|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217 |
BIAB Family: Which DAW introduces the smallest amount of noise (signal to noise ratio)? I'm replacing my SD-80.
Having fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,384
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,384 |
Generally speaking, a DAW does not introduce noise. Your interface does. So you may want to edit the question Johnny. Signal to noise starts at the preamp. I'd consider getting a couple good preamps in whatever configuration you prefer. For an interface many here use Focusrite (I have one, though I also have 3 Delta 1010s available and tend to beat on those more, but they are getting long in the tooth). Focusrite preamps are nice. 90db (member here) posted a nice deal in another tread. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlet2i2SG2Your old SD had a synth on it also, didn't it? Or am I confusing models. If it did, are you comfortable splitting up audio and MIDI, or do you still want it all in one?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217 |
OK, rHarv! That helps a lot. Yes, my Edirol SD-80 is a hardware synth, and I don't mind mixing a hardware synth along with the RT's. And now that you mention it, my "noise" is probably coming from my powered speakers and is most likely NOT on my tracks. These "power supplies" for the compact speakers today are maybe NOT filtered as well as they should be. My noise evokes a low "B" musical note, a dead giveaway of an alternating current problem! Ya got me thinking . . . JZ
Having fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665 |
Sonar X1e with a Focusrite Saffire interface on a custom built machine.
Love it.... very quiet.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330 |
Personally built machine (new with 4 meg RAM) Sonar X3 Producer Delta 44 for audio (it's an antique also but drivers work fine in Win7) KRK Rockit 8's for monitors
Download any free trials that are available and see which interface seems more intuitive to you...then decide.
BIAB is a great program to keep one fired up.
Spend well....back to it.
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/26/17 03:41 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340 |
Johnny, that B is likely your B, or concert A, yes? We should be able to solve that one with a discussion about power (and possibly RFI). I had an Edirol SD-80. It is made by Roland and is a MIDI synth. It does not handle audio.
I thought the SD-80 was an excellent unit. It was the first unit I connected via digital (using SP/DIF). In testing I quickly decided the digital connection sounded 'cleaner' than the analog TRS cables.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,034
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,034 |
Custom built computer Sonar Platinum Roland Octa-Capture M-Audio SP-5B monitors
Love it - very quiet.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 14
Newbie
|
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 14 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
As rharv pointed out, the DAW software is the least likely place in your entire signal chain to introduce noise.
Any of the major brands of audio interfaces have pretty decent input and output stages for audio.
I might venture off just slightly from rharv in that if you are purchasing a prosumer level of audio interface like the majority of us in this forum, buying an external preamp may not be advised because of the inherent chance for noise and impedance mismatching that can happen by putting an external preamp and cabling into the signal chain. Many folks on this forum used to have a mixer in between their sound sources and the input of their A/D on their sound card. Not sure how many people still run that kind of setup as often it introduces low level noise unnecessarily.
Very few microphones on the market at the prosumer level that can't get sufficient gain from the preamps built into the audio interface and instead require an external preamp. Same is true for line level devices. Most noise free signal chain is almost always the least number of cables and other devices between your sources and the input stages of your audio interface.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217 |
Neat! Those comments taught me. In further checking, I found the sound amplifier I WAS using was the culprit. In replacing that, all "noise" is gone. And being a "purist", I still want to sparingly use the SD-80. Anybody know where I can get a driver for that? I'm on Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit. None of the "available" ones on the internet work. But I did find one for my MAC PRO, but I need one for the PC so as to work "in tandem" with the audio. JZ
Having fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340 |
Johnny, are you sure about the driver? They released a driver for Windows 7 and updated it for 8.1, including in 64-bit, so the one for 8.1 should be loadable into Windows 10. Are you familiar with using the Compatibility Mode when installing? https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/sd-80/updates_drivers/
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,330 |
Anybody know where I can get a driver for that? I'm on Windows 10 Pro, 64 bit. None of the "available" ones on the internet work. Out of curiosity I did some research. Don't know what hoops you're willing to go through to get the SD-80 up and running but I stumbled on this YTube video by a privateer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2aSb4q2KvwScroll about 1/2 way down the page to a post by The Random Concept. This process worked for his SD-80. There's also a "Method II"....3rd vid down on the right side. Matt: I saw that Roland site also but figured he'd tried the Win 8 drivers but didn't work. I wonder if 64 bit OS is more of an issue than the Win 10 OS itself. That's just a guess.Hope that helps....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/30/17 07:31 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217 |
Thanks, Chulaivet1966 Great research! Stayed with my MAC. Works fine. JZ
Having fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 217 |
I couldn't figure out the "compat" mode, Matt. For some reason, no interface would come up. So I've gone back to my "trusty" MAC. Works fine there.
Thanks, JZ
Having fun!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 49 |
I have and use SONAR Plat, Reaper and Studio One ... at different times.
Work flows and features vary greatly between them and other DAW software. Your best bet is to demo all you're interested in to see which fits you best.
Win10Prox64/i7-6700@3.8G/32G / Studio One Pr 4.1.1 TASCAM US-16x08 / FaderPort / Fishman TriplePlay / Nektar LX61+
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340 |
Johnny, it's a right-click on the installer's filename when in Windows File Explorer. Select: Troubleshoot Compatibility.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 326
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 326 |
ProTools running on an HP Z-book, JBL speakers and ROR mix monitors.
ProTools 12, Faderport 8, Melodyne, JBL monitors, Novation UltraNova, Yamaha MX49, Stratocaster, Telecaster, Rickenbacker 12, Ovation 12, Vox VT20X amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,311
Posts790,846
Members39,856
| |
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|