|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I know very little about Garritan products. However I'm very interested in them. Just curious if they interface well with Real Band and if Real Band is the best place to use them in PG Music products. Also, I'm using an sd2 as my synth via a sound module. I assume that I would have to change that setup to use Garritan?
Thanks for any help.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806 |
Garritan libraries work fine using the Aria VSTi player, but there are some quirks.
1) Volume control is handled by the mod wheel (either from the keyboard or via embedded CC1 MIDI controller messages.
2) Vibrato is implemented via keyboard aftertouch, which makes it more difficult to achieve.
Sounds are very good, however, especially for the price.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,461
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,461 |
Aftertouch, One of the MIDI specs that is under supported in many ways.
Especially polyphonic aftertouch; a good controller keyboard is worth it for getting rid of the hassle of trying to implement otherwise.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I don't have a very fancy keyboard, an Alesis Q25, but it does have midi controller features. I have mainly used it to test out some ideas for segues and the like. I'm alwo wondering if some are using Garritan with RB or are they generally using some other DAW?
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,486 |
I have a number of Garritan products and use them with RB and Sonar X1 with no problems. Lately, however, I have been favoring RB as my DAW of choice as it seems to fit my workflow better.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Thanks for the comments. Guess I'll look for a sale on GPO. I'm in no rush.....yet.:)
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I just discovered this tutorial: http://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_garritan.htmThanks PG Music. This will be a big help Looks like some versions come with Aria and some do not? I'm thinking that I can add GPO instruments in RB providing that I have written the notation, is this correct? Also, if I import a BIAB tune into RB, would I be able to substitute a GPO instrument for the strings that are in the biab style imported? Not sure I may have asked that right.... Stan
Last edited by Shastastan; 07/13/12 01:33 PM.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
I'm thinking that I can add GPO instruments in RB providing that I have written the notation, is this correct? Also, if I import a BIAB tune into RB, would I be able to substitute a GPO instrument for the strings that are in the biab style imported? Not sure I may have asked that right....
Stan
you can use the GPO for any MIDI, whether it is something you downloaded, something you notated or MIDI that was generated by BIAB or RealBand
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,461
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,461 |
Right-click a 'track info' area and you'll be allowed to select a MIDI port as an option.
There are 16 softsynth ports, they are at the bottom of the list for ports (17 - 32)
If you select an unassigned port, RB asks you to pick a VSTi/DXi synth (like GPO) to assign to that port.
Or you can select a port with a synth already assigned.
In RB you get 16 hardware and 16 software ports to use.
Hardware = 1-16
Software = 17-32
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Got it! Thanks!
Wish it was on sale right now. It's around $143 at Amazon for Prime.
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Just got a nice surprise. I decided to order GPO today at $143 and Amazon gave me a $15 promotional discount (although I don't know why) so the price was $127 with free shipping. That's better than a slap in the gut with a dead fish!
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Just got a nice surprise. I decided to order GPO today at $143 and Amazon gave me a $15 promotional discount (although I don't know why) so the price was $127 with free shipping. That's better than a slap in the gut with a dead fish!
good price!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Waaay Kooooool! Thanks to you guys, what I thought would be a complicated thing to set up wasn't difficult at all. I like the option of using the different synths for different tracks in Real Band. I'm really impressed with the quality of Garritan and also that Aria is helpful. Now I'll probably go broke buying more libraries, uh oh.....  I really do appreciate you folks taking time to help me out. This has opened a whole new sound area for this rookie to explore. THANKS! P.S. I just upgraded from Mixcraft 5 to 6 yesterday for $20. The new library has over 6K sound loops! Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Waaay Kooooool! Thanks to you guys, what I thought would be a complicated thing to set up wasn't difficult at all. I like the option of using the different synths for different tracks in Real Band. I'm really impressed with the quality of Garritan and also that Aria is helpful. Now I'll probably go broke buying more libraries, uh oh.....
I really do appreciate you folks taking time to help me out. This has opened a whole new sound area for this rookie to explore. THANKS!
P.S. I just upgraded from Mixcraft 5 to 6 yesterday for $20. The new library has over 6K sound loops!
Stan
Now that Garritan has been bought by another company I was hoping for some sale prices. I got an email yesterday advertising their WORLD product... at a little reduction, but not at my jump point yet.
When it hits $99 again, I'm in.
Glad to hear you're enjoying your new purchase! That's one advantage of this group... we get to hear what others of similar interest as ourselves have found to be useful and/or a good value for the money.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
<<Glad to hear you're enjoying your new purchase! That's one advantage of this group... we get to hear what others of similar interest as ourselves have found to be useful and/or a good value for the money. >>
Right again, Pat. Thanks to everybody on the forums and Pg Music staff, I "culture" of helping out has been created. All we have to do is keep it going. I'm on a few other forums and I have to say the folks there are pretty nice and helpful also. The PG Music forums are by far the best though.
I can see why you are waiting for that price to come down. I had been wanting to try a Garritan product for a long time so now it's here.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143 |
Yeah, I'm hoping that Garritan still holds their yearly $100 sale. It's around New Year's, if I recall correctly. Instant Orchestra would be a nice addition.
I don't use JABB as much as I thought I might. If I were more into MIDI programming, I'd probably be all over it. But "as is", the brass require a lot of work. It's a bit disappointing that the guitars and banjo aren't sampled on the lower end. The Jazz Piano isn't quite what I'd hoped it to be.
On the other hand, I really love GPO. There are some really lovely sounds in there. I was just running through the two libraries this afternoon with my older daughter, and I've now got a resolution to see if I can find more uses for the bassoon. With some work, you can get some really nice sounds from the solo strings. My main disappointment is the solo viola - there's only one, and it's too quiet for my liking.
I'm also a big fan of Reaper. I generate my tracks in BiaB, and then export them to Reaper for slicing and dicing.
But really, it's all about using the tools that best fit your workflow. There are a lot of compelling reasons to use RealBand.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
@David. I appreciate hearing those positve comments about GPO. thanks!
I just upgraded to Mixcraft 6, but I really don't know how to use it very well yet. I've never tried Reaper, but I can at least do stuff in RB so I usually go to it for whatever I need done at the time. I really like to see the tracks view to edit stuff, too.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
Quote:
Yeah, I'm hoping that Garritan still holds their yearly $100 sale. It's around New Year's, if I recall correctly. Instant Orchestra would be a nice addition.
thanks for the heads up, David!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
OP
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
I was doing a little reading about Instant Orchestra. From what I read, it seems that it's main feature is various ensembles and sections. As a midi rookie, I'm curious as how the notation gets to an ensemble as compared to a single instrument. I made a hybrid style for the first time in BIAB yesterday. Of course the notation was already there for the instruments I included in the hybrid style. In Instant Orchestra, would the ensemble all be on a single track? There are some string tracks in BIAB styles. Would you just get one of these in Real Band and then copy the notation on to an Instant Orchestra track? I know these questions are a little dumb.
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,143 |
I haven't got IO, but my understanding is that it's very much akin to the "multi" patches that you would get on a synthesizer. That is, one particular patch will give you various instruments spread over different parts of the keyboard. You can use the modulation wheel to dial in different layers, so (for example) the initial patch might be strings, but turning up the mod wheel will add brass on top of that. You can find some good examples of what IO sound like on YouTube. The ensemble would be on a single track, but you'd likely want to play it yourself, rather than expect BiaB to perform something that would match well. Most of the textures in IO seem to be the big, cinematic sorts of sounds, which are generally not the sorts of things you'd be adding on to a pop song. I'm not sold on it being a good match for BiaB - I suspect that in general GPO or JABB would be more useful. I've got the Mixcraft demo loaded on my machine. It's a slick program, with some nice presets. In particular, the MIDI notation editor seems nice (Reaper only has piano roll mode), and the Acoustica MIDI instruments that come with it seem very usable. BiaB doesn't seem to like the Acoustica VSTi.  On the downside, the loops that come with Mixcraft (which is what initially got my attention) have an inordinate amount of useless filler sound effects, and not enough usable material. One thing that Reaper lacks is a display of a loop's key, which seems a baffling omission to me. So if you work with loops, Mixcraft is likely a better match for you. On the other hand, Reaper seems to have a better integrated wave editor. Mixcraft doesn't seem to be designed for the sort of microscopic editing that I like to do. Again, it's all about finding a tool that matches your workflow. It's all digital, so one DAW isn't going to sound better than another.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,755
Posts795,846
Members39,951
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean