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I'm looking to buy a new Windows laptop that will run BiaB. Any recommendations? I'm not sure if this is the correct forum to inquire on.
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My laptop is a pretty old Toshiba so I’ll let others recommend current ones. My only recommendation is, don’t skimp on the CPU.
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.
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The only laptop I'll buy is a ThinkPad. They are almost bulletproof. I'm still using a 2002 model on stage.
I can't give you details, but I always go for the biggest HD and the most RAM they offer. These are the kinds of things you can't have too much of.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Since you're purchasing new and want one primarily to run Band-in-a-Box my suggestions are:
1) If you can choose between a desktop or a laptop, choose the desktop. You may be able to use your existing monitor, speakers or other accessories thus saving some upfront costs. Desktop parts are cheaper than their laptop counterparts and MUCH easier to swap if there is a need to in the future.
2) Buy a name brand you trust. Dell, Lenova, HP, Toshiba and Acer all have well designed and configured products. I prefer Dell just because I've used a lot of their stuff, the website product support is easy to navigate and is very comprehensive, the included hardware diagnostics are good and you can download user, parts and service manuals.
3) The two main cpu processor manufacturers are Intel and AMD. While both work well I prefer Intel because the Intel cpu support chips seem to perform better in audio tests than AMD. I would look for i3, i5 or i7 cpu chips. The higher the number, the more powerful the Intel cpu.
4) Buy as much ram as you can afford with 8 GB as a minimum and 16 GB or higher desirable.
5) Buy as large of a primary storage drive as you can afford.
6) If you must choose between cpu, amount of ram or storage drive size I'd want more ram first, upgraded cpu second and storage third.
6) Finally, The two main versions of Microsoft Windows are Home and Pro. Get Pro because Pro has more configuring options you may need later on since you're working with audio.
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If you're looking for a laptop, consider a USB to audio output device to drive external speakers, rather than the 3.5mm plug on the laptop. The USB connection will be much more reliable.
The speakers in laptops leave a lot to be desired, and you'll need an external sound system. (You may have this already.)
Definitely go for Intel chipset, and my recommendation is i5 as a minimum (i7 preferred)
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
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Definitely agree with VideoTrack on the Intel chips and the i5 or i7 recommendations. Have helped several others set up DAW audio systems, those that went with i3's were sadly disappointed early on due to speed and processing capabilities.
Jeff
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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And I agree with VideoTrack on the USB to audio interface.
The USB connection is more reliable and the bandwidth is probably wider (depending on the computer) so the fidelity would be better.
Choose the outboard amp and speakers well. There are a number of near field powered monitors that should do the job nicely. Of course the better they sound, the more they generally cost, but choose your point of diminishing returns.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Thanks for the tips!
I'm wondering if a gaming laptop would be the way to go, since it is more powerful.
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A gaming laptop will have better graphics, and possibly sound, and probably more RAM.
Definitely you want to be checking processor (i5 and preferably i7), RAM (8Gb and preferably more, like 12 or 16), and disk drive capacity (like 1Tb plus). Check screen size that it is large enough for your viewing purposes.
Other things to check are the number of USB ports (and that USB-3 is included).
Touch screen might be a nice-to-have.
Does it have Bluetooth, wireless etc? (nearly everything now does).
What operating system is included? Windows Home(basic) or Windows Professional(more features).
Whatever you get now needs to last for hopefully a long time, so don't marginalize your purchase. Newer software features will come along to use up at least some of your spare resources.
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
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I'm wondering if a gaming laptop would be the way to go, since it is more powerful. No need to have powerful gaming PCs -> BiaB runs swiftly even on somewhat dated PCs. I have BiaB running smoothly here on an i5 8GB Surface Pro with an affordable 400GB SD card. It's a perfect combination. You may even put the tablet easily on some music stand.
Martin
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PG Music Staff
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Most laptops that are new out on the market that have these minimum requirements are going to be able to run Band-in-a-Box (keep in mind these are the bare minimums): https://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.requirements.htmAs far as my own personal opinion goes, if you want a smoother performance, I'd personally recommend a minimum of 6-8GB of RAM, and I've had nothing but good experiences with an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor. The latest i7 chips offer up to six cores and 12 threads, making them better suited for advanced multitasking.
Cheers,
Ember
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The only laptop I'll buy is a ThinkPad. They are almost bulletproof. I'm still using a 2002 model on stage.
I can't give you details, but I always go for the biggest HD and the most RAM they offer. These are the kinds of things you can't have too much of.
Insights and incites by Notes Lots of good tips here, but I'll add a +1 for Lenovo ThinkPads. I'm on my second one now (a P17) and love it. An additional point to consider. Expansion I/O ports. Get as many as you can afford. If possible, select a laptop like my P17 that offers an I/O expansion. Mine connects via Thunderbolt3 and includes USB, HDMI and other kinds of ports. In the music world, ports are gold. Audio interface. MIDI keyboard controller. External SSDs. MIDI foot controller (like the Behringer FCB1010). My specific suggestions: 1) the fastest CPU you can afford, 2) at least 16 GB for RAM and 3) an external SSD for BiaB and other instruments and samples. With an external SSD, you can get away with a 500 MB internal SSD. On my P17, I have a 1 TB internal drive and 3 external SSDs: one 2 TB Thunderbolt3 SSD for BiaB and other VSTi instruments and their samples, and two USB3.2 2 TB drives, one for work files and one for backups. A basic laptop with a 500 MB internal SSD and one 2 TB external USB 3.2 (make sure the laptop provides USB 3.2 support!) for BiaB would be a great place to start. Or finish. I use Samsung external SSDs. Check out the Samsung T7 USB 3.2 drives. They're about 9x faster than a high speed spinner. A 1 TB T7 is $120 and a 2 TB T7 is $220. Samsung T7 1 TB Samsung T7 2 TB
Last edited by TheMaartian; 03/21/22 09:32 PM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra
Bitwig Studio 6; Studio One Pro 7; Melodyne Studio 5; Acoustica Premium 7
Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
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Perhaps something else to look into: an SSD hard drive. I installed BIAB on one and the difference is like night and day. Just my 2 cents worth.
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Perhaps something else to look into: an SSD hard drive. I installed BIAB on one and the difference is like night and day. Just my 2 cents worth. +1 I think many laptops now come with SSDs by default.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Could not agree more about the SSD. They can even make slow computers fast again.
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
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i'm all in on m2 ssd's both internal and external. love em' on my new mini pc. its like a speed demon running biab/rb/reaper music software. heres a very interesting site with a long list of laptops (and mini pc's) and their tested dpc latencies/reviews. the lower the dpc obviously the better for music production imho. https://www.notebookcheck.net/DPC-Latency-Ranking-Which-laptops-and-Windows-tablets-offer-the-lowest-latency.504376.0.htmlimho anyone anticipating buying a new lappie should assess the chosen lappies dpc. hn year to all. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/11/23 12:58 PM.
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.)
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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.
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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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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