|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483 |
"...8GB will only be useful if you run specific memory hungry programs."
I read this statement in an article recently. My setup is a MacBook for live
performance. When I use BIAB in performance all other programs are closed
except Text Edit which is used for lyrics.
My question is, would BIAB be considered a memory hungry program?
Where would I see an improvement between 4gb and 8gb?
With 4gb that I have now song files in jukebox mode now load in 6-8 seconds, would this improve?
In a one hour performance currently there are no hesitations or glitches
running the program. I am just curious where the benefits would be.
Last edited by jazzsax; 03/07/17 09:29 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,079 |
Is Band-in-a-Box computer memory hungry? No, not when you're only using the program to play a song. The program is a 32 bit program and will use far less than 4 GB of ram.
However if you use effects while playing a song, the effect will also use memory. The background tasks will use memory. The display graphics will use graphics.
The best way to answer the question is to turn on Task Master, click on the "Processes" tab and view how much cpu and memory the BBW.exe process uses while you're simulating using the program as you would in real use.
The biggest advantage to upgrading from 4 GB to 8 GB of ram is your computer will be not have to access the hard drive to move data as often because there is more room to store data. That means there is less chance of an audible glitch caused by audio interrupted by data transfer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483 |
Jim, thanks for the quick reply.
The reason for the original question was that I purchased a laptop that
is identical to my "performance" computer. I plan to use it as a backup and the only difference between the two is the memory sticks.
It sounds like it will be OK to use without modification.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
IMHO, You can't have too much RAM.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,989
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,989 |
I've been running a 4GB ROM DAW forever and never have any issues.
Of course, more is better in 99% of the cases.
One of the biggest improvements in performance I have seen came from an upgraded processor.
Going from my duo core chip in the Dell lappy ( I think that lappy was 2GB ROM)to the Intel i5 quad core with a higher speed made a huge improvement.
In the lappy, I was running projects in Sonar that were pushing the processor to 75% and that would result in some issues on playback. Especially if I had some of the memory hog plug ins running in real time. Ozone and Melodyne in multiple tracks with several synths and a bunch of audio tracks would do that.
Once I got the i5 quad running, that same project dropped back to below 25% on the processor.
All that said, I think the speed of the processor has a larger influence on performance. Memory does play a part as well so the computer has room to swap things around as needed.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,253
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,253 |
20gb here. I can run Logic Pro X, multiple instances of Izotope plug-ins, Amadeus Pro and BiaB with no issues including latency. And I can review User Forum songs with Safari, SC and YT while all of the aforementioned is running. I did the memory installation and the cost was very reasonable. FWIW.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
You can't be too pretty, too rich or have too much RAM!
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850 |
4GB RAM is the hard limit for a 32-bit operating system. If you are running a 64-bit operating system, you can (as your computer will allow) install more than that and it is all accessible.
In Windows, when you launch a 32-bit app (such as BIAB), the O/S carves out up to a 4-GB virtual memory space for that app (depending upon how much you have and how much is already in use). If you launch another 32-bit app, it carves out up to another 4-GB virtual memory space. So a computer with 32-GB of RAM can theoretically run 8 32-bit apps with all of them having access to to a full 4-GB of RAM. Your processor then becomes the limiting factor, not how much RAM the program uses.
With just 4-GB on your computer, all the concurrently loaded apps effectively share that same 4-GB of space, just like they did in 32-bit Windows.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647 |
4GB RAM is the hard limit for a 32-bit operating system. If you are running a 64-bit operating system, you can (as your computer will allow) install more than that and it is all accessible.
In Windows, when you launch a 32-bit app (such as BIAB), the O/S carves out up to a 4-GB virtual memory space for that app (depending upon how much you have and how much is already in use). If you launch another 32-bit app, it carves out up to another 4-GB virtual memory space. So a computer with 32-GB of RAM can theoretically run 8 32-bit apps with all of them having access to to a full 4-GB of RAM. Your processor then becomes the limiting factor, not how much RAM the program uses.
With just 4-GB on your computer, all the concurrently loaded apps effectively share that same 4-GB of space, just like they did in 32-bit Windows.
Hi John, Yes, you are correct about 32-bit systems limited to 4 Gig of RAM. I have a quad-core CPU, Windows 10 64-bit OS. Wouldn't that allow the the processor to better accommodate the resource demands of other apps running in the background, thus not requiring your processor to put a higher demand on the initial 4 Gig of RAM. Hope I didn't confuse you with that. if I did, let me know and I'll try another approach. I've learned a lot from reading your posts to the various members. I appreciate that! Alan
Last edited by Al-David; 05/08/17 04:15 PM.
BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850 |
Windows will give you virtual memory space for each application. If you don't actually have RAM available to accommodate the needs of the program, it will cache out memory to disk to make it seem like you have all the memory you need, but performance will suffer drastically when that happens. It is better performance-wise when everything can run in actual RAM, not swapping out to disk.
I have some sound libraries that are multi-gigabyte that load into RAM. So having the RAM available makes for a better performing experience.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
Since the days of the Commodore, Sinclair, Texas Instruments and their competitors, it has been a fact that you cannot have too much RAM, and I think that still holds true.
Run out of RAM on a modern microcomputer? The computer will start writing and reading from the hard drive, and that's a snail's pace in comparison.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,626
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,626 |
Since the days of the Commodore, Sinclair, Texas Instruments and their competitors, it has been a fact that you cannot have too much RAM, and I think that still holds true.
Run out of RAM on a modern microcomputer? The computer will start writing and reading from the hard drive, and that's a snail's pace in comparison.
Insights and incites by Notes Yep; that's called thrashing (for a reason).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
Thrashing. Thanks. I didn't know what it was called. But that's what it sounds like.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,850 |
And depending on the app, that can lead to the "C" word that rhymes with thrashing.
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Help! Tech S.O.S (Off topic)
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,116 |
Technically, it IS possible to have too much RAM. If you have a 32 bit operating system, anything over 4 GB is too much.
Keith
2026 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,504
Posts805,788
Members40,138
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean