After the hurricanes and my computer being down for weeks there were updates on pretty much everything but I believe the culprit for this problem is Win 10 update 2004 which now makes Reaper, Cakewalk, BIAB and Realband have crackles and pops no matter where I set latency - actually higher makes it even worse.
I have run LatencyMon and it says audio should be fine but it's not. I have sample rates set to 24 bit 41,000. I have IDT sound disabled. The good old EMU was working perfectly before the update. And windows troubleshooting says I'm using the best driver. The weird thing is I thought I had it fixed when I disabled the IDT Audio which had gotten turned back on with that update - but it was short lived and then the crackles and pops returned.
These pops and crackles drive me nuts and I can't make any music or upload anything or even enjoy just listening. I don't have time for this - I'm trying to find a decent contractor to fix my house (that's a rant for another thread. )
I've read so many threads with other people haVing this problem and nothing they did fixed it so I'm hoping Microsoft will step up if that's true.
Try 16-bit, 44.1K and see if it goes away. At least then you would know if the bit rate or sampling rate would be disagreeing with Windows. Then maybe change one or the other to narrow it down further.
all programs playing up suggests it's system sound related. once you've tried the change to sample and bit rate (and hopefully it works but if not) it might be worth trying your motherboard's onboard sound to eliminate the emu card and driver being the problem
i had driver problems with an old creative card and before i got hacked drivers which cured the problem i was forced to use onboard sound to get anything sounding like decent
You mentioned drivers that were reenabled, a common problem from Windows updates. But did you look for other Sound devices besides your desired sound card? Things like HD Audio for monitors can cause this behavior.
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.
Don't believe everything that Windows trouble shooting reports. I have had cases where it said that I have the best drivers loaded but when I went to my cards manufacturer's sites they had newer drivers. I would go to your sound card and video card sites and look for new drivers. Note that I have read that video drivers can mess up audio; I don't know for sure as it has never happened here.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Mario, yes, the HD Audio drivers I mentioned are for video - for monitors (the seeing kind) that have built-in speakers. These drivers should be disabled.
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.
Try 16-bit, 44.1K and see if it goes away. At least then you would know if the bit rate or sampling rate would be disagreeing with Windows. Then maybe change one or the other to narrow it down further.
The lowest 16 bit choice is 88,200. The default shared setting is 24bit 48,000. Changing it to 24 bit 41,000 or leaving it doesn't make any difference. It's set to play whatever bit depth and sample rate each DAW or app calls for.
Originally Posted By: Matt Finley
You mentioned drivers that were reenabled, a common problem from Windows updates. But did you look for other Sound devices besides your desired sound card? Things like HD Audio for monitors can cause this behavior.
I have IDT High Definition Audio Codec disabled.
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Don't believe everything that Windows trouble shooting reports. I have had cases where it said that I have the best drivers loaded but when I went to my cards manufacturer's sites they had newer drivers. I would go to your sound card and video card sites and look for new drivers. Note that I have read that video drivers can mess up audio; I don't know for sure as it has never happened here.
I'm gonna check into that Mario. I just wish there was a way to keep the security updates and roll back the rest because it was working perfectly before.
A requirement of minimum 88k with a 16-bit setting is just crazy.
You said your sound card is an EMU. That’s an old card by Creative Labs, yes? Which model? It’s possible it is no longer supported by Windows 10. Have you checked the vendor’s website for this?
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.
A requirement of minimum 88k with a 16-bit setting is just crazy.
You said your sound card is an EMU. That’s an old card by Creative Labs, yes? Which model? It’s possible it is no longer supported by Windows 10. Have you checked the vendor’s website for this?
0404 USB it's one of those old classics audiophiles still love if they can find one. Or so I've read on forums. Yeah I thought even a choice of that setting was nuts too.
My concern is that it's not just me and my old Emu. There seems to be a smorgasbord of interface brands having the same issue and nothing fixing it. So I'm wondering if it's something to do with the AMD processor or the on board graphics or something else before I toss the old gal out.
............... 0404 USB it's one of those old classics audiophiles still love if they can find one. Or so I've read on forums. Yeah I thought even a choice of that setting was nuts too.
My concern is that it's not just me and my old Emu. There seems to be a smorgasbord of interface brands having the same issue and nothing fixing it. So I'm wondering if it's something to do with the AMD processor or the on board graphics or something else before I toss the old gal out.
Maybe this will help; it is 0404 Win 10 1903 and above drivers:
I'll second those who mentioned not trusting Windows Update for drivers - often I've seen Windows Update install "updated" drivers that are older than the currently installed driver. It happens a lot less with Windows 10 than earlier versions, but still something to watch for.
Windows 10 version 2004 has actually been very stable for me in regards to audio software.
For anyone who might have a similar issues in the future:
This is going to sound really strange I bet, but is the computer that you are running Windows 10 on perhaps a laptop? There are some things that can be checked such as minimum processor states. A lot of laptops that run Windows 10 on them are set to 5% instead of 100%, and this seems to happen the most with laptops due to their options for how they operate when plugged in versus being on battery life. Even if you aren't running these programs from a laptop, it could still be worth checking out. Setting the minimum and maximum processor states to 100% has certainly resolved this issue for others. It may not for you, but it is definitely worth trying so I do suggest looking into that if you haven't yet.
Last edited by Ember - PG Music; 11/03/2008:36 AM.
For anyone who might have a similar issues in the future:
This is going to sound really strange I bet, but is the computer that you are running Windows 10 on perhaps a laptop? There are some things that can be checked such as minimum processor states. A lot of laptops that run Windows 10 on them are set to 5% instead of 100%, and this seems to happen the most with laptops due to their options for how they operate when plugged in versus being on battery life. Even if you aren't running these programs from a laptop, it could still be worth checking out. Setting the minimum and maximum processor states to 100% has certainly resolved this issue for others. It may not for you, but it is definitely worth trying so I do suggest looking into that if you haven't yet.
Thanx for this reminder Ember. I just got my desktop music computer back from the shop and sure enough the minimum setting was 5%. I had forgotten about that setting.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Setting the processor state will increase power consumption and heat in the computer, so it's only recommended to do this if you have a problem, and only to leave it set to 100% if it fixes the problem. I would personally recommend moving it up in increments from 5% rather than going straight to 100%, and if it doesn't fix your problem, set it back to 5%.
Another potential solution is to set the task priority to Above Normal or perhaps High (but not Realtime, that can cause freezing). You can do this from the Details tab in the Windows Task Manager (screenshot attached). Again, this is something that if setting it higher doesn't help, leave it at Normal.
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 11/04/2009:03 AM.
My production machine runs at 100%, but my backup machine overheats at 100 so I run that at 90% and the heat drops by about one-third. It’s easy to monitor the heat of various components with utilities.
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.
I've waved the white flag and ordered a Motu M2 (display model for a discount) from Sweetwater. Should be here in a few days. I hope it plays nice with win 10.
I've waved the white flag and ordered a Motu M2 (display model for a discount) from Sweetwater. Should be here in a few days. I hope it plays nice with win 10.
According to their specs it should play nice with win 10:
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.
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.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.