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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
I am currently running BIAB on an ASUS G73jh laptop with the normal, make that read, not so good, sound card. Latency is running somewhere around 100 to 105 ms. I have tried ASIO 4ALL but that doesn't help very much. When I try to use my guitar or keyboard with BIAB the latency makes it impossible to try to play along. I think, please correct me if I'm wrong, that maybe a good, external sound card may solve the problem. I am trying to make some backing tracks to jam along with, but not having much success. I would like to record myself playing along with the backing track to see if that will help me get up to speed on timing and chord changes. Please let me know if anyone else has had this problem and if going to a new, better, external sound card was of any help. If so, could you recommend a good sound card to buy. I would like to keep the price around $75.00 or less if that is possible. If I can solve the latency problem I will probably upgrade to BIAB 2015. Many thanks.....
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,900
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,900 |
You need to look into a dedicated interface.
Get a USB connected, interface that can run native ASIO drivers. Native simply means no codecs and no wrappers like ASIO4ALL. Just the real ASIO drivers. The interface will also run all the other drivers as well but you need ASIO to do it right.
These cards/interfaces will make ALL the difference in the world.
I bought a Focusrite Saffire interface. Recording is now as natural as it's supposed to be. Latency is so low it's non-existant for all practical purposes. Under 8ms with my rig. 10 to 12ms is as high as you want it to be. Everything in my system plays totally in sync including the CPU heavy soft synths I have in the DAW.
Focusrite, Presonus, Roland, M-Audio..... just a few brands to look into. Avoid the "magical usb cord gizmos" because they may be cheap but they are not a good solution. Also avoid USB mics for similar reasons.
Don't be afraid to spend the money for a good interface. It's the heart of your studio and a good one makes like in the studio so much sweeter and easier, plus, it will last you for many years. My interface moved from my Dell lappy to my custom built DAW and still keeps working after more then 7 years......
Look for the proper number of inputs and outputs you will need, phantom power for condenser mics, audio preamps for guitars and mics, ASIO driver support, USB connection vs Firewire... go for USB.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623 |
The Sapphire also has a "direct" channel that goes to your earphones bypassing the computer bus, but I find the latency low enough to me unnoticeable through my amp headphones.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Thanks for the quick response. I think you have just provided the answer to my problems. Been fighting this for quite sometime. Time to give up the fight and get the things fixed and move on. Shopping for the interface starts today. I will definitely check out the suggestions for interfaces you provided. Many thanks.
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Thanks Philly. You posted your answer while I was typing a response to Guitarhacker. Another unit to check out. Can't have too much info when trying to resolve a problem like this. Especially since I am new to this recording stuff. I've had my setup for sometime but health and other things kept interferring with getting down to business. Got to get a move on. 77 going on 90.
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,808
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Joined: Aug 2006
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There are a lot of happy users of these type interfaces here, and one at the top of the list is anything Focusrite. I will toss in my complete happiness with PreSonus. I find their preamps pristine, and the software drivers very powerful, and another benefit to PreSonus is that you get a free copy of Studio one artist. A very powerful and useful companion to BiaB/RB. Those two brands seem to make up a large portion of what folks use these days.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,992
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Hey don't forget the MOTU. Besides rock solid drivers, the LED meters and lights on the front panel are simply stunning when you have multiple inputs recording in the dark. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 623 |
One thing I DID find with my old M-Audio Fast Track Ultra was that DE-creasing the ASIO buffers was the key to low latency. The M-Audio is a decent device, but far too complex with all the multiple busses etc. for my needs. I DID like the digital out though, that I miss with my Focusrite. The RCAs are VERY noisy on my desktop. No problems with my Surface Pro 3, but I guess my desktop has a lot going on in the box. I use the Focusrite as an input and output through the Coax digital on my mobo.
Last edited by PhillyJazz; 01/02/15 01:05 PM.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
Thanks for all the additional responses and the good info they provided. If I can't get my problem taken care of now, the problem is me and not the equipment. I'm on my way.
Phestus
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Yes you get better results with a decent sound card, but a cheap usb sound card will also give decent latency these days. I have a small (matchbox size) device that cost me about £20 UK and does a great job.
Tech has moved on and there is a lot of decent stuff these days
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,900 |
Wherever you buy, be sure they have a 30 day (minimum) no questions asked full 100% refund policy.
That way, you have a full month or more to see if the interface works like you need it to work.
In the past, it's been my experience from helping other folks starting out that certain brands had issues that were problematic.
All the brands named above in the posts are good candidates to choose from. I advise staying away from anything that's a cord based device, a USB mic, or uses some proprietary codec or driver wrapper. All those tend to be trouble.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 68 |
More good info. Thanks to all who have responded to my request for help with this problem. Still haven't made a purchase. Doing some research on which one I think will work best for my setup.
Phestus
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
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What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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