i'll start. i buy computer music uk mag once a year it comes with a huge number of synth and fx plug ins. (no silly hardware etc dongles either !!) best deal going imho. http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic/ about 20 buks in north america. ive had lots of fun for 20 buks a year. imho tween the plug ins in this mag and the biab/rb ones its all one needs. NOW POST YOUR BEST GEAR DEALS. hopefully it will help new users to bisab/rb/pt lots. have a great year !!
retd puter engr. daft songs at www.motagator.net/bmanning (songs no 9 n higher use new biab2011.) what is the black art of audio engineering ?. all puters get obsolete in the end..lol.
My choice is the guitar tuner pickup: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/accessories/peterson-suction-cup-tuner-pickup?source=3WWRWXMP&kwid=bingproductads-plaid^26563560068-sku^210050000000000@ADL4MF-adType^PLA-device^c-adid^3336427321
I use it to record my acoustic instruments. It was the best $14 USD investment that I ever made.
Last edited by MarioD; 08/09/1412:41 PM.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I think these clip-on SNARK TUNERS are a great value...
in addition to costing less than the average guitar tuner (which only recognizes the notes EBGDAE) this tuner recognizes all notes, which makes it useful with other instruments that aren't tuned like a guitar.
Or, if you want to tune your guitar down a half step to Eb Bb Gb Db Ab Eb, this tuner can do it, whereas a conventional tuner would choke.
And the fact that you don't have to plug unto it makes it perfect for acoustic instruments
this isn't less than $200, but I think the ROLAND GR-55 costs FAR less than the sum of its features:
1) it includes all the great Roland synth sounds
2) It has all the COSM stuff... that's the equivalent of bringing all the classic guitar, bass, amp and speaker combinations ever made along on your gigs or recording sessions
3) It includes the equivalent of EVERY BOSS effects pedal, (except in this environment they're all MIDI controllable!)
4) It contains a looper
5)It provides a way to play backing tracks from a USB drive without lugging a PC around
6) it has a tuner built in
7) it has a whammy pedal/expression pedal/MIDI expression pedal/Volume pedal (totally programmable)
all this and more for less than the price of just one of the guitars it models.
And of course, the synth patches put the sound of just about every instrument in your power. That's a huge bang for the buck... and all of those features are Roland pro quality
i'll start. i buy computer music uk mag once a year it comes with a huge number of synth and fx plug ins. (no silly hardware etc dongles either !!) best deal going imho. http://www.musicradar.com/computermusic/ about 20 buks in north america. ive had lots of fun for 20 buks a year. imho tween the plug ins in this mag and the biab/rb ones its all one needs. NOW POST YOUR BEST GEAR DEALS. hopefully it will help new users to bisab/rb/pt lots. have a great year !!
manning - it warms my heart to see you write this. Back in perhaps 2003/4 time frame, I posted nearly the same thing about Computer Music magazine and the great plugins and fun that I was having with VST/VSTi using the DAW that was included in the cover CD at the time, CMuzys, and not too much later, Tracktion - particularly having fun with the freeware emulations of old-school synths and electromechanical keyboards. Do you recall your replies to those posts?
I just got a great deal on a DVD set including every issue of flatpicking magazine ever published - including all related mp3's and pdf - for $125 sale (normally costs 250). If you have never read this mag - check it out - great articles and transcriptions with analysis. Here's the deal:
"During the month of August we are offering all of our archive discs on sale for 50% off the regular price. This means that you can own every issue of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, up to Volume 17, Number 6, for less than $0.70 per issue! To receive your 50% discount, use coupon code ARCHIVE when you check out. Click here to find out more:"
Dear scott. Let me respond and defend my position. We are talking ELEVEN YEARS AGO. at that time as I stated at that time; I felt the computer hardware/architecture itself wasn’t up to performing running oodles of plug ins. Even today lots of folks cant afford the lates mac pro’s Or super power latest gen pc’s. The prob is lotsa folks are buying cheapo pc’s, Then expecting them to run a zillion traks and tasks. And plug ins ; thus they become disappointed and get probs etc. . Now 11 yrs later software programming has progressed , And more cpu efficient plug ins are available plus at the higher end pc’s have become more powerfull. However even today if one isn’t prudent in ones plug in use and/or the plug ins folks are using are cpu hogs probs still arise. Thus today even youll see message boards complaining .. “why cant I run 75 reverbs on my cheap laptop” etc etc. lol. All the best.
retd puter engr. daft songs at www.motagator.net/bmanning (songs no 9 n higher use new biab2011.) what is the black art of audio engineering ?. all puters get obsolete in the end..lol.
I'm just glad you are enjoying plugins. For me, 11 years ago, it was like the first time I touched a minimoog or Wurly when I had them responding to my midi controller in real-time.
My perennial freebie favorites (Some I've been using these past 11 years).
Effects: Frohmage Bionic Delay Ariesverb (though the alpha or beta version - the free version - sometimes will put a huge noise spike at the beginning of the rendered audio - not a great endorsement, but it's such a rich reverb) The Kjærhus stuff - available on the acoustica.com website
Instruments: minimogue va arppe 2600 The series of nagware from Genuine Soundware Inc. - used to be soundfonts.it The Elektrostudio pack
Just about any of the under $200 guitars at www.rondomusic.net are great value. There are hundreds of models. I have a bass guitar and a classical guitar that shipped to my house each for well under $200. On the bass, the fretwork and electronics shielding were much better than on my MIM Strat. On the classical, the pickup system that came installed retailed for more than I paid for the guitar, when the system was commercially available (Shadow P7 system).
I was in a Detroit area video and sound post-production facility - one of the nicest ones in the whole city, and there were guitars in each studio that were from Rondo and they do use them to record and let the local talent bang on them when they are in the studio.
Grabbed one of these, still waiting for the 96GB chip I ordered for it. With 128 gig of storage it should be good for a lot of things. W8.1 OS, not much RAM, but SSD drive and SDxC expansion.
When I get around to putting BB/RB on it I'll update. Likely use external for RT /*grin*/ I'm actually hoping to get Visual Studio on it too. I think I have a better chance of installing BB on it than VS (which is a MS product on a W8.1 system)
It seems pretty snappy so far, but drive space is limited with the W8.1 requirements, especially after adding Office 2013 Professional to it. I still need to remove the crapware, but I don't expect a significant gain from that as far as drive space.
I think it's pretty cool anyway. Basically a Win8 Tablet with the keyboard option. One caveat is the USB3 port is on the keyboard, so you can't use USB3 when using as a tablet. Have to have the keyboard attached. The mini USB connection on the tablet is USB2 (I think). Also, it does support Chromecast and (mini) HDMI.
//disclaimer: don't buy it on my suggestion, this thread was about $200 deals and *I* think I got one. Includes rebate. Stock Office install may be 'iffy' YMMV
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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