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Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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TIP>>>FIRST TIME BUYERS INSTALLING PG BB/RB.
(BB = band in a box and RB = RealBand.).

i thought i might suggest a tip for new pg users installing bb/rb.
BECAUSE...the issue i see cropping up from time to time on these forums being how new users might install pg music apps.
so let me suggest a simple way thats worked for me.

by way of background i used to install pg content internally on a pc and/or externally.
HOWEVER given how ultra cheap and blazing fast m.2 ssd storage is as well as the fact usb busses have become so very very fast i dont do that anymore.
(note even faster usb busses are on the horizon with absolutely insane bus sppeds.)
maybe for whatever reason, some users will wanna do it differently but heres my simple way which works an absolute charm for me.
for example bb or rb boot up very fast plus bb track generation is 'blink of an eye'. just in case some people might not feel that current usb tech is up to the job.
(NOTE...i run a middle of the road ryzen based pc with ultra ultra low internal (DPC) microsecond latency. ...cost only a few hundred bucks.)

heres what i do in keeping things simple.

1..when i receive say an ultrapak i immediately copy it to an ultra fast m.2 ssd in an enclosure lets call it 'pgupak'.
the ssd plus enclosure is about 40 bucks.
2..i then store away the original pg media.
(for people who download only just do a build your own m.2.)
3..i then attach the enclosure ('pgupak') usb port to the fastest pc usb port DIRECTLY.
4..then i set up my pg desktop links to the bb and rb apps.
and away i go doing songs.
5..a note before i start a song i set up a new folder for it.
so lets say the song is called 'i love my granny' then the folder will be named I+LOVE+MY+GRANNY+(date work commenced on the song.)
and further ALL files and track and song/project saves will go into the folder...
eg I+LOVE+MY+GRANNY+MAY2925

ie this way my c drive doesnt get all chonked up.

anyhoo thats what i do.
works a charm. its simple and easy to update too.
so if say there is a bb or update or new version i just point the pg installer to the m.2 ssd and away i go.

as a new user try the above and see if it floats your boat.
the main reason i like the 'all content on one drive' method is 'portability'.
ie everything is on one baby m.2 ssd drive.

just an idea and hope this helps someone.

om

Last edited by justanoldmuso; 05/29/25 12:34 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.)
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Many thanks - that's helpful - but what is "m.2"

Charob

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m.2 is storage...

https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/glossary-m2-definition,5887.html
see net for more info...
\
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.)
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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Many thanks. I'll check it out.

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M.2 drives are SSD but the internal connection to the motherboard makes them much faster than a USB-based SSD.


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.
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
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my reply.

all i can do is detail my own experiences...

1..for me it just works and is now proven for me as mentioned as an option by pg.
2..i'm also not cluttering up my C or other drive.
3..if i were genning from the pg drive over usb a ton of tracks different kettle of fish imho.
4..now latest usb transfer speeds are so insane fast compared to years ago. and usb 4 even faster.

caveat...of course depending on pc ymmv...particular a very old clunky pc.
but i suggest people at least try the option and see if it works for them.
works for me day in/out.

happiness.

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 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.

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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.

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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
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
  • Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
  • Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

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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.

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Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

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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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