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Yes, I understand that your case is different. I use the external USB-3 Hd and the renders are very fast. I guess on an internal SSD it should be instantaneous.
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Yes, I understand that your case is different. I use the external USB-3 Hd and the renders are very fast. I guess on an internal SSD it should be instantaneous. Close to it. And my guess PGM is doing this in part, so most people can have Audiophile on internal drive. Especially that should be easy with desktop systems, as customers can just add SSD that is shipped by PGM (not a spinner) to their system. Not sure if this will void warranty from PGM, but if I had a desktop, this is exactly what I would do. So here is another reason for you 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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"Why stop using what works well" Lets see here... My internal storage is maxed at 4tb (expencive) nvme. Previous installation 2+TB vs New Flac >1TB. A good enough reason? Again, we know here that there are only special cases, your config, my config, his config..... Everyone is right, no problem. I also received a half-empty 4TB disk last year, and I plan to fill it with 2025 without investing in an overpriced NVME. The speeds noted in the BIAB context are not worth the investment, imho.
Biab Audiophile 2026 12.17 Win
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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"The speeds noted in the BIAB context are not worth the investment, imho."
That depends on your usage. If I can save a few hours a year on "speeds", considering generations, partial regenerations, auditions... That alone would worth switching to ssd -all flac version..for me.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi All, If you have RT,s and RD,s folders with Wav,Wma and Flac files which one does BIAB play.
Cheers Barry
BIAB 2024 Audiophile Version Acer I7 16gb Ram 1Tb SSD.Cubase 13 Pro Reaper 7.54 Numerous Waves Plugins.Spectral Layers
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi All, If you have RT,s and RD,s folders with Wav,Wma and Flac files which one does BIAB play. It's an excellent question and I don't think we know the actual answer at this stage. Previously when WAV and WMA both existed, WAV was used. But we are still endeavoring to find out where FLAC sits in the mix.
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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Biab Audiophile 2026 12.17 Win
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Great. Is that from a PG Music announcement?
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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Ask them, they will tell you ;-)
Biab Audiophile 2026 12.17 Win
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This surprises me. I would have thought 1 and 2 would be reversed.
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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I think you are right Matt so let's say 1 WAV 2 FLAC 3 WMA. But if in the future we only have FLAC then ...????
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Biab Audiophile 2026 12.17 Win
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MP.
i like your thinking. add in track recording in flac like i can do in another music app and i would be a happy lad. ive done hundreds and hundreds of vocal tracks in flac. noones complained yet.
merry xmas.
om
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I think you are right Matt so let's say 1 WAV 2 FLAC 3 WMA. But if in the future we only have FLAC then ...???? Well, it would be fairly obvious that it would only use FLAC, surely? We really want to see a definitive statement from PGM on the selection order. PGM? Can you answer this?
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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If we only have Flac, then, no difference that matters?
As I understand it, WMA files must be read then decompressed then processed by BIAB. Flac files must be read then decoded then processed. WAV files are just read and processed. That explains why I think the priority you were given is not correct. Think of it this way: if all three file types exist for a particular RealTrack, and Flac is chosen first, then why not delete the larger WAV files when Flac files are installed, since the WAV files would never get read?
I have asked specifically about all this. Among other info, PG Music stated that the time to decode Flac files will be insignificant.
I would love to read a more complete explanation of this topic. I was trying to gather info so I could write something to append to the article I wrote in the Tips and Tricks Forum about the audiophile version. Right now, I’m just not sure what to write.
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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As I understand it, WMA files must be read then decompressed then processed by BIAB. Flac files must be read then decoded then processed. WAV files are just read and processed. That explains why I think the priority you were given is not correct. As I understand FLAC, to create a FLAC file the source is compressed using psychoacoustic methods, then decompreseed and a difference correction track is produced from the differences, which correction will be applied when the FLAC is expanded. So on pure processing time from file to usable data, WAV would be quickest, then probably WMA, then FLAC. However that does not take into account the time taken to read the data from the media. With spinning-rust hard drives, that time is likely significant. I suspect with SSDs, rather less so, or possibly not at all.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi Gordon. I agree with most of that. My unscientific experience with Flac makes me suspect that decoding Flac is faster than uncompressing WMA.
However, PG music chose the highest compression setting for Flac to shrink the files, so decoding on our end takes the longest for the choices of Flac.
And you’re right: adding in the read time and considering the type of drive is important. I think I read that the audiophile drive from PG Music is an SSD. You could be correct especially if using a spinner drive; reading the smaller size WMA files on a spinner drive might indeed be faster than reading Flac files (larger than WMA, smaller than WAV).
It’s all a good question.
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Our tests have showed lightning fast decoding of FLAC files, regardless of method use to compress them, with no discernible differences in speed. That means it takes a long time to compress them, but it’s a short time to decompress them regardless. I don’t see any advantage in using low compression settings on FLAC files, assuming you can wait the extra seconds it takes for the one-time process to compress them. And the benefits is much smaller file sizes with identical lossless results.
Have Fun! Peter Gannon PG Music Inc.
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Peter, thanks for chipping in. A question being asked (above and elsewhere) is "if there are three file types on disk: FLAC, WAV & WMA, which one will BIAB choose to use?" I am sure we know that WAV will take precedence over WMA, but where does FLAC sit in order of precedence?
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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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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PG Music Staff
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WAV files take precedence over FLAC if both are present.
Have Fun! Peter Gannon PG Music Inc.
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I would love to read a more complete explanation of this topic. I was trying to gather info so I could write something to append to the article I wrote in the Tips and Tricks Forum about the audiophile version. Right now, I’m just not sure what to write. Matt, If you would, please provide a link to your article in the Tips and Tricks Forum about the audiophile version. I just ordered the 2024 upgrade to 2025 Audiophile Version of BiaB for the 1st time, after all these years. I'm (im)patiently awaiting the SSD ($600+) Thanks again for your generous advice, and help.
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
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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.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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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!
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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!
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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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