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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
I'm not sure this post belongs here. If I need to repost it elsewhere, please let me know.
My computer seems to be on its last legs. I am thinking of buying something new for recording and keeping a lesser machine for e-mails, etc. I plan to use RealBand, Reaper and a few plug-ins. I am also thinking of purchasing a virtual synth (such as Garritan) to do some of my own arrangements
I have two questions for you experienced users:
1) Is 8GB RAM enough or should I buy a machine that I can add RAM?
2) Do I need processing speed above 3.0 ghz?
Any other suggestions will be welcomed.
Thanks.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
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Because computers advance so quickly, I always find that getting the best that's possible for the money I'm prepared to spend is the best way to go. I usually get a new computer every 3 - 4 years and the advances during that time are always significant. The last computer I bought at the beginning of 2016 was.. - i7, 3.4 GHz, quad core
- 64 bit
- Windows 7
- 16 GB RAM
- American Megatrends Inc. BIOS
- Gigabyte motherboard
Because I use Reaper 64 bit, it flies along on this machine and makes use of all 16 GB of RAM. 8 GB would still do the job very well, though. BIAB and Realband also travel very fast. Because they are 32-bit applications, though, they only use slightly less than 4 GB of RAM. That being said, I imagine that BIAB/RB will not always be 32 bits. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383 |
Just as important is what is on the machine, software wise.
If it's a big box store machine, there is likely lots of bloatware that should be removed.
This is why I still go through the trouble of building my own machines.
Well that, and so far, for many years, I always seem to have a Windows license available.
I obtained a W7 license that was good for 3 machines and have rotated it through 5 or 6 of them over the years. I also got a W8 license from work (we're MS partners so get special deals/considerations).
Even if I buy a laptop from a Big Box store (or online), I'll likely wipe it and re-install a clean OS without all the junk that came with it.
Last edited by rharv; 06/16/17 12:11 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Noel and rharv,
Thanks for the replies. This helps.
I am going to look into building my own. It sounds like everything is modular, no soldering iron required. If I don't think I can do that, then buying off the shelf. I will also know to look for more speed and RAM.
You veterans make things much easier. Thanks again.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,383
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Building your own should not require any soldering .. unless you are doing it wrong.
Everything plugs together. Just make sure you have the right piece to plug into the available slots.
In other words; get a motherboard with the features you need.
I usually get a motherboard/cpu combination (make sure it fits the available case).
Make sure it has available PCI, PCIe, or whatever, to fit any of your needs.
Lots of USB connections is always good.
If it comes with a good amount of RAM, even better.
Hard drives are not expensive.
The way I look at it is
I have an acceptable case (save $$)
I can re-use existing hard drive if needed (may have to re-activate Windows due to new machine key) or clone it to new drive and use the existing one as an 'extra' for temp files, development/testing or whatever. Not relied on for anything critical because it's old, but usable none the less. Also could just be a backup copy of the OS at a given point in time. (save $$)
The above has value, plus, like I said above, no bloatware to deal with.
Just make sure everything fits and will play nice. If you have a DVD drive you want to re-purpose make sure you can accommodate it.
A good case can last many years; I lucked into one due to my job, and grew to appreciate it over time. It can fit many size motherboards, multiple hard drives (8), different size power supplies, and has the space for extra standard size physical add-on devices (DVD, card reader,etc).
If you don't have a good case to work with, it is worth investing in a good one in my humble opinion.
Guess what I'm saying is, it takes planning, but shouldn't require any soldering ..
All I was implying in earlier post, really, was that if you buy off the shelf, just clean all the junk off the system first thing. I prefer to do that before creating any Restore or Repair or Image Backup disks .. so I don't ever have to do it again.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Thanks, rharv. This is reassuring. I will let you know how it goes.
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 470
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 470 |
hi 2 solo,
I got a laptop not as good for music production but I dont like sitting at a desk!
The type of processor is important and it comes down to Intel or AMD and usually Intel wins hands down according to my research.Also not all Intel i7 processors have 8 strands so check out how many strands they have as well .So check out the exact i7 processor you are getting as they are not all the same.urs Hugh
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,664 |
If I can build one.... anyone should be able to do it.
No soldering required but some hand tools... screwdrivers, nut drivers, pliers, hammer for those parts that don't fit right, etc....
As far as buying one, or buying the parts to build one, buy the most advanced one you can.
I'm running BB & Sonar flawlessly on an i5 quad core 4GB 32 bit XP Pro machine. It's probably close to 10 years old now.... and still runs everything like a champ.
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.
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RealBand
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
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When you buy a big box machine, there is a great free program called PC-Decrapifier, which will uninstall the bloatware found on new machines. They continually update their database when manufacturers release new configurations. I've used it a bunch of times.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
As always, you guys are great. Thanks so much for all the info.
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
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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.
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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.
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