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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 718
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 718 |
I am in the market for a new Windows laptop and am looking for some advice on the ideal specification. I am a little out of touch with Windows computer specs. I have had distortion problems with songs containing the most Realtracks so I want to avoid this particular problem. I am using an external synth and Focusrite.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,063
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Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,063 |
Budget?
Used? New?
Most audio issues I've dealt for many, many years were resolved with 12th gen intel processor, 32g ram and nvme gen4 ssd.
Most of the machines with these specs or above have fast USB ports and usually 2 different USB controllers for those. That is a big plus for external gear in my view.
With this setup I can run BIAB with heavy plugins and simultaneously a DAW with plugins. No audio stuttering.
Mine is Thinkbook by Lenovo. To somewhat futureproof (for Audio!), I would not go below specs mentioned above.
If money permit, look at the current Lenovo Legion series. They are considered "gaming" laptops, but obviously could be used for anything. They are very powerful machines.
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Having said that, I am sure your current laptop, if it was made in the past 5-7 years, has at least 8gb ram and ssd, could very likely be tuned to run BIAB by itself (without heavy weight VSTi) without audio issues.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462 |
The advice I often see here and elsewhere is that, if my other digital audio programs run fine on a particular computer, BIAB should, too. I've written elsewhere that I don't think this advice applies as well now. Two years ago, when the speed of BIAB's regenerating was remarkably shortened, it increased the need for more cores and a faster processor. I have read the minimum requirements and, while they work, you may not be happy with it. You mention distortion and RealTracks so you are aware this can be a challenge. There are settings within BIAB to lessen the load, and threads here with these tips. One is that the more you convert RealTracks to audio, the less stress on your computer.
There is more to it. There is always more. But if you are buying, put your money into this order: CPU, RAM, SSD storage for the RealTracks. Graphics are not important for BIAB (now, at least).
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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Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 71
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 71 |
There is more to it. There is always more. But if you are buying, put your money into this order: CPU, RAM, SSD storage for the RealTracks. Graphics are not important for BIAB (now, at least). Great advice, and if I can add one more suggestion, if comparing a couple of machines that are generally equal in cost and with specs as above, if one has two SSD slots (one used and one empty) and the other has only the one main SSD and no opportunity to expand other than swapping out the main one, I personally would give much consideration to the double SSD capability for future proofing.
Last edited by BluegrassPicker; Yesterday at 03:38 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462 |
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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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 718
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 718 |
Thank you for the input. I am in the market for a new laptop and am prepared to pay.
My existing laptop is an i7-5500 with 8GB of RAM and a 500Gb hard drive.
I am looking at an I7 with 32 GB of RAM and 1TB SSD.
I assume this will do the job, at least that is what Gemini is also telling me!
Things have certainly changed since I first started with BIAB in 2000. I now amaze the residents in our senior's residence with what BIAB can do!
Tony
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,462 |
Ok. An i7 CPU could be more or less powerful over a wide range. Some i3 and i5 chips are faster than some i7 chips so get the fastest you can afford. If you do anything besides BIAB you will probably want an external SSD USB drive for your RealTracks.
Do you have monitors (speakers)?
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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