|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Recently I've been practicing how to use loops. I called my exercise ++ "Fun With Loops" ++ . ++ HERE ++ is the isolated acoustic guitar track created using loops. (link no longer valid)Once I created the guitar track, I used Audio Chord Wizard to figure out what I had done then found a style that matched. The project summary is below: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Loops ACW Test File:Loops ACW Test 04.SGU Style is _CAIRPGS.STY Key=G , Tempo 85, Length (m:s)=1:19 No intro. 24 bar chorus from bar 1 to bar 24. Repeat chorus x1 Song is saved with bar changes for Tempo, MIDI SuperTracks in style: 2056:Piano, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085 Piano Custom Synth is H-Q 001 01 Piano, Acoustic, Grand SampleTank.tgs MIDI SuperTracks in style: 2058:Strings, Rhythm CelticAir Ev 085 Strings Custom Synth is Hi-Q 049 01 Strings, Ensemble, Chamber SampleTank.tgs RealDrums CountryPopEv 16^03-SSCldHt, Snr Rd RealTracks RT626 Harmonica, Background RealTracks RT1759 Bass, Electric, Pop 16ths Acoustic Guitar: Acidized loops from FreeCountryloops.com 2014 Band-in-a-Box 2014 RealBand Cakewalk Music Creator 6 *******************
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 09/26/17 01:59 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
Hi Jim, yeah, working with loops can be fun specially with good quality ones, which these ones are, however, I think (IMHO)that the guitar loop gets lost a bit in the mix. The harmonica overpowers it and you can't hear the guitar very well. Maybe bring the harmonica more to the background which is where is supposed to be anyway. At least that's how I hear it at my end. Other than that, nice tune.
Mike B.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,921 |
Jim,
Interesting. You did not say where you did the original guitar loop processing. My guess is not in BIAB? By itself it sounds good. The song is nicely done. I could see Mike's point about the guitar vs. the harp, but I think they are nixed as they should be. Listening closely to the guitar in the mix, it appears from about :25 - :40 the guitar is not quite in sync (the tiniest bit) with the RTs. I could be wrong on that, but I listened a couple of times and felt that each time.
The song would not play for me in Soundcloud - so I appreciate that you included the download capability (the guitar solo track did play there).
floyd
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,865
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,865 |
Good job on the loops and choice of style and real tracks. Everything comes together nicely. A bit reminiscent of listening to Wayne Raney on the Cincinnati AM radio station, WCKY back in the day. Without the static though!!
Nice picture on Soundcloud too.
Charlie
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,132 |
Interesting story on how it all came together. Waaaaay more effort than I'm willing to conjure up  J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052 |
Sweet music! That harmonica is beautiful. Gotta use that sometime! Take care, and Merry Xmas. Greg
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Mike B,
I agree the guitar needs to come up and harmonica recede in the mix. The issue shows up more in the MP3 conversion than the original wav but, if I had done the mix right, conversion shouldn't change anything. Thanks for listening and your comments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Cool and interesting song, Jim! Glad to see that some people are using the loops! That's on my bucket list too... if I can ever build enough momentum to start recording
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Floyd,
Thank you for listening and your comments. The guitar loops were processed using the loop matrix view in Cakewalk's (Sonar) Music Creator 6.
There are a few places where the "band" and guitar timing diverge. I still have a ways to go in learning how to dial-in a tempo map. I thought it interesting that the loops are not so rigid. To me the loose tempo helps maintain that realistic feel.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Charlie,
Thanks for listening. That's a good harmonica RealTrack. While regenerating I came across some great sounding riffs but they didn't fit what I was wanting to hear. Definately will use it again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Janice & Bud, L o v e the Christmas avatar. Happy holidays! Not as much effort into this one. More playing around, more fun, less effort! 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Greg,
Thank for the comments. The harmonica is one of my favorite instruments and that RealTrack is a newly discovered favorite.
Merry Christmas!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Pat,
Glad you checked out my latest effort. I've enjoyed hearing your collaborations and am looking forward to hearing your singular work.
Loops offer an entirely different perspective for discovering music. I was excited to complete a composition using some.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 4,067 |
Hi Jim,
This sounds really nice, but must have been quite some work though.
We will definitely check out FreeCountryLoops.com
Rob and Anne-Marie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Rob and Anne-Marie,
Thanks for listening. My efforts pale in comparison to your songs and video productions. I am still in the beginning stage where much is still hit or miss.
Every so often I will actually create something similar to what I envisioned or that pleases me. When that happens, it's magical.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,330 |
Very nice song. It is amazing the journey a song can take in its creation. Then end result being a well crafted song.. Well done..
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Hi Scott,
Thanks for listening. I listened to a few of your tracks and enjoy how you let your guitars set the mood. You have a good number of compositions. I like how each seems to follow it's own path. Enjoyable listening.
I can see myself increasingly using loops. They seem to inspire me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 4,335 |
Jim, I also have been working a bit with loops. It is just another great way to use BiaB. The harmonica works well in this. I enjoyed it. Tom
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Thanks for listening Tom!
Though they've been available for use in BiaB & RB for years I had not found any loop content I really wanted to try. I finally found some and was pleasently surprised at the ease of use.
After putting everything together, my interest switched from the looped guitar track to the harmonica RealTracks. That harmonica RealTracks still has a bunch of sweet sounds waiting to be used.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,579
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,579 |
Hi Jim, That was a terrific listen! You've got my round of applause I have no experience with loops and you've inspired me to start being a bit more adventurous with my music. Thank you for that! In one of your above posts, I read that compression is affecting your volume balances. That got me curious. Did you upload a compressed file to Soundcloud or the WAV? I always upload a WAV file and then let Soundcloud do the compressing. Hope you have a great 2015! Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,191
Posts801,762
Members40,063
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean