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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
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What's the difference between the Focusrite and the Behringer UM2? What makes the higher price worth it?
A couple things I notice -The dials on the Focusrite input adjustment have a ring that lights different colors for different level input signal .. kind of a simple (but effective) input meter that the UM2 does not have on the front of it. -192 kHz vs 48 kHz -The Focusrite 2nd input has a Line/Instrument switch (for plugging guitar in directly, or plugging it in via FX/etc (different level of input signals) -IMO a better build quality, especially on the dials. That said the UM2's first input can be Line or XLR .. the basic Focusrite (SOLO) unit appears to be XLR only on that input. So stereo signal connection may be easier to accomplish on UM2. If you were comparing UM2 to the 2i2 (and not the SOLO) then the stereo connection mentioned above does not apply at all. 2i2 link $99 The 2i2 is better in many more ways
Last edited by rharv; 05/29/20 12:27 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 627
Journeyman
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 627 |
Well, I do have stereo outputs on my Line 6 XTLive. Might be cool do do some stereo recording.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2025 (1128)
64 bit application
RealBand 2025 (5)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
Yeah, I don't think I could get by with a single input device.
I would regret that decision.
The 2i2 is a nice unit. I have one for 'in the field' recording use.
Grab it and go type stuff.
I have Behringer preamps and Focusrite preamps.. I wouldn't call the Behringer ones noisy or anything (they work fine), but the Focusrite preamps are cleaner to me. I use them whenever possible.
Another caveat/tradeoff is the Behringer headphone out is louder then the Focusrite headphone out, which simply means I have to turn the headphone dial up more on the Focusrite.
Funny part - my main system sends two of the Focusrite outs to a Behringer headphone amp so I can have multiple sets of headphones. <grin>
I have nothing against either brand, just my opinion on quality.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
Funkifized, going back to your "do I need softsynths" question, are you primarily using RealTracks or MIDI? If Realtracks, then softsynths won't help, but they definitely will if you need better quality sounds from MIDI arrangements.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 627
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 627 |
I'm using Real Tracks, but I would like to write parts that sound decent. Can't get a good guitar groove the way I like it or horn parts that I could chart with what comes with BIAB. Writing my own bassline comes to mind, or arranging unison lines between guitar and bass(or anything, really). Can't arrange tunes by The Meters with no unisons between guitar and bass, or Tower Of Power horn parts with decent sounding unison lines.
Last edited by Funkifized; 06/08/20 08:00 AM.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2025 (1128)
64 bit application
RealBand 2025 (5)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828 |
This thread is nearly five years old. Too much has changed.
While any current Mac or Windows laptop from anyone can run BIAB without breaking a sweat, this is not true for many other types of applications we might run.
Those of us who deal with AV and AI find that only the most powerful computers we can buy will do the job in a reasonable time period. My Mac Studio M2 Ultra renders AV ok—I’m not crunching animation files. A 2 hour video with multiple edits and special effects might take 8–15 minutes to render and perhaps another 10 minutes to export. Considering that my 2010 iMac would take a week to render that same file, this is pretty good and what I’ve come to expect.
Recently, I picked up some fairly sophisticated AI tools. Holy cow! Having done stem splitting in the past, I hadn’t really considered how long that simple task took—should’ve paid attention. I was surprised how much horsepower is required to render some of those files. A 4 minute project I was working on a few days ago in ACE Studio AI took 15 minutes to render and nearly 45 minutes as four tracks. Yikes! I may have to buy the new Mac Pro rumored to ship in a few months just to keep up.
BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,330
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Veteran
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Posts: 20,330 |
Yikes! I may have to buy the new Mac Pro rumored to ship in a few months just to keep up. Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits....
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
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Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697 |
Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits.... Ain't that always the truth! That's why I'm glad BB is "lightweight" so to speak, and will happily run on a decade-old machine.
I work here
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,828 |
Yes, it's the same 'rinse and repeat' scenario. The software pushes the hardware limits, and when the hardware catches up, the software pushes the hardware limits.... Ain't that always the truth! That's why I'm glad BB is "lightweight" so to speak, and will happily run on a decade-old machine. Knowing that one user is still running macOS 10.6, that means any Intel based Mac can run BIAB. Some are 19 years old.
BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697
Product Manager
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Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,697 |
Knowing that one user is still running macOS 10.6 Make that two - though I'm using a 2010 Mac for that
Last edited by Simon - PG Music; 03/12/25 11:30 AM.
I work here
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
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- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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