Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#795709 01/14/24 10:13 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
A Hollow Soul

I posted this on Soundcloud almost three years ago but never brought it over to the forum - until now. Hope you like it a bit. Thanks to those who listen and comment.

The acoustic bass is a wee bit loud in the mix, but when I dialed it back even a little, or dropped the lower EQ back a touch, the song seemed to lose some of its depth/fullness, to my ears, at least. If you have an opinion about that, let me know.

Alan

File:A Hollow Soul.SGU

Key=Ebm, Tempo 65, Length (m:s)=3:11

Style is _SCANT.STY (Scant Dreamy Americana)

RealTracks in style: 2877:Bass, Acoustic, AmericanaSlow16thsByron Ev16 060
RealTracks in style: 3101:Piano, ElectricVintage, Rhythm AmericanaSlow16thsMike Ev16 060
RealTracks in style: 2878:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm AmericanaSlow16thsBrent Ev16 060
RealTracks in style: 3073:Guitar, Resonator, Background AmericanaSlow16thEddy Ev16 060
RealDrums in Song: PraiseWorshipSlow16ths^1-H24,SRC
RealDrums in Song:BodhranCelticSlowReelEv16^1-a,b:Brushes a

Last edited by Al-David; 01/14/24 10:18 PM.

BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Al-David #795727 01/15/24 04:02 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,694
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 8,694
Alan,

This is exquisite and beautiful... Every track works so well together. You really know how to bring out the emotion in an instrumental.

Loved it.

Bob

Al-David #795817 01/15/24 01:26 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,394
Alan, simply gorgeous. You're great at conducting these BiaB elements like a real band and making cohesive, thoughtful music. Loved the chord progression, too. The bass sounded about right in the mix to me, and I didn't detect a lack of depth at all. It all sounds GREAT!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
rsdean #795825 01/15/24 02:28 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by rsdean
Alan,

This is exquisite and beautiful... Every track works so well together. You really know how to bring out the emotion in an instrumental.

Loved it.

Bob

Hi Bob,

That's so kind of you to say. Perhaps I'm able to bring out that emotion, as you said,; but the source material has to be able to contain it in order to bring it out. I credit BIAB and the PG Music staff for providing that opportunity.

Again, I appreciate your very kind words.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

DC Ron #795826 01/15/24 02:34 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Alan, simply gorgeous. You're great at conducting these BiaB elements like a real band and making cohesive, thoughtful music. Loved the chord progression, too. The bass sounded about right in the mix to me, and I didn't detect a lack of depth at all. It all sounds GREAT!


HI Ron,

Your comments always put a smile on my face. I like experimenting with atypical chord progressions - I do that a lot. It's somewhat of a challenge at times, but usually, I can find something that works reasonably good. I'm somewhat of an experimenter with styles, track combinations, and nuances. Often the mish-mash I end up with is a bit frightening to the ears, but I keep it anyway, as there might be some elements that would work nicely with something else. I rarely delete anything.

Thanks for the input on the bass. I do tend to bring the bass and drums a little more forward in the mix than most other creators do. It just sounds better to my old ears.

Again, thank you very much!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Al-David #795845 01/15/24 05:30 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,199
EXCELLENT Alan, nothing to nit or pick about. Excellent.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
rayc #795850 01/15/24 06:08 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by rayc
EXCELLENT Alan, nothing to nit or pick about. Excellent.


Thank you, Ray! That's quite a compliment from you.

Best to you,

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Al-David #795908 01/16/24 05:52 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,964
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,964
Al, you are outstanding with all BiaB productions.
It sounds like these session folks have been working together for years.
The mix sets up an engaging soundstage on our monitors.
Airy and open ... our fav!

Well done,

J&B

PS: Do you use Waves Bass Rider?
We use it on a lot of electric bass tracks and always on acoustic tracks ... including mine.
All it does is allow you to bring the notes to a more constant volume level to the degree you select.
It does not color the sound and it is not a compressor meaning it will not kill the track's dynamics.
It simply does what engineers did in the old days, i.e., riding a fader during mixing.
I did a lot of that way back during my tape mixing years. smile


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Al-David #795917 01/16/24 07:03 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,727
Nice acoustic blues.

I feel you on the upright or double bass. It's a hard instrument to get sounding good and mix properly. It can be exceptionally boomy or woofy.

On my last song here in the forum, I used this instrument. Trying to get it to set in the mix properly without loosing its oomph or being too woofy can be a difficult task. What I did was to high shelve it. I think I did a pretty steep cutoff of everything below 100hz and very little else to the overall EQ. I'd have to go back and look at the curve but that tends to be my starting point for just about every bass instrument. I don't want it competing for sonic space with the kick. In this case, there was no kick but the low end woof was the issue.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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.
Al-David #795960 01/16/24 09:35 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,796
I saw that Bob called this "exquisite". That was the exact word I would have used.

Your instrumentals are SO good. So listenable... and easy to "follow". They sounds like Songs, not just "noodling".

Your Acoustic Bass sounds really good. Not too loud. Just right. Easy to hear. No straining. No excuses.

The mix is gorgeous. Delicate.

You have the touch.

fj

Al-David #795970 01/16/24 11:03 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 201
A
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
A
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 201
Personally I like the bass, but I'd guess it's a bit much for some sound systems. Got some Eric Clapton vibes from the track!


Feel free to check out my music: https://www.youtube.com/@alexanderpaulmusic
Al-David #795994 01/16/24 01:28 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 2,808
Alan, how can something immaterial be hollow?

Nice relaxing song, and I always love bodhrans in a song.
Well done.
The bass could have a bit more high-pass, it is a bit boomy in some places.

Al-David #796023 01/16/24 04:16 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,286
Alan, what a fantastic song.
Excellent choice of instruments.
You made those RTs talk!
Great mix.


Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Al-David #796050 01/16/24 06:24 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Real cool tune Alan!

I enjoyed it!

Al-David #796094 01/17/24 05:10 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,948
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,948
Sounds pretty much perfect to me, Alan, a well constructed, arranged, and mixed instrumental as per usual!

Enjoyed!

Al-David #796141 01/17/24 10:11 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055
Alan,
super arrangement. I drifted to it in my thoughts, only to realize it was over. Had to go back and re-listen smile Very pleasant tune all around. Mix is great, I wouldn't change anything.
Thank you for sharing.

Misha.

Al-David #796158 01/17/24 11:38 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 1,031
This is a great sound Alan. I thought the bass was just right. I wouldn't have thought of putting a resonator up front with this background, but man you did, and you did perfectly. You're a master.

Brad

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Al, you are outstanding with all BiaB productions.
It sounds like these session folks have been working together for years.
The mix sets up an engaging soundstage on our monitors.
Airy and open ... our fav!

Well done,

J&B

PS: Do you use Waves Bass Rider?
We use it on a lot of electric bass tracks and always on acoustic tracks ... including mine.
All it does is allow you to bring the notes to a more constant volume level to the degree you select.
It does not color the sound and it is not a compressor meaning it will not kill the track's dynamics.
It simply does what engineers did in the old days, i.e., riding a fader during mixing.
I did a lot of that way back during my tape mixing years. smile


Hi Folks,

Thank you so much. I truly appreciate such kindness to my music.

And, no, I do not use Waves Bass Rider - actually, never heard of it. If it requires a DAW, I'm probably out of luck. I use Audacity for all my mixing and "touch-ups." I have Cakewalk and Presonus Studio One/24C but have no idea how to use either of them. Thanks for the info. If no DAW is necessary, I'll check it out.

Thanks again,

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by Guitarhacker
Nice acoustic blues.

I feel you on the upright or double bass. It's a hard instrument to get sounding good and mix properly. It can be exceptionally boomy or woofy.

On my last song here in the forum, I used this instrument. Trying to get it to set in the mix properly without loosing its oomph or being too woofy can be a difficult task. What I did was to high shelve it. I think I did a pretty steep cutoff of everything below 100hz and very little else to the overall EQ. I'd have to go back and look at the curve but that tends to be my starting point for just about every bass instrument. I don't want it competing for sonic space with the kick. In this case, there was no kick but the low end woof was the issue.


Hi Herb,

Glad you liked it. I set the low end on the acoustic bass at 80 - probably should have set it to 100 - 110, as you mentioned above with your recording. I added a small of EQ in the 130 range and that helped somewhat.

Thanks for all the info!

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 8,647
Originally Posted by floyd jane
I saw that Bob called this "exquisite". That was the exact word I would have used.

Your instrumentals are SO good. So listenable... and easy to "follow". They sounds like Songs, not just "noodling".

Your Acoustic Bass sounds really good. Not too loud. Just right. Easy to hear. No straining. No excuses.

The mix is gorgeous. Delicate.

You have the touch.

fj


BI Floyd,

Well, I'm not really sure how to reply to such kind words. I truly appreciate all you said. I'm definitely flattered.

I didn't start out with this pre-determined concept, but as I worked on it, it slightly reminded me of parts of the BG tracks on "Whiskey Lullaby." I let that be my guide, to a certain extent - as far as the nuances of the lead track are concerned.

Again, thank you very much.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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 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

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,751
Posts795,784
Members39,950
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26, Metro6
39,950 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 165
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 91
Today's Birthdays
idon'tunderstand, Kelly Sapergia, Michl, der Dolmetsch, Totally Savage
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5