I just upgraded from BIAB 2017 to the Audiophile edition. I also just upgraded my interface from a Focusrite 2i2 USB interface to the Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt model. My goal is the absolute lowest latency and highest sound quality.
I now will get a new Laptop, but I’m a bit confused about the features that I really need, I’m not sure if a “gaming” laptop is needed, here is what I need as a minimum:
1. I7 quad core 8th gen processor 2. 16 or 32 gb of DDR4 RAM 3. 3. 2 PCIe M.2 SSD hard drives 4. SD card reader, 1 or 2 USB C ports (with 4lanes) 2 USB 3 ports (although I could get a dongle] 5. 14 or 15 inch screen (I don’t care about 4K or touch screen) 6. It must be QUIET.
Just curious what your recommendations might be to run The following programs/VSTs without issue:
Reason 10 Kontakt Komplete 11 Pianoteq 6 Sampletank 3 BIAB 2017 Finale
I would appreciate any suggestions, I’ve looked at Dell XPS, HP Spectre , Gigabyte Aero, Asus Zenbook Pro. I haven’t considered Lenovo as their configuration has issues with many audio interfaces.
Anyone? Or maybe I should ask: (Laptop users only please)
What specs allow you to run BIAB Audiophile edition without any problems? Do I really need an i7 quad core processor? How much RAM in order to run without issues?
Ed, a lot depends on what else you will be running on that laptop.
Obviously, more is better as far as RAM, drives and processor.
Do you 'need' an i7; probably not.
Getting a decently fast quad core would likely be a good thing though. The more RAM the better (the 2 work hand in hand; processor and RAM)
most likely bottleneck is with the drive(s) available and their speed. Just my input.
Also want good USB ports so the external drive can be fast; USB 3 for Audophile is recommended if you get the PGMusic supplied (or even if you use your own) USB hard drive for the realtracks/etc. The PGMusic drive supplied with purchase is USB 3, so if you decide to substitute your own, make sure it is also USB3 capable. And that the laptop port can support it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Hi Ed. I hope you get fast, reliable Internet to go with your new computer.
In very general terms, the parts of a computer most important to running BIAB are the CPU and the disk drive. Less important are RAM, the graphics system, and believe it or not, USB3 (USB2 is fine for audio).
The most important thing I would have on your list is the SSD drive especially if it's the only one in the laptop. Your audiophile BIAB will run fine from the supplied USB drive. An SSD drive mounted inside a laptop is noiseless, and generates less heat than a mechanical drive so the internal fan will turn on less often.
In addition, get a decent USB soundcard and don't use the internal sound.
For the other programs you listed, RAM becomes more important because they will likely be 64-bit and plugins use lots of RAM (in a DAW, for example).
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.
Thanks so much guys, Matt...its great to hear from you! Yes, I figure to put at least 16 to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM in, Samsung has a internal M.2 SSD that has 3200gbs Read which I thought was blazing fast, the reviews are good, the problem is the cost: $1,200....new technology is always expensive I guess. I think I've narrowed it down to either the new i7 8th gen Dell XPS 15 or HP Spectre 360, they both seem to be hyper fast, thin and light, and I can upgrade easy enough. I'm sure it will be perfect for BIAB, but I also want to use it with the new Reason 10 for audio recording and my VSTs, so thats why RAM and Processor speed were important for me.
... Yes, I figure to put at least 16 to 32 GB of DDR4 RAM in, Samsung has a internal M.2 SSD that has 3200gbs Read which I thought was blazing fast, the reviews are good, the problem is the cost: $1,200....new technology is always expensive I guess...
Ha. Actually, new technology has never been cheaper. 20 short years ago, that kind of processing power used to be more than 100 to 500 times that cost, if it was even slightly achievable.
30 years ago, I paid more than that for a 5Mb removable disk platter (yes, the capacity of 4 floppy disks), and only the cartridge, not including the drive. Mind you, that disk could also accommodate the entire operating system. Things were lean, back then.
It sounds expensive, but actually the 'bang-for-buck' has never been this good.
Get whatever you can afford Ed, it's never been cheaper.
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.
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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):
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Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
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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.
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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
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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)
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