|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
I need to purchase a reliable device for playing backing tracks in MP3 and MIDI format. Not a Mac guy so iPads, or other Mac devices are out. A regular Windows laptop is a possibility, but Windows isn't always reliable.
Someone suggested I look at Chromebooks that run on ChromeOS. Don't believe I need a particularly high end device as it will only be used for playing MP3 and MIDI files in a live performance situation. The MIDI files would be played with an Android karaoke app via a soundfont. Chromebooks come with different CPUs (Intel, AMD, Mediatek). I'm just looking for a device that is reliable for this task, i.e. won't choke, crash, stutter, etc.
Have you used Chromebooks for this purpose, what has been your experience? If so, what CPU would you recommend? Thanks for any advice!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
I would slightly disagree in that windows has been very stable for years now I never have trouble win windows 10 it handles midi and audio very nice. The problem with chrome books and such is your kind of stuck eith dealing with apps or web based software. There is just so much out there for pc and Mac. I play live on an iPad with a program called Jamzone. I have also used both BiaB and Realband
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
convert your midi tracks to mp3 and use an ipod touch. you can get older versions second hand off ebay cheap so get two and you can have a back up ready every time you gig. as usual, i'd advise one playlist per song as that stops the ipod playing the next song in the list. and the playlists will be in alphabetical order.
cheap and reliable solution and easier to carry around than a laptop or chromebook.
and with mp3s you aren't dependent on the quality of the synth on the device - you can use your home set up with whatever vstis you like to get the sound you want.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,643
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,643 |
Another obvious option is Linux.
My wife has happily used it for years, long before even realising that it wasn't Windows.
You could even use a Raspberry Pi for that.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
Upon more thought, perhaps a Windows laptop would do the trick, as long as it's clean, without bloatware, and things that cause problems, you're right Win 10 is stable, I haven't experienced any crashes or lock ups except perhaps when I have all kinds of multitasking happening from time to time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
convert your midi tracks to mp3 and use an ipod touch. you can get older versions second hand off ebay cheap so get two and you can have a back up ready every time you gig. as usual, i'd advise one playlist per song as that stops the ipod playing the next song in the list. and the playlists will be in alphabetical order.
cheap and reliable solution and easier to carry around than a laptop or chromebook.
and with mp3s you aren't dependent on the quality of the synth on the device - you can use your home set up with whatever vstis you like to get the sound you want.
Regarding the ipod touch, is there an app available that will only play one song and then stop without going onto the next song?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
I always preferred a "player" rather than a laptop because operating systems have interrupts that can cause a very short, but discernable, dropout as the OS runs a quick "seek" process to see if there is a task waiting. Be aware of the output quality when you look to save money by going Chromebook if you do in fact go laptop-ish. I had good results with an iPad Nano. Others will swear by laptop. What I don't get is the desire to run full program and introduce the variable of tracks playing. Dump to WAV and play WAV files and KISS.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
Playing one song at a time can be achieved on an ipod touch with one song per playlist.
Last edited by Bob Calver; 01/13/22 11:13 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,643
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,643 |
... operating systems have interrupts that can cause a very short, but discernable, dropout as the OS runs a quick "seek" process to see if there is a task waiting. Modern OSs shouldn't really suffer that effect just on tasking, but WiFi is infamous for hogging the CPU. Often just turning of the WiFi will fix late-arrival drop-outs. Dump to WAV and play WAV files and KISS. Aye.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
I don't want to have to make a playlist for every single song; that seems a little nuts? There's got to be a program for windows, and an app for ipod that allows you to stop after playing a single song, no???
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
It's the only way to play songs individually on an ipod that I know. Not too onerous on a pc and the playlists can be sorted in alphabetic order.
I didn't need more than 40 to 50 songs for a gig allowing for changes to set lists on the fly.
If you find an alternative please let us know.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878 |
Anytune Pro is what you want.
Android
iOS
Mac
Check it out.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Heddon Super Spook XT (Mullet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
I was told there's a setting in VLC player for "pausing on the last frame" which I suppose will also technically stop playing at the end of the song. I'm going to give it a try..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 53 |
The ipod touch is pretty small.. What about the iPad Mini? Could I get an older generation model and use that for playing tracks without worry of freezes, lockups, etc?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1 |
I agree, and would recommend that you get either an iPad, or iPad Mini, if the smaller size is important. However, to solve your setlist playback problems, depending on what else you also do for managing setlists, Lyrics with Chord charts or sheet music etc, I would highly recommend you check out Onsong, for IOS devices. It will allow you to manage all your sets, lyrics, with chord charts or sheet notation PLUS playing the associated backing track when you are ready. Tracks can be either MP3 (as recommended) or Midi files, which it can play with any of the available IOS soft synths. Any newer IOS device can handle this just fine. Onsong is one of the best products available for this purpose with an amazing array of cool features for managing songs and setlists. Checkout onsongapp.com for the details.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,081
Posts799,854
Members40,030
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean