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So, I'm working with a Satellite C675 Windows laptop, upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10. With the stimulus money, I'm considering getting a more dedicated laptop to run BIAB/RealBand, along with Finale, possibly AVS Video software. Currently I've got Band-in-a-Box and RealBand 2019 Full (Windows) on the external drive.
What should I be looking at? Currently have Band-in-a-Box UltraPAK Upgrade with RealBand. I teach, so I'd like to be able to create good-sounding backing tracks for lessons as well as possibly for use in a live duo situation. Currently not using out outboard gear, would like to keep that to a minimum.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1224)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2016
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Joined: Dec 2016
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I needed a new laptop that I use for live shows, I bought an Acer 2 in 1. I thought a tablet might be handy however I never use it in tablet mode. What it does have is a i7 with 8G memory and 512G SSD. I only use this device to play backing tracks plus as my amp using TH3 as the basis for my guitar amp. I connect via a Presonus 24C USB audio interface. I also have a FCB1010 MIDI foot controller hooked up to this to control the amp sim. As well as that Songbook to display my songs and control the show. What I have is overkill but for the little extra it is worth it.
I’m not plugging the Acer but I would say go for more than you need. (You will use it)
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 05/10/20 09:55 PM.
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
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biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
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Well, I'm thinking of using my stimulus check, so maybe $600-800, with a little left over for peripherals, such as an interface, or maybe some suggested soft synths?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1224)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59 |
Used my stimulus payment ($750 AU) to upgrade from a Celeron CPU 64g storage 4 g ram to an Asus Zen Core i5 8 g ram and 256g ssd. Running biab ultrapak from 256gb micro SD card in slot provided.
Real styles with all real tracks now load and ready to play in a couple of seconds. Took up to a minute on previous computer.
This laptop minimum recommended for processing 4k video by my video software supplier.
Garth
Windows 11 i5 Laptop PC, Raspberry Pi4B 8gb running Linux and Windows 11. BB2022 Ultraplus. Sonar. Yamaha DGX 660 piano. Audacity. Irig Keys Controller.
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The fact of the matter is that practically any decent recent laptop will do a great job for you. Just spend as much as you need but there's no need to buy the latest and the greatest. Unless you're setting up a pro studio, any good off the shelf lappy will do the job just fine.
I actually did a similar thing to what you're considering. When I decided to get back into digital recording after OS upgrades killed my first studio, I bought a nice laptop, an interface, and speakers to get set up right. That was back in the day when even the cheapest laptops were not cheap. BTW, that laptop runs Windows ME and is still totally functional and gets used on occasion. I later built a desktop that I still use as my main DAW daily.
I'd seriously look into getting a nicer USB external musical interface and stop trying to use the built in sound card on the laptop. The realtec cards are not designed to do what we do. Spend a couple hundred dollars on a nice Presonus or Focusrite and do it right. You need a card that runs native ASIO, has a minimum of 2 inputs with low and high impedance jacks, phantom power, and the outputs you need.
Have fun.
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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Also, if you are serious about getting into softsynths then RAM is an important feature. I would suggest you get 16 gigs of RAM.
But if you are not going to get into softsynths then 8 gigs of RAM is plenty.
A third thing to thing about is near field monitors. A good computer, an audio interface, and near field monitors are a necessity for recording and playing music IMHO.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I always provide the same answer when asked about what computer someone should buy. Buy more than you think you need in processor, memory, storage etc. Buy as much as you can get for what you are willing to spend. Several good ideas already posted about external interfaces etc.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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I agree with etcjoe on processor and ram.
You may consider skipping the touch screen capability. That might add $100 to the price.
I purchased a Dell XPS I use for BIAB when I travel. It has a touch screen.
First thing I did was hook it up to a bigger monitor.
BIAB just begs something larger than a small laptop screen.
The mixed metaphors (touch screen on one/ no touch on the other) were both confusing and annoying.
Turns out I almost never use the touch on the xps.
YMMV.
Anyway, might give you enough extra to buy more RAM or a faster multi-core.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty.
enter into google the following.
"intel i5/i7 ssd 8/16 gigs ram REFURBISHED".
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty. Yes sir, I'm all about those too, more specifically with Dell. I stick with Intel chips too. A weak computer with a weak AMD processor is a bad combo as it gets older and out of spec.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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This is a good time to do the research. We find no shortage of people eager to relieve us of the stimulus check. It's not mad money. I say it is a good time because there are tech suppliers willing to devote more time to pre sales than during the usual hectic pace. Lucky for you, one of the best is not so far away. No, i have no connection. https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxSix applications were mentioned: BiaB, lessons, performance, personal duet recording, and some video, later. Maybe have the following window open when talking to tech support: https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxMy thought is that you have a system designed and build it as budget permits, keeping the big picture in mind. Also, laptops aren't seen so much in live performances lately. One reason is that the environments are so unpredictable. Maybe you can look again at your projected application list. Two last things: 1) you want to talk to someone who is up to date on audio visual compression advances. Thanks to You Tube and Soundcloud, compression and straming are hot topics with big $$ on the line. Not your father's MP3 or MP4. 2) note the increased use of external hard drives, HDD, such as Passport and Seagate. I'm no expert, but check me on this with someone who is, regarding compression and storage. Externals can be slow. Suggesting to mention this to the pre-sales. --------------- Finally, look at what Getac is doing. For what it is worth. https://www.bobjohnson.com/getac-laptops/
Last edited by edshaw; 05/13/20 11:12 AM.
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For my little input on this, after reading some of the above comments ..
RAM is not to be discounted. The more RAM you have, the more efficient your processor can be under heavier loads (although you can go into overkill on this just like you can on any of the parts).
Once a system has to start using the temp hard drive storage (when the RAM gets full), it slows down a lot ..
In my experience a so-so processor with enough RAM will outperform a better processor with less RAM once that temp hard drive storage/swapping starts getting invoked too often due to lack of RAM.
Once the RAM starts needing that hard drive temp file too often things can start bogging down.
On my newest system, W10 running just the OS and a browser to post this, takes up about 4 gig of RAM.
In other words, I think I'd get 16 gig RAM if you can swing it .. 32 may be overkill, but 8 may be limiting in the future.
just my thoughts, take with 2 grains of salt if needed
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 667 |
These are all good answers and very helpful. I like the idea of the Asus Zen Core(is that i5 or 15?), although I would maybe consider upind the RAM, a la Rharv's recommendation. Of course, I'm not sure if upping the RAM is possible, but that's another question that I can address offline.
So, I'm thinking about my applications of the software. Currently, I'm doing backing tracks for lessons, and I'm getting good used out of what I have now, on this laptop that I'm typing this on now. I'm using BIAB and Real Band from the external drive presented by PG Music(actually, I backed that up and I'm using the back-up). I'm not having any issue with speed, as I'm not using it live. I'm not using BIAB or Real Band live, just creating sound files of the sequences. I'm considering recording some of my vocals, guitar, and/or bass parts into Real Band for demos in order to hustle band positions and auditions, maybe demos for arrangements in a band situation. I'm working out the kinks of using a Behringer interface to get these things to record in Real Band. I guess the two unknowns, or little knowns, would be what I may want to do for the impending duo situation, and outside of BIAB, I may want to be able to do some video for online lessons and/or band demos. I'm not even sure if it needs to be HD vid. I've been editing video on this machine with AVS software pretty well for lessons and stuff.
I've got a singer who I used to work with, and she now wants to do some duo work. Some of the things she'd like to do would be "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Kahn, other funk and blues material that we both like. Some of this seems like it's going to be pretty challenging to do with one guitar and two vocalists. Back in the day, we worked together in another keyboardist's sequenced band. I don't have access to that guy any more, and as I'm pretty good with arranging, I'm considering running sequences off of this impending laptop. Is this a good use of my resources, or should I just create the backing tracks in Real Band and save them as soundfiles, playing/singing with the soundfiles live? I know that the original reason to do sequences was to be able to mix the different instruments live for different rooms, and recordings weren't quite as portable. Is it still worth playing live with a sequence, or are recordings the way to go?
That said, would I be looking at soft synths? I'd like to not be filling my house up with external hardware, such as keyboards and hard synths. I'm not a keyboard player, and am more of a step-edit kind of guy(I'm a guitar player).
I throw myself at the mercy of the court. What should I be considering? I like the idea of the Asus coming in between $600-700. Looking at how the world is going with the virus, I don't know that I want to go much more than that, and would prefer less. Or am I trying to spread things too thin?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1224)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 667
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 667 |
What does everyone think about the Chromebooks?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1224)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 874
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 874 |
As far as I know Chromebooks only run Chrome OS.
You probably don't want that.
BIAB won't run on it.
Not sure any DAWS run on it.
I'll bet Chrome runs real well on it.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Posts: 745
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I won one at a raffle.
I played with it for a while. It is somewhere in the house. Not sure where.
...Deb
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Posts: 2,732
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Yeah, it's pretty much just for web browsing.....
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Hardware-wise, to run BIAB, first get the fastest CPU you can afford.
Next, get enough RAM although it's hard to go wrong here anymore. 8 GB is plenty unless you work with a lit of software synths.
Then get a fast disk, SSD if possible.
Don't worry about graphics capability or 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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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OP
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Posts: 667 |
What's the difference between the Focusrite and the Behringer UM2? What makes the higher price worth it?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1224)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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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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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!
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-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®!
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