|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
I am not sure where this post belongs. Sorry if I picked the wrong place.
I seem to spend a lot of time working around my ignorance of computer basics and file management. I don't know anything about bit rates or dll files, etc. File management baffles me.
Some knowledge of this stuff seems to be necessary to get things to work. For instance, I can't download Sample Tank and get it to show up in my VST list. I'm sure I am doing it wrong. So I end up calling, they tell me what to do, it works and I am as ignorant as I was.
Can anyone tell me if there are YouTube videos or books on this subject? Maybe computer based recording for dummies? I think it would help me a lot.
Thanks.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
There are Tutorial Videos on the PG Music main website, thousands of them. Happy hunting! Trax Videos
Last edited by Muzic Trax; 08/26/18 06:41 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Thanks, MT. I went to the PG Main Site and looked under Support. There are 40+ tutorials, many of them archived. None of them have the kind of information I am looking for.
I don't think the BB site will have what I am looking for because it isn't about this program. What I need to understand is how the computer needs to be used to allow the software to be installed and to work. If anyone has any resources, would you please share?
Thanks again.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157 |
Here is a video about how to load a VST in Biab. Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
Sample Tank Available as standalone and 64-bit plug-in for AAX, VST and Audio Units platforms on Mac OS X and Windows jBridge for Windows 64-bit Version of Biab
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,970
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,970 |
2bsolo, That is actually an interesting question to ask but difficult to answer. A good guide to start with is +++ Home Recording for Musicians +++ . The book is in it's fifth edition. That is a good thing because it means the book is regularly updated. That also means you can search for a used third or fourth edition used book. The author, Jeff Strong, is a very good writer with a way of explaining things that make sense. A website you might enjoy is +++ The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Audio for Music Recording +++ . The website is a nice overview of digital recording. [url=The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Audio for Music Recording]+++ HERE +++[/url] is a 2013 pdf file used as a handout for an introductory audio workshop designed for school teachers. It's a pretty good reference to keep around. +++ Basic Guide To Digital Recording +++ A one page overview geared to give incoming college students an overview of digital audio recording. +++ The Technology Of Music Production +++ starts TODAY! 08-26-2018 A FREE six week, self paced course. Don't let all the talk about paying to get certified fool you. The course is free as long as you elect to Audit the course. Everyone that takes this course brags about how good the course is.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789 |
I seem to spend a lot of time working around my ignorance of computer basics and file management. I don't know anything about bit rates or dll files, etc. File management baffles me. Find family or a friend to introduce you to the basics by sitting next to you and pushing the buttons. Or look to your local library for free courses. The stuff you are asking about is not intuitive it takes learning. Good Luck.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Thanks to all for the suggestions. I am going to work on this.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486 |
MusicStudent's answer may be the best bet. Having someone sit next to you and having immediate feedback and an exchange of Q&A's can be a real jump start way to learn.
These days, distance from your teacher is not a problem. I have a friend that I've been tutoring along for over a year....he lives 700 miles away. We use TeamViewer, the free software that allows me to connect to and control his computer. He can see first hand how to setup and use both BIAB and RB on his own equipment. Much different than reading a book or watching videos where other people are using setups and equipment different than what you have sitting in front of you.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
Mountainside,
I have signed up for the Berklee Course. I am going to read the internet posts recommended and order some books.
The next step is to get a dedicated computer. I noticed your equipment. Where did you find a computer that runs at 4.6?
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
One thing I forgot. Thanks so much to everyone!
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
A CPU that fast could possibly be from overclocking, which I don’t recommend because you want stability in digital audio. It also requires above-average heat dissipation. I’ll assume this is normal speed and indeed, it is fast.
The processor speed is important but is only one part of an interrelated system involving cache, cores and other design components. In other words, a computer with a faster processor speed isn’t necessarily faster than another computer with a somewhat slower speed.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
This is such a difficult question to answer if someone never worked in an office that required a knowledge of Windows. I ran across an article recently that was titled "5 things to never put on your resume". Number one was saying you know all about PC's and Microsoft Office. Why? It's assumed that EVERYBODY knows this basic stuff, if you don't forget about even applying.
It sounds like you need the book Windows for Dummies. Not a joke, it's available everywhere or just fumble around yourself and ask questions, that works too.
As for what PC to get it depends on what your other needs are in addition to digital audio and how far you intend to go with it. All I can say is this, forget those little netbooks that sell for $295 or so. Nowhere near strong enough. You need a regular PC that runs the full Windows 10, not the mobile version. You MUST have an SSD 256 gig minimum, 500 gig much better. Don't know what that is, look it up. The more RAM the better, I would say 8 gigs minimum but I would go for 16. A system like that will most likely have the Intel i5 processor which is good. A higher end machine will have the i7 and you could conceivably need that if you were to really get into this in a big way. Ok, ok, you don't MUST have a system like this but trust me unless you're really broke on a tight budget, this is what you will eventually want so just get it now.
A 500 gig SSD, 16 gigs of ram with an i5 processor is in the $900-1,200 range. Fry's can sell you all the components and then put the whole thing together into a finished system for $85 labor. I mention this because finding exactly what you want in an off the shelf machine can be difficult. Plus you'll have a clean install of Win 10 that you own, not an OEM version.
You probably don't know what I mean by that. The big names like Dell, HP, etc will put what's known as bloatware with their installs of Windows. It's not really bad or horrible, just annoying. There are all kinds or articles about how to uninstall all that crap so putting a system together yourself and having someone install Win10 for you from Microsoft's USB that you own avoids all that.
I mentioned Fry's as an example. There are all kinds of private computer repair shops around. Any one of those can do the same thing for you. Go in with a shopping list of what you want and they can get it and put the whole thing together for you for the same price as a high end off the shelf system. They may say you get the parts first and bring them in. That's OK, just go to TigerDirect or Newegg and order whatever you need. You don't know what you want yet but you will. The motherboard/CPU combination is where you will start and there's sites and forums that go over them.
Bob
Last edited by jazzmammal; 08/27/18 11:01 AM.
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,022 |
The next step is to get a dedicated computer. I noticed your equipment. Where did you find a computer that runs at 4.6? 4.6GHz? Could be a typo?
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486 |
Hi 2bSolo!
My computer runs an i7 7700K processor (the "K" designation is the important part here). These processors normally run at 4.2GHz and with Intel's turbo frequency push 4.5Ghz. I turn off turbo boost, power savings and slightly overclock the processor to maintain a constant 4.6Ghz and stable temperature using a heat pipe cooler.
I've tried to push it even a bit further. At 4.7 it runs most programs OK but under heavy loads its gets flaky (like when doing multi drive virus scans or heavy defrags). At 4.8 it starts effecting programs and at 4.9 its mostly unusable. From the data output that I'm seeing, its more of a temperature issue rather than a voltage issue. My heat pipe just doesn't have the capacity to handle the increased demands.
Others have pushed the "K" series up to 5GHz and they claim that it's stable. They say they're doing stress testing but I'm not sure how long they run these tests. I run mine for 24 hours straight. I do know that they need water cooling to hold the temps down.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 112 |
Hello Jeff, You are correct, overclocking is based on temperature and if your CPU allows for overclocking. Going from 4.5 to 4.9GHZ may seem incremental, but that is a huge boost to performance. At this point, your bottleneck is most certainly cooling. If you ever check out a overclocking competition (I'll post a link below) they use liquid nitrogen to keep these units from exploding. Now, in a more practical sense, you can turn to water cooling or a large copper or silver/nickle heatsink. Back in 2009 I had a AMD Opteron that I clocked from 2.6 to 3.2 GHZ Stable, this was mostly due to Opterons being server chips designed for high voltage, but I was also using a pure copper heatsink that weighed about 3lbs. Please keep in mind that guys running a 7700K at 5GHZ are most likely only doing this for benchmark results. It greatly reduces the life of your CPU, not to mention you run the risk of frying something. So Overclock at your discretion. Water cooling has come a long way, here are some of the 2018 favorites: https://www.pcgamer.com/best-cpu-coolers/Check out the 2017 OC competition here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrsN3r_gVJU
C-sharp when you cross the street… or you’re going to B-flat.
Mikke - PG Music
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
Mikke, it’s good to know at least one person at PG Music understands modded builds.
I haven’t been in any recording studio that would even consider overclocking. That’s for gaming and experimenting, not making money in the studio based on reliable equipment.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,476
Members39,942
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean