|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973 |
I have seen multiple user posts strongly suggest that new users should invest in a computer sound card or an audio interface versus using the (normally) Realtec (but sometimes Intel or Cirrus) audio solution built-into the computer motherboard.
While that's not bad advice I don't necessarily agree a sound card or audio interface will resolve the posted issue I see in many threads. In particular I don't believe cards or interfaces will resolve any issue where playback or mixing is part of a question.
However, I do agree an audio interface can make recording audio easier and very possibly capture audio better than the built-in solution.
I suggest there are Band-in-a-Box users that do not record but instead exclusively use BiaB for arranging, mixing and/or audio playback.
I would love to better understand how a sound card or audio interface will help users that do not record.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286 |
............................
I would love to better understand how a sound card or audio interface will help users that do not record. If one does not record then one does not need an audio interface. Realtek is fine for just listening regardless of it its a movie, Youtube, TV, Realtracks etc. Having a good set of speakers or near field monitors is another story. Those small computer speakers just don't hack it. YMMV
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
That’s a valuable clarification. You’re right. I just said what you referred to, today in another thread.
The built-in chips are designed to do one thing very well: play back audio. That would include mixing if mixing just means adjust track volumes.
So I would say if you are recording, you should use something better than a built-in RealTec chip running a generic ASIO emulating driver.
I would also say the CPU becomes more important than the sound card when using plugins including effects and software synths. Mixing with effects and virtual instruments can involve severe stress on a computer, but again, purely audio playback is the one thing any computer should handle well because that’s what the vendors are building them for.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
............................
I would love to better understand how a sound card or audio interface will help users that do not record. If one does not record then one does not need an audio interface. … I use an interface for recording only. Although one can use monitor controllers and interfaces for playback on a Mac, they are never necessary for stereo. They can be convenient which is why I use a monitor controller. Having a good set of speakers or near field monitors is another story. Those small computer speakers just don't hack it. Yeah
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
The built-in chips are designed to do one thing very well: play back audio. That would include mixing if mixing just means adjust track volumes. I'm fairly happy listening to built-in audio through headphones. I've had no end of troubles with built-in audio trying to drive anything else, mostly with ground loops and CPU etc. 'twitter', but also because so often the connectors are just plain poor. Mini-jacks, RCAs and the like. Most or all external interfaces offer proper connectors, seem to have the grounding sorted, seem to keep out the noises that so often happens and usually also offer pretty good pre-amps and phantom power. For me, external interfaces seem like money well spent.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I’m ok with RCA jacks, dating back to my audiophile stereo equipment days of the later 60s. But there are many posts on here where I disparage mini-jacks.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
RCAs are "OK", but I personally wouldn't go further than that. I have a pair on my mixer and on each of two speakers that are their primarily for connecting a laptop or a tablet, which are normally fine if not powered, otherwise there's the usual issue of hums and twitters. If I need them, in practice I usually feed into them the output of a Logitech Bluetooth audio module and connect via that.
I'm thinking more of live sound than studio here, so perhaps I'm being a bit harsh. Any board within the PC is potentially exposed to whatever supply and EMI issue there may be inside the box and/or coming out of the box on signal and ground wires. A DI box can often resolve things, but it's another box and another set of cables and connectors, probably another plug-top power supply (as for the Logitech) and so on.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
I agree that can be a problem. I fix it by buying RCA cables that have a little cylinder they wrap around (I’m thinking it is called a toroidal transformer or something like that). Usually takes the hum out. If not, I go after cable runs to make them perpendicular to power cables. Etc. etc.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
I suspect those are ferrite beads. They're usually to filter out EMI/EMC rather than clean up the audio, though they can help protect inputs from RF. They usually look rather like this: clip-on ferrite bead, or are heat-shrunk on.
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Yes, that’s one tool and they work. I thought another way involved a cylinder but it’s possible that is just one of these with a case.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,971 |
I live in an electrically noisy environment in the middle of the Silicon Valley. All of my cables are star-quad from SESCOM via Markertek including TS and RCA. The bottom line on star-quad: If you can hear the noise reduction, you need them. If you can't, you don't. I do and that makes them worth every penny. Sescom Audio Cable Canare Star-Quad 1/4-Inch TS Mono Male to RCA Male
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,624 |
I live in an electrically noisy environment in the middle of the Silicon Valley. All of my cables are star-quad from SESCOM via Markertek including TS and RCA. The bottom line on star-quad: If you can hear the noise reduction, you need them. If you can't, you don't. I do and that makes them worth every penny. Sescom Audio Cable Canare Star-Quad 1/4-Inch TS Mono Male to RCA MaleThough star-quad only deals with RF/magnetic pickup, not electrical noise originating within the, e./g., laptop itself. FWIW, most of the internal noises I personally have had have been when the laptop/tablet has been on charge. If desperate, unplugging the PSU often cleans things up. YMMV. I wish I'd known about star-quad fifty years ago when I lived close to and line of sight of the Crystal Palace TV transmitter in London. I can't now remember how much of TV and FM it transmitted 20MW or so, I think. Mind you, it used to get right into the phono cartridge, so may not have helped that much anyway. 
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
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,750
Posts795,754
Members39,950
| |
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