|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
I copied an mp3 BB rhythm file I made to a digital recorder and played it back by plugging my powered external speakers into the headphone jack of the recorder.
Playback volume was not "loud" enough if I want to play banjo with the rhythm file accompanying my playing.
I then plugged two other (different) powered speakers and on playback from recorderand was able to turn up volume to quite loud. These particular speakers had specs of "10V, 700 mamps" in back (there were no specs on the "not loud" speakers) mentioned above.
Which now has me wondering. What sort of portable speaker system (convenient to carry around) do you members use if playing solo for people and having the BB rhythm file coming through loudly enough?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622 |
I use a Roland Street Cube. Battery operated and plenty of volume with nice sound.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
I use two 15" Mackie Thumps, plenty of power here. I do use the aforementioned Roland Cube for a monitor.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Thanks for the heads up about that Roland Cube Street! Looks great - a bit pricey though. I have been meaning to get myself together and get out on the road but my old Pignose seems to have had its day
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Having looked at that, I found an alternative for about half the price that might do: the Roland Mobile Cube
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
The above are pricey, although the Roland Mobile Cube is a little more acceptable.
For my beginner level of playing, I was wondering about relatively cheap systems right now.
My instructor plugs my little Sony recorder into his boom box and it gives sufficient volume.
Something along those lines, perhaps.
Anyone using less pricey stuff?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
You are talking about the 'busker' market here. Battery is the problem. Maybe the old Pignose would work for you? Question is: how loud do you need to be and how many people do you see yourself playing for? That's what you have to ask yourself
I have an old mono Alba Karaoke battery amp here with two inputs plus cassette deck... Of course, there's no street cred with that!
Forget the Pignose - same price as the Roland Mobile Cube these days...
Last edited by WienSam; 05/19/12 10:57 AM.
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
Not that loud - say playing in a living room of a house.
I just don't want the banjo overpowering the volume of the recorded background music.
Why is battery a problem? They run down too fast?
I could get something that plugs into AC current.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
I meant that when you are in the battery/busker market the ROI is not good. I have a full PA system (Yamaha StagePAS 300) that only cost €350. Roland do a single speaker basic PA for €250.
I have given this question some serious thought this evening (because I might well need something like this myself in the near future) and looked for something from Yamaha and the options from Roland, Behringer et al. It seems you want an amp but you don't want your banjo drowned out? I reckon the best bang-for-buck option out there is the Roland Mobile Cube. Yup, including case, it will set you back €200, or less if you're lucky, but it will do all you want and more.
Otherwise, you need a decent active twin speaker set - look to the IT world for this. I have a good pair of active desk top speakers for my laptop that are all of 20 years old (now that type tends to be USB). They ain't battery powered mind and they probably cost around €60 at today's prices. For that matter, they ain't that portable either!
As a last resort - check eBay! Nothing wrong with second hand (so long as it works)
HTH
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
I have often used a Bose radio for my Biab tracks for very small venues and played live accoustic guitar. Bose is kinda expensive but maybe another stereo with a lower price tag will fill the bill. All you need is one with RCA inputs.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Home Stereo or Video Receiver/Amplifier can be used for great sound with BiaB.
All that is needed is the proper audio cable and plug adaptors to go from the L and R outputs of your computer to the Aux or Tape or other Line Level input on the Stereo.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
I would only have a single plug from the headphone jack of recorder (a Roland R-05) to the external speaker system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Go to a thrift store and pick up an old stereo system for $5.00, a can of Black Krylon paint for the speakers and be done with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I would only have a single plug from the headphone jack of recorder (a Roland R-05) to the external speaker system.
A "Y" adaptor that breaks out the stereo headphone jack into two L and R connects is needed for that. Places like Radio Shack, etc. sell them.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
OK. I think I have enough info to work with here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622 |
I had used a bunch of cheap USB speakers, and even a Fender Can Amp until finally breaking down and plunking the cash for the Street Cube. It was way more than I wanted to spend for the amount I use it (I really should be busking to make it pay for itself) but I was sick of limited range but mostly volume in battery-powered devices.
What sounded fine in my home studio would be drown out at a wine-and-cheese art show by the most soft-spoken bunch of Unitarians you've ever met. Don't ever underestimate the REAL volume you'll need to perform in a crowd. You also need a decent sized speaker for the rhythm section to sound at all convincing. Wish I could have found a cheaper solution, but I figure at 50+, what ever I buy is probably going to be the LAST of that particular item, so why cheap out on myself after sacrificing for a wife and kids the past 20 years ?
Some people I know by Harleys and cruise to weekends in Vegas with their buds. The way I see it, an amp under $300 is pretty reasonable.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Quote:
I had used a bunch of cheap USB speakers, and even a Fender Can Amp until finally breaking down and plunking the cash for the Street Cube. It was way more than I wanted to spend for the amount I use it (I really should be busking to make it pay for itself) but I was sick of limited range but mostly volume in battery-powered devices.
What sounded fine in my home studio would be drown out at a wine-and-cheese art show by the most soft-spoken bunch of Unitarians you've ever met. Don't ever underestimate the REAL volume you'll need to perform in a crowd. You also need a decent sized speaker for the rhythm section to sound at all convincing. Wish I could have found a cheaper solution, but I figure at 50+, what ever I buy is probably going to be the LAST of that particular item, so why cheap out on myself after sacrificing for a wife and kids the past 20 years ?
Some people I know by Harleys and cruise to weekends in Vegas with their buds. The way I see it, an amp under $300 is pretty reasonable.
Hmm, so what should I do for solo gigs? I already have the Yamaha PAS300 but I may well be on the streets soon (I'm not kidding here). My poor old dog upped and died last year, so I don't even have the tear jerker to help me along. Ok, I'm not broke (yet) but I'm pretty feeble, although I don't look it. Already had one major spine op for scoliosis and trapped nerves, I expect another one this year.
Nah und? (as they say in Deutschland)
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,201
Posts801,897
Members40,066
| |
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