Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Not sure if this is the right forum for my question but I'll take a stab.

It has been a long time, perhaps even a decade, since I burned a CD, and at that time I had no problem with it, it was easy as falling out of bed.

But no more.

My wife recorded a Christmas CD (I'll post more about that later elsewhere) and although it's online we wanted to have a single CD to play in the stereo downstairs in the living room.

So far I have destroyed 10 CD discs using four or five different computers running either Windows Media player or an older program like Cakewalk pyro to just try and burn a simple audio CD.

I've done it a million times in the past.

But now it fails every time.

Some of the computers are the same ones that I used beforehand.

I will pull the mp3s into Windows Media player, line them up, it will say preparing CD for burn, I will see it "preparing"all the tracks for burn and then when it gets that far it stops. No specific error message, it just stops. Same thing with Cakewalk pyro on a older computer that used to work like a charm. It gets all the way through the preparation stage and then just stops with no error message.

It does exactly the same thing for my wife on her computer in her office which is running Windows 10 and Windows Media player.

I have maybe five other computers that I've tried it on and that I've used before successfully and they don't work there either.

Nothing about my process has changed.

Does anyone have an idea or can maybe suggest a simple 19.95 software program that we can buy at Best buy that will allow us just to burn one CD without throwing 20 away???

Thanks if you have any tips. I'm stumped.

(P.S., We are using MP3s exported via Audacity at 320 that work fine in every other environment.)

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,625
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,625
This may or may not help ... I've had issues where the CD-writer drive and the CD itself appear not be compatible. The write process would appear to work, but the CD after writing wouldn't play. "Stuff" was definitely written to them, because I could see where the data was, but they would not play. I tried a different CD type and then had 100% success. I can't promise that that will necessarily work for anyone else.


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
.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
David, I use CDBurnerXP with no problems:

https://www.cdburnerxp.se/

It is free. The only time I have had a problem with CDBurnerXP is when I go brain dead and try to burn a CD onto a DVD. Actually it is not a real problem as the program tells me the wrong disk is inserted.

Of course this a assumes that you CD burner is actually working. Maybe it needs cleaning?

FWIW - I also use Audio Converter Plus to change formats:

https://www.abyssmedia.com/audioconverter/


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Thanks guys, we will try these 2 ideas

smile

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 628
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 628
I use Studio One Pro in the Project page to burn my CD's but years ago I have made cd's with windows media player and also Nero burning software.
Burn an audio CD
Open Windows Media Player: ...
In the Player Library, tap or click the Burn tab, tap or click the Burn options button. ...
Insert a blank CD-R disc into your CD burner. ...
If you see the list from your last selection and want to start a new list, tap or click the Clear list button to remove the previous one.

I am not sure if you tried this one or not?


BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,975
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,975
My first reaction, seriously, was that you wanted to ignite it. Glad I read on.

Bud


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
Ideas in no particular order, particularly after reading the clue that it aborts when ready to write the CD:

Clean the CD drive +1. There are cleaning CDs that have a little brush on the surface and you run a short routine when prompted by the auto-play instructions.

Are you by any chance using blank DVD discs instead of Cd?

I never tried to burn MP3s, only WAV files because the CD red book standard is WAV 16-bit, 44.1K sampling.

Ten years is a long for for changes in OS. Did you check for updated or compatible drivers for your CD burner hardware? Updates to the burning software?

Sunspots? Squirrels chewed some cables?


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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,298
I have NO idea if this could be the issue but I had something similar at 2 different points.

One time, the type of disc I was using was a CD-RW. Because of it's re-writability it could only be played using a computer. Does your disc play on your computer?

The other time, somehow the disc was being "burned" as a data cd. Again, could be read by a computer by not your average cd player.

Just throwing it all out there. Hopefully one of us gets it figured out. I never like it when technology gets in the way of the listening experience.

Best of luck David


Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Thanks for the input everyone.

The issued seemed to lie in the issue of .wavs as opposed to mp3s to burn the audio cd.

It has been so long I guess I just forgot.

But I used Windows Media Player again with .wavs and not MP3s as source material and created an audio CD and got no errors and a CD that plays in the old school CD player in the living room.

Who knew!

Thanks for your help!

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
David, actually some of those old CD players would not play MP3s. I have one of them here!


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
David, glad to help. I don’t actually know if you can burn MP3s to an audio CD (you can to a data CD) because 1) I wouldn’t and 2) I assumed the software that assembles the files to burn converts (upsamples) to CD quality.

But assuming you used to burn CDs with MP3 files, then perhaps the current failure lies in one of the upgrades I mentioned.


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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,302
Originally Posted by Matt Finley
David, glad to help. I don’t actually know if you can burn MP3s to an audio CD (you can to a data CD) because 1) I wouldn’t and 2) I assumed the software that assembles the files to burn converts (upsamples) to CD quality.

But assuming you used to burn CDs with MP3 files, then perhaps the current failure lies in one of the upgrades I mentioned.

Matt, yes you can burn MP3s onto a CD. I have done it. The catch is you need a CD player that can read MP3s. I have burned a number of CDs with MP3s as my car CD player can play them. I use them when I am in an area were radio reception is poor, like in the mountains. I refuse to pay for XM radio.


I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
I have not done any other tests guys because I don't want to trash another CD but I *THINK* windows media player won't create the proper audio CD file and extension unless you start with a .wav, and that audio CD file format is what you apparently need if you want to play it on everything.

That is what I surmised after my last search, so I tried it and it worked.

I can't remember what I did 10 years ago but I must have used .wavs.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,456
Right. I think we are all dancing around the same facts, just identifying them differently. A CD burned with MP3 files is either a data CD, which some players can read as music and play, or a CD burned to the red book audio standard where the MP3 files were upsampled to CD quality before burning.


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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Well done. I burnt a few CDs a couple of weeks ago. I used Nero and the express option in it...I had to select AUDIO CD and it converted MP3s to .wav on the fly. I don't normally use MP3s but was making the discs for my mother who's blind at the moment, (cataracts), and the audio books were all MP3 based. It took a few minutes to get my head around the process again...it's used to be THE way of moving music files.
Glad you had success!
Glad the village helped you get there.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,776
Posts796,040
Members39,958
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
jwagner51, thecabinfever, astroashton, hweiffen, NeedyJay
39,957 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 171
Noel96 116
DC Ron 110
rsdean 104
dcuny 97
DrDan 91
Today's Birthdays
bapu
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5