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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
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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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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: 22,223
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Posts: 22,223 |
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 01:11 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: 22,223
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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
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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
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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: 10,471
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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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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,675
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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 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
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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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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
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We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
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Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
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-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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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