- Disabling all DX plugins using "InstalledCodec" from Nirsoft - Renaming / Recreating 'Preferences' folder - Tried switching to MME / WAS instead of ASIO audio driver (My soundcard is a Steinberg UR12) - Applied last Bb Patch (build 715)
Still no luck ;(
Nevertheless after this long boot time Bb seems to behave normally...
BiaB2024 64bit last build (desktop app), Win11 Pro 23H2, Intel i9 13900 24-core, 64GByte RAM, RME Fireface 800, Steinberg UR12, Cl1, Studio One 6, Samplitude Pro
- Disabling all DX plugins using "InstalledCodec" from Nirsoft - Renaming / Recreating 'Preferences' folder - Tried switching to MME / WAS instead of ASIO audio driver (My soundcard is a Steinberg UR12) - Applied last Bb Patch (build 715)
Still no luck ;(
Nevertheless after this long boot time Bb seems to behave normally...
Have you tried disabling everything running in the background? Things like anti-virus, anti-malware, cCleaner, etc, as well as disabling your Ethernet card via the device manager?
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
How about it you add the file safemode.txt to the Preferences folder to simulate factory settings? Edit - Actually ignore that, I see you already tried it.
Does it make a difference if you add the file MaxPluginsToScan.txt to the bb folder, with a single line of text in it: max=0
(Delete or rename this file after the test)
Also, does the slow bootup only happen if your computer has been idle for a while?
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 04/09/2009:50 AM.
I had something similar. BIAB (on external HDD) would take up to 5 minutes to start and it was driving me crazy. After much hair pulling I found the culprit. I had to (temporarily) disable real time protection on WIN 10. Once I did that it starts as you would expect. The only thing is - I need to remember to disable real time protection each time I go to use BIAB. Windows will prompt you to turn on real time protection again and I do that after I have finished my session with BIAB.
Your problem might be different but this just may work for you too.
Yes, that's also a good one Noel. But 'Fast bootups' is already 'on' on my system (by the way, ticking or not ticking this option doesn't seem to make much difference).
Thank all of you guys for all these suggestions:)
BiaB2024 64bit last build (desktop app), Win11 Pro 23H2, Intel i9 13900 24-core, 64GByte RAM, RME Fireface 800, Steinberg UR12, Cl1, Studio One 6, Samplitude Pro
Does it make a difference if you add the file MaxPluginsToScan.txt to the bb folder, with a single line of text in it: max=0
(Delete or rename this file after the test)
Also, does the slow bootup only happen if your computer has been idle for a while?
Thanks for your suggestions Andrew!
Having the MaxPluginsToScan.txt (with the one line you've suggested) in the bb folder does not change anything.
And, no, this problem does not happen when my computer has been idle for a while...
If you are using the 64bit version of Band-in-a-Box (most likely) the file name must be: MaxPluginsToScan64.txt
This changed in 2019 since the 32bit version will scan for different plugins than the 64bit version. The PluginScanLog.log file should show that 0 plugins are scanned, or which ever number you put in it. For example, if you have "max=2" then your PluginScanLog.log file should show:
This is a bit of tedious way to narrow down which plugin is slowing down the process, but it should work. Note that for the next update (build 716) the BootupLog.txt will show the time each plugin scan takes, so you can narrow it down faster.
If you are using the 64bit version of Band-in-a-Box (most likely) the file name must be: MaxPluginsToScan64.txt
This changed in 2019 since the 32bit version will scan for different plugins than the 64bit version. The PluginScanLog.log file should show that 0 plugins are scanned, or which ever number you put in it. For example, if you have "max=2" then your PluginScanLog.log file should show:
This is a bit of tedious way to narrow down which plugin is slowing down the process, but it should work. Note that for the next update (build 716) the BootupLog.txt will show the time each plugin scan takes, so you can narrow it down faster.
Thank you Blake,
I'm using the 64bit version of Bb, but having the file MaxPluginsToScan64.txt in the Bb folder does not seem to affect the number of plugins loaded...
Even curioser, that MaxPluginsToScan64.txt file is automatically deleted when Bb boots up whereas the PluginScanLog.log file still lists the same number of plugins loaded.
Maybe will I have to wait for build 716 to have my problem sorted. BTW, this new feature will be helpful in my case!
BiaB2024 64bit last build (desktop app), Win11 Pro 23H2, Intel i9 13900 24-core, 64GByte RAM, RME Fireface 800, Steinberg UR12, Cl1, Studio One 6, Samplitude Pro
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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