|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611 |
I know this has been asked before, but everyone has different needs. My current card is a Sound Blast X-Fi (OEM) so I have always relied on some hacked drivers and apps, since I bought the card on eBay awhile back, and never though how Creative Labs treated people, who didn't buy their retail versions.
Anyway, I've been getting by, but every so often my MID gets out of sync with my audio (I have a Ketron SD4 which sounds great, but because I run it into the input of my SB (which might be a mike or a line-in, I can never really be sure) every time I reboot I get some nasty surprise like MIDI sounds playing double, or finding myself back in the Control Panel twiddling with the new Windows 7 bits (I really miss the old MIDI controls in previous versions of Windows.) It seems every time Microsoft SIMPLIFIES things I lose more control over what I used to have (like Default MIDI Device.)
Anyway, I would like a nice card (could be PCI or PCIe .. I have a slot of each left) that has a simple line-in (I have a USB mike) and a digital out (I would like to either buy digital speakers, or preferably send the out to the SPDIF in of my Stereo Amp.)
Any recommendations would be appreciated (I'd like to stay under $200 if possible.) I'd like to avoid Creative Labs, but if they are the only reasonable choice they'll get my money again...
Thanks!
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 35 |
The M-Audio Fast Track Pro if you want to go USB, I've been using it, sounds great, the bass guitar is faithfully reproduced fret noise and string growl is all there, voice and guitar sounds awesome and it comes with a killer VST guitar plugin that works with Reaper DAW and others.
I know it's creative but the E-MU 0404 pci is supposed to be great, I have not heard it but the guys on the Reaper forum seem to like it and you can find it for about $99.00 on Amazon
I have a question to, I would like to get more in's and out's and monitoring, has anyone used the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra? P.S. Jan I'm not sure about this one yet, still researching it, but it looks to have more pro home studio functions built in to it.
Warren
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391 |
That'll probably be my next soundcard purchase (Fast Track Ultra). Others here have used it. Done a search? This thread was recent - http://www.pgmusic.com/ubbthreads/showfl...amp;Search=trueI have been impressed with this company's bang-per-buck for a while. They recently released drivers for Win 7 for my 'long in the tooth' Delta 1010. That's pretty good support in my eyes. Drivers for W98 thru Win 7 for that card still supported. Happy camper. The Ultra is giving me G.A.S. like I haven't had in quite a while.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611 |
I was looking at the M-Audio 2496 as a "pull-and-replace" PCI card. For $99 (free shipping) it seems very quiet, has a SPDIF out (actually 2) and rave reviews as a "Vanilla" audiophile card. I am pretty much done with SoundFonts (they were fun for a decade) and don't next EAX "Crystallizers" and other toys.
I have too many boxes hanging off the machine already to hang yet another USB device on it. The 2496 has been around since like 2006, and I hear few complaints (aside from newbies who don't know how to download a driver ..)
Anyone want to talk me out of it quick ?? I got an itchy PayPal finger .. especially < $100..
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I have had no problems with an M-Audio AP2406 card here, works fine with pgmusic products. I've had this card for a long time now. Good card.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391 |
Except it's PCI
That's the only drawback. Look how many new systems support PCI (few)
It's a good soundcard, but future doesn't look good for support on newer systems.
That said, I still currently use a similar PCI card for main DAW. For the price it's a deal if you have a system that uses PCI and plan on staying with it for a bit. Just know PCI is on it's way out.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
E-MU jhas already released a PCIe version for some of their pro-sumer soundcards.
That's a good sign and I am hoping that Delta/M-Audio follows suit there.
PCIe just may solve a few bandwidth and other common problems for us, if implemented properly with good drivers.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,660
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,660 |
Quote:
Except it's PCI
That's the only drawback. Look how many new systems support PCI (few)
It's a good soundcard, but future doesn't look good for support on newer systems.
That said, I still currently use a similar PCI card for main DAW. For the price it's a deal if you have a system that uses PCI and plan on staying with it for a bit. Just know PCI is on it's way out.
My new Dell did have one PCI slot available for the older PCI cards. I picked up the Audiophle 192 and it works like on champ on Win 7 and the new Dell.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391 |
Good to hear Jazzmandan.
I just grabbed the new win7 drivers for the 1010 also, but finding a system with the slot is the hard part. Glad they are still out there.
That said I may be looking at the Ultra just for future-proof. I think USB will be here a while.
Although I probably just jinxed it by saying that.
PCIe does have nice specs. And I do like having the card in a slot inside the system for some reason.
Another option.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,198 |
I have the 2496 in my computer. I have a couple of PCI slots, 4 PCI-e 16 and a couple of PCI-e x4s.
I have the Asus Xonar D2X, which I use as my main sound card, it also has S/PDIF In and Out, in a combo jack, allowing you to use either optical or coaxial, which I send to my receiver. However, the 2496 S/PDIF goes to my external A/D and D/A converters, and I have been very happy with the sound I get.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611 |
I went with the 2496 (my old X-Fi was PCI so it was direct swap.) I build my own machines, so I usually find a mobo with ONE PCI slot available. If they go away in the next couple years, I'm out 85 bucks .... That's the computer biz ...
I am VERY pleased with the sound. The software is not pretty, but I finally got it to play directly into proggies like Audacity and SoundForge directly from BIAB and RealBand (to keep from having to render all the time.)
I went with a Coaxial cable (just got it today) to the back of my harman/kardon AVR-45. It's a bit of an old unit, but does the job. I am not used to hearing NO hum !! I never knew what quiet was !!
Thanks for all the recommendations !
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- 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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,344
Posts791,139
Members39,859
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean