I've been eyeing a desktop with a ryzen 5 and 12gb of ram I mainly want Biab to make jazz backing tracks and record myself over them without a lot tracks
I already have a audio interface and I've had some jbl 305p's studio monitors that I really didn't like to play backing tracks with they sounded really weak
My budget is $2200ish for Biab a pc and speakers
Mainly want to jam over them with my twin reverb set around 2.5 or it might be 4.0 had to send it for repair so not sure
If it's US$2,200 then you should definitely be able to deliver something reasonable.
I just purchased something different (different for me anyway, as I always build my own systems).
It's a Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3 All-In-One. It has an optical drive, plenty of USB ports, wireless keyboard and mouse, 16Gb RAM, Ryzen 7 5700U processor, Bluetooth, WiFi, both Wireless and Wired LAN, 512Gb SSD. 24" monitor, Windows 11. I'm more impressed with it than I thought I would be.
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
Nica. with a budget that nice i would contact companies that specialise in building turnkey computers for recording studios before making a final decision.. they even install the audio interface.and see what they can do for you. (go on gearspace.com << lots of builders names) eg....
i recommend at least 2 ssd's starting out. i highly recommend not recording onto the drive that win resides on. use a seperate one for recording/playback//daw.
alternative i'm a big fan of cheap under 600 buk off lease pc desktops.
eg google >> "refurb ssd hp z workstation" or lenovo or dell workstation...get a 1 yr warranty. lots of people use refurbs as recording rigs. once again if you dont believe moi start a thread on gesarspace "recommended pc refurbs for music production'.
just some ideas. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 07/19/2211:33 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.)
Sounds like you have the PC side set up. I am an instrumental guitar player. I make backing tracks for jazz and popular (at least to me) music. I play in my studio, living room and sometimes in the backyard I also gig in restaurants and bars.
I have a set of jbl 305's. They are not enough to get a band like sound while playing guitar and amp.
A twin reverb is a lot of gas. Better keep it on 2.
Anyway, one of the rigs I use for tracks amplification is a Turbosound Inspire 300 Its a line array PA that has enough bass to handle the drums and bass in the arrangements. It costs $450+-. Hard to beat. Much better than the Bose S1Pro. If you ever plan to gig out its a great small room rig. Sometime I practice and/or gig with it as my only amplification. I run tracks and my guitar with a direct box (Quilter Superblock,FlyRig,Pod, etc) on it. Its got direct connects and bluetooth. Check it out.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro 11.2.2 Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
5" woofers will sound anaemic in the bottom end though JBLs are voiced to be pleasing rather than neutral and neutral is the aim for mixing. I've been researching for a monitor upgrade and in the 7 - 8" woofer range there're some contenders...the ADAMS TV7s are good value & sound the TV8s are even better for AUS$200 a pair extra. The Yamaha 8s are nice, the JBLs 8s are, to my ears, voiced/hyped a little in the mids and are popular as speakers for TVs and book shelf sound systems. There're a lot out there and the prices are reasobnable - yet the quality of sound is quite good even at the prices. Be cautious about front ported monitors as they can cause a narrow cancellation effect.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I personally have a Ryzen 5 (6 core 12 thread) and 16 gig RAM for home use .. runs my stuff fine and doesn't show any signs of stress even with large files (20+ tracks with FX). In the studio we doubled the RAM, not sure it was needed. 12 gig RAM seems an odd choice .. I'd likely opt for 16 gig and two matching sticks if needed. Probably minimal cost difference.
For monitors I think the 8" does make a difference as noted above. Monitors are one of those things that until you hear it in your target room, you are guessing. My BX8a's sounded dull in the next room over, but are MUCH more accurate in this room. (sadly, I do not think you can find these monitors anymore) It wasn't because they weren't loud enough for the other room, just that they didn't match the room. Monitors are hard to recommend for this reason.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Sounds like you have the PC side set up. I am an instrumental guitar player. I make backing tracks for jazz and popular (at least to me) music. I play in my studio, living room and sometimes in the backyard I also gig in restaurants and bars.
I have a set of jbl 305's. They are not enough to get a band like sound while playing guitar and amp.
A twin reverb is a lot of gas. Better keep it on 2.
Anyway, one of the rigs I use for tracks amplification is a Turbosound Inspire 300 Its a line array PA that has enough bass to handle the drums and bass in the arrangements. It costs $450+-. Hard to beat. Much better than the Bose S1Pro. If you ever plan to gig out its a great small room rig. Sometime I practice and/or gig with it as my only amplification. I run tracks and my guitar with a direct box (Quilter Superblock,FlyRig,Pod, etc) on it. Its got direct connects and bluetooth. Check it out.
I've always wondered about those array speakers do they sound mono-is? If you only have one of them and it's a GB twin and channel 1 isn't as hot as 2 probably why I have it on 4 my dB meter measures around 70
Actually, one might be surprised how well they do sound. They're not just speakers, they are Active Powered Monitors, and have plenty of drive and a great sound throughout their entire range. I play an 88-key grand piano VSTi through them (Synthogy Ivory - certainly not an 'entry-level' product) and the drive is brilliant, especially at the bottom end. Anaemic? No way.
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
To add, my choice of the powered speaker system I chose had evolved over a serious practical evaluation of many different monitor speaker systems, which included brand names, sizes, varying music styles and more. It involved hours of listening, comparisons and discussions with knowledgeable experts.
It's important that you undertake your own practical evaluation in your decision process, and don't just rely on comments made in this forum.
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
Also, I can mix with my Yamaha NS40M Monitors, which are still up there as reference monitors. They are unbelievably realistic, with absolutely no added color, variation, emphasis or added dynamics. Just perfect clean sound.
If the mix sounds good on NS40M's, then it's going to sound great on just about everything else you can put in front of it.
That's not what you need, but I make the reference because this is why the big studios studios regularly include these types of monitors in their mixing line-up.
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
I'm using a home built computer.... with a Focusrite Saffire interface and a pair of Mackie MR-5 speakers. For my guitar rig, I have a Spark 40 modeling amp that is run directly into the audio input on the Saffire coming off the Spark headphone jack. This is one amazing sounding rig. Well, let me say this.... it works well for me. I've had a few other guitar players here in my studio who were also very impressed with the sound quality.
The speakers you have look to be similar. If they are trying to keep up with the volume of the amp, well, they probably will have a difficult time doing that. However, if you can get that signal to a line level and input it into the interface, that whole picture changes. The only way I could run my Mesa boogie along with the music projects I was working on was to use noise isolation cans and mike the guitar to put it into the mix and even then, I had to run the cans a bit louder than I really wanted to stay above the room volume of the amp. Getting that signal into the DAW is the best way.... that way you can monitor the guitar in the mix at a very respectable level.
Your budget is a nice starting point for doing it RIGHT.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/20/2203:23 AM.
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.
I totally agree Herb, there's certainly nothing wrong with the Mackie MR5 speakers. Another great sounding and highly respected 5" Studio Monitor. Great accuracy and excellent clarity. Definitely worthy of consideration.
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
As in my signature, I'm using 5" Adam monitors and an Adam subwoofer in my small production studio. For playing along, though, I use two KRK 8" monitors in a bigger room. No subwoofer needed.
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.
PC yep Audio interface yep Speakers yep ones that won't be drowned by your amp and won't strain to be heard. Isolation pads for the speakers? Biab yep yep Mics...but which? A condenser for vocals and a 57 or e609 for guitar amp? Cables...to & from the computer interface wise from interface to speakers TRS or? with graphite bead shielding? Mic cables - length, shielding? Monitor...yep...though I use an old TV screen so I can read it from a distance when tracking & following the chord sheet. Good seat for extended sitting - reduce DVT exposure. Pop filter if recording vocals.Mic stand for vocals & another for the amp...I use two on an amp a 57 & an e609 - then blend to taste so two short stands. A latency setting that works for you. Power strip that's surge protected and reasonably "clean". Wireless mouse n keyboard maybe to allow you to sit back n play yet still manipulate the comp. I use an old R16 as a control surface with a long USB cable so I can work away from the comp. Oh, if you'll be using pedals look at a discrete power supply and maybe something to break a ground loop if it occurs.
Last edited by rayc; 07/20/2210:30 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Nice list Ray. The one thing that I would change would be to use an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) in place of a surge protector. Brown outs can cause a lot of damage and a UPS can protect against them as well as being a surge protector. YMMV
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
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean