|
|
|
|
#542059 - 06/20/19 05:34 PM
[RealBand]
Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
I asked this question twice in another thread but didn't get an answer from anyone, so I decided to ask this question as a new post in this forum. My question is as follows:
Why doesn't RB multitask when it is generating multiple tracks for a song? If I select a Style with four instruments (elec. guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and drums), why doesn't RB assign the generation of the track for each instrument to a different core of my PC's Quad core processor? This would speed up the track generation process by a factor of four and make RB much more appealing and productive.
If I were to ask Format Factory to convert four .WAV files to four .MP3 files, it will convert all four of those files at the same time. RB should be able to do the same thing, shouldn't it? Or is there some underlying reason why it can't? After all, my understanding is that RB was first released in 2008, which is around the same year that my Quad Core PC was built. Plus, multitasking has been part of the Windows OS for much longer than that.
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542264 - 06/21/19 04:42 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 19368
Loc: Marysville, Mi. USA
Veteran
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 19368
Loc: Marysville, Mi. USA
|
RB is really PT (Powertracks) at its core.
It is basically PT with BiaB features added.
And PT has been around since the 90's .. still 32 bit and with its caveats.
Some of us have been asking/pining/whining/wishing for a 64 bit RB/PT update with these type of features for a while now.
So far no luck.
/I don't think multitask was the right term, but I get what you mean
_________________________
Make your sound your own!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542266 - 06/21/19 05:08 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: rharv]
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
Thanks, rharv, for replying to my post and for sharing that info. Considering RB's indirect 90s origins, it makes sense now to me why it doesn't multitask. But it sure would be nice if it did anyway!! Thanks again!
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542269 - 06/21/19 05:58 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 19368
Loc: Marysville, Mi. USA
Veteran
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 19368
Loc: Marysville, Mi. USA
|
In this thread you keep saying multitask when I think you mean more like multithread .. which you used in other posts But I think I get what you mean 
_________________________
Make your sound your own!
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542274 - 06/21/19 06:51 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: rharv]
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
You are correct, rharv! I do mean multi-threading. Thanks for pointing that out. It's been over fifteen years since I left the research/engineering environment I use to work in where such terms were commonly used, so my memory of the differences between multi-threading and multitasking is a bit foggy. The following points clarify their differences: Key Differences Between Multitasking and Multithreading in OS 1. The basic difference between multitasking and multithreading is that in multitasking, the system allows executing multiple programs and tasks at the same time, whereas, in multithreading, the system executes multiple threads of the same or different processes at the same time. 2. In multitasking CPU has to switch between multiple programs so that it appears that multiple programs are running simultaneously. On other hands, in multithreading CPU has to switch between multiple threads to make it appear that all threads are running simultaneously. 3. Multitasking allocates separate memory and resources for each process/program whereas, in multithreading threads belonging to the same process shares the same memory and resources as that of the process. (From the following website: https://www.quora.com/What-is-difference-between-multithreading-and-multitasking)
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542395 - 06/22/19 02:58 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
Veteran
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
|
Some developers call the feature core load balancing or core scaling. There is some discussion among developers if it is a feature better handled by individual programs, the computer operating system or by hardware (cpu and supporting chipset).
Beside considering the aging 32 bit infrastructure RealBand uses, an argument can be made that a single thread program like RealBand is more resource tolerant than a multi thread program. While many computers use multi core cpus Intel continues to make, sell and ship single core Pentium and Atom cpus.
_________________________
Jim Fogle 2019 BiaB (632) UltraPlusPak RB 2019 (Build 4) Cakewalk by Bandlab - Audacity - Zoom MRS-8 recorder i3 laptop, 64bit Win 7, 8 GB ram, 480GB SSD Music at: http://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542506 - 06/23/19 11:33 AM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: Jim Fogle]
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
Some developers call the feature core load balancing or core scaling. There is some discussion among developers if it is a feature better handled by individual programs, the computer operating system or by hardware (cpu and supporting chipset).
Beside considering the aging 32 bit infrastructure RealBand uses, an argument can be made that a single thread program like RealBand is more resource tolerant than a multi thread program. I think that's a valid argument, Jim, and may explain why RB doesn't multi-thread. To me, it would be worse for RB to be forced to start accessing the HD for one or more of the tracks it is generating in a multi-threaded scenario then for RB to just plow through them one at a time without accessing the HD. Of course, this wouldn't be a problem if the main drive in the computer is an SSD rather than an HD.
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542519 - 06/23/19 01:02 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
Veteran
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
|
One approach I believe Pipeline suggested in other threads is to load RealTracks into computer ram whenever a RealTrack title is first loaded into an empty track. Ram is typically faster and more accessible than a storage drive. Some people worry about how much ram would be used but it is surprising how efficient RealBand is with memory. What size is your song project SEQ file? How long in time and how many tracks does it contain?
RealTracks are stored as compressed files (either wma or mp4a I think) unless you have the Audiophile edition. To save regeneration time some users have converted all their compressed files to uncompressed files (wav or aif)to eliminate conversion and reduce load times. Both Band-in-a-Box and RealBand will load an uncompressed file whenever both compressed and uncompressed choices are available.
I realize this expectation is unrealistic from a marketing and sales viewpoint but I would LOVE IT if PG Music suspended adding new features for a year and just concentrated on fixing known deficiencies to make their products more reliable and stable. Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, the plugin and the associated content are amazing products but there are A LOT of loose ends.
_________________________
Jim Fogle 2019 BiaB (632) UltraPlusPak RB 2019 (Build 4) Cakewalk by Bandlab - Audacity - Zoom MRS-8 recorder i3 laptop, 64bit Win 7, 8 GB ram, 480GB SSD Music at: http://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542554 - 06/23/19 10:16 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: Jim Fogle]
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
Those are great suggestions, Jim. I'll have to keep them in mind.
I remember reading a post a while back (I can't remember which forum it was in) that also expressed the same desire for PG Music to suspend adding new features for a year and just concentrate on fixing known deficiencies. It may have been your post, but I'm not sure. I would love to see PG Music do this, too, but you're probably right about it being an unrealistic expectation. Maybe they would consider doing this if users would start referring to all those deficiency fixes as desirable features and mentioned them as such in the wish list forums. Just a thought . . .
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542610 - 06/24/19 12:18 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: Jim Fogle]
|
|
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
Apprentice
Registered: 04/17/18
Posts: 208
Loc: Albuquerque, NM
|
I realize this expectation is unrealistic from a marketing and sales viewpoint but I would LOVE IT if PG Music suspended adding new features for a year and just concentrated on fixing known deficiencies to make their products more reliable and stable. Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, the plugin and the associated content are amazing products but there are A LOT of loose ends. I have another thought about this. Perhaps a more realistic expectation would be for us to prod PG Music to reduce their "new features" efforts by 50% and to redirect those reduced efforts towards fixing known deficiencies. That would be a win-win situation for both PG Music and its users.
_________________________
BiaB 2019 Win ProPak Build 628, RB 2019 V4, Windows 10 Pro 64-bit (dual boot with Win 7 64-bit), Intel Q9650, 8 GB RAM, 256 & 120 GB HD, Tracktion 6 & 7 (freebies), MuseScore 2.1
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542613 - 06/24/19 12:39 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 08/13/09
Posts: 1725
Loc: Ireland
Expert
Registered: 08/13/09
Posts: 1725
Loc: Ireland
|
I realize this expectation is unrealistic from a marketing and sales viewpoint but I would LOVE IT if PG Music suspended adding new features for a year and just concentrated on fixing known deficiencies to make their products more reliable and stable. Band-in-a-Box, RealBand, the plugin and the associated content are amazing products but there are A LOT of loose ends. I have another thought about this. Perhaps a more realistic expectation would be for us to prod PG Music to reduce their "new features" efforts by 50% and to redirect those reduced efforts towards fixing known deficiencies. That would be a win-win situation for both PG Music and its users. No way, only 25 new features every year instead of 50, we can't have that, I need my 50 new features every year, and so far PG has not let me down.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#542617 - 06/24/19 01:09 PM
[RealBand]
Re: Why doesn't RB multitask when generating tracks?
[Re: muzikluver]
|
|
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
Veteran
Registered: 08/20/11
Posts: 5218
Loc: Winston-Salem, NC USA
|
While some existing users maybe content with existing content and feature set that's not true for all existing users.
New Windows versions are usually released somewhere between the last Thursday in November (American Thanksgiving)and the second week of December. Even though I crave reliability and stability I'm as giddy as everyone else as I discover what's new with each release. It sure seems a lot like early Christmas presents each year.
Most non users have little to no awareness of (1) how good the audio content is and (2) how capable and powerful the programs are. I don't want to say Band-in-a-Box is overlooked because it's not. The problem runs deeper than that. More often than not non users are aware of Band-in-a-Box but choose to ignore it. They tried it back in the day and have NO IDEA how much it's changed.
The release of 64 bit and the plugin are helping overcome the preconceived notions enough for people to give it a try. PG Music having a presence at NAMM and the European music fair helps too.
Unfortunately I believe it will take five years of sustained effort to overcome the negative bias.
_________________________
Jim Fogle 2019 BiaB (632) UltraPlusPak RB 2019 (Build 4) Cakewalk by Bandlab - Audacity - Zoom MRS-8 recorder i3 laptop, 64bit Win 7, 8 GB ram, 480GB SSD Music at: http://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Just Released: Xtra Styles PAK 7 for Band-in-a-Box for Windows!
164 amazing new RealStyles await you in Xtra Styles PAK 7! We've dreamed up some great new arrangements for your songwriting, production, and teaching needs in four volumes: Jazz 7, Country 7, Rock/Pop 7, and Americana 2.
Get all 164 new RealStyles in the All Xtra Styles PAK 7 for only $29 until September 15, 2019! (Reg. $49)
Specific genre packages are also available for $15 each!
For more information and to listen to demos, click here!
Band-in-a-Box® Features List!
Every version release of Band-in-a-Box® adds loads of new features and enhancements to the program, which we're sure can sometimes get "lost" in your knowledge of the program's capabilities.
Looking to learn about new features with a specific release? It's actually really easy to locate this information!
Learn tips on the new version (2019) by visiting Help | Tip of the Day and placing a check mark next to "Only Show Tips for Version 2019" (you'll also need to select "Show Tips at Startup", if it's not already).
Access the new features list for older versions in the Help Index of the program - from the left-menu, choose Contents | Features and a list of New Features will show - all the way back to Version 7!
#FeatureFriday
#TBT Band-in-a-Box® Goes to NAMM
As we get ready to head to Summer NAMM this year, we're remembering our time their last year - we had so many visitors stop by our booth!
Click here to take a peak!
Special thanks to Mike and all the RealTracks Artists and PG Endorsers who stopped by. Stay tuned for our Booth Visitors and other happenings from Summer NAMM on July 18-20, 2019! If you find yourself at the event, come say "Hi!" to us at booth 234.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows StylePicker Feature - Finding RealTracks & MIDI SuperTracks
Did you know... Within Band-in-a-Box®, quickly find styles that use RealTracks (or MIDI SuperTracks!) in a certain range by pressing the [Other] filter button in the StylePicker window and select "Styles that contain RealTracks or MIDI SuperTracks in a number range".
#WisdomWednesday
Band-in-a-Box® Tip of the Day!
Did you know that Band-in-a-Box® will show you some helpful "Tips" when you start the program? What a great way for new program users to learn all the features of the program! Want to know Tips on just the latest version? This feature can be adjusted to just show the Tips for that too.
Maybe you're a long-time user of the program, and have this feature turned off? To access Tip of the Day (450+ available!), head to Help | Tip of the Day. Your Tip will appear right away - and you'll have the option of reading the Next Tip if you wanted too! Within this window is where you would also choose to "Show Tips at Startup" (if this is unchecked, you won't see them), or "Only Show Tips for Version 2019".
Here's a few Tips the program informed me of the last time I opened Band-in-a-Box®:
In the Piano Roll window, the 'Ghost Note' function allows you to view a single-channel, and see notes on all other channels display in light grey. This is useful when working with multi-channel tracks.
Want a bigger guitar display? Drag the bottom end of the Guitar Window to change its size, or press the SETTINGS button to set a custom size.
The Printout can use left and right MARGINS. This is useful to make printouts for small paper size or 3 hole paper that requires margins.
Edit | Nudge Chords/Melody. Let's say that you have entered a complete song chord progression, and you then realize that all of the chords starting at bar 23 are 1 beat to late. You can use this feature to slide your chords over by 1 beat.
#TipTuesday
Video - Using the Band-in-a-Box® Vocal Wizard
Check out this incredibly thorough video created by Dennis Wilkins, which explains how he uses the Band-in-a-Box® Vocal Wizard! Click here to watch..
YouTube Find - Ballad for a Travelling Lady
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29916 Members
61 Forums
59408 Topics
500988 Posts
Max Online: 2434 @ 11/14/17 12:37 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean