|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13 |
Hello everyone,
I'm looking for recommendations on a new Windows 11 laptop specifically for running Band-in-a-Box (BIAB) 2024 on stage for live performances. Stability is crucial, so I'd appreciate advice on reliable hardware.
For specs, I'm considering 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD drive. However, I'm unsure about the CPU requirements. What processor would you recommend for smooth BIAB performance?
Additionally, are there any online resources or guides that can help me set up and optimize my laptop for music performance? I'd like to streamline the system to only activate essential features and services.
Thanks in advance for your input!"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603
Product Manager
|
|
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603 |
I always go with Lenovo Thinkpad laptops and have done for over 20 years now. Rarely any problems, and if something breaks they can generally be repaired rather than thrown out. Others in the forums here will probably back this. Otherwise most "business class" laptops are generally what you want for reliability - examples are HP Elitebook or Dell Latitude.
Processor, I'd go for an Intel i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 at minimum. If you can afford to spend more, go for it, however BB itself won't see a huge benefit unless you're using a lot of plugins. I'd also consider buying as much storage as you can, since the bigger it is the longer it takes to wear out.
Setup - honestly I'm not a Windows guy so I'm not the best to ask, however I use a program called "ShutUp10++" to disable a fair number of background processes - typically these are related to telemetry, so they're unneeded (and undesired) for a work machine.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13 |
Thank you Simon this is very good information!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 26,937
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 26,937 |
I defer to Simon who works at PG Music. I would only comment that BIAB now appears to have a higher reliance on processor power than it did a few years ago, because of the greatly improved speed of handling the RealTracks.
16 GB of RAM will work but 32 would be helpful if you have anything else running. External storage is less expensive now so I would save on that in favor of 1) the better processor and then 2) 32 GB RAM.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404 |
RobSerry. Re a new laptop. (just to add to the very good info in this thread already.) heres a series of buying tips i detailed from my experience helping my own and project studios over the years. Big Note...just because a particular brand works for someone else it might not for you. haveing worked in the computer industry. the reason being...internal components and mother boards and other aspects can change sometimes. also your studio needs might be vastly different than another person eg track and plug in counts and other variables. soooo...your best bet is to get a 30 day return guarantee and run the tests itemised in the link below. notice most importantly the dpc and other tests. purchaseing a pc often is a crapshoot hence the need for tests. heres the link AND GOOD LUCK... https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=795663#Post795663also see my other tips in the pg tips forum re pg products and also the sound interface thread where various pg users contribute. happiness. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/29/25 01:16 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.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603
Product Manager
|
|
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603 |
Thank you Simon this is very good information! Happy to help! I defer to Simon who works at PG Music. I would only comment that BIAB now appears to have a higher reliance on processor power than it did a few years ago, because of the greatly improved speed of handling the RealTracks.
16 GB of RAM will work but 32 would be helpful if you have anything else running. External storage is less expensive now so I would save on that in favor of 1) the better processor and then 2) 32 GB RAM. Provided internal storage can be replaced, yes. If storage is soldered to the motherboard, buy as much as you can afford. Flash storage wears out with repeated writes, and the more you have the longer it will take to wear out as writes are distributed across the available space. If storage can't be replaced, the laptop goes in the bin - though that goes for any other part too... If RAM is soldered to the motherboard, then I'd also buy as much as you can as doing so prevents you from having to upgrade quite so soon. Thankfully popular business machines tend to be upgradable - the Thinkpad T series for the most part. the reason being...internal components and mother boards and other aspects can change sometimes. also your studio needs might be vastly different than another person eg track and plug in counts and other variables.
soooo...your best bet is to get a 30 day return guarantee and run the tests itemised in the link below. notice most importantly the dpc and other tests.
purchaseing a pc often is a crapshoot hence the need for tests. Which is part of the reason to buy business class machines.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,730
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 6,730 |
"For specs, I'm considering 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD drive."
Personally, I would double these targets.
While Simon recommends AMD, I would stay out of the brand unless it's a gaming machine. Your requirements, even doubled, are a very "consumer" machine. In my experience home AMD computers for home use are not as stable as Intel. I agree, Thinkpad is the way to go.
If you are going with Intel, processors are usually represented like this: "i7-12700". Choose the one with the number after i7 that is 9000 or higher.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404 |
re AMD.
i must politely disagree.
over the years ive used both intel and amd...no probs.
there are zillions of users worldwide includeing myself currently useing amd for music production.
my new amd pc boots into win in a few secs...boots into bb in a few secs and track generation in bb is blink of an eye....from a tech to pg coders re track generation speed in bb...WELL DONE PG !!!
im happier than a piglety in a sty...lol.
plus rb 2025 reports i can do over 300 tracks which i would never use of course. and i only paid a few hundred bucks for it...no complaints.
day in/out it runs no probs. done a ton of songs with it as i did with intel before it.
the KEY to the whole issue imho is pc choice and how its configged for music production...which is why i did the tips thread in the pg tips forum.
whether intel or amd these days (i also have intel here) i can do songs on either.
just my opinion and im just trying to be fair to amd as ive never had a prob with them.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 04/30/25 04:56 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.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 26,937
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 26,937 |
...
Provided internal storage can be replaced, yes. If storage is soldered to the motherboard, buy as much as you can afford. ... This is a very good point. If the laptop you buy is like this, I highly recommend 32 GB RAM.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 99 |
Hello,
About 4 years ago I went with an MSI laptop and have used it since with every Band in Box audiophile upgrade since then. The only change I have made to the system is adding a second drive, where I store my real tracks, real drums and saved projects.
I originally bought it at Best Buy on a Black Friday sale, but I notice Costco periodically have it on sale. If you have a Costco membership and/or have one near you, it may be worth exploring.
Here are more details/specs:
https://www.costco.com/msi-raider-ge68-hx-16%22-gaming-laptop---intel-core-i7-14650hx---geforce-rtx-4060%2c-8gb---fhd-1920-x-1080---windows-11.product.4000310392.html
Tom Marvan.
Tom Marvan
Dunbar7376
San Diego, CA
Band in A Box Audiophile 2025
MSI GE66 10SFS 15.6" Laptop (Model GE66048)
Intel Core i7 10th Gen i7-10750H 2.6ghz
32GB DDR4 RAM 2666mhz
8GB GDDR6 NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
1920x1080 Full HD LED
2x1TB NVMe SSD PCI
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,329
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,329 |
I gig mostly one-nighters for a living, and they are notoriously hard on gear. I've been using ThinkPad computers since then. In fact, my 2002 ThinkPad still works, although I recently replaced it for a more modern machine.
They are almost bulletproof, well-built both structurally and electronically. I use one on my desktop, too. As long as they keep their quality up, I have no reason to try another.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 182
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 182 |
I've used BIAB live for instrumental restaurant and private cocktail gigs for years and through these years I've been through at least four business-grade laptops, the last two being Levono. I get about as much RAM as they will hold and I have never had a problem. I run the Audiophile version and upgrade every year (except 2025, at least so far). I run BIAB itself from the laptop's disk and keep the RealTracks/Drums on the PG-provided USB disk, simply velcro'd to the laptop. I doubt I'll need that USB disk with BIAB 2025. I install all BIAB patches as soon as they come out and under the last couple of versions of Windows, BIAB has been rock-solid. Doing a "build" on a song just takes a few seconds. I've done this mostly as solo and duo but occasionally as trio and the guys I play with are UNT pro's. It really can be just that easy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603
Product Manager
|
|
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603 |
In fact, my 2002 ThinkPad still works My 1999 and 2003 ThinkPads both still work, although the 1999 is starting to have an intermittent backlight problem.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,329
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,329 |
In fact, my 2002 ThinkPad still works My 1999 and 2003 ThinkPads both still work, although the 1999 is starting to have an intermittent backlight problem. I had two 2002 ThinkPads, actually they both work, but the rigors of one-nighters made one unusable. The hinge broke in a fall, and it will cost more to fix it than it's work. A couple of years ago, I replaced both my on-stage ThinkPads with new ones, including the 2002 that still works. Since COVID we do a lot of outdoor gigs. Therefore, I gig in a lot of dark places, and I wanted the back-lighted keyboard. I have two ThinkPads up and running at all times on stage. I only need one, but I am a "the show must go on" performer. Since 2002, when I started, I've had to use the second computer twice. The first time, the CMOS battery died, and wouldn't boot, so I moved the USB to Audio interface to the second computer and gigged. Next day I learned how to manually enter a date and boot the computer, plus, spent $5 on a 'coin' battery and fixed the problem. The second one was on the computer that the hinge eventually broke on. After dropping it, mid-gig, I noticed a mechanical noise coming from the hard drive, so I moved the USB over to the other computer and - on with the show. I had the drive replaced the next day. All data is always backed up on more than one flash drive. My new ThinkPads have solid state hard drives, so the bouncing around packing in and packing out up to 6 days a week in the tourist season (less in the summer) shouldn't affect the drive. My first ThinkPad was an IBM running Windows XP. When Lenovo bought the ThinkPads, they kept the quality up, and as long as they keep that up, I see no reason to buy a different brand.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 13 |
Hey guys, thank you all for your great advices!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603
Product Manager
|
|
Product Manager
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,603 |
Hey guys, thank you all for your great advices! Happy to help! My first ThinkPad was an IBM running Windows XP. When Lenovo bought the ThinkPads, they kept the quality up, and as long as they keep that up, I see no reason to buy a different brand. Mine was an IBM 600E running Windows 98. Great machine, and I've had a zillion since - all due to upgrades or just for fun, I don't know if I've ever had one die completely.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 571
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 571 |
I gig often solo, duo, and trio with the Dell XPS laptop. It’s six years old and still running strong. Keeping fingers crossed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,786
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,786 |
I recently bought a Zenbook by Asus - this is a top brand and It comes in at a grand UK. It is both touch and keyboard and has 32gb. It's rugged too. Plenty for the future there. It does everything inc BIAB in a snap.
If you want rock solid, no BIAB "mingnon foibles a la carte", then create MP3 files, you can use a a phone after that or whatever
Z
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,404 |
info for background lurkers.
time and again the biggest problem ive seen over the years is that the biggest mistake people setting up a project studio make is not assessing their needs PRIOR TO buying the pc.
thus they often run into problems...for example trying to do a ton of tracks and resource hogging plugins on some pos underpowered pc.
ALSO...
ive come across people who have spent big money on a pc who say to me...
'but i spent over 2k on this and am haveing problem after problem....
aaaaarrrrggghhh...yet you OM spent a few hundred with no probs..'..
often of course the daw or music app software gets blamed.
the simple fact is the pc has to be very carefully selected....rather than useing any old pc often any pc might need optimising for music production use. ie the demands of music production are very different than say simple apps lots of people run.
a very important point is selecting a pc with low internal microsound latency. some pc's have big internal latency.
my new pc has one of the lowest internal latencies on the market.
for more info see my series of tips in pg tips forum re buying a pc or useing an existing pc for music production.
lots of info from the 'school of hard knocks'....lol.
happiness.
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 05/28/25 04:43 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.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!
Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.
Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
Update to RealBand® 2025 Build 5 Windows Today!
Already using RealBand® 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 5 now from our Support Page to ensure you have the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Get the latest update today!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.
Check out the forum post for more information.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,060
Posts774,205
Members39,538
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean