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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477 |
So, I'm working with a Satellite C675 Windows laptop, upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 10. With the stimulus money, I'm considering getting a more dedicated laptop to run BIAB/RealBand, along with Finale, possibly AVS Video software. Currently I've got Band-in-a-Box and RealBand 2019 Full (Windows) on the external drive.
What should I be looking at? Currently have Band-in-a-Box UltraPAK Upgrade with RealBand. I teach, so I'd like to be able to create good-sounding backing tracks for lessons as well as possibly for use in a live duo situation. Currently not using out outboard gear, would like to keep that to a minimum.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2024 (1111)
64 bit application
RealBand 2024 (1)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,169
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,169 |
I needed a new laptop that I use for live shows, I bought an Acer 2 in 1. I thought a tablet might be handy however I never use it in tablet mode. What it does have is a i7 with 8G memory and 512G SSD. I only use this device to play backing tracks plus as my amp using TH3 as the basis for my guitar amp. I connect via a Presonus 24C USB audio interface. I also have a FCB1010 MIDI foot controller hooked up to this to control the amp sim. As well as that Songbook to display my songs and control the show. What I have is overkill but for the little extra it is worth it.
I’m not plugging the Acer but I would say go for more than you need. (You will use it)
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 05/10/20 10:55 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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biab2023(Mac)
Logic Pro X
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
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OP
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Well, I'm thinking of using my stimulus check, so maybe $600-800, with a little left over for peripherals, such as an interface, or maybe some suggested soft synths?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2024 (1111)
64 bit application
RealBand 2024 (1)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 59 |
Used my stimulus payment ($750 AU) to upgrade from a Celeron CPU 64g storage 4 g ram to an Asus Zen Core i5 8 g ram and 256g ssd. Running biab ultrapak from 256gb micro SD card in slot provided.
Real styles with all real tracks now load and ready to play in a couple of seconds. Took up to a minute on previous computer.
This laptop minimum recommended for processing 4k video by my video software supplier.
Garth
Windows 11 i5 Laptop PC, Raspberry Pi4B 8gb running Linux and Windows 11. BB2022 Ultraplus. Sonar. Yamaha DGX 660 piano. Audacity. Irig Keys Controller.
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Posts: 9,326
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The fact of the matter is that practically any decent recent laptop will do a great job for you. Just spend as much as you need but there's no need to buy the latest and the greatest. Unless you're setting up a pro studio, any good off the shelf lappy will do the job just fine.
I actually did a similar thing to what you're considering. When I decided to get back into digital recording after OS upgrades killed my first studio, I bought a nice laptop, an interface, and speakers to get set up right. That was back in the day when even the cheapest laptops were not cheap. BTW, that laptop runs Windows ME and is still totally functional and gets used on occasion. I later built a desktop that I still use as my main DAW daily.
I'd seriously look into getting a nicer USB external musical interface and stop trying to use the built in sound card on the laptop. The realtec cards are not designed to do what we do. Spend a couple hundred dollars on a nice Presonus or Focusrite and do it right. You need a card that runs native ASIO, has a minimum of 2 inputs with low and high impedance jacks, phantom power, and the outputs you need.
Have fun.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Also, if you are serious about getting into softsynths then RAM is an important feature. I would suggest you get 16 gigs of RAM.
But if you are not going to get into softsynths then 8 gigs of RAM is plenty.
A third thing to thing about is near field monitors. A good computer, an audio interface, and near field monitors are a necessity for recording and playing music IMHO.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I always provide the same answer when asked about what computer someone should buy. Buy more than you think you need in processor, memory, storage etc. Buy as much as you can get for what you are willing to spend. Several good ideas already posted about external interfaces etc.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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I agree with etcjoe on processor and ram.
You may consider skipping the touch screen capability. That might add $100 to the price.
I purchased a Dell XPS I use for BIAB when I travel. It has a touch screen.
First thing I did was hook it up to a bigger monitor.
BIAB just begs something larger than a small laptop screen.
The mixed metaphors (touch screen on one/ no touch on the other) were both confusing and annoying.
Turns out I almost never use the touch on the xps.
YMMV.
Anyway, might give you enough extra to buy more RAM or a faster multi-core.
biab2023(Mac)
Logic Pro X
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty.
enter into google the following.
"intel i5/i7 ssd 8/16 gigs ram REFURBISHED".
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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I LOVE REFURBS. but get a warranty. Yes sir, I'm all about those too, more specifically with Dell. I stick with Intel chips too. A weak computer with a weak AMD processor is a bad combo as it gets older and out of spec.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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This is a good time to do the research. We find no shortage of people eager to relieve us of the stimulus check. It's not mad money. I say it is a good time because there are tech suppliers willing to devote more time to pre sales than during the usual hectic pace. Lucky for you, one of the best is not so far away. No, i have no connection. https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxSix applications were mentioned: BiaB, lessons, performance, personal duet recording, and some video, later. Maybe have the following window open when talking to tech support: https://www.microcenter.com/site/stores/cambridge.aspxMy thought is that you have a system designed and build it as budget permits, keeping the big picture in mind. Also, laptops aren't seen so much in live performances lately. One reason is that the environments are so unpredictable. Maybe you can look again at your projected application list. Two last things: 1) you want to talk to someone who is up to date on audio visual compression advances. Thanks to You Tube and Soundcloud, compression and straming are hot topics with big $$ on the line. Not your father's MP3 or MP4. 2) note the increased use of external hard drives, HDD, such as Passport and Seagate. I'm no expert, but check me on this with someone who is, regarding compression and storage. Externals can be slow. Suggesting to mention this to the pre-sales. --------------- Finally, look at what Getac is doing. For what it is worth. https://www.bobjohnson.com/getac-laptops/
Last edited by edshaw; 05/13/20 12:12 PM.
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For my little input on this, after reading some of the above comments ..
RAM is not to be discounted. The more RAM you have, the more efficient your processor can be under heavier loads (although you can go into overkill on this just like you can on any of the parts).
Once a system has to start using the temp hard drive storage (when the RAM gets full), it slows down a lot ..
In my experience a so-so processor with enough RAM will outperform a better processor with less RAM once that temp hard drive storage/swapping starts getting invoked too often due to lack of RAM.
Once the RAM starts needing that hard drive temp file too often things can start bogging down.
On my newest system, W10 running just the OS and a browser to post this, takes up about 4 gig of RAM.
In other words, I think I'd get 16 gig RAM if you can swing it .. 32 may be overkill, but 8 may be limiting in the future.
just my thoughts, take with 2 grains of salt if needed
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477
Journeyman
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477 |
These are all good answers and very helpful. I like the idea of the Asus Zen Core(is that i5 or 15?), although I would maybe consider upind the RAM, a la Rharv's recommendation. Of course, I'm not sure if upping the RAM is possible, but that's another question that I can address offline.
So, I'm thinking about my applications of the software. Currently, I'm doing backing tracks for lessons, and I'm getting good used out of what I have now, on this laptop that I'm typing this on now. I'm using BIAB and Real Band from the external drive presented by PG Music(actually, I backed that up and I'm using the back-up). I'm not having any issue with speed, as I'm not using it live. I'm not using BIAB or Real Band live, just creating sound files of the sequences. I'm considering recording some of my vocals, guitar, and/or bass parts into Real Band for demos in order to hustle band positions and auditions, maybe demos for arrangements in a band situation. I'm working out the kinks of using a Behringer interface to get these things to record in Real Band. I guess the two unknowns, or little knowns, would be what I may want to do for the impending duo situation, and outside of BIAB, I may want to be able to do some video for online lessons and/or band demos. I'm not even sure if it needs to be HD vid. I've been editing video on this machine with AVS software pretty well for lessons and stuff.
I've got a singer who I used to work with, and she now wants to do some duo work. Some of the things she'd like to do would be "Ain't Nobody" by Chaka Kahn, other funk and blues material that we both like. Some of this seems like it's going to be pretty challenging to do with one guitar and two vocalists. Back in the day, we worked together in another keyboardist's sequenced band. I don't have access to that guy any more, and as I'm pretty good with arranging, I'm considering running sequences off of this impending laptop. Is this a good use of my resources, or should I just create the backing tracks in Real Band and save them as soundfiles, playing/singing with the soundfiles live? I know that the original reason to do sequences was to be able to mix the different instruments live for different rooms, and recordings weren't quite as portable. Is it still worth playing live with a sequence, or are recordings the way to go?
That said, would I be looking at soft synths? I'd like to not be filling my house up with external hardware, such as keyboards and hard synths. I'm not a keyboard player, and am more of a step-edit kind of guy(I'm a guitar player).
I throw myself at the mercy of the court. What should I be considering? I like the idea of the Asus coming in between $600-700. Looking at how the world is going with the virus, I don't know that I want to go much more than that, and would prefer less. Or am I trying to spread things too thin?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2024 (1111)
64 bit application
RealBand 2024 (1)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477 |
What does everyone think about the Chromebooks?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2024 (1111)
64 bit application
RealBand 2024 (1)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 738
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 738 |
As far as I know Chromebooks only run Chrome OS.
You probably don't want that.
BIAB won't run on it.
Not sure any DAWS run on it.
I'll bet Chrome runs real well on it.
biab2023(Mac)
Logic Pro X
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 733
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I won one at a raffle.
I played with it for a while. It is somewhere in the house. Not sure where.
...Deb
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
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Posts: 2,732 |
Yeah, it's pretty much just for web browsing.....
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,866
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Hardware-wise, to run BIAB, first get the fastest CPU you can afford.
Next, get enough RAM although it's hard to go wrong here anymore. 8 GB is plenty unless you work with a lit of software synths.
Then get a fast disk, SSD if possible.
Don't worry about graphics capability or speed.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 477 |
What's the difference between the Focusrite and the Behringer UM2? What makes the higher price worth it?
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2024 (1111)
64 bit application
RealBand 2024 (1)
Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
Intel Core i7 4800MQ @ 2.70GHz
Haswell 22nm Technology
16.0GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28)
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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.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
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."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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