|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Hi all,
I recently shared my setup in a previous thread - and thanks to all of you who commented and helped me think more clearly about the MIDI hookups.
Today's question is - if you had a couple of thousand dollars - and allocated between $500 to $1000 per component, what items would you buy TODAY for your studio - and what pieces of equipment did you buy years ago that you LOVE and would never replace because you can't find a compelling reason to do so.
Feel free to share your enthusiasm for particular components in as much detail as you'd like ; )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486 |
Joe, I'm pretty much a midi kinda guy. I bought a DX7 II FD in 1987 and still use it as my motherboard today. Would never part with it...it's a classic (IMHO).
To that, I've added a Yamaha Motif-Rack XS and a Roland Fantom XR rack...new and better updated sounds to run from the DX7. Throw in a used MOTU midi patchbay from eBay and you've got a system that last forever and always works regardless of updates in computers and software. That's the beauty of MIDI and pretty much the heart of my system...would never part with any of it!
As far as add-ons, pulled out an old analog module a few weeks ago(Oberheim Matrix)uploaded the .ini files, works great with BIAB and RB. Forgot how "thick" analog sounded!
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
New, state of the art 64 bit computer
Focusrite Interface
Sonar 3
BiaB & RB
Melodyne
Ozone
Kontakt
Weighted midi keyboard
Rode Condenser mic
that would be the basic building block studio I would start with if I was to start over now.
My current rig is 32 bit XP pro homebuilt DAW..... focusrite interface, Sonar 1, BB/RB, Melodyne, Ozone, Kontakt, non weighted keyboard, Rode mic. plus more stuff I picked up through the years....
In other words, I wouldn't alter what I have except to update it a bit.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/24/16 01:31 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Do you think the Focusrite would be noticeably 'faster' in your recording and midi playback ? Does the 64 bits actually result in measurable improvements ? ...just curious.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
Just FYI, Sonar 3 (or X3 as I think Herb really meant) is not available any more. It's just "Sonar" and comes in 3 "versions" Artist, Professional and Platinum in order of cost and features. https://www.cakewalk.com/Products/SONAR/Versions#start
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
Do you think the Focusrite would be noticeably 'faster' in your recording and midi playback ? Does the 64 bits actually result in measurable improvements ? ...just curious. No. There are tons of choices, all of which would be fine. The 64 bits is more a question of being compatible with other parts of your system, and remaining future-proof for awhile. If we are talking dozens of live audio tracks, then maybe, but since you are talking about recording and playing back MIDI, absolutely anything that connects will work fine. MIDI presents almost no load on a system. The one exception I can think of is polyphony, wherein a synth is limited to a certain number of simultaneous sounds (but that won't make any difference in your MIDI interfaces). If I had your situation, I would call my Sweetwater rep. He/she knows what is needed and will maintain a good balance between the quality of the various parts of the system and your budget.
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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Reece: Yup
64 bits... that's the standard now for the operating system.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Hi all,
I recently shared my setup in a previous thread - and thanks to all of you who commented and helped me think more clearly about the MIDI hookups.
Today's question is - if you had a couple of thousand dollars - and allocated between $500 to $1000 per component, what items would you buy TODAY for your studio - and what pieces of equipment did you buy years ago that you LOVE and would never replace because you can't find a compelling reason to do so.
Feel free to share your enthusiasm for particular components in as much detail as you'd like ; ) I have a Focusrite 2i4 Interface, An AKG 214 (yes looked crossed eyed at the packages when they arrived) I got them as a package from a large music dealer for 450.00 along with a nice Boom stand and a 20 foot cable. The microphone alone is 399.00 everywhere I checked the interface is 199 and this package is 599.00 now. Boom stand I got is 79 and the cable 49. SO I waited a long time and shopped around and I think this was the best purchase I have ever made with regards to my studio. The mic is great for both vocals and guitar. I have a TC-Helicon VL3 Ext. No more guitar or vocal effects pedals for me. No more patch cables, pedal board "solutions" Its all in there. I use BIAB to produce all of my backing tracks and load the tracks into my VL3Ext so I don't have to lug around a computer or rig up a mixer to an iPod or android device. The VL3 EXT holds 300 minutes of tracks. The VL3Ext has a number of great vocal effects I use on harmony tracks in my studio. But, I find plug ins are better sounding on the lead vocal. But, that said TC's vocal doubler is killer 1-4 vocals and enough parameters to confuse even the most experienced of users. It took me 3 months to start to figure the thing out. But, just like BIAB I am finding out new tricks every day via the user forums. Those were added to my studio/live rig in 2014 and 2015. Both "SWEET***** DEALS" Two weeks ago I broke down and purchased a Desktop computer from a warehouse store just under $1,000. HP ENVY 750-247c i7-6700 processor 24 GB DDR4 ram 128GB SSD 2TB HD WiFi up to ac Bluetooth 4,0 M.2Combo If you are worried about using windows 10 (like I was) I quickly found out you can right click on the start button which now is the windows 10 symbol (lower Left corner of the screen) and you get a shortcut menu almost exactly like the menu you were used to using in Win7 Techies note "all the features you want to quickly access RUN, Device Manager, Command Prompt, Disk Management, Task Manager....with 2 clicks. BIAB and RB work fine. I can also open 4 copies of BIAB at the same time and have RB open as well. Files rendering much faster, so opening up BB files in RB takes about 1/10 of the time.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Do you think the Focusrite would be noticeably 'faster' in your recording and midi playback ? Does the 64 bits actually result in measurable improvements ? ...just curious. No. There are tons of choices, all of which would be fine. The 64 bits is more a question of being compatible with other parts of your system, and remaining future-proof for awhile. If we are talking dozens of live audio tracks, then maybe, but since you are talking about recording and playing back MIDI, absolutely anything that connects will work fine. MIDI presents almost no load on a system. The one exception I can think of is polyphony, wherein a synth is limited to a certain number of simultaneous sounds (but that won't make any difference in your MIDI interfaces). If I had your situation, I would call my Sweetwater rep. He/she knows what is needed and will maintain a good balance between the quality of the various parts of the system and your budget. Definitely contact Sweetwater (I got all of my equipment from them) A year old Pop Filter busted. They covered the piece for 2 years, shipped me a replacement no cost. All of my studio/road cables with their brand are guaranteed for life. And they don't ask questions. They look up your account, check that it was purchased from them and ship a new cable at no cost.
Last edited by dga; 03/24/16 08:51 AM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Regarding 64-bit being the standard - agreed - but 64-bit Windows at least allows the loading of 32-bit programs in the Program Files x86 directory - and I can't imagine them taking that out ever....but who knows.
Given that - one might think that if there are no performance hits running 32-bit software/programs on a 64 bit system (and I don't know if that's true my guess is yes) - unless there's a compelling reason e.g. performance improvement - why worry now or any time soon about the compatibility issue.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Why does anyone specify a "64 bit computer"? Is anyone still selling new 32 bit computers?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Why does anyone specify a "64 bit computer"? Is anyone still selling new 32 bit computers? YES!! ABSOLUTELY! It's the operating system that I'm referring too. Yes, all of the new computers are capable of running 64 bit OS now, but.... uhhhh yeah.... you can still put a 32 bit OS on them. My DAW is a prime example. When I built it, the hardware I bought.... the MOBO and Intel i5 processor are all capable of running a quad 64 bit OS. However, I chose, at that time, to go with XP Pro 32 since it was a rock solid operating system. 64 bit OS had come out but lots of people were complaining about issues with it running their 64bit DAW software smoothly AND, not all the music software companies had yet converted to 32 and/or 64bit compatibility. My DAW, as a result is still a rock solid performer when it comes to recording. I actually have no plans to upgrade to a 64 bit machine until this one dies and is not repairable.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Why does anyone specify a "64 bit computer"? Is anyone still selling new 32 bit computers? YES!! ABSOLUTELY! It's the operating system that I'm referring too. Yes, all of the new computers are capable of running 64 bit OS now, but.... uhhhh yeah.... you can still put a 32 bit OS on them. My DAW is a prime example. When I built it, the hardware I bought.... the MOBO and Intel i5 processor are all capable of running a quad 64 bit OS. However, I chose, at that time, to go with XP Pro 32 since it was a rock solid operating system. 64 bit OS had come out but lots of people were complaining about issues with it running their 64bit DAW software smoothly AND, not all the music software companies had yet converted to 32 and/or 64bit compatibility. My DAW, as a result is still a rock solid performer when it comes to recording. I actually have no plans to upgrade to a 64 bit machine until this one dies and is not repairable. Yeah, I figured you meant 32 bit OS cause AFAIK all computers are 64 bit for more than 10 years!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
I'm waiting for the 128bit OS and octo-core processors to be released before I upgrade....
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022 |
I'm waiting for the 128bit OS and octo-core processors to be released before I upgrade.... So you're not intending upgrading then? 
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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
I'm waiting for the 128bit OS and octo-core processors to be released before I upgrade.... So you're not intending upgrading then? no.... not unless my computer dies and I have no other options. 
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,129 |
Hey - we got stuck on 32 and 64 bit operating systems - please return to the more fun discussion - sharing particular equipment you either can't live without and have no need to change, or if you are eyeing a replacement and which one : )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Hey - we got stuck on 32 and 64 bit operating systems - please return to the more fun discussion - sharing particular equipment you either can't live without and have no need to change, or if you are eyeing a replacement and which one : ) I posted my list.... It's essentially what I have and what I consider to be indispensable to the task at hand.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
I don't see where you say what you already DO have, or are we supposed to assume you're starting from scratch with nothing?
also there are several other variables to consider:
what and who will you primarily be recording?
guitar?
keyboard?
MIDI?
bass?
drums?
acoustic or electronic?
anything else?
how many will need to be recorded at the same time?
do you need low latency for monitoring software
if you plan to use a MIDI controller to monitor softsynths, you need low latency
if you plan to use guitar amp and cab sims (such as IK's Amplitube) and need to monitor it as you're recording, then you need low latency.
NOTE: if you use keyboard AUDIO out or don't need to monitor the actual GUITAR SIM sounds while you're recording, then you don't have to have low latency - you can monitor from outside the box which makes things a lot eaiser. then you can change the softsynths or Amplitube settings later.
how fast is your current computer?
what other things will you be doing on this computer?
all of these questions and maybe some more need to be answered before I could recommend anything. there are too many variables just to make a blind recommendation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,736
Posts795,476
Members39,942
| |
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