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What's the difference between the Focusrite and the Behringer UM2? What makes the higher price worth it?
A couple things I notice -The dials on the Focusrite input adjustment have a ring that lights different colors for different level input signal .. kind of a simple (but effective) input meter that the UM2 does not have on the front of it. -192 kHz vs 48 kHz -The Focusrite 2nd input has a Line/Instrument switch (for plugging guitar in directly, or plugging it in via FX/etc (different level of input signals) -IMO a better build quality, especially on the dials. That said the UM2's first input can be Line or XLR .. the basic Focusrite (SOLO) unit appears to be XLR only on that input. So stereo signal connection may be easier to accomplish on UM2. If you were comparing UM2 to the 2i2 (and not the SOLO) then the stereo connection mentioned above does not apply at all. 2i2 link $99 The 2i2 is better in many more ways
Last edited by rharv; 05/29/20 11:27 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 644
Journeyman
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
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Well, I do have stereo outputs on my Line 6 XTLive. Might be cool do do some stereo recording.
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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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
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Yeah, I don't think I could get by with a single input device.
I would regret that decision.
The 2i2 is a nice unit. I have one for 'in the field' recording use.
Grab it and go type stuff.
I have Behringer preamps and Focusrite preamps.. I wouldn't call the Behringer ones noisy or anything (they work fine), but the Focusrite preamps are cleaner to me. I use them whenever possible.
Another caveat/tradeoff is the Behringer headphone out is louder then the Focusrite headphone out, which simply means I have to turn the headphone dial up more on the Focusrite.
Funny part - my main system sends two of the Focusrite outs to a Behringer headphone amp so I can have multiple sets of headphones. <grin>
I have nothing against either brand, just my opinion on quality.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
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Funkifized, going back to your "do I need softsynths" question, are you primarily using RealTracks or MIDI? If Realtracks, then softsynths won't help, but they definitely will if you need better quality sounds from MIDI arrangements.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 644
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 644 |
I'm using Real Tracks, but I would like to write parts that sound decent. Can't get a good guitar groove the way I like it or horn parts that I could chart with what comes with BIAB. Writing my own bassline comes to mind, or arranging unison lines between guitar and bass(or anything, really). Can't arrange tunes by The Meters with no unisons between guitar and bass, or Tower Of Power horn parts with decent sounding unison lines.
Last edited by Funkifized; 06/08/20 07:00 AM.
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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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,929
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,929 |
This thread is nearly five years old. Too much has changed.
While any current Mac or Windows laptop from anyone can run BIAB without breaking a sweat, this is not true for many other types of applications we might run.
Those of us who deal with AV and AI find that only the most powerful computers we can buy will do the job in a reasonable time period. My Mac Studio M2 Ultra renders AV ok—I’m not crunching animation files. A 2 hour video with multiple edits and special effects might take 8–15 minutes to render and perhaps another 10 minutes to export. Considering that my 2010 iMac would take a week to render that same file, this is pretty good and what I’ve come to expect.
Recently, I picked up some fairly sophisticated AI tools. Holy cow! Having done stem splitting in the past, I hadn’t really considered how long that simple task took—should’ve paid attention. I was surprised how much horsepower is required to render some of those files. A 4 minute project I was working on a few days ago in ACE Studio AI took 15 minutes to render and nearly 45 minutes as four tracks. Yikes! I may have to buy the new Mac Pro rumored to ship in a few months just to keep up.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Yikes! I may have to buy the new Mac Pro rumored to ship in a few months just to keep up. Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits....
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Win 10 Professional, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits.... Ain't that always the truth! That's why I'm glad BB is "lightweight" so to speak, and will happily run on a decade-old machine.
I work here
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,929
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,929 |
Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits.... Ain't that always the truth! That's why I'm glad BB is "lightweight" so to speak, and will happily run on a decade-old machine. Knowing that one user is still running macOS 10.6, that means any Intel based Mac can run BIAB. Some are 19 years old.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Knowing that one user is still running macOS 10.6 Make that two - though I'm using a 2010 Mac for that
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 03/12/25 10:30 AM.
I work here
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac 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!
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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 Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac 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!
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
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Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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!
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Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
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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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