|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 429
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 429 |
Perhaps I'm not the only person who is having real problems in working with VSTs.
My main DAW is Ableton, although I've used others such as Sonar and Reaper. The one thing that all these DAWs have in common is the ease with which a VST can be slipped into a track and used in a project. With the VST on the track it is easy to audition the sounds or even play the instrument from the mid controller keyboard to audition or just simply to play the instrument with playing or recording the track that the VST is on.
Contrast with the use of BIAB to do tha same thing. I know that BIAB is not in the same league as other DAWs and it's meant for a different type of user. I actually love this product, it lets me quickly try out ideas and it's second to know for being a backing band.
However, when I try to push this a bit further and use a VST on the thru track to experiment with various melodies over the backing, I soon get iinto difficulties.
1. Using VSTs like Kontakt does not allow me to audition the sound, not even on the instrument when I am setting it up. I have to actually start playing in order to hear anything on the thru channel. The boost volume is at 127 and thru volume is at max to get a reasonable output.
2. The setup is very FLAKY. I change the VST and I'm back to no sound at all. Just when I think I've got the procedure correct I find that it doesn't work the next time.
3. When I set up the VST I select the thru channel and then find the VST (Kontakt in this case) and insert it (selecting the max volume). But this synth does not appear on 'thru' channel on the Patches tab. The Patches tab does not seem to have any relevance. If try to select a midi synth at this tab, all I get listed are mainly those associated with Amplitude. This whole area seems a technical mess.
4. All of the above may be my fault. I may not be as good at techie things as I think I am and I don't want to cast aspersions on the good work of the BIAB programmers. This is the area that affects me most and I am at the stage of giving up. I will still use BIAB for ideas but I'll have to think of some workaround so that I can use Ableton for the VST bits. I don't think I will be moving to a new version after this one.
I would be grateful for anybody else's opinion on these matters.
John Lundrigan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,545 |
Hi John,
You are correct in your points. Currently we don't have the audio (MME) on at all times, we just have it on during playback. So you can't audition the VST's sound from the VST dialog. We plan on improving this in the future. (we do have an ASIO option to have it on all the time, but I wouldn't switch to ASIO for this feature alone). I would wait for us to add an "MME AUdio Always on" option to Band-in-a-Box, and then you should have the audition features that you need.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324 |
John... you heard it from "the boss man" himself. It wouldn't surprise me if this issue isn't "fixed" in the new version 2017 due out shortly.
As users of BB&RB, some of the folks have been frustrated by that lack of functionality when it comes to running VST's.
There are other users such as myself who do not use VST's at all in BB or in RB. I know there are multiple ways to do things and folks want to do things the way they want to do things, and don't like to use workarounds.
I for one, use BB to write my songs in a sort of "rough draft" mode. I get the structure of the song together in BB. At this point, I'm not worried about the finished details. I just want a good structure upon which to build. Next I take it to Real Band to render my audio tracks and finally I import the tracks into Sonar where I finish it and that's where I experiment with the VST's if I need that in the song and add my FX and other plugs. I also add live guitar and vocal tracks at this final stage.
There have been some cases where I had gotten into that final stage in Sonar, when I realized that something in the structure didn't quite jive with what I wanted to do. It was a simple matter to go back into BB then RB and finally back to Sonar with new tracks. Since I don't run a commercial studio here, and I'm not on a time clock for clients, it's not a big deal to do that occasionally. I'm not above hitting delete and starting from square 1 again if that's what it takes to get it right.
Stay tuned to see what the new features are in the 2017 version which I have a feeling will be release to the public very soon.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/28/16 04:25 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 429
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 429 |
Thanks to Peter and Guitarhacker. I concur with Guitahacker's approach because BB beats other DAWs hands down when it comes to getting ideas down quickly. I haven't used RealBand though.
I did use Sonar but then moved to Ableton. Because I use BB for sketching ideas it is not really important what generates the sound for me at that stage and Coyote is good enough. It's just that the capability of using VSTs was there I couldn't resist experimenting with it. But I think BB has a very long way to go to make this feature useful.
John Lundrigan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324 |
Thanks to Peter and Guitarhacker. I concur with Guitahacker's approach because BB beats other DAWs hands down when it comes to getting ideas down quickly. I haven't used RealBand though.
I did use Sonar but then moved to Ableton. Because I use BB for sketching ideas it is not really important what generates the sound for me at that stage and Coyote is good enough. It's just that the capability of using VSTs was there I couldn't resist experimenting with it. But I think BB has a very long way to go to make this feature useful.
John Lundrigan You should learn what real band can do for you. I used to use a lot of synths and midi for my tracks...especially bass and drums. When I found out what Real Band was able to do and the quality of the audio tracks it generated, I have switched to using real tracks almost exclusively. I still do the occasional midi piano part or drum part or bass part. But it's not very often. Listen to the music on my linked page. 99% of that is real tracks from real band. If I have a rock style in a tune and want a fiddle or steel... real band will give it to me. Since I play guitar, I do add plenty of live guitar and some live piano. While I could use a synth like Jamstix to do my drums, and I can use midi to play a bass part, I find that RB plays it with more of a human feel, and generally better than I can program or play on a keyboard. Real band is an essential part of my process.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 593
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 593 |
I wish I had read this thread last week. I spent days arguing with SampleModeling over activating the SWAM saxophones on my new desktop. It just would not activate as described until I hit "Play" and that triggered the VST into life. I still haven't consistently gotten the saxophones to work. Mostly because their documentation is sorely lacking.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,784
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,784 |
I wish I had read this thread last week. I spent days arguing with SampleModeling over activating the SWAM saxophones on my new desktop. It just would not activate as described until I hit "Play" and that triggered the VST into life. I still haven't consistently gotten the saxophones to work. Mostly because their documentation is sorely lacking. I have those saxes so maybe I can help. I have had no problems using them in Sonar. Fell free to ask any questions that you may have.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,324 |
I have had no problems using them in Sonar.
There you go!! Currently, using Real Band as a DAW has certain limitations when it comes to using VST's. Until the kind folks at PG fix the VST compatibility issues, the OP might want to look into getting a DAW that does fully support the VST's he wishes to use. Cakewalk Sonar is an excellent DAW. Depending on the version, it can be a bit pricy, so I also recommend the Cakewalk DAW called Music Creator 7 or... MC7. It's reasonably priced at $50 or so and has full VST support.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,587
Posts734,745
Members38,500
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean