I replied in your other thread, but judging by your image, you are not using the Focusrite at all anymore. (see image below)
As for the recent build - I actually have 2 new AMD systems; built one, bought one. One was a few hundred $$ less than the other. <grin>
I used the parts below, but note this motherboard does not have onboard graphics so you need a graphic card. The amount of RAM is up to you also (separate).
The processor and motherboard were pretty affordable, being about half the total cost. Not saying these were the same dealers I bought from (I just Googled and found the same stuff I used)
Like I said, after that you need to decide on a graphics card and RAM. The unexpected cost for me was the W10 license; the new hardware needed a new license. That's about $130 So that put me at about $380 before RAM and graphics. I don't need gaming graphics, so that was pretty cheap.
That's about all I can think of to tell you if you are thinking about a build. There's better stuff out there, but this system is working fine for me so far.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Hi Michael, use the ASIO drivers as has been said. Things such as RealBand and BIAB should run ok but you’ll most likely have issues with Kontakt if the PC is under powered which I suspect it is. Check the CPU ratings on the site I sent you yesterday.
You might also find when playing back it will stutter quite a bit if it is under powered. You can overcome this by increasing buffers on the ASIO driver but that will increase the latency. Latency is not an issue if only playing back.
You’ll see quite a number of folk are using i3 or better CPU (the AMD equivalent). Kontakt recommends at least i5. A lot of good VST plugins require at least i3 and 8 gig of RAM. Personally I over spec my PCs but I find in the 5 or so year lifespan of my PCs they eventually are no longer really over speced.
If what I’m reading is correct your PC might just be a little under which can create many of the issues you have. As I say check on the AMD CPU chart I sent you earlier. Then check on the Native Instruments Kontakt Player link regarding the Minimum requirements for Kontakt Player. Do the same for other top of the line VST plugins and you’ll see what I’m getting at.
Just reading these things is why I’m writing this. I think if your PC is under speed CPU wise you’ll run into one issue after another.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
As @Teunis noted, increasing the ASIO buffer size can reduce CPU load quite a bit. If you're recording voice or an instrument, it's helpful if you can run cleanly with a buffer of 256. If mixing, a buffer of 2048 usually works very well. Any buffer size greater than 256 will give you noticeable latency.
If you're having trouble recording glitch-free, try to kill as many unnecessary tasks as possible. The less you ask of your PC, the better.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Bitwig Studio 6; Studio Pro 8; Reaper v7; Melodyne Studio 5; Tonalic Studio 1 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
In relation to my post much earlier in the thread, Did you contact PG Music and ask if they still solve user problems by remotely linking onto a faulty computer?
Well after you said that I called them and there was a voice message that says that they’re not doing service of a technical nature because of the virus situation. So yes I called and that was the result.
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Well after you said that I called them and there was a voice message that says that they’re not doing service of a technical nature because of the virus situation. So yes I called and that was the result.
Oh, that's unfortunate. But you are getting good guidance here.
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.
If I were going to use the Focusrite external sound card, would I also have to order a separate sound card for inside the computer? Or would you just use the onboard sound for every day sound tasks?
Thanks.
Michael
AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.