Is it possible to import mp3 files and can I then eliminate the center vocal track in order to use the file as a backing track.

Yes, and maybe.

Just open the MP3 and it should convert to WAV in RealBand.

RealBand has a "vocal remover" plugin (see page 339 in the PDF user manual, or enter "PG Vocal Remover" in the help system.

How well the vocal gets removed depends upon whether the vocal is truly down the center, and you may still get some artifacts as a result of the removal.

But it's worth a try.

you may have more success and a better backing track by processing the MP3 audio file through the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) which will analyze the track for the time signature, tempo and chord progression. It will populate the chord chart with the chord progression.

With that information, you can make a backing track that will not contain any artifacts from the vocals.

You can process audio through the ACW in either Biab or Realband.

Another method is to locate a quality midi file to obtain the same information. Opening the midi file in Biab will automatically provide the key signature, tempo and chord progression. Choose an appropriate style and generate a backing track in seconds.

Charlie

Thank you for your responses.The plugin worked but it sounded pretty bad. Converted the file through the acw but did not know what to do next. I already have a backing track of my own but I need to record an additional acoustic track to match the recording especially at the beginning. When I imported that BIAB file I get no drums and an access code violation 00406317. Any thoughts?

Not sure what your import issue is. However, if you know the song, you can also use the record click track feature to align the bars, enter the chords manually and add Realtracks and midi instruments that way as well.

Thanks, just got off the chat feature with PG music. I have to render the tracks as individual wave files in order to import them to real band.

If you already have a backing track of your own, what format is it in?
A wav file, an MP3, a BiaB file or ?

If any of the above, you should be able to use File-Open and once imported, select the next blank track, make it an Audio track, and click Record to add an acoustic guitar.

I'm not sure where the vocal remover comes into play here.
Do you need to add a guitar, or replace a vocal(as the original post mentioned)?
If you tried opening a BiaB file and got the above error; which version of RB are you using?
(click Help-About RB to see)

I've used the vocal remover with limited success; you will hear artifacts and certain frequency changes, but you can also improve these a bit 'after-the-fact'. Not ideal, but maybe good enough for the end need.

In my experience, good enough for my daughter to share with friends, but not for a CD..
However, I'm still confused on the need to use it; do you have a BiaB file or an audio file?

/edit
Just saw your response from support; hopefully you find joy and can start having fun again.

Originally I was trying to use an MP3 from Guitar Sensations and was trying to eliminate the guitar track playing the melody. When I tried to remove the guitar I lost everything in the center. I then decided to use the backing track I created in BIAB. I would try to import it into real band but the drum track would not generate. That was the initial issue but I am good now. Thanks for your responses.
Rich

Yep, that's how vocal removers work. They don't pick out the specific instrument, but just remove the content in the center. If a piece is recorded with centered vocals, and all the other elements offset from center, then the vocals get removed (although there are usually some artifacts left that you might could bury in the mix). However, if there are other "center only" instruments, they get removed as well. The software doesn't "hear" what you are hearing and determines what to remove and what not to remove.