Faster bootup times ... post your results! ... may the fastest PC win!
[*]Improved: Much faster bootups. 2-3x faster! (note: fast bootups will start after you've booted up about 3 times and will stay fast). You can see your bootup time by [main menu]-Help-Utilities-Display Log File. Then look for two line like this: - Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2017.461.0, 3/6/2017 4:26:41 PM] - Bootup time in millseconds =1,772 [2017.461.0, 3/6/2017 4:26:41 PM]
The first one, saying "optimal" lets you know that it is using the fast bootup method. The second one, shows bootup time which was 1.7 seconds for me! That's a record for me, and this is a fast machine (geekbench 4 score of 4,300 single core, SSD Drive, i5-6200 @2.3 GHz).
Anyway, I wouldn't expect 1.7 seconds from everyone, but you should expect bootups in 1/2 the time or less (compared to your usual bootup times). If they are still slow, please select prefs-"Write a detailed log". And then reboot BiaB and you will see a file called BootupLog.txt being created. You can then send that to us in a message, and we paste it into Excel and see how long various routines are taking.
Note that non-English versions may take longer - we are working on that.
Please post your results in the following format:
1. Bootup time (from a bootup that says optimal as above). Remember, don't count the first bootup after a PC reboot, since your system is overrun with startup items like DropBox, Google Helper etc. etc. Wait until things have settled down.
2. PC info: Windows version, Geekbench 4 score if available, # cores, CPU speed. HD or SSD drive.
- Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2017.461.1, 16/03/2017 10:00:03] - Bootup time in millseconds =1,001 [2017.461.1, 16/03/2017 10:00:03] - Time to Count Plugins in ms =60. Plugins counted=22 [2017.461.1, 16/03/2017 10:00:03]
I was more than happy with 2 seconds or less on my i7. But I'm flabbergasted by 3 seconds on my old Core 2 Duo, a six-year old PC.
Booting time depends on the reading speed of the Hard Drive, that's why SSDs are the fastest.
My laptop is an i7 with a 512GB SSD. I haven't updated it yet, so I'd like to take notes of the actual boot time and after the upgrade, so I'll ask: WHERE exactly do I find the booting times?
My laptop is an i7 with a 512GB SSD. I haven't updated it yet, so I'd like to take notes of the actual boot time and after the upgrade, so I'll ask: WHERE exactly do I find the booting times?
Inquiring minds would like to know.
As per below. Note that the latest information is at the top of the file
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.
I was more than happy with 2 seconds or less on my i7. But I'm flabbergasted by 3 seconds on my old Core 2 Duo, a six-year old PC.
Yes. The same for me. My older dual core processor has again become the powerful sleek PC as the sticker on the side of the case indicates it should be...
- Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:14:43 AM] - Bootup time in millseconds =2,437 [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:14:43 AM]
Wow, that sounds very quick. Might need to recheck.
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.
I think that some people take only the integer portion of the value listed in the report. For ex, in most of countries using the International Metrics system, like Italy or France, we should read for exemple 5 256 ms, while English countries will write 5,256ms. Taking the integer portion, that is the most significant value, we get 5, that is in fact 5 seconds and not 5 ms.
Some years ago, I asked to get all values listed in BIAB according to the System International. It is still strange for many people in many countries to see we have for example 5,451 styles in the style picker instead of 5 451 styles. According to the selected language in BIAB, the values could be implemeneted in SI display.
By the way, all values listed in the report are in 'millseconds'. The right term is 'milliseconds'. Let's call a cat a cat.
- Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 11:16:56 AM] - Bootup time in millseconds =2,161 [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 11:16:56 AM]
This is my office laptop, not the one I use onstage (described in my signature): Windows 10, i7 5500u (2.40 GHz), 2 cores, HD Geekbench 4 CPU score - single core = 3370, multi core = 6409 Geekbench 4 Compute score = 14,679
Much, much better loading time! Thanks!
Jim Psalm 33:3 Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise.
Some years ago, I asked to get all values listed in BIAB according to the System International. It is still strange for many people in many countries to see we have for example 5,451 styles in the style picker instead of 5 451 styles. According to the selected language in BIAB, the values could be implemeneted in SI display.
And of course, I know that in Norway (and probably other countries as well), they use a comma instead of a period to represent the decimal point.
So, a restaurant bill in the United States for 17.26 would be 17,26 in Norway.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
in most of countries using the International Metrics system, like Italy or France, we should read for exemple 5 256 ms, while English countries will write 5,256ms. Taking the integer portion, that is the most significant value, we get 5, that is in fact 5 seconds and not 5 ms.
- Running Windows Notepad.exe to display file C:\bb\Data\FlashMessageLog.txt [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:48:56 PM] - Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:48:51 PM] - Bootup time in millseconds =1,433 [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:48:51 PM] - Time to Count Plugins in ms =231. Plugins counted=45 [2017.461.1, 3/17/2017 8:48:50 PM]
Well, I didn't put a stop watch to it or copy those file numbers out.... heck I couldn't find them.... but there is a huge difference in the start time from "click" to "ready to roll".
Something in the vicinity of maybe 2 seconds. Since I'm rarely in a rush, that's good for me. I was used to seeing start times of around 15 to 20 seconds. Never really thought about it before.... it needed to do all the stuff to get ready, including loading the synth, and whatever else it needed to do. Fix it's hair and makeup... heck I don't know. 2 seconds is good. Now, I need to take a swallow of my coffee BEFORE I click start on BB. Previously I could do that while it was booting up... not now.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/18/1702:50 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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!
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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.
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
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)
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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