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; 04/22/2204:48 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.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, 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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
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