Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#61899 02/23/10 10:18 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Manning and I took a poke at a song that may in some small way boost the sale of American-made automobiles, and therefore benefit our friends south of the 49th parallel

Mercury Blues


just looking for clues...
Oren.
http://www.masteringmatters.com
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576
Wait a minute. Oren Fischer and Harmless fun? Yeh .. right.

Hey! I like this. Sounds really good. What's Mercury anyway? A fancy Ford. That's what.


Russ
Anyday above ground is a good day

Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision
6 Ghz quad core AMD processor
8 Gig memory
1 TB hard drive
6 GB hard drive
Windows 7 Premium
Loose nut behind the keyboard laugh

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
stealing cars, out cruising ..
dang kids these days.

Sounds like you guys had a blast with it. That is what it's all about. Nice job


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
I'm with you Russ, I don't know about that Oren character and harmless fun. I can't help but think he might have been a somewhat questional influence on Manning . . . . but from the sounds of the finish product no doubt it was a good influence! Nice job guys, and yes it was a fun listen.

Later,

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
M
Expert
Offline
Expert
M
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
yeh that was fun..lol.
just wanna say something important...
oren did a heck of a ton of work//dedication on this.
big kudos to oren. particularly as i cant afford
expensive voc processing gear like i once could...
just used some diy stuff.

in the choruses ..lol..
i hear this big massed choir of lads n lassies
singin "i'm gonna buy...etc.."
yeh i know...i got a crazy mind.
just lotsa fun.


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.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Heyyyyyy Oren !!!!! Great to see and hear ya bruddah.

Ya'll got down on this good-ol-rocker. Loved the tones and chops bro, always great to listen to someone ripping up on the ol battle axes.

Enjoyed this mucho. Sounds awesome through my new AudioGram. Geetars were sounding most excellent !!!

Trax

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,539
Oren is a dedicated lad.. he puts in the time to make things sounds great


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Thanks for your interest, Gents!

Thing is, it's lacking something... presence, definition, punch... it deserves to sound "bigger".

The bass is recorded with stereo chorus, then EQed and compressed in real time. The vocal and melody guitar are monaural. The rhythm guitar is recorded with stereo chorus. Reverb is applied in real time to rhythm guitar and vocals. Reverb and EQ are applied to the Melody guitar "going in" as part of a "Manning-special" guitar pre-set.

Any recommendations for refining this puppy are gratefully accepted...


just looking for clues...
Oren.
http://www.masteringmatters.com
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
.

>>>...Thing is, it's lacking something... presence, definition, punch... it deserves to sound "bigger"...>>

I agree. If it were me singing, I would add some strings and pads for a thicker sound. That wont work for this singer and combo.

Hmm...have your tried the B3 realtracks?

Also maybe lose some of the effects on the vocal. Bring it out front a bit.


Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>

Got some tunes on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
.
My BiaB lesson site:
http://jdwolfe0.wixsite.com/learnbiab
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 235
just looking for clues.....


This is the best I've heard manning sing! You did a great job on the vocals....both of you.

I've listened several times and here's my take. As is it's just fine. What I hear is the rhythm guitar could use a little more definition and possibly crunch. I think I'd high pass it and sweep the mid to high mids and see if there's some definition and sparkle there to brighten it up a bit. The lead could use a little volume enveloping in the solo areas. The reverb is on the "I love reverb" side! Doesn't bother me but might be taking away from the definition a tad.

As a heads up, (manning has probably seen this on the Reap site) Ken has released an amp sim that is killer for the style you just played. It's called Shred but don't let the name influence you. It's got pristine clean and crunch settings and great presets. Well worth investigating. It's even free!

http://www.acmebargig.com/shred/

If I'd had this sim I'd never have needed all my line6 setup.


DTuna
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
T
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
T
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 589
I will give my two penneth worth.This track in my humble opinion cries out "raw".I would get rid of the reverb and give it the 70s punk type of sound it reminds me of those kind of songs.Cheers Frankie


AMD Athlon 7550 dual core
processor 2.51 ghz
1 87 gb ram
windows 7 Ultimate
yamaha rev 500 effects
tacam DP-24 DAW
Samson Resolv NF monitors
Yamaha PSR-620 Keyboard
Fender semi accoustic guitar
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:



Thing is, it's lacking something... presence, definition, punch... it deserves to sound "bigger".






Needs a Pad.

Pads are things like organ, synth, strings, horns, something that has held notes and is not up in front.

Pad acts like sonic "glue" to fill those holes in the sound spectrum.

Sounds good other'n that.

Good job, guys.

(With Manning's Limey Talk in there, maybe you chould change the name to "Aston Martin Blues..." (grin)


--Mac

Mac #61911 02/24/10 10:35 AM
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Thanks for the advice, gentlemen.

A "pad", less reverb, more definition on the rhythm guitar, vocal more up-front, a "punk" production.

OK, back to the salt mines...


just looking for clues...
Oren.
http://www.masteringmatters.com
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 98
A
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 98
I'm a sucker for car songs, going all the way back to Terraplane Blues [OK, not really about a car, but...].

Very nice stuff, indeed! I do agree that a keyboard part, either piano or maybe B3, would flesh out the sound and add the missing fullness. Of course, we don't want to go the Phil Spector 'Wall of Sound' route or the Chet Atkins overdone Nashville backup, but I think a keyboard track would be the final part of a really terrific song.

I really liked it! Thanks for sharing. Very professionally done.


Fire, the wheel, and the I IV V -- foundations of civilization.
Off-Topic
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 827
I agree with tributeman, it needs to be raw, down and dirty.. Good song!


Chris
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,126
So, the pad/keyboard thing is way beyond my skills (maybe we will enlist some assistance on that, down the road), but... raw, down, and dirty: can do!
Here it is - hopefully the improved integration of instrument sounds will provide a "pad-like" effect...?



Mercury Blues PG Mix


just looking for clues...
Oren.
http://www.masteringmatters.com
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
M
Expert
Offline
Expert
M
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
mac..
i actually did drive a mates aston once in the uk.
scared the heck outta me..lol.
will never be able to afford one of course.
my dad, believe it or not had a 59 blue impala with low mileage
when he bought it cheap used in uk.
it had the teardrop backlights if i remember...AND WINGS..lol.
my mum laments to this day not haveing it anymore.
would be worth a lot now.
actually it was absolutely mint like new. my dad babied it.

oren..
will listen in a few days mate once my isp renews my monthly
bandwidth.
just have fun with it without driving yourself bonkers cos
doing songs can be wearing on a person .
kudos to you mate for your stick with it attitude and your talent.


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.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689
C
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
C
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689
Thanks for the fun song.

Don S.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.

Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.

If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,048
Posts799,350
Members40,017
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
kimmolsn25, addsomebottom, m3talmud, Chunie, Karandeep
40,017 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 148
DC Ron 104
rsdean 104
DrDan 74
WaoBand 70
Today's Birthdays
dipalma18, Joey45, Karantois
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5