Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
B
Bawb Offline OP
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
B
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 294
So when I'm saving my projects, the drop down menu gives me an option to save for MP3 but when I chose "save as MP3" I get an error message that the codecs are not available. Is there something that I haven't installed or installed improperly?

Thanks

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,102
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,102
I've had the same problem.

I save as a WAV and then use CDex or Audacity to change to an mp3. One note; if using CDex, choose version 5 or earlier. CDex 5 is open source, I read that later versions are adware supported. (Since I read that on the 'net, it might not be true.)

CDex gives me a lot of options for saving, VBR settings, different quality settings, and IMO makes the best sounding mp3s of all the apps I've tried.

Insights and incites by Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com

100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
Beginners Forum
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 734
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 734
Freeware MP3 program called LAME.

...Deb

Beginners Forum
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 461
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 461
Originally Posted By: Bawb
So when I'm saving my projects, the drop down menu gives me an option to save for MP3 but when I chose "save as MP3" I get an error message that the codecs are not available. Is there something that I haven't installed or installed improperly?

Thanks

I am not sure why the codec would not be included because the patent on mp3 expired sometime back. About any DAW should have it. Have you tried in RB?


BIAB 2024 Ultrapack- Studio One Pro 6.5 Windows 10

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
RB doesn't include it natively either.
For some reason PGMusic has not included an MP3 codec so far.
I'd have thought it would be included by now myself.


Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Beginners Forum
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,130
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,130
May 20, 2019 I asked in the forum and by email to PG Music Support where Band-in-a-Box looks for a MP3 codec.

I've never seen or received a response so once again:
Quote:
Hello PG Music,

What storage location does Band-in-a-Box and RealBand look at and expect to find a MP3 codec to use during a song file export process?

MP3 codecs are fairly common files to find on the internet since the patent has expired so many users have, or can find a codec, for Band-in-a-Box or RealBand to use. However, I'm unable to find any guidance regarding where the codec should be stored.

Every now and then a user reports receiving an error message stating the MP3 codec is missing.


Jim Fogle - 2024 BiaB (1111) RB (5) Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
I have built a newer system recently so I had to reinstall lots of stuff.
I installed the LAME ACM codec tonight, which makes it available to Windows (at least W10 recognizes it).
Reaper can use it fine.
Tried the same render in RB.
RB shows the option as available but fails with a 'Cannot get Stream size' error.

Wish I could offer more.
Not sure why, even when available to the OS and other apps, RB fails at using it.
confused

image 1 - Codec available in W10
image 2 - Reaper using it
image 3 - Resulting successful MP3 file in Realband folder using Reaper
image 4 - LAME available in RB as a compressed format option
image 5 - End result error in RB when trying to use the LAME codec

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
WindowsCodecLameW10.jpg (59.95 KB, 109 downloads)
LameRenderReaper.jpg (100.58 KB, 110 downloads)
ReaperLAME_render.jpg (34.22 KB, 109 downloads)
LameW10.jpg (42 KB, 103 downloads)
RB_LAME_Error.jpg (31.11 KB, 105 downloads)

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Same problem here. Why is this such a problem?


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
I'm not sure why it stopped working.
It worked on my earlier W7 machine, but doesn't seem to want to work now.
I'm trying to get this item far enough up the flagpole to get some attention from support soon.


Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
HI ALL

There seems to be some confusion on terminology used here.
I have always understood a CODEC to be a DECODER for playback, of a format eg Mp3. hence the DEC in the name.
To create an MP3 file you need a MP3 ENCODER like lame.

The only clue i can find about location of these files is in this help screen.
i note PG refer to it as a codec? it seems to use the windows installed setting.

Mike


Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
codec.jpg (259.19 KB, 54 downloads)
Last edited by Mike Head; 01/22/20 05:16 AM. Reason: extra info

BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro
Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth
Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt

http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Ok, encoder. So how do you install them in Windows 10, 64 bit?


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Easiest path recently (that I recall) has been to install the K-Lite basic codec.

I haven't tried that on this system yet, rather new .. I installed the LAME MP3 codec and I found RB has an issue using it right now, and suspect BiaB simply isn't using it.

As far as K-Lite; if you go that route, be sure to download from a reputable site.
.. Then scan the download.

Codec installers (because they install to the OS) are favorite targets for malware and such.
I know it's common sense but felt compelled to mention.


And regarding CODEC, the first hit on Google (Britannica.com) -
"Codec, abbreviation of coder-decoder or compression-decompression, a standard used for compressing and decompressing digital media, especially audio and video, which have traditionally consumed significant bandwidth."

Codecs both Encode & Decode. The acronym just uses COde-DECode and also works for COmpression-DECompression.

Last edited by rharv; 01/22/20 01:58 PM.

Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Beginners Forum
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 148
Rharv:

When you get K-Lite, how do you install it?

Thanks.

Michael


AMD Ryzen 9 3900X 12 Core Processor. 3.79 GHZ; RAM = 32.00 GB; 64 Bit Operating System; Windows 10; Focusrite 8i18 External Card; Real Band; Band in a Box; Coyote Forte Wave Table; Oxygen 49 MIDI Controller
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,636
From memory, you end up with an executable install file (.exe) .. double clicking installs it.

You may have to reboot once afterwards so the new codecs get loaded by Windows.
Installing it should be a familiar windows install routine, again from memory.

/if you find joy, by all means let us know


Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!

The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!

Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.

This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245

The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option

Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!

Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!

For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.

Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.

Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!

Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.

Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!

Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!

With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!

Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!

If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.

A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."

"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."

"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,633
Posts735,248
Members38,521
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
SYOTR, Bpnsrinu, DanyLevy, vasilich, maxrob61
38,520 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 181
DC Ron 100
dcuny 86
DrDan 73
Today's Birthdays
Bernard Rasson, John Temmerman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5