|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
"Audio Engine" is terminology frequently used by digital audio software companies to describe their software - eg "superior audio engine.....". Out of pure interests sake - what is this "audio engine"? Can one software app be better than another or does the software just make use of the applicable OS and sound card? Can anyone hear a difference?
What also puzzles me is some apps are 3MB and others 100MB or more - not taking loops, realtracks etc into account. Is this a function of the features in the program or just efficient programming?
Thanks for helping me to understand these observations.
Roy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
"Audio Engine" is terminology frequently used by digital audio software companies to describe their software - eg "superior audio engine.....". Out of pure interests sake - what is this "audio engine"? Can one software app be better than another or does the software just make use of the applicable OS and sound card? Can anyone hear a difference?
While most if not all recording softwares made today utilize the 32-bit audio engine for creating PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) digital audio files, there are many different ways of handling the various maths "under the hood". For example, the methods of handling Floating Point can make a big difference in what we perceive as the analog sound coming out of the speakers or headphones. There are other parameters to consider as well, matter of fact I think they could use up the better part of a book to relate, not a post on a forum.
As to who can hear differences, that may be one of those subjective things as well as having a lot to do with how each person's ears are trained, their experiences in listening, etc. For example, those of us who have done development work in the digital audio field are likely far better equipped to be able to recognize these things when we hear them than those who have not been through that kind of experience. Often it is the case that I could not detect some of these things at first, or couldn't say exactly what was causing them, but after time and experience with the feedback of being able to change parameters and listen to the results, comes ability.
Quote:
What also puzzles me is some apps are 3MB and others 100MB or more - not taking loops, realtracks etc into account. Is this a function of the features in the program or just efficient programming?
Again, there could be more than one factor affecting overall program size.
In some cases, a program written in machine code, or one translated from object-oriented or other compilers using automated conversion methods can indeed take up a lot less disk space once converted to the lean and mean machine code status. Sometimes just parts of a program are done like that, sometimes none, so it is difficult to judge things from this perspective.
There can be other reasons for the difference in overall file sizes of the .exe, too. Some programs may call .dll files to do tasks that others include in their coding proper, for various design reasons. The programs that call the .dlls, which live elsewhere on the computer, will almost certainly appear to be smaller in size than those that have the full routine written into their core program. Sometimes a speed or overhead advantage can be realized by doing it either way. Sometimes it is simply a matter of the programmer involved, the programming tools they have at their disposal, or perhaps simply due to their personal programming philosophy.
At the end of the day, we should really judge any program by what it can -- or cannot -- do for you.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Thanks Mac - appreciate the time you took to answer the question. It's amazing how marketing gurus can influence us mortals with terminology!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,052
Posts799,455
Members40,021
| |
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