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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Is there any advantage to using BIAB first, and then opening up the file in RealBand, as opposed to just working in RealBand from the start? Does one lose anything by working in RealBand only? I haven't used BIAB for a good while, so I was wondering if I am missing anything that can only be done with BIAB. Thanks.

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rstill48,

Gosh! That's a tough question. Will cheat a little bit.
Using a PG Link... http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.features.htm

This would be cursory review, but nail things down a little bit more.

Some of "Pro" members will chime in with more specifics.

I use BIAB to create the songs, then load into RB and finish it off.

Have fun!


FrankB

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The main reason I use Biab first is Track generation. You can start listening faster than RB.

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I also start in BIAB first as i can get the basic song sorted first. I also find it easier to add piano fills using the midi solo functionality here.
I also do not do any panning and volume adjustments here
Once done i then go to RB and open the aong there and finish the rest there, effects and the rest...


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I use BIAB first because I find song creation in any sequencer cumbersome. Besides, all kinds of cool things happen when you make "mistakes" that you would never think of or come across any other way. I have come to consider BIAB a co-composer at times. Why sidestep the wonderful possibilities?

Then immediately edited to add: If you already know exactly what you want to do, got to RB or another sequencer first. BIAB becomes a distraction in that case because it so rarely comes up with anything remotely close to what you hear in your head. I just happen to have abandoned that approach because I often let my synths and software tell me where to go.

Last edited by Ryszard; 08/28/12 07:21 AM.

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BIAB first here as well for much of the same reasons already stated. BIAB is just right for my quirky "composing". When I have an idea for an arrangement, I often change my mind somwhere in the process... instruments, chords, you name it. BIAB is quick to adapt to my numerous mind changes. Once I'm somewhat satisfied, I'll generate indiviual wav files and import them into RB (or, more often than not, Sonar).

Cheers,
Mike


Cheers,
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I use whichever one I need.
If I'm home alone and trying random ideas, BiaB.
If I am with a guitar player and bass player, I use RB since we can all easily input our part ideas.
Depends on the job at hand and the desired outcome. Each has its place.
As for the OP original question
Quote:

Is there any advantage to using BIAB first, and then opening up the file in RealBand




Yes in some instances. You can audition styles, chord changes, song structure changes faster in BiaB. BiaB is ready to play the generated song faster than RB. I think that's because RB has to generate the whole thing first and BiaB is able to generate 'enough' and then generate the rest behind the scenes as the song plays. Plus RB requires laying out changes 'linearly' where BiaB uses choruses to repeat certain sections (although it still generates a new section for it). So RB is more time consuming to change sections that way (if the song has repeating sections) since BiaB can change the chords once for three verses or choruses or whatever.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Thanks, all, for the replies. I think I'll give BIAB a spin rather than just using RB, depending on the work.

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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

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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.

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Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

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