Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
No one was home here Saturday night so I had plenty of time to experiment in the studio. So after six hours on Saturday night and three more today and Escape to Virtual Reality is what I ended up with.

Technical stuff: This started in Band-in-a-Box as style Float1, then it was imported to Sonar and morphed into what you hear here.

Let me know what you think.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Hi Mario,

Every time I listen to one of your works, I think to myself, "I don't know if it can get any better than this". Then you write something new and you raise the bar even higher. "Escape to Virtual Reality" has done it yet again. This is an excellent work, very emotive. At around 2'13" the flute sound seemed, for one instant, slightly louder than the background music warranted. But that was only ONE note and MY ears (one needs to keep a perspective on these things)!

I thoroughly enjoyed your composition, arrangement, performance and mix

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 378
Very cool Mario. I love this kind of music. Parts of this are worthy of a film score. Very nice indeed. Two observations I have-

- The first guitar licks timing is off a bit. This should be tightened up.

- All guitars need to be mixed a bit more out front, with some verb or maybe even delay- maybe both. There's plenty of room to have fun with ambient effects on the guitar tracks and it may help to get them in the same space as the rest of the track.

That's it. Hell of a nice job!

Dan

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Thanx Noel and Dan for listening, for the kind reviews and the constructive criticism.

Noel – I will check that flute note out. Thanx for pointing that out to me.

Dan – I’ll check those guitar-timing licks out. I’ll experiment with the guitar effects. I didn’t want the guitar parts to becoming overpowering but maybe I put them to far back.

I’ll take all the comments from here and Kara-Moon and see what the consensus is.

Thanx again.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,427
Mario, that was a real treat, thanks! You have an enviable knack of coming with very original pieces.
I love the percussion, and adore the Ennio Morricone "The Mission"-type choir patch! Where did those come from? I also like the way the piece breaks out at 1:37.
Changes? Yes, push the guitars up in the mix a little, especially the acoustic that comes in at 1:04 which I think would sound striking if it came in very prominently in the mix for the few bars it's there.

John


Songs web site
YouTube Channel
BIAB 2024
Cakewalk by BandLab
Studio One 7
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,342
Yep, heard the timing-issues and I agree on bringing up the guitars....

But man, every time you go to your studio you crank out another great song! Loved it. '
Good job.

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Thanx John for your comments. The choir patch comes with the Kontakt 4. That is the only reason I upgraded. Kontakt’s AET morphing mode is fantastic. That is what is used here; the choir morphs through the vowels!


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Thanx Mike for the very kind words.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
As per my forum friends I have corrected some of the version 1’s problems with Version 2 . I have re-recorded the first lead guitar part to correct a timing problem, increased the lead and acoustic guitar parts volume, added a touch of reverb to the acoustic guitar part and calmed down some of the Ocarina parts.

I’ll let you decide which version you like the best.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
P
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
P
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Mario,

Yep version 2 tightened it up to where it needed to be - you stuff always takes me to a good place - I have not always been a "country and western" guy.

Another one that should be in a cinema sound track.

Great job !!


The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Thanx Powderman for the very kind words.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278
M
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
M
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 278
Mario! You just keep cranking tunes out. I loved the song (version 2 issues were corrected). The layers are wonderful and so soothing. Great job, super arrangement, and quality mix. Keep up the great work
Marty


Music is what feelings sound like.




Band In A Box (current) Sonar Producer X2, Windows 7, 16 Gigs Ram, Quad Core, AMD Processor, Alesis MK2 Monitors, Roland Quad Capture Audio Interface,
User Showcase
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Mario,

Really liked this one, this is a solid arrangement and the choir patch may be the best I have ever heard.

As Russ would say . . good on ya!

Later,

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Marty, thanx for the very kind words, I appreciate them very much.

Danny, thanx! I agree about the choir patch. That is the only reason I upgraded Kontakt.


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
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 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
Topics85,736
Posts795,467
Members39,942
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
smitoz, Jonnyfartpants, Gengiz, MarcAlanMichael, Kylie jen
39,942 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 200
Noel96 116
DC Ron 109
rsdean 103
DrDan 103
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
baz66, joesarahh, prsings
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5