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#596832 05/10/20 06:16 PM
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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.


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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.

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budget?


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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 2025 (1128)
64 bit application
RealBand 2025 (5)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
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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


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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.


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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..)
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Originally Posted By: justanoldmuso
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

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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.aspx
Six 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.aspx
My 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


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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
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What does everyone think about the Chromebooks?


Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
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RealBand 2025 (5)
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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.


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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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Yeah, it's pretty much just for web browsing.....




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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.


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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 2025 (1128)
64 bit application
RealBand 2025 (5)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

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Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!

Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!

It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!

We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!

Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:

Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!

Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!

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