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It is very easy to succumb to the notion that there might be another DAW software out there that will somehow make your audio creations more bettuh. Song writing DAW myth #1.  Carry on... Agreed. Get one that you like and learn it well. From what little I know about some of the other DAWs on the market, some do, apparently, have features that lend well to certain genres of music better than others.
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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Each gets to make his own choice, as to what they like to use, and why. One of the big issues is "what i use is better because.." you fill in the blanks. In rechargable power tool some like Makita, others Dewalt, still others use Milwaukee, still others Ryobi. I am a Ryobi guy. Why, the tools are initially cheaper to purchase, the batteries half the price, and they work darned well. They have three times the tool selections that work on the same batteries as the other big names. In short they get the work done fast and economically, and keep me on budget. Some of the other tool system have maybe a better drill driver, or a fancier circular saw, but they don't have this or that so i would have to have multiple platforms to get what i need to done, and that would be a pain.
Here is the same issue in DAWs. I have used Sonar, Studio one, Multitrack studios, Cubase, and Reaper. To know them all deeply is a pain, and somewhat confusing. I use RB because it gets the job done fast and economically. Let's take Reaper as an example, not to pick on it, or it's users, but just because it also is Economical.
Reaper is an amazing piece of software. the routing of tracks and busses simply unlimited. but here in lies my problem with it. You can fiddle the day away messing with all the gazillions of options, limitless keystroke options, and bindings, piles of ways to set it up to do tasks with the mouse modifiers, and more. All this is great, but none of it gets any work done in itself. and honestly it gets very confusing after a while to remember which options you setup, and where to find them, exactly what they do. And at the end of the day Reaper may have a pile of cool options/features that RB does not have, but it will never have RTs, RDs, Super Midi tracks, Regeneration capability, heck it does not even have real instruments to use, at least nothing tangible. Once i get to the point where all my instruments are mixed, generated, played, and such i am 90% done. I can't see the reason to drag it over somewhere just for a few more things, when RB will do most of that just as good, and with far less setup and time.
The simple way that RB/PWT handles most of this IMHO saves me from constantly trying to "customize" the process. Rharv /Mac, and a few others here have always maintained that you can get the work done in RB/PWT, and until you tap it out, why change.
Now if you come from another platform, and have years in it like Mario, Guitarhacker, and others great, move it on over. But if you are just settling in on a DAW use the one you have and see if it does not do the same job and maybe with a little less fiddling around and time busting. It will certainly save you money.If you are not an RB user, and just build in BiaB, and then move to your choice DAW, then i completely understand that. That was my process until about two years ago. My reason for changing was that once out of BiaB, if I open it up in Rb I could then add a couple more RTs in key places, and do so much more tweaking to the track bed, it just made sense to do this in RB, and now i have really learned it is a great DAW.
Sure it needs a couple KEY enhancements, but i think it is moving there. I do have many DAW tools in the bag if i need them, but it almost never happens anymore.
Remember these are my opinions, and not rules or condamations, arguments, or anything else. Just my reasons for what i do, as the OP asked.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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My circuitous journey and a long-winded answer.
I got into recording fairly recently, over the past three years or so really. I don't count 'Noteworthy', or recording into the mic of an old Yamaha cassette deck, or my failed attempt at using a Fostex something-or-other in the '90s. Luckily I was able to sell that thing.
I found out about Audacity and did some kitchen table recordings that way. Started learning about modern recording. But, I wanted drums, and a bass, etc. I wanted BIAB, but I was clueless, really, about what was out there. In fact, this past Thanksgiving, before I went for BIAB, I was looking at buying libraries of loops etc.
Anyway, I bought Sonar X1 Studio a couple of years ago, because it wasn't too expensive and it had 'instruments', and I went about getting some basic studio equipment. I have upgraded Sonar as the offers came, now on X3 Producer, and with much help have learned to do what I need. I'm comfortable with it. Not so with Real Band, which I just got this past Christmas.
I knew of Guitarhacker from Sonar forums, his recordings speak for themselves. He was kind enough to explain his method and I copied it. I drag-n-drop Real Tracks from RB to Sonar. I mix and edit in Sonar X3.
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I'll add one comment about Reaper...just because it will do lots of things does not mean you have to fiddle with those things in order to use it. quite the contrary! it was the first DAW I used and I find it to be MUCH easier and more intuitive than RealBand. also less frustrating because when I do want to reach for an advanced feature...it is there!
also, for those who would have you believe beginners should start with a nice smooth rock for hammering nails I say "Hogwash!" get the best hammer you can find or better yet grab one of those nailguns and spend an afternoon learning to use it and you'll have that deck built in no time!
bottom line...try the free DAW demos and decide for yourself!
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.....you can fiddle the day away messing with all the gazillions of options, ........ All this is great, but none of it gets any work done in itself.
There are "gear heads" who love having every single piece of software and gadget on the market and relish the ability to know and understand every aspect of that device or software. As for me, I want a good basic DAW to record my stuff. A DAW that is simple to use and understand and whose process doesn't get in the way of creativity and has an efficient workflow path. Sonar does that for me. I continued to use Sonar since I was a "Cakewalker" from way back and starting to explore RB was basically, learning a new DAW again.... so I simply learned what I needed to do in RB, which is to render the tracks....and have continued to move them to X1. Just as in Band In A Box and real Band, in Sonar, I know what I need to use to do what I need to do to accomplish the goal. I don't need to know or even understand anything in the rest of the program since I don't use it in my normal working process. I have a manual and help files and forum buddies to go to in the event I do need that stuff. BTW: on hand tools.... yeah, I have used Makita, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, and Riobie..... They are a bit different IMHO than DAW software.... put in a battery, be sure fingers are clear, and pull the trigger. I do buy now based on the battery prices. $100 for a battery is a real pain. There is a difference in the quality of the tool, and battery run time, and torque, and that makes a difference to me since I do use them on a daily basis in my job.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/26/14 06:24 AM.
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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The day I bought a battery for the Ford F-150 and the Dewalt screw gun, I learned a lot about battery pricing.
Truck battery was cheaper than the screw gun battery.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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I hear you Johncubed, I am not saying Reaper is bad because it has features, but i am saying that it is confusing at times for beginners. the way you go about setting up a instrument track, and getting separate tracks to route to it are complicated. Once you learn it, then it is fine and very powerful. I think comparing Rb to a rock to hammer a nail is not realistic. It is a very capable DAW, and not just a toy. It may not have Reapers deep routing options, or nearly as many mouse modifiers, but you can record generate, and mix with ease. It has a very good mixer section with busses and such, it has updated automation that is growing better. It has solid effects, and ability to use third party one. and the synth rack is very capable as well.
I am just saying that for the newbie who has just bought BiaB, RB is all they will need for a long time, and they already own it. Why chase other things until they are needed.
Herbie i understand your points well. Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, are a bit stronger than a Ryobi drill or imapct driver, but for me the difference is not enough to purchase. I can get a Ryobi short impact driver for $39 and a 2 set of Ion Lithium batteries for $99 for any of the other brands i would pay $179 for the driver, and $99 each for the batteries. If i drop the Makita from a ladder onto the concrete i am out better part of a days wage at the least if i do the same with my ryobi I am sad but it is not a huge financial setback. Also i can own far more tools for the money, the old back for the buck issue. I have over 40 tools that run from the one plus battery system. In the alarm trade one tool that i always found invaluable was the angle drill for popping in a door magnet in a exterior door, it saved me taking the door off the hinges. Some hallway doors had low ceiling above. The ryobi angle is $39 great value. I have two drill drivers, one hammer drill, one sander, one stapler, a 18 volt tire compressor, jig saw, circular saw, angle drill, light, dust buster type vacuum, and a radio. plus a charger for the car, and one of Ryobi's 6 slot conditioning chargers that keep your batteries up. i own these and 6 batteries all for the cost of one 4 piece set of Makita tools. If the batteries do not last quite as long, it is marginal, and i can have two for every one of the others.
I got this from my brother who is a door hanger/carpenter/lock and weatherstrip guy in South Carolina. He has need for heavy tool use every day, and switched over to ryobi a few years back when he broke a Makita drill driver by dropping it off a balcony he was working on and when to Home Depot to replace. Thought "i will try one of those" for that price. and said the different is not enough to off set the extra expense. Now after several year of experience he is sold. Have the same experience so far. Still what a guy is comfortable with he should use.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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I am just saying that for the newbie who has just bought BiaB, RB is all they will need for a long time, and they already own it. Why chase other things until they are needed. this is what I disagree with. Just because something is included in the box does not mean you should spend the time and effort to learn to use it! If we are talking flyswatters or bottle openers, yeah, just use whatever you find in the drawer. But a DAW takes time to learn and you are not just learning the software but the entire music production process. My preference, for something so important, is to choose carefully and thoughtfully so I do not have to go through the process again later! I stand by my advice that anyone with a need for DAW software would be better served to investigate and review all of the options rather than simply using something that came in the box! Also, your experience that Reaper was confusing is not the same experience I have have had. In fact I have found Reaper to be pretty intuitive and RealBand to be confusing. Like others have said, different strokes for different folks. To be clear I am not suggesting that anyone should choose Reaper or any other DAW. I am suggesting they should not simply settle for a free DAW that came with their BIAB!
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 01/26/14 02:58 PM.
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Trying out the other DAWs requires time too.
It is debatable which is more likely to waste time/effort. I've tried a lot of DAWs, personal preferences play a large part here, along with needs.
I think the point in suggesting "trying" Realband first, is that many users don't know they have such a tool already. Kinda like having an attachment that makes a tool you already own do so much more.
Many users find their ultimate path is to end up in Sonar, Reaper, whatever. But many have also learned that inserting RB into that chain can be quite beneficial. And since RB does a lot of what other DAWs do, you may or may not need the other DAW.
For those who haven't worked in another DAW (and even those who have other DAWs available) if you really learn how to use RB you may be surprised how far it can take you.
This advice isn't aimed at those who already like Reaper, Sonar or whatever, but more at the users who have never even tried RB. If you are comfortable in something else; cool.
Like JJJ said; different strokes for different folks.
But if you haven't tried something you already own, you may be wasting time/money/effort.
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
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After reading through the thread, I thought I should clarify my perspective on BIAB, RB and Reaper because I didn't develop it too far in my original post.
As mentioned, I'm a Reaper user after having been a longtime Sonar/Cakewalk user. Reaper is fantastic for what I do and suits my requirements really well.
The above being said, Realband is a very important part of my workflow process. Realband's strength is that it seamlessly interfaces with BIAB files. This is invaluable for me. My workflow is below ...
What I do in BIAB
1. Create a song
2. Enter melodic notation and note-based lyrics.
3. Try out different styles and settle on one that, in the greater scheme of things, is a good, general fit for what I hear in my head.
4. Run the song through many keys and tempos and find which key and tempo suits the song's mood the best.
5. Adjust the melody to accommodate the new key and to fit my vocal range.
Now I move to Realband
6. Try out many Realtracks - soloist, background and rhythm - and see which suit the song.
7. Use Multiriff to generate multiple instances of the finally selected Realtracks.
8. Take all the dry tracks to Reaper (including all multiple generations from using Multiriff).
In Reaper
9. Add reverb, delay, EQ, etc., and create a balanced background stereo mix.
10. Loop record 8 x vocal tracks back to back. I've found that recording one after the other helps unify the vocal sound.
11. Comp a master vocal track by selecting the best bits from the individual tracks. Tune any out-of-tune notes on the master vocal track using Reatune set to manual mode.
12. Comp any master instrumental tracks from those generated by Multiriff.
13. Isolate pairs of tracks in the master mix and listen for any audio conflicts. Use copy and paste to eliminate any such conflicts.
14. From the Multiriff generated tracks, look for melodic fragments that can be used for fill-ins and for hooks.
15. Save a dry, tuned version of the master vocal track.
Back in Realband
16. Load the saved vocal track into Realband.
17. Use TC Helicon to generate harmonies for the vocal track based on the chords entered in the original BIAB file.
Back in Reaper
18. Add the vocal harmonies generated in Realband to the mix.
19. Trial-and-error playing around until my ears like what they hear.
While I do not use the DAW side of Realband all that much, it's ability to interface with BIAB files is of paramount importance to me. One of the best things I ever did was to take the time to learn how to drive Realband. It took me a couple of weeks but it was time well spent.
Best regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2024
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Noel
Thanks for sharing your workflow in such detail. That is a very useful document!
Cheers
Trevor
BIAB & RB2024 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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What I do in BIAB
1. Create a song
2. Enter melodic notation and note-based lyrics.
3. Try out different styles and settle on one that, in the greater scheme of things, is a good, general fit for what I hear in my head.
4. Run the song through many keys and tempos and find which key and tempo suits the song's mood the best.
5. Adjust the melody to accommodate the new key and to fit my vocal range.
Now I move to Realband
6. Try out many Realtracks - soloist, background and rhythm - and see which suit the song.
7. Use Multiriff to generate multiple instances of the finally selected Realtracks.
8. Take all the dry tracks to Reaper (including all multiple generations from using Multiriff).
In Reaper
9. Add reverb, delay, EQ, etc., and create a balanced background stereo mix.
10. Loop record 8 x vocal tracks back to back. I've found that recording one after the other helps unify the vocal sound.
11. Comp a master vocal track by selecting the best bits from the individual tracks. Tune any out-of-tune notes on the master vocal track using Reatune set to manual mode.
12. Comp any master instrumental tracks from those generated by Multiriff.
13. Isolate pairs of tracks in the master mix and listen for any audio conflicts. Use copy and paste to eliminate any such conflicts.
14. From the Multiriff generated tracks, look for melodic fragments that can be used for fill-ins and for hooks.
15. Save a dry, tuned version of the master vocal track.
Back in Realband
16. Load the saved vocal track into Realband.
17. Use TC Helicon to generate harmonies for the vocal track based on the chords entered in the original BIAB file.
Back in Reaper
18. Add the vocal harmonies generated in Realband to the mix.
19. Trial-and-error playing around until my ears like what they hear.
a pgmusic produced video or series of videos (song creation and production with band in a box and realband part 1-n)documenting noel's workflow but using only biab and realband would be i think be very welcome by novices and veterans alike i do appreciate the current efforts by the pg music staff to publish new youtube videos and letting us know when they are available
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit 16GB RAM\2018 13” MacBook Air casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2023 everything pk both with Current builds
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After reading through the thread, I thought I should clarify my perspective on BIAB, RB and Reaper because I didn't develop it too far in my original post.
As mentioned, I'm a Reaper user after having been a longtime Sonar/Cakewalk user. Reaper is fantastic for what I do and suits my requirements really well.
The above being said, Realband is a very important part of my workflow process. Realband's strength is that it seamlessly interfaces with BIAB files. This is invaluable for me. My workflow is below ...
What I do in BIAB
1. Create a song
2. Enter melodic notation and note-based lyrics.
3. Try out different styles and settle on one that, in the greater scheme of things, is a good, general fit for what I hear in my head.
4. Run the song through many keys and tempos and find which key and tempo suits the song's mood the best.
5. Adjust the melody to accommodate the new key and to fit my vocal range.
Now I move to Realband
6. Try out many Realtracks - soloist, background and rhythm - and see which suit the song.
7. Use Multiriff to generate multiple instances of the finally selected Realtracks.
8. Take all the dry tracks to Reaper (including all multiple generations from using Multiriff).
In Reaper
9. Add reverb, delay, EQ, etc., and create a balanced background stereo mix.
10. Loop record 8 x vocal tracks back to back. I've found that recording one after the other helps unify the vocal sound.
11. Comp a master vocal track by selecting the best bits from the individual tracks. Tune any out-of-tune notes on the master vocal track using Reatune set to manual mode.
12. Comp any master instrumental tracks from those generated by Multiriff.
13. Isolate pairs of tracks in the master mix and listen for any audio conflicts. Use copy and paste to eliminate any such conflicts.
14. From the Multiriff generated tracks, look for melodic fragments that can be used for fill-ins and for hooks.
15. Save a dry, tuned version of the master vocal track.
Back in Realband
16. Load the saved vocal track into Realband.
17. Use TC Helicon to generate harmonies for the vocal track based on the chords entered in the original BIAB file.
Back in Reaper
18. Add the vocal harmonies generated in Realband to the mix.
19. Trial-and-error playing around until my ears like what they hear.
While I do not use the DAW side of Realband all that much, it's ability to interface with BIAB files is of paramount importance to me. One of the best things I ever did was to take the time to learn how to drive Realband. It took me a couple of weeks but it was time well spent.
Best regards,
Noel
Noel, thanks so much for sharing your workflow!! I am very interested in inserting RealBand into my workflow like you have done. For now it sounds a bit overwhelming to me to have so many tracks to pick from!
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My work flow is similar to Noel"s.... with perhaps not so many steps, but the same basic intent.
Band In A Box
1. I compose using my acoustic guitar and BB. Tempo and key are determined early as I work. Style is also determined and set early.
2. I write the lyrics in the quick document window in BB. Print when done if I need it written out.
Real Band
3. I move the project to Real Band. Here I render the tracks from BB as waves and try various other instruments not included in the BB style.
4. I export them to a holding folder for everything related to that song project.
Sonar
5. Import the tracks to X1. Generally there are about 8 to 10 tracks max at this point.
6. Add plugs, envelopes, and edits as needed.
7. Record the "live" tracks of acoustic/electric guitar, piano, vocals.
8. If needed, go back to the project in RB and render more, or simply new tracks and instruments as needed. I delete anything not needed in the song.
9. Once satisfied with the project, I go through and tweeze the tracks and work on the final mix for export.
10. After export, in a 3rd party wave editor (Wavepad) I trim the start & end and normalize the file. Check it for any problems and call it done. Either post it or submit it.
I normally limit the vocal takes to 3 main and 2 harmony if the song calls for it. Most of my vocal takes and live instrument takes are one track/one take. I pick the better one for my main and let it roll. I don't have the time or patience to sort through a bunch of vox tracks to find the best phrasing for a comp track. The other 2 vox tracks, that are not the main, become the layered tracks. I generally don't even bother with ME on them.
If I'm comping a solo, it's generally from the real band tracks and not always even then. Depends greatly on what RB gives me. For example, the solo guitar and piano fills in The Best Christmas are comped from 5 guitar tracks and 3 piano tracks.... that one sticks in my mind as being a whole lot of work and effort to get what I got there. Generally I don't work that hard to get what I get. And really, in Sonar, my DAW, working on the envelopes is really simple and easy, so while the tracks look like a real mess with the envelopes, the task was not that difficult. It's one of the things I like about Sonar. Of course too, I have been working with just that one DAW for many years now so the workflow process, and knowing where everything is and how to get things done makes it a breeze. THAT, if anything, is the one main reason I choose to stick with one DAW and not have a bunch of them hanging around on my computer.
Just upgrading from MC4 to MC5 and then to MC6 and finally X1 ..... all of them within the cakewalk family, proved to be a bit of a learning curve since each one had the same basic functions, but a different GUI. I had to find out where cake had moved things, and get used to that new GUI each time. A few days, to find the functions I used, and I was good. Now if I go back to open MC4, it's a case of "now how do I do this?"..... so I don't often go back to the older DAWs on the computer. I can't imagine having 3 or 4 DAWs from different companies and trying to stay current on them all and be able to work efficiently, although I don't doubt it's possible.... I just don't care to do that.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/27/14 06:46 AM.
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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Reaper user here. I have used studio one and played with Sonar on someone elses system so I don't have a lot of experience with multiple DAWS. I will say this. I have spent alot of money slowly building my humble studio. Reaper cost $60.00 (one of the least costly elements)and does everything I need it to. I won't elaborate on all its feature as that has been documented well by earlier post but it works for me and that's why I use it.
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I have to say that seeing all of this shuttling back and forth between different applications makes my head hurt!
And to the OP's original question - I also use Garageband for iOS on my iPhone 4S. A simply amazing application for $5 and it helps me as a scratchpad for when inspiration hits and I'm not in my 'studio'. I don't know that it's a DAW per se, but neither is BIAB. So we've all kind of expanded your definition of DAW to an overall concept-to-finished-production songwriting/recording/print to digital audio process!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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It is interesting how each person uses the tools they have. I learn something from each post. Really cool read.
I have to admit the jumping back and forth stuff also make my head hurt, not to mention introducing more opportunity for a crash or breakdown. Still sometimes it is the best and right way, due to workflow and familiarity components.
A couple issues mentioned comping vocal takes, and automation, are so important in the process.
It is so subjective but real that each platform has + - in these areas. Really Sonar, and Studio one kicks RBs, and Reapers Bottoms in this area. Reaper kicks all there backsides in the ability to route stuff and make things happen. Funny thing is all of this is possible in RB. You can comp tracks simply by just doing three or four tracks in a row of a vocal take, then use the volume automation to "cut out" the keepers in the herd. Take that and bounce or export to a wave file and your done. Certainly not as fancy as Sonar, and Studio one's comping feature. But it does the same thing in the end. I hope PG does some upgrades as time goes on so RB has a few of these features. Automation is no where as good as the other three mentioned, but it does work.
For me personally the time saved in the fancier DAWs is lost in the time it takes to move back and forth. So for me to jump out to another platform I need to have a reason that is more than that. One for me would be wanting to do some tricky automation, of some very deep audio editing. In studio one the integration to Melodyne is flawless, and seamless. (sonar X-3 as well)
Still there is true merit to some of the deeper features of the automation, effects, and comping, but even more important is being comfortable in a DAW. Like Herb, and Noel mentioned. A very familiar tool. We are so fortunate to have such capable and fun tools to work with, it was not always this way. So cool to read about all your techniques. Thanks guys
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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Yeah this has turned into quite a good thread. I always learn something from these conversations and I love the workflow descriptions. I don't understand the comments about switching between applications making your heads hurt! Are you guys using older computers or have some other sort of limitation in your systems? I have BIAB, Reaper, browser, Photoshop, email, and half dozen other apps open pretty much all the time and switching between them is as simple as pressing Alt-Tab. I do have a very high-end PC with oodles of RAM so maybe that is the difference.
Last edited by JohnJohnJohn; 01/28/14 12:51 PM.
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I can open more than one app as well, but to move audio and midi between platforms can introduce unique challenges to say the least. Each platform handles drag and drop differently. Timing, timeline, mid tools vary. Even if it is a smooth transition it still take time and work to do.
One thing I think is true to many discounts RB's capability. I have done detailed parallel projects it can flat out hold it's own.
Rharv's comments above reflect my thoughts very clearly. You are right just cause it is free does not mean you have to use it, it also does not mean you should not. RB's seamless integration with BiaB is a very powerful tool, especially for simple projects. 60 tracks of woven sound will need to be done elsewhere.
All in all when I find a limitation in RB I keep a capable tool in the tool bag. No one tool does it all well.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
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By the way, I also use Adobe Audition (the former Cool Edit Pro). I realize some might not consider this a DAW. It's primarily a stereo wave file editor, but it does have multitrack recording and CD burning capability, so it is useful for more than just fade outs, trimming the final file and making MP3s. The spectrum analysis and noise reduction features, to name just two, make this a must-have part of my workflow.
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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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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User Video: 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!
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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."
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