Has anyone come across the issue when trying to play a video or other music file BIAB prevents it from working while it is open. If yes, is it fixable?
Regards,
Rich
Rich, it sounds like you are using ASIO drivers for BiaB. ASIO is a one horse driver, meaning that it will only run one program at a time. If this is the case then you have a couple of options. One close BiaB then open the other program. Two use MME or WAS drivers in BiaB. I use MME drivers in BiaB so I can have BiaB and my DAW, which runs one ASIO drivers, open simultaneously.
Thank you I forgot that bit of information.
If I remember correctly, BIAB had a problem with ASIO for a while. I owned BIAB since 2014 or so and always used it as a backing track 'tool' whilst simultaneously playing guitar through Line 6 software modeller or Reaper with some VST amps.
This all worked great using the Line6 ASIO driver until one day when it stopped working. This was incredibly frustrating. I am not 100% sure if it was a BIAB problem though.
A year later, perhaps with BIAB 2019 it started working again. If you do a Google search, there are actually a few posts from 2018 in relation to ASIO issues.
It all works great now, I still used BIAB in ASIO mode playing my own backing tracks, plus the guitar through Reaper and a Line6 VST modeller.
If it's within your means, I suggest to consider an upgrade. Perhaps install 2021 in trial mode for a few days to find out if the problem still exists...
Just following up from the previous message - because I don't want to give anybody the wrong information...
With BIAB 2021 and Focusrite 4i4 ASIO drivers, I am able to run these 3 applications at the same time and hear the audio through the ASIO driver's output on the Focusrite:
- BIAB
- Reaper recording guitar and playing backing track
- VLC playing a song
There were definitely issues in the past when this stopped working for quite a while.
Bloos66, this is very interesting. Are you saying that you can use the Focusrite ASIO driver only and run multiple audio applications?
I for one am looking into getting a new audio interface. As much as I like the idea of using Focusrite, as many here on the forum do, I was always under the understanding that Focusrite drivers are not true multi-client drivers. Hence, I'm stuck with my MOTU.
So, just for my understanding, are you saying that without using ASIO4All, WMD, WASAPI and just the Focusrite ASIO driver you can run BIAB, your DAW and your VLC all at the same time?
If this is the case, I'll be putting Focusrite back on my wishlist.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
here is a page I found -
https://support.source-elements.com/show/compatible-interfaces-that-provide-audio-drivers-that-share-between-programs-in-windowsI have a Focusrite 4i4 Gen3 USB audio interface, and audio sharing between various application works fine - as per my previous email.
I do this every day, mp3 backings tracks via VLC, or BIAB, then I load Reaper with the Line 6 VST and play guitar.
I more than happy to assist with any tests you'd like me to do. I also run Win10 with the latest patches (both on a PC and laptop). Focusrite via USB C on the laptop, standard USB 3 on the PC.
I like the Focusrite 4i4, no external power required. Prior that I had an 8i6 which gave me more options but it needed external power and was quite heavy.
Cheers, Paul
Hi Paul! This is very interesting. I just kinda fell into my workflow and didn't realize it was uncommon until a few years ago helping out another BIAB user.
In my workflow, I keep BIAB and RB and my DAW (CW by BL) open at all times at the same time. I can switch between the applications moving bits and parts between them and playing those parts in either of the applications. There are times that I play over a few bars in both applications at the same time just to see if there are any differences or to see the changes that I made.
As I mentioned, I just stumbled on this ASIO multi-client capability and assumed that all interfaces could do this. Where I first saw this was helping a fellow BIAB user telling him to open both BIAB and RB at the same time. He was using a Focusrite 2i2. He could open and use BIAB or RB but not at the same time. Perhaps the difference here is that his Focusrite unit was an earlier Gen 1 unit, perhaps that has since changed.
Nonetheless, having a true multi-client driver has become so ingrained in the way that I work, it has become the deciding factor in looking at any audio interface.
I'm not so sure about using VLC as I'm not sure which types of drivers it can use, but if you have a minute could you confirm that you are using the Focusrite ASIO driver only in both BIAB and RB and then open BIAB and RB at the same time. Load up a song in each one and hit "play" in each one. Is each application playing its song?
I know for this little test it will sound crazy...playing two song at the same time. But if it works, it sure opens up possibilities in your workflow that are now firmly ingrained in mine and perhaps yours.
Appreciate your help and insight.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
yes, it definitely works, both BIAB and RB use the Focusrite ASIO driver and the play their songs at the same time with no issues (Focusrite 4i4 Gen3)
Link to Focusrite 4i4 download page:
Focusrite 4i4 Drivers: Here is screenshot of both applications' audio settings:
Image link (please click, I couldn't get it to display):
Audio Settings Regards, Paul
Wow, this is great news Paul! With your confirmation I'm definitely moving Focusrite to the top of my "need to get" list.
Based on what you're saying Focusrite must have changed their ASIO drivers with the Gen 3 upgrade. For me, this makes all the difference in the world!
Something odd about the audio interface drivers image...nothing opens when I log into Google...could be me though.
Just to double check here...you are using a PC and not a Mac right?
Appreciate your help with this,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
yes PC. I tested this on a regular PC (Win 10 latest patches) and a Microsoft Surface 3 laptop (Win10 latest patches). It worked flawlessly.
The first time I tried to test recording a guitar through BIAB to assist with another query on this forum, the ASIO/driver settings all got corrupted. When I did the Focusrite factory reset via their mixing software, it worked perfectly again.
Good luck with your search.
Regards
I just got my hands on a Focusrite 2i2 gen3 today and tried this out myself - using ASIO I was able to play back from BIAB, Realband, and Powertracks simultaneously!
Definitely an excellent unit! I used to have a 2i2 gen1, and the gen3 blows it out of the water.
Hey Simon, thanks for the confirmation! They must have really done some work on the Gen 3 units. Appreciate the feedback.
Jeff