|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Not sure whether to leap up and down, but Windows 10 is apparently here end of July. Like most I have Win 7, a truly great operating system. I downloaded Win 8 but did not really take to it, it seemed unnecessarily adroidish and the touch thing was not applicable to my PC music studio. Now the space bar is back, it is touted as more Win7 friendly I believe.. It's all free to Win 7 users of course and Win 8 (where is Win 9?  ). But is it a game changer? Is it too much of a game changer? Usual caveats about drivers etc, accepted. Firstly I think it might impose a new Browser on me, I like IE11 and don't want to learn another gizmo. I hope one can have both. Secondly how is MS going to make its money? Its not free for sure, even though it is free - that's market speak. When all us little fishes are hauled in, what's the catch? And is it good for Musicians? Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,475
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,475 |
I have 8.1 and a little Windows icon appeared in my system tray this morning, hovering over the icon the message says "Get Windows 10".
I believe I'll wait a while. The cutting edge is often the bleeding edge. MS will find out a few things that don't work in the real world and apply a service pack. Then I'll consider taking the plunge.
It's just my way. I have too much important things on my computer to be on the bleeding edge.
Insights and incite by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
I also believe I'll wait - until it's cleared of spyware and proven to NOT depend on "the cloud" for anything.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,825
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,825 |
...and proven to NOT depend on "the cloud" for anything I suspect you'll be waiting a long time, Lawrie. And if you wait longer than a year, it won't be free anymore.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,039
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,039 |
...and proven to NOT depend on "the cloud" for anything I suspect you'll be waiting a long time, Lawrie. And if you wait longer than a year, it won't be free anymore. John, good point. MS won't give it away forever. Bill didn't get where he is by doing silly things like that. At the moment they just want lots of guinea pigs. However, think: "Free with Pain" vs "Not Free and Pain Free" What's that line that goes "if is sounds too good to be true"? Now let me think about that (for a while)....
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,333 |
I have 8.1 and a little Windows icon appeared in my system tray this morning, hovering over the icon the message says "Get Windows 10". I have no intention of upgrading from Win7 to Win10 anytime soon. After reading your comment I look down and yes....there's the 'icon' you refer to. Has anyone clicked on it? Does it just take one to an informational Win10 upgrade page? Carry on....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
I too have this little icon. Yes I think I will try. Here's my back door:
I'm on the threshold to installing an SSD. When I'm ready, the accompanying software will copy my C: drive to the new SSD so that the SSD can replace the C: drive. I will then install Win 10 on the old drive and see how it behaves. If it is good, I could run the same software again to convert that SSD from 7 to 10. (I also think about cloning the C: drive onto a hard drive that could replace the internal one could be an option if that is the only way back.)
It has been said that drivers might be a problem. Other software might have a problem too.
I will see.
Last edited by GHinCH; 06/02/15 03:03 AM.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298 |
I'm not sure if this has changed, but last I heard microsoft was doing away with IE because of a lot of bad things people associate to it. That being said, they have a new browser that is supposed to be with it. If that happened, I don't know. Personally, I think instead of jumping to windows 10, if they wanted to get the musician crowd, the obvious choice would have be...11
Last edited by HearToLearn; 06/02/15 03:56 AM.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,149
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,149 |
Secondly how is MS going to make its money? Level of adoption by the market is an important factor. Plus, it lowers their cost of supporting people on Windows 7 and 8, and makes it easier for people to purchase software that only runs on the latest version of Windows.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Secondly how is MS going to make it's money? Level of adoption by the market is an important factor. Plus, it lowers their cost of supporting people on Windows 7 and 8, and makes it easier for people to purchase software that only runs on the latest version of Windows. I am not sure, where is the money? If the world gets a more or less free operating system and the playing field is levelled (they hope) then do they start asking for cash somewhere? I don't mind paying for a good product but apparently this is not the business model. Is there some missing rabbit that will later pop out of the hat? I have clicked on the icon and I shall get the download. Must I install it, if it arrives? Can I run dual operating systems until I am sure? Will MS give little choice? Will we have tp pay for updates? Will it expire? Is it harvesting your personal data and selling it on? What is this new business model? Greeks baring gifts? Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,047 |
Within last few weeks I saw an article regarding 10.
Dont know where.
Apparently there is or will be several versions.
Also will be along lines used by Cakewalk with Sonar.
Some sort of a subscription.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,825
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,825 |
I didn't see that it would be a subscription (not that they couldn't go there at some point), but that there would be a new model for updates (much like Sonar), in that there will be continuous updates AND bug fixes. So 2 months down the road, you may see a new feature that it didn't have before. Whereas before, you had to wait for a major release(or at least a service release) to get new features and the updates you got were only fixes to existing features. Now you'll get new features as they become available.
Time will tell whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, or if it enhances applications or breaks them.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498 |
Some info http://www.ghacks.net/2015/06/01/how-to-block-the-windows-10-update-notification-in-earlier-versions-of-windows/(and there are other sites - that's just first one I grabbed) The above implies (if you read on just a little) there will be a Windows 10 .iso at some point at or after release. Therefore, you will be able to do a FRESH install (OVER current install or on a new drive) and NOT an upgrade TO existing WIN 7 or 8. I AM NOT PUSHING WIN 10 (just noting some possibilities). I fully expect to not seriously use or depend on it for WELL over another year (probably not even until sometime in CY 2017) or later if real issues. I already dual boot WIN XP (yes, the OS that was going to be akin to Y2K) and Win 7 Pro: on separate HDD's. My Windows 7 install, even with me moving as much as possible of my music related stuff, with more than a few serious registry hacks, to its own HDD (D:\), still uses almost 700 GB (my PC is NOT a dedicated MUSIC only workstation). So I don’t want dual OS's in separate partitions on same HDD (that needs even MORE space). That's why I still don’t have a SDD (cost too much for a 1TB SDD JUST for Win 7 + all installs). SOON I Hope! When Win 10 was first announced here, of all places, I went out and bought two more 2 TB HDDs (just to test) and built a DUAL BOOT Win 10 (preview) and WIN 7 Pro. So I'm 99% certain folks will be able to keep their existing OS (Win 7 or Win 8). Either as dual boot partitions on a single HDD or via additional an HDD, as long as you have room in the PC case, one additional SATA port (hopefully few here are still using IDE connections but even that can be done), an additional POWER SUPPLY connection, to add one more HDD. A very workable, but moderate, sized 2TB HDD goes for about $80 or less! So not a real large cost impact. An additional HDD this avoids any possible issues of upgrading OVER existing OS, loosing critical connections to HW/SW via unsupported drivers, or simply screwing up a single physical, but dual booted, HDD. Laptop ONLY users of Win 7 or Win 8 (even Win XP, but unlikely that laptop HW could support Win X very well) can also do a dual boot. Although, that probably means dual boot from same physical drive. Getting a new larger HDD even for laptops is now also RELATIVELY cheap. Even if you don't have chops to install 2nd, 3rd, 4th, extra drives or build dual boot HDD or opening laptop to install new drive, you probably have friends, family, or co-workers who would do it for you. I WILL be TRI-booting (Win XP, Win 7, WIN 10) later - although I will be waiting until at least LATE next spring to do the "official" registered install - no rush here. Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
I've been running Win10 for several months on my laptop. It works just as well as any previous editions do.
The new browser is essentially IE with different settings, no big deal. I also run Firefox.
Unless you are running with some ancient software/hardware, there's no reason not to upgrade.
Being an IT geek I've always adopted new versions of Windows right away and have never regretted it with my software/hardware. I have a hard time understanding people's hesitance on change when it comes to Windows.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,480
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,480 |
The only caution I would add is that some manufacturers in the pro audio community are often late to adopt new drivers for the equipment we need that is admittedly not mass market. As it has always been, you must check for driver availability before upgrading.
By the way, I've been running Windows 10 beta for many months on a laptop NOT used for music, and I think it's great. I much prefer it to 8.1.
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: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Adobe Audition and my Focusrite drivers work well on the Win10 lappy. The PG Music stuff is used on my Win8.1 box.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
...and proven to NOT depend on "the cloud" for anything I suspect you'll be waiting a long time, Lawrie. And if you wait longer than a year, it won't be free anymore. Hi John, you may well be correct, but if that is the case at least I'll know if it contains nasties I don't want - to quote R.A. Heinlein: TANSTAAFL - they're getting their money somehow!
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
I just learned the new browser and ie11 can be on win10 simultaneously, the new browser also has an ie mode if it can't handle it's pages. Also flash and java are integrated with the new browser if I have this right
Ie11 is the last incarnation
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,475
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,475 |
I've read speculation that MS is going to make their money on a subscription service, on pushing advertising at you ala google/facebook, and on making money with other services like taking a piece of the apps in the app store. I've also read articles saying they aren't going to do any of that. Time will tell.
I read that with Windows 10 home you will get all upgrades automatically and with the pro version you will be able to pick and choose and only do the critical upgrades like you can with Win8.
I'm still going to wait until it's in the real world for a while before I decide.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
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!
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!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,840
Posts796,833
Members39,969
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean