I just noticed that all the USB ports on my computer remain hot even when the computer is powered down. I keep the audiophile plugged into one of those ports and I am wondering if that's hard on it. Should I unplug and reconnect whenever I need it? I do have Digital monitors Roland DS 90's and I leave them on all the time, of course they have no moving parts. Opinions? WSS
A real full shutdown *should* cut power to all USB ports.
Don't confuse any of the "sleep" or other categories as being the full powerdown, though. For example, the "powerdown" of merely shutting a laptop won't cut power to the ports.
Sometimes there is residual current left in the power supply capacitors of residual components that are connected to USB ports, which can provide enough power to keep LEDs lit for quite some time, even though there is really no real power enough from that to actually operate the device. To find that out, leave it powered down for a longer time and come back and observe whether of not the LED has gone out.
On my DAW, I have my PG HD plugged into the USB port on the rear of the DAW. When I initiate a full power off sequence using windows shutdown procedure to power the DAW down, the PG HD, which has a blue LED to indicate it is powered on remains lit. That LED never goes out.
Setting here now, the DAW is not this computer.....I just looked and yup.... the blue LED is ON and the DAW is supposed to be off.
The USB ports maintain powered status.
To answer Steve's question: Steve, I don't think it hurts. But if it bothers you, certainly it will not hurt to unplug the USB cable from the port....or if you have the hard drive space to spare, do a complete and full install to the hard drive and store the PG hard drive in a safe place in it's box.
I have done both at various times, currently I have the PG HD connected.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/12/1408:20 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
I have a Lenovo laptop that has one "always powered" usb port. My understanding is that ports of this type are color coded yellow. This allows you to charge portable devices without having to keep the computer awake. For me, as long as the hard disk isn't spinning I wouldn't worry about unplugging it.
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB_port:
Sleep-and-charge USB ports can be used to charge electronic devices even when the computer is switched off. Normally, when a computer is powered off, the USB ports are powered down. This prevents phones and other devices from being able to charge unless the computer is powered on. Sleep-and-charge USB ports remain powered even when the computer is off. On laptops, charging devices from the USB port when it is not being powered from AC drains the laptop battery faster; most laptops have a facility to stop charging if their own battery charge level gets too low.[74] Desktop machines need to remain plugged into AC power for Sleep-and-charge to work.[75]
These ports are found colored differently (mostly red and yellow). On Dell laptops, the port is marked with the standard USB symbol with an added lightning bolt icon on the right side. Dell calls this feature "PowerShare."[76]
Even if the power stays on to a USB port on SOME machines, as we have established it does not stay on for all machines, the shut down process should have triggered the proper exit command for the USB device. The PG Music hard drive cannot be accessed and should be perfectly fine to remain in that state.
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.
my new system is a studio cat Platinum tower. According to the Builder the top USB slots stay powered constantly so as to keep chargeable peripherals plugged in. The ones on the back are supposed to power down but after powering down and coming back to the studio in the morning the blue light on the hard drive, the PG hard drive, is still on. I am assuming these are not solid state drives. I also don't feel any vibration like it's spinning.
and yes I do hit the shutdown switch and not sleep... WSS
It is likely a case where only the Power connects to the USB ports remain active when those PCs are powered down.
In other words, the Serial Communications would be shut down.
And in that case, a disk won't be searching, etc.
--Mac
But it could be spinning!
Several of my systems supply USB power when the systems are completely shut down (not standby, hibernation)
So I did a bit of checking. If I connect a removable drive to a computer that supplies USB power when turned off, and the computer is already completely shut down, the disk actually spins up as soon as the USB is connected. Obviously it would be better if the drive needed some form of SATA signal to be present to spin up, but that was not the result I identified.
Other users can check, just place your ear against the drive, you'll be able to hear the spindle rotating.
So even though there is no disk I/O activity, those little bearings are all working away, day and night (or should that be Night and Day?).
If you detect that your drive is spinning all the time, just disconnect the USB plug when shut down.
Incidentally, I looked in the BIOS to see if USB phantom power was a controllable feature, but could not find it.
Regards Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Some may indeed spin, head won't move, unless heat causes the disk to go into Temperature Compensation routine, which moves the head somewhere else to let that area cool down.
Hey - doesn't the Audiophile version come with its own Power Supply?
Some may indeed spin, head won't move, unless heat causes the disk to go into Temperature Compensation routine, which moves the head somewhere else to let that area cool down.
Hey - doesn't the Audiophile version come with its own Power Supply?
I'm sure the heads remain parked in the correct park position, and they don't move at all. The fact that the platters are left spinning unnecessarily is the only point I wanted to highlight.
Audiophile doesn't come with separate Power Supply, it's a USB powered drive (well, my one anyway).
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I did, but I only looked on a system that had USB power permanently on. There was no option to control it on that system.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I think that some of the previous Audiophile editions did indeed come on a larger drive with external power supply included, having read reports about that on these forums at the time.
Correct. It's been both ways. The last two years have come on a drive with no external power. Going back before that, there were some drives that accepted an external power connector but generally worked without using it. And then maybe five years back, the enclosure was a huge black plastic case and required the power block.
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.
Hi SR. Haven't heard of Wake on USB, and definitely not found. Most BIOS systems have a "Wake On LAN" option, some have a "Wake on Ring" (monitoring the Ring Indicator signal from a Modem), but definitely nothing found indicating a way of controlling power to USB. The only option in the BIOS relating to USB was to include USB in the boot-order preferences.
Most if not all ATX PC power supplies these days produce a constant standby voltage, so that a momentary contact closure is all that is required to start the computer. This explains why some power is available while the system is shut down.
I wondered that having USB power available might also be so that a removable USB drive could be in the 'ready' state if a user wanted to boot from that USB drive at switch-on. My thoughts, anyway.
Cheers Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Power On By Mouse/Keyboard. You are best to turn off the mains and unplug it anyway when not in use this will make the motherboard and power supply last longer and prevent damage from power surges.
Power On By Mouse/Keyboard. You are best to turn off the mains and unplug it anyway when not in use this will make the motherboard and power supply last longer and prevent damage from power surges.
Hi SR Not sure what you mean by the comment: "Power On By Mouse/Keyboard." Is there a suggestion disabling this stops USB power when the system is off? I have that disabled always, it's certainly not related to USB power on any of my systems. And of course USB hosts a lot more than just mouse / keyboard devices.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean