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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37 |
Hi...
I have been enjoying using Band-in-a-Box immensely. Thanks to all who've made it such fun. But I seem to have reached a sort of transition point. I have CDs with instrumental versions of my songs but people listen and say "That's great but where are the vocals?" And you know, I've been scared to ask this question, 'cause I'm a French lit. graduate and I know someone's going to say "You gotta get a Hasseldorf multiport phonic recorder with J78 overdrive reciprocal adapting sequencer" or something of the sort. But I guess I can't put this off any longer. I have to know how to put vocals on my songs without somehow getting lost in the technology woods. Coward that I am, I thought maybe I could just take my Band-in-a-Box instrumentals minus melody line to a commercial studio and sing along or hire a singer to sing along. But that's not taking the bull by the horns. So if anyone can recommend a simpleton's way forward, hey, you have all my gratitude...
Long live the music,
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
When the audio track was first added they used the cheapest mic you could get.
If you use the Vsc Dxi synth, all you need to do is to plug in a mic to the mic in port and test it. There is a record audio button. You should load a song you know, save it as singtest then cut out all but the first 10 singable bars save it again, and press the record button. Make sure the meter shows input, you might have to tinker with that in windows to ensure the microphone slider is all the way up and that u are just using the soundard's mic. Sing along. Then look at all you can do, boost volume, add reverb, auto harmonies, etc.
Nothing hard about it really. Use headphones so you don't get the audio from the program bleeding into your mic.
When you decide to take the plunge the best thing is to get a small mixer for 60 bucks or so, and use some good headphones a nice mic and off you go.
Then you get GAS or Gear Acquisition Syndrome, and buy an Audix Mic, a vocal harmonizer with the bells and whistles, 500 dollar earphones, ...just kidding, sort of.
Actually I thought I couldn't sing at all, and now that I have the Bose, the audix mic, the Bose mixer I figure I'm a bass baritone Frank Sinatra...in my delusional state. Where's my pills?
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37 |
Thanks for your time, John. If I could press a button to deposit a bottle of cognac on your doorstep, you'd have it. I might have extra questions for this forum later but you've shone a bright light on the path for me.
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
chris..
i gotta say several things mate..
1. a persons biggest enemy can be lack of confidence.,
so take the attitude i can do this.
so what if your worried bout criticism..have confidence.
also understand this is supposed to be FUN !!
there will ALWAYS be folks that criticise no matter how good the vocallist.
my attitude is i do my best with vocs and if i fail n get arrows
in my back i accept it and move on and try better on the next song.
but i learnt decades ago if i worry constantly bout critique..
i would never get a song done. worry can kill creativity etc etc.
2. just go at it gradually developing vocal technique.
and play to your vocal strengths.
look at neil young...or leonard cohen...both good examples
of people with therir own vocal style WHO DO THEIR OWN THING/style of vocs.
can leonard sing like a mezzo soprano ??..nope.
but he has his own lower register style.
the key to it all is working round ones weaknesses and developing ones vocal style.
and playing to voc strengths.
3. use something like realband where you have lots of traks you can experiment with
lots of vocal takes mate. experiment lots with comping together the best vocal takes.
over time youll thus start to realise what works and what doesnt.
what do you have in the way of gear ??
any mics ?? mic pres ?? sound device ??
if you have no gear , to save me lots of typing read my tips in the tips n triks section as to el cheapo gear
n recording with no money.
for example you could get a cheapo dynamic mic for 50 buks into a cheap sound interface that has a mic pre built in.
but above all HAVE FUN AND DO IT WITH CONFIDENCE.
sure youll fail..EVEN THE BEST FAIL sometimes.
if a voc part dont work belting it out..try softer or whispery n see if that
works and vice versa.
the key to the whole thing is to work around ones voc weaknesses
AND JUST GET IT ON AND DO IT.
i wish you every success mate n god bless.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
chris..
forgot to add.
the hardest thing is the first vocal trak cos one has no voc reference.
so lay down a scratch trak and then sing against it.
often i find my vocs turn out better this way mate.
in any song try double tracking the vocals.
this can realise a denser vocal result.
anothe trik is to put one vocal in level down from the main lead vocal
n put a bit of echo/chorus on it.
read up on google various triks for produceing vocs.
theres lots of em. and the term VOCAL CONDITIONING.
all the best.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37 |
Thanks for all that. I hear your passion and humanity and generosity clearly. Actually I'm not afraid to sing as such. It's the technical stuff that had me apprehensive, and John C. gave me good advice on that. Nonetheless your tips are very welcome and I've copied them for a future reminder. I reciprocate your good wishes and hope you are succeeding in whatever you are busy at.
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
You don't need anything fancy at all to get the vocals down, if you have the backing trax already. All you need is a mic and Audacity (it's FREE). Well, that deals with the basics. Of course, the more you want, the more you need...
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 928 |
Quote:
Thanks for all that. I hear your passion and humanity and generosity clearly. Actually I'm not afraid to sing as such. It's the technical stuff that had me apprehensive,
Yeah, I thought from your first post that that was what you were asking about.
As mentioned above, get something to record into, like Audacity ... a great free program.
I happen to use Mixcraft Acoustica:
http://www.acoustica.com/mixcraft/
Don't forget, that BiaB also comes with a sequencer included - Real Band.
The only other thing you need is a microphone.
The MXL 990 plugs directly into your USB port:
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pro...WELAID=26021004
You're all set.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
At the simplest there is an audio track in Band in a Box. For a beginner it's easier to pull off. Just remember that if your song is abc.mgu the abc.wav file in the same directory is just the audio. You can then render the whole thing from there.
I'd suggest that for starters. Lots of level of complication are available, exporting to RealBand or some DAW. But to start with put the song in your key and do a verse. Watch the sound button, the wave form. Use the Audio option to kill it and redo it. Get it close, add some reverb. After a few tries you can try the TC helicon harmonies to suit your voice. Don't stick in a lead in for 6 bars or the preview is cumbersome. Honesty, Band in a Box ships with Folksongs in a folder,go the the Children's folder and do something like She's coming round the mountain. Muck with the style. Put the song in a special directory C:\users\you\mysongs . That keeps things in order when you look in there.
Later you can go into Audacity. Pay attention to mono or stereo.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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