your programs/system during the process will require.
Safe backup: When windows need reinstalling e.g., having more partitions or disks, keeps your audio/midi/movies/pictures and so on, save, since you would only reinstall on your systempartition.
How big? Depends on what you got and how much programs you install. I got my system partitions (I got 3 diferent partitions for multibooting) set at 30 Gb each on 3 different disks. My "safe" partitions/disks vary. For movies and audio I got very large partitions, for my ghostbackups mediumsized and for other stuff smaller ones.
For tweaking your system you might want to look into a website of "blackviper" (just google it). He has got a lot of good tweaking advices, also for the services that were mentioned in the replies.
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
Ryszard
i assume you have a one drive system.
and the caviar is your new one drive ??
for 80 buks get yourself a dedicated drive to record to ,
7200 rpm 32 mb cache.
its a no brainer.
if running vista slap some extra ram in and see if this helps things.
if you have more buks check out raptor drives sometime.
lots of big studios use em, you might find a deal.
if you want fast boots use google // contact drive manufacturers
for more info. drive manufacturers are a good source for assessing how much impact
different drives have on boot times.
just be carefull over spending cos a whole new raft of drive tech
is prolly coming to work with the new i7 intel processors
which offer a big step up in performance.
particularly for people running real time fx plug ins.
a word of warning..lol
dont start looking at i7 performance for a daw...
you might just fall in love.
this is a serious processor...but pricey.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Use the first logical partition of that second drive to point your recording programs to. Typically they default to Temp on C or the like. You can find this setting in the programs' Preferences or whatever they call it, usually something there like "Temp Audio Stream" or the like with the url next to it and changeable by the user.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
I've spent a day and a half installing and updating Windows and all my music software. Reboot time is up from 1:15 to 1:21. Dang.
Any thoughts for or against installing Winamp? It is for many reasons by far my favorite player for streaming media, but I have one friend who won't allow it on his DAW. Eventually I'll have my DAW and 'Net machine side by side with a KVMA switch, but until then I likes ta listen when I'm not recording.
Thx,
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,736
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,736 |
i have a page i maintain that has links to info on configuring a pc for audio just found out about nLite is a tool for pre-installation Windows configuration and component removal at your choice. Optional bootable image ready for burning on media or testing in virtual machines.
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296 |
I read over on an EMU hardware forum that one should disable RESTORE.
Has anyone here any thoughts on this?
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235 |
Well that's an old overused IMO tip that holds less and less weight with newer and faster computers and drives. Stop using it and you'll never miss it till you need it.
But you can tidy up your drive through Disk Cleanup...and remove all the minor restore points that have accumulated, leaving only the last point. A good practice is to create a restore point when everything is fine...then do a Disk Cleanup and remove the rest.
Another tip....Install CCleaner and use it. It cleans up everything in 1 click.
Then defrag. (I have a simple batch file I wrote that calls Windows Defrager and defrags only the partitions I specified in the file WITHOUT the Windows defrag app appearing on the desktop. This all happens in a dos box and the advantage is that I click an icon and it starts defragging immediately and closes when it's done. It's very fast this way)
DTuna
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Citaat:
I read over on an EMU hardware forum that one should disable RESTORE.
Has anyone here any thoughts on this?
Glenn
Ya, I never use it. So it is one of the first things I disable. As soon as my system is running smoothly, I make a ghostfile, and if ever in trouble or if once in a certain amount of years, I think I need a fresher setup, I run the ghost back to my system drive.
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Citaat:
Any thoughts for or against installing Winamp?
Not really against or for, I don't use it as I don't use windows media player either. I use mediaplayer classic. Very light, plays everything I want to play, supersmall and needs no installing at all. Allready a happy user for many years...
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Anything can play "media". I like Winamp because of Shoutcast radio. Is there any reason NOT to use Winamp, and/or is there anything that will do streaming audio (specifically, pick up as many channels) as well as or better than Winamp?
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I read over on an EMU hardware forum that one should disable RESTORE.
Has anyone here any thoughts on this?
Glenn
Having Restore points has saved me from EMU problems as well as others. I leave it on.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,350
Members40,017
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean