PG Music Home Forums General Discussion Off-Topic Is using Large monitors really worth it? (purchased)

Index

Print Thread

Go To

Is using Large monitors really worth it? (purchased) #248552 05/01/14 01:04 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	Already have 2 - 22 inch ACER monitors, excellent performers. One about 6 years old the second about 2. Do use the heck out of both monitors, 2nd being primarily parking spot. Considering purchasing a 32 inch 2nd monitor(replacement). Its 1080 - TV - excellent specs and warranty. Bout $240. Not a gamer, only Net and Music applications. 95% being Music. Have followed some threads here about purchasing new monitors. However, for large screen purchasers: - How do you use them? - Is large one second monitor for you? - Are you happy with the extra $$ spent? My plans are to use a higher number of VSTi's. Currently thinking 2nd large screen would be their parking spot. Have not pulled the trigger as jazzmandan would say but? Am reaching for even a small justification for the Big screen purchase. Not missing any meals, but try to watch spending. No serious commercial aspirations. Last edited by seeker; 05/02/14 05:09 PM. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248581 05/02/14 12:35 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,733 P pghboemike Veteran
pghboemike Veteran P Joined: Jul 2002 Posts: 3,733	multiple monitor thoughts does your OS & software support it and at the recommended resolution http://lifehacker.com/5519833/five-best-tools-for-managing-your-multi-monitor-setup can you see it and at the recommended resolution should you consider touch if so what is its range of motion, can you lie it flat for use as a mixer control surface for example what touch technology does it use should the monitor be able to be portrait if needed 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

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? pghboemike #248610 05/02/14 09:24 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	Mike, Yes, the software does. The is on my HP P7-1235 using A8-5500 AMD Quad "APU". The Radeon graphics hardware is part of the APU. Almost 2 years on the PC, its been great performer. 16 gig memory. This system has 1 DVI and 1 Svga. Runs Geekbench about 6000. The two monitors both allow me to see and set Mon 1 1680 x 1050(recommended). Mon 2 is dumb port, but does allow up to 1600 x 1200(no recommendations). Some number of the great pictures in the link do show single and multiple large monitors. Making a guess on several, but looks like 27-32 inch and few cases much larger. 37 or 40+ inches. I currently own a 7 inch Android based tablet. Touch and feel is fine, but Frank is a "MouseMan". At this point in time, don't think will need a portrait or flat laydown monitor. FWIW when Mac 30 came out my company(I wish) bought me the Mac and think the monitor name was a Pivot. Mac sensed screen rotation. Great tech-writing, publishing tool. Now look at my writing, got sloppy. Lifetime ago.... The photo's were clinchers. Was about 50-50, not a crisis need. After nailing down response to your questions and then tip top were the photo's. Lucky to have plenty of real estate to plant it on. Albeit will end up putting my Trusty ole' XP system away. Mike and jazzmandan, gonna pull the trigger in a few minutes. Mike really appreciate your questions, and also the links. Last edited by seeker; 05/02/14 09:27 AM. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248633 05/02/14 02:17 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,492 Schleswig-Holstein, Germany GHinCH Expert
GHinCH Expert Joined: Jan 2010 Posts: 1,492 Schleswig-Holstein, Germany	I'm looking for a larger monitor. But: Not only larger in size but also larger in number of pixels. Why should I buy a bigger monitor that just shows the same information in less quality (seen from the same distance). 1080 lines are 1080 lines, no matter if the screen size is 22", 25" or 50" or even more inches. Even the screen shown in this video does not show more information: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PmwDbkaeJs But it would be nice to have and do some of the work outside in fresh air... Those 2560x1440 pixel monitors getting into the price range where I'm considering buying one (or maybe even two). Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? GHinCH #248636 05/02/14 03:02 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	Whoa, methinks that big screen is bit out of our budget. Thanks for your inputs. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248639 05/02/14 04:06 PM Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000 Posts: 22,461 Mi., USA rharv Veteran
rharv Veteran Joined: May 2000 Posts: 22,461 Mi., USA	This topic can get confusing .. If screen size goes up (and resolution stays the same) things look larger, but sometimes they look more grainy. If resolution goes up (and screen size stays the same) things can look smaller .. A lot of this depends on the implementation of the programming. With PGProducts it has been pretty cut and dried (read predictable here). Pixels are pixels. It's always a trade-off; you may want to see 'more VSTs' on the screen (doesn't matter if they are any bigger) .. or you may want the VSTs to appear larger (this is much different). This is why I avoid such topics normally. The described need/desire can be misleading. Plus the results may vary, depending on the combination of the above and the available drivers. Some have trouble deciphering the difference. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248641 05/02/14 04:28 PM Off-Topic
E eddie1261 Unregistered
eddie1261 Unregistered E	Also factor in that when your next cake has enough candles on it that you can't have your birthday indoors because of the fire sprinkler system, the bigger monitor is a necessity and not a luxury.

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248642 05/02/14 04:41 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,727 Middlesex, NC Guitarhacker Veteran
Guitarhacker Veteran Joined: Apr 2009 Posts: 10,727 Middlesex, NC	Having a big screen would be cool, easier to see the little buttons and things that need clicking..... But I don't see needing that simply to park VST's on..... I rarely ever need to have the VST's visible. If there's something that needs adjusting in one, I simply pull it up, make the change and reduce it again (totally hidden) ..... just saying 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.

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248645 05/02/14 04:55 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,450 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY Matt Finley Veteran
Matt Finley Veteran Joined: Jul 2000 Posts: 27,450 Hudson Valley & Lake George NY	I always assumed that, as the screen sizes rose, so did the native (default) resolution, making as a net effect not a lot of change in how any specific thing like text, icon size etc. looked. Of course, if you choose to change from the manufacturer's recommended resolution, all bets are off. Still using one 23" monitor here, on a swing arm so I can get it out of the way of the [audio] monitors when listening. 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.

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? rharv #248646 05/02/14 05:07 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	rharv, Quote: If screen size goes up (and resolution stays the same) things look larger, but sometimes they look more grainy. Do understand this. Quote: If resolution goes up (and screen size stays the same) things can look smaller .. Also follow this. Yes on the PG system. And the software, agree. And Pixel definition. Dim Pro, Rapture, Addictive Keys & Drums, IK multimedia(Sampletank and others) all stay same size, not adjustable. Current second monitor is 22 inch has lousy aspect ratio, only 9.5 inches height. As you mentioned above, larger pic, same resolution. Maybe grainy ?. My sight is decent, but working with IK synths, I.E. Sampletank, is hard to read. Well something was wrong on....responding post, my graphics can, with advanced setting output 1920 x 1080 on both ports. This is a improvement over 1680 x 1050. Two key items you mentioned. Need vs Desire. Did want some kind of nudge, but was hoping some of forum members had worked with larger screens. Its water under my desk now, pulled the trigger. Age, Sight, enjoyment working with music and responding posts did steer me. Won't know for awhile until after using the new screen. I appreciate all of you folks help. 3 other members put up responses while was typing. Eddie, 71 candles this year, and here in Calif. north woods, all would be gone. as mentioned above did purchase. Guitarhacker, Setting up the VSTi's pretty much default. Do usually work thru some number of instruments/voices on arrangements. Having the ability to display this in readable form would be nice. Matt, after using two monitors on a Mac around 30 years ago ruined my future for monitors. Always wanted, hardly ever used until the last few years. Ruined for life...er, ah, maybe should not say that now. Last edited by seeker; 05/02/14 05:28 PM. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248651 05/02/14 08:01 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,913 Colorado Springs, CO, USA R rockstar_not Veteran
rockstar_not Veteran R Joined: Jan 2002 Posts: 7,913 Colorado Springs, CO, USA	I'm like Herb, i rarely need to park a vsti open. With Tracktion there is really no need for this. My Songs, photos, writing,etc. My Sound Cloud

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248718 05/03/14 04:03 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC Pat Marr Veteran
Pat Marr Veteran Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 8,109 Winston-Salem, NC	I only use one monitor. I switched to a big screen TV-as-monitor because I was squinting at the screen on the regular sized monitor, and when I made the text large enough to see clearly at desk-viewing distance, the scroll bars kicked in requiring me to mouse around in order to see everything. At least with one large screen I can make the text large enough to see and there's still enough screen left over to keep the whole page visible There is a loss of clarity for reasons already mentioned... but for me its an acceptable tradeoff since I can read a large fuzzy word better than a small clear word. YMMV. also my bifocals required me to tilt my head back at an odd angle in order to make the smaller screen readable. I don't have to do that with the TV sized monitor. https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ey71h8ep047758h/AAC12jNM0Hz9Q8zsh5iDeqNHa?dl=0

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? seeker #248779 05/04/14 06:57 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 3,143 Derry,Ireland musiclover Veteran
musiclover Veteran Joined: Aug 2009 Posts: 3,143 Derry,Ireland	A large monitor is not always the solution, if yoru eyesight is not good and you like the monitor close to you, then having a widescreen monitor will only mean that you have to keep turning your head from left to right to take in the whole screen size. I have a 22 inch LG monitor but the way that suits me is to have the screen in a more or less 4:3 configuration so there are blank areas at both left and right sides of screen. Suits me. Musiclover Last edited by musiclover; 05/04/14 06:58 AM. Musiclover My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? (purchased) seeker #248802 05/04/14 11:59 AM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	Musiclover, Your comment on the eye scanning is right on. Also similar reason, do not like using touch tablets for extended period of time. Even 7" which do have. Not head, but wrist/arm. Am married to regular keyboard and mouse. Sight is reasonable. My PC specs (prescription cut for about 24 inches) were well worth the investments. As mentioned above do use two and really like the ability to park some windows on the second unit. That is my intention with the large one. Thanks to you and also Pat. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Re: Is using Large monitors really worth it? (purchased) seeker #249449 05/10/14 05:07 PM Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA seeker OP Veteran
OP seeker Veteran Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 4,047 80 Mi North of Sacramento CA	Follow up on the TV/MONITOR purchase. Have had it about a week. Was pretty downtrodden, with problems setting up the resolutions. Was considering making it my primary monitor. Did not want to work off big monitor, reasons mentioned in posts above. Well CABLES, CABLES, CABLES... In the old setup have a VGA switch box which allowed either the 2nd monitor or to TV set at foot of bed. Worked just fine, for that application. When purchasing the new monitor, also purchased a new cable. Thought, was worth a chance to try it out. WHOA was it ever. Not only did it allow full 1920 x 1080 resolution use, but the PC-Monitor handshake identified the model,number, also automatically set the full resolution. As Pat & rharv mentioned above the text is not as crystal clear but good. Am really tickled the new monitor is working as wanted. Last edited by seeker; 05/10/14 05:08 PM. FrankB Down The Street vs2015 12-03-2014 Win7, AMD QuadA8-5500,16GB,2TeraHD, Komplete 10 PG Ultra Plus 2016,Alesis 12USB, Sonar Platinum

Go To

Moderated by Andrew - PG Music, Callie - PG Music, Catherine, Jeff Yankauer, PeterGannon, pgmoderation

Link Copied to Clipboard

ChatPG

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.

PG Music News

January 14, 2026

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!

January 01, 2026

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.

January 01, 2026

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!

December 24, 2025

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

December 21, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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!

December 16, 2025

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®!

More News