|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
I'm looking for some guidance in using backing tracks.
I am hoping someone here, that may have tried the many different approaches to this issue, can lend me some advice as to the Pros and Cons that come with these different methods.
I have RealTrack drum and bass backing tracks that I have put together using BIAB and RB.
I've panned the drums to the right and bass to the left.
So that I can plug them into their individual channels on my PA, and have individual volume and eq controls of each.
I don't plan to expand my use of backing tracks beyond these two instruments (drums and bass).
These backing tracks would be used by a duo, consisting of male and female vocals and one guitar rhythm/lead.
We would be playing at Retirement Facilities with tunes like, Ain't Misbehaving, Girl From Ipanema, and Crazy.
I've been searching the internet for ideas on what might be a cost effective way to play these backing tracks
thru my powered Peavey mono mixer.
I've read that some folks use Looper pedals like the JamMan Solo, some use small battery powered MP3 players,
some have mixers with usb inputs and control the backing tracks thru their laptop.
and the one idea that I'm leaning toward is a DJ type single CD player with USB (for flashdrive).
I like the DJ CD deck idea because it can play a single song and stop, without having to reach for a pause button. This would also be very cost effective, with my present inventory of musical equipment.
Any and all ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Bill
Last edited by DHD; 03/15/12 01:21 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462 |
I've got a few friends who carry their tracks on either MP3 player with a good playlist manager, or an iPhone/iPod/iPad. Just put your MP3 backing tracks on it, plug it into the sound system (stereo mini-plug to stereo 1/4" or whatever's appropriate -- you might want to keep a mini-to-mini and mini-to-1/4" with the MP3 player at all times), open your player program, and click Play.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828 |
I like a laptop, which i do not have one right now. So i use my home build desktop it is installed in a cabinet with my mixer and such. Rolls on wheels, and all.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
I've got a few friends who carry their tracks on either MP3 player with a good playlist manager, or an iPhone/iPod/iPad. Just put your MP3 backing tracks on it, plug it into the sound system (stereo mini-plug to stereo 1/4" or whatever's appropriate -- you might want to keep a mini-to-mini and mini-to-1/4" with the MP3 player at all times), open your player program, and click Play.
Hi Tom
I have read of folks doing that, but I have never heard the end results.
Did the sound quality, sound ok to you ?
Thank you for responding to my question.
Bill
Last edited by DHD; 03/14/12 12:41 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
I love the laptop, mainly because I have the chord sheet rolling in front of me at all times and when you do many, many tunes (and at my age) I don't even try to remember all the changes anymore. Been using one for too long to remember (oh, we already addressed memory) with no issues.
Break A Leg!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
I like a laptop, which i do not have one right now. So i use my home build desktop it is installed in a cabinet with my mixer and such. Rolls on wheels, and all.
Certainly would have more control over the backing tracks, which would be really nice.
What would you do for an interface between the laptop and the mixer ?
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
Quote:
I love the laptop, mainly because I have the chord sheet rolling in front of me at all times and when you do many, many tunes (and at my age) I don't even try to remember all the changes anymore. Been using one for too long to remember (oh, we already addressed memory) with no issues.
Break A Leg!
The laptop idea is sounding more interesting.
My laptop's sound quality is terrible.
What laptop to PA interface are you using ?
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828 |
You can just go directly from the laptops audio output to the mixer.
In my desktop unit i have a M-Audio 24/96 card, and it has great sound. I have two 320 gig drives, in the system, and one TC Helicon harmonizer.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
Hi Bill, Like you I only have Bass, Drums....sometimes Guitar....... on backing tracks. I'm playing & singing, live on Guitar & Banjo. My equipment is very low tech!  Large Sony MiniDisc player adapted to play from a foot pedal. I set it on "Auto Pause".........Which makes it as seamless as possible for me.......no fiddling with hand controls.....most of my gigs are on stage, so I like to "present" things if possible. Another bonus with the Sony, is the ability to "edit" & change a running order to suit. Works for me!  Joe G.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Bill, I use my iPhone into the house PA or my own PA to play .WAV files that I prepare. Before that, I used an iPod but any MP3 player would do. The 1/8" headphone output jack is the same on all of them, and is the same as you would use on a laptop unless you had an outboard sound module. I bring a 25' RCA to RCA cable split down the middle for when I plug into powered speakers. One end has the 1/4" phone jack adapters, and the other end has an RCA female to stereo 1/8" adapter. About the songs you play, I know the first two, "Ain't Misbehaving", and "Girl From Ipanema", but I'm not familiar with the third, "Crazy at Retirement Facilities". Wonder what those lyrics are. 
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 46 |
Quote:
Bill, I use my iPhone into the house PA or my own PA to play .WAV files that I prepare. Before that, I used an iPod but any MP3 player would do. The 1/8" headphone output jack is the same on all of them, and is the same as you would use on a laptop unless you had an outboard sound module. I bring a 25' RCA to RCA cable split down the middle for when I plug into powered speakers. One end has the 1/4" phone jack adapters, and the other end has an RCA female to stereo 1/8" adapter.
I do not have an iPhone, iPod or MP3 player to experiment with, and know very little about these units.
Do any of these units have the ability to play a single track, without the user having to activate pause or stop ?
At some forums I have visited, some folks complained of occasional audible beeps generating from their MP3 device through the PA system, or when activating buttons on the MP3 device.
I would assume that these beeps could have been deactivated ?
I like the idea of using .Wav files over MP3.
Do these large .Wav file sizes hinder file retrieval ?
Does larger file usage effect, battery recharge intervals ?
Quote:
About the songs you play, I know the first two, "Ain't Misbehaving", and "Girl From Ipanema", but I'm not familiar with the third, "Crazy at Retirement Facilities". Wonder what those lyrics are.
"Crazy at Retirement Facilities"
I imagine it could have some very comical lyrics, if such a song existed.
Good catch Matt.
Some very poor sentence structure on my part. Sorry.
I changed it to read:
We would be playing at Retirement Facilities with tunes like, "Ain't Misbehaving", "Girl From Ipanema", and "Crazy".
Thank you Matt for responding to my questions and catching my mistake.
Bill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
My players do not beep.
If I'm playing a song and want to prevent it going to the next until I am ready, I use the audio editor to add 30 seconds of silence at the end of songs. That way, if there is applause, I can take a moment before adjusting the player .
Wave files load with the same speed. Not all M3 players can use wave files, so check before buying. I don't think there is any difference in battery performance, only storage space, from using wave files instead of MP3s.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 193 |
There is an app for idevices that is tailored for live set list usage. It stops after each song until you press continue. IIRC, it supposedly allows you to easily find and play a song outside of the set list and continues where it started in the list afterwards.
I haven't tried it nor do I remember the name of the app off hand.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Keebo, if you remember what app that is, please post. Thanks.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,032
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,032 |
If you go the iPhone route - remember to remove the SIM card or go into 'Airplane Mode' to prevent unwanted mishaps!!! Kevin 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Quote:
Bill, I use my iPhone into the house PA or my own PA to play .WAV files that I prepare.
In airplane mode I can only hope..... unlike the young lady at songwriter circle one night who was pouring her guts out onto the stage when her iPhone rang.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Quote:
"Crazy at Retirement Facilities"
Okay, NOW it sounds like a songwiter's challenge to me.....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Matt,
"If there is applause" . . . I love that line.
Could be a song title.
Later,
PS: After hearing your stuff if there is no applause, the audience has no doubt expired.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Funny, guys.
I would like to add "Crazy at Retirement Parties" to my repertoire, though. Is it a blues?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Sounds like it would be bossa, Matt, right in your genre!!!
"I can just imagine the posibilities
Crazy at retirement facilities...."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,090
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean