Dan. A further thought that might save the expense of a new machine. (but maybe you want one anyway.) Let me explain....and bear in mind when i7 was the only beast around/game in town big studios were getting impressive performance i understand.
A lot of studios using sample libs run at least 3 drives. One for win, one to record/playback multitrack, and one for sample storage. (Some big studios of course have huge rigs.)
Where sometimes one can get a performance hit IS if win is on same drive as One is recording to. and/or putting massive sample libs on same drive one is using To record/playback etc. Now with coming of ssd’s its alleviated the contention syndrome somewhat…Depends on the pc config.
THUS if your not running the above 3 drive set up ,ie 2 , i would try a third drive solely for big sample libs and see how much that affects performance via testing in reaps which has all sorts of performance stats built in.
To go further it might be best to get info on how your drives are set up now. ..WIN on its own drive ? ..Seperate drive for reaps recording/playback ie the tracks. ? ..Seperate drive for sample libs ?? ..where do the biab real traks reside ? assuming you use them ?? ..just midi with plug ins ?? most pc’s will eat midi alive…with light plug ins.
Heres another vendor of custom pc’s i found on reaps forums. Notice the testimonials at bottom…
Personally i really like the rack mount powerhouses that many big studios use. Absolutely massive track and plug in counts…but often expensive. If you go on gearspace or reaps youll see lots of high performance stats quoted.
Happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/22/2203:48 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Dan, I loved the icon display. I think you missed one, though.
For anyone in general, I have a folder named Downloads. In it are folders for each application. In each application folder are at least two or three files:
The install EXE file A text file with registration codes and account info Any tutorials, links, instructions, tips etc.
Any files in this Downloads folder are copied each time it is changed, to another computer and to a traveling hard drive.
I’m sure everyone has a similar system, and it’s critical when you need to reinstall.
Matt, I do the exact same thing. I store that data on external HDs, including the one in my bank's safe deposit box.
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
Yes, the sub-folders in my separately 'saved downloads' \Music\ folder on a separate drive, includes 40 main sub-folders which include IK Multimedia, Focusrite, BiaB (every version / release / patch / update since 2012), Native Instruments, Melodyne, M-Audio, Roland, Session Keys, Sonar and more currently consists of: 2,366 files, 345 folders, and takes 310Gb or storage (and many of these are just the licenses to download the full products)
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
Dan, I loved the icon display. I think you missed one, though.
For anyone in general, I have a folder named Downloads. In it are folders for each application. In each application folder are at least two or three files:
The install EXE file A text file with registration codes and account info Any tutorials, links, instructions, tips etc.
Any files in this Downloads folder are copied each time it is changed, to another computer and to a traveling hard drive.
I’m sure everyone has a similar system, and it’s critical when you need to reinstall.
+1 to this. It is vital to keep the important stuff!
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
I generallly have the original downloads for everything, until I go looking and can't find something. Otherwise, Regarding HDD Space, not something I currently have a shortage of. But I am looking forward to the SSD in the future.
For backup of my downloaded installation files, I actually prefer using a hard disk to an SSD. I think it might be more likely to last longer with failing. That could be wrong.
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.
For backup of my downloaded installation files, I actually prefer using a hard disk to an SSD. I think it might be more likely to last longer with failing. That could be wrong.
I had a non-boot SSD for data some years back. It Failed! Today I have the 6TB HDD - with USB 3.1 Type-C port for external backup. Provides data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps. Nevertheless, I am planning on a SSD boot drive and hoping things have gotten better.
Our license states that you can only have Band-in-a-Box installed on one computer at a time. However, we understand that customers often have multiple computers, get new machines, or need to travel, so your activation code is good for installation on three personal computers. If you want to free up an activation, we recommend releasing it from the old machine if you won't own it or use it anymore.
As a general rule of thumb, I don't typically recommend copying any program directory to a new location. For a lot of programs, that won't work, as there's usually files stored elsewhere on your computer that tell the program its a legitimate install, but also files or aspects of a program may get installed to different paths or locations that you may not always know where to look for. Some programs even have protection against copying things to prevent sharing it with friends who haven't paid.
In our case, files get installed into different locations, so to ensure that you have a complete and proper install, it's best to install from your original media, be it downloads or a physical copy like a harddrive or flash USB stick. That way you know everything is where it should be.
Years ago, I did an upgrade on my business computer. I used cloning software and to my surprise, almost everything came up running nicely. One or two programs required me to reinstall or reactivate with my serial number key.
As with Band in a Box.... quite a few software programs allow you to have only a certain number of activations at a given time. Several other programs I have are similar. You have to go in and manually release the activation in order to reinstall and activate it on a new machine. I forget which program it was but due to issues I was having, I had uninstalled it a reinstalled it several times and I ran out of activations. I had to contact that company and they were able to reset my activations to zero so I could install it and get it running.
It's always best to do clean installs and enter the activation key. If you're over the limit, you can always go back on the original older machine and release that activation cleanly.
Good luck.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
If you move your NI libraries to an external drive, the Native Access app has a very nice feature that allows you to find your libraries if you move to a new machine. It saves a lot of download time.
If you move your NI libraries to an external drive, the Native Access app has a very nice feature that allows you to find your libraries if you move to a new machine. It saves a lot of download time.
Thanks for that info. I do believe I have seen that option in the past if I tried to move a library. Good to know it may be my best option come the big transfer.
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.
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!
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!
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
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