Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#36735 09/17/09 02:39 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
S
StanC Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
S
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
I've been using BinB for awhile to practice play with, but have limited my use to my laptop and it's rather limited sound palette.

I'm assembling a new piano-side computer to replace the laptop and am trying to figure out what sound card to install. I don't record very much, but use this mostly for playback.

Suggestions?

StanC #36736 09/17/09 03:13 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:

I don't record very much, but use this mostly for playback.

Suggestions?




Today's onboard sound has very good audio specs in the playback dept. due to the mass consumer interest in playback of audio, DVDs, etc.

They are still lagging behind with their recording, however if all you need is playback, hook up a good pair of monitor speakers with amplification and use the internal sound.

I do that with the laptop on live gigs and it sounds great.


--Mac

Mac #36737 09/18/09 01:10 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
S
StanC Offline OP
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
S
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2
Thanks Mac

StanC #36738 09/18/09 10:10 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,197
Stan,
Having had Mac say that, the next thing is 'what are you using for source material?' In other words, are you going to use solely Real Drums and Real Tracks, where the sound card doesn't matter *as much*, or are you going to be using a software synthesizer? If you're going to use the Software Synth, then finding the best synth for the sound is paramount. Sound cards no longer have sounds built into them, as they did 10 years ago. Now the sounds are all software, and if you don't have a good set of sounds, it won't matter what sound card you get, they'll still sound cheap.

I would think that your laptop, with an external sound module, the most highly recommended now is the Ketron SD2, and a USB midi interface, will get you a better sound for playback, AND recording, if you wish to do so.

A Mic for the piano, a small mixer, and a USB audio interface with the Ketron SD2 will give you a killer set up for recording.

Gary


I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
Gary Curran #36739 09/18/09 10:59 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9
H
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
H
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 9


Will use of USB audio interface give better sound than using earphone plug when playback?

Svein

hospitanten #36740 09/19/09 04:52 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:



Will use of USB audio interface give better sound than using earphone plug when playback?

Svein




Depends upon the specs of the USB unit chosen as versus the specs of your particular built in soundcard.

Like I said earlier, today's computers have built in soundcards that have very good PLAYBACK converters and specs indeed. This is because of the large consumer base interest in playing back of music files, DVDs, etc.

Remember, RealTracks/RealDrums and even the DXi MIDI synths are locked at 16.44.1, a soundcard that can do higher depths and rates doesn't matter, BIAB (or RealBand) are still only going to play those back at the 16/44.1 rate no matter what you set the sound device to.

Be advised that you'd have to spend more money to improve on that, very likely that the USB sound devices that reflect low pricing don't have much better playback converters in them than the built in does. So pricing can sometimes yield a clue as to the quality of the USB unit. Sometimes not, though, caveat emptor.


--Mac

Gary Curran #36741 09/19/09 06:34 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Gary
Quote:

a small mixer, and a USB audio interface with the Ketron SD2 will give you a killer set up for recording.



Let's assume that someone is going to put an 88 Yammie keyboard into this setup . . . the Ketron would come out, right and you'd go with Yamaha voices on board, right?

Mac - If you're recording voice and other "live" elements then you would need a sound card of sufficient quality beyond the "on-board" card for the audio recording - correct. But for someone using the setup for demos or arrangement ideas then the on-board would be sufficient - the key would be adding good powered speakers?

Cheers


Ian
My "Original Tunes" Site
My gene pool needs more chlorine.
Ian Fraser #36742 09/19/09 12:37 PM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:

Let's assume that someone is going to put an 88 Yammie keyboard into this setup . . . the Ketron would come out, right and you'd go with Yamaha voices on board, right?




Well, you could pick either synth for MIDI playback from inside BIAB, the Yamaha or the Ketron SD2. If you pick the SD2, then the Yamaha keyboard would act as a controller on the Thru channel of BIAB, but the sounds you heard when playing the keyboard would come from the SD2.


Quote:

Mac - If you're recording voice and other "live" elements then you would need a sound card of sufficient quality beyond the "on-board" card for the audio recording - correct.

Cheers




Well, you don't "need" another soundcard, as the onboard card can indeed record, but for best quality of the audio, it is a very good idea to use one when recording new tracks is the issue.

Quote:


But for someone using the setup for demos or arrangement ideas then the on-board would be sufficient - the key would be adding good powered speakers?




For "today's" built in soundcards, yes indeed. I think you can go back about four years or so in age of computer and expect the same good results.


--Mac

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,330
Posts790,984
Members39,856
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Brazilboyz, doccawudi, StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo
39,856 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 355
MarioD 224
DrDan 217
Noel96 161
DC Ron 150
Rob Helms 130
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5