When I record in RB 2014, I set the input/output volume slider to maximum, just below the clipping range.
When exported to WAV, mp3 or burned CD files, play volumes are too low. How can I record in higher volumes that will sound like commercial CDs, mp3 or WAV files so that I do not have to increase volume knobs of CD player, etc.?
One thing some miss is the slider that lies between the tracks and the 'Buss' side of the mixer.
You think you have the tracks up and the main volume up, but that one slider can catch you. The two main sliders are pointed out in the first image below. These should always be full when doing final wave in RB.
The third arrow shows a plugin in the Final Out slot and how to look at it's reading. Top image is Ozone levels, which are pretty clear.
Bottom image is of an even more informative Level Reporting plugin (many available) that gives me the Peak VU (clip), Average RMS (loudness) and unique P/A reading that shows on average the dynamic range the song has (Peak over Average) .. not the most extreme dynamic range, but the average.
Many ways to measure it, but you need to make sure the final signal is what you want. The Final Output FX slot(s) is best place to do that.
PGPeakLimit comes with the program and can be used as a simple 'raise the volume' plugin in the Final Out slots. It doesn't have as nice a metering view or any other options, but does have a nice simple clean 'make it louder' algorithm. Set right slider to '0' and push the left slider up to suit.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I use Real Band (RB) to create the tracks I want for the song project I'm working on.
My solution is to move the files created in RB to a different DAW. In my case, Sonar. I do all my mixing in Sonar.
In Sonar, I use normalize on the really weak tracks. Fortunately, not many need this treatment. I apply the EQ and multiband compression again, as needed in Sonar and using automation, get the mix sounding like I want it to sound. I use a mastering plug called Ozone to "polish' the mix and make it shine and thump where needed.
After all this I export the mix and import the wave into my final step in the process.... my wave editor. In the editor, I trim the start and ending of the song and do the final normalization (if needed) to bring the peaks up to just under 100% or better known as 0db. Usually about -3db works for me.
4 steps total.....write in BB, create tracks in RB, mix in Sonar, and finalize the levels in my editor.
Listen to the songs on my website from the link in my signature..... you'll see what I mean.
While the song is nicely done when coming out of BB/RB, in truth, it is far from finished. However, many people stop right there and never take it those final steps. When you do, that's where the magic can happen. An anemic mix can become powerful and full when processed correctly.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
My problem is this: when I do file-> wave files-> merge audio tracks with VSTi/DXi tracks into stereo WAVE files...,
RB creates only one track(insttead of my 5 tracks) wave file, so when I open it in a DAW such as Magix Music Studio 2015, it opens only one track and there is no other tracks to mix.
Why does RB save all my 5 tracks into one track, and why RB does not have a volume sliders like BiaB volume sliders? Am I not knowing how to control the volume in RB or is it a programming deficiency in RB?
My problem is this: when I do file-> wave files-> merge audio tracks with VSTi/DXi tracks into stereo
You're choosing an option that merges the tracks. Not near a PC at the moment. I think its the third menu over after File and Edit. That 3rd column has an option to save out all wave files.
It's the last Menu option in: File-> WAVE Files-> Save all tracks to WAVE files...
This made one files that contained all of my 5 tracks into individual tracks, then I imported 5 of them into Magix Studio and re-arranged to be stacked on top of another so they start play at same time, then I was able to Mix individually...
Some work but it is done. Now I wonder if there is better mixing software to make this easier? Magix Studio 2015 is $49 beginner's DAW...
Now I wonder if there is better mixing software to make this easier? Magix Studio 2015 is $49 beginner's DAW...
Save $49 and mix them right in RB ..
It has a mixer, with VST FX, AUX busses, subgroups etc etc.
If you take a little time to learn it you can mix right in RB. Actually, you've already done it; when you hit 'Merge to Stereo Wave' it took your mix from RB and made a wav file for you (mixdown). The reason it was so low is because you had sliders down low. To check; Open the mixer (hold CTRL key and hit the number 8 key or click on Mixer).
Between the left side showing all the Tracks (with their volume sliders) and the right side (with AUX and main outs including their associated siders) you'll see a single slider marked 'All'. Keep this one all the way to the top. Also the 'A1' slider in the bottom right set should also be set all the way up. The image below points out the two sliders.
This way, RB works at 'full volume' for your mix/merge/export functions..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Here is what I have done so far to boost the volume in RB:
(1) Set the Windows audio settings and PC speaker levels to max.
(2) In RB mix window, I push all the track volume sliders, "ALL" master volume slider, the right side FX sliders to top position.
There are no more volume sliders to push to maximum, the output volume is still low, and the volume indicators hover around -12dB, which is half of Biab's 0dB.
So I now import the .SEQ into Magix Studio, in the Mix window I push the track and the master volume sliders to reach about 0dB, then export to an MP3 file...good volume! I don't need Magix Studio if I can only boost the volume to about 0dB in RB, like in Biab where I can adjust the desired volume... sigh....
I tend to think that this is a 'programming deficiency' in RB, since we don't have this problem in Biab!
It's a setting somewhere .. you just need to find it. It's not a programming deficiency, but rather a setting somewhere.
I have produced plenty of wav files from RB that were MUCH louder than what you describe (and much louder than BiaB).
Does the RB output VU meter reflect the -12 dB? Or does it look like RB should be louder when rendered (close to zero) but it isn't?
Edit; As Jeff Y suggested, try putting a PeakLimiter in the output and see if that helps. In the image below I inserted the PGPeakLimit plugin in the main output slot (by clicking the FX button) and boosted +6 dB.
See if that makes a difference when rendering the whole mix.
Last edited by rharv; 12/13/1401:01 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Thanks rharv, it worked! I was able to bring up the playback slider just past the -12 mark and nearing -6 range. Your instruction and illustration are very easy good to follow.
One other issue: whenever I open a file into RB, I have the Song Summary pop up window shows up and I can't find anyway to stop it from showing...somewhat redundant for my use. Any suggestions? Thanks a million
One other issue: whenever I open a file into RB, I have the Song Summary pop up window shows up and I can't find anyway to stop it from showing...somewhat redundant for my use. Any suggestions?
Prefs - File tab has many options, so does the general tab.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Yes...there's an option there to EXPORT the tracks individually. I use that..... export them to a folder and then copy them into Sonar.... (or your choice of external DAW.)
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
Jol, do you understand what a compressor, limiter, EQ and such do? Each of those can greatly reduce or increase the volume of either a single track or a complete mix.
RB will by default record audio tracks low because the program has no way of knowing if you're only recording q1
Jol, do you understand what a compressor, limiter, EQ and such do? Then there's the gain change one. Try a gain change of 10 and see what happens. Each of those can greatly reduce or increase the volume of either a single track or a complete mix.
RB will by default record audio tracks low because the program has no way of knowing what kind of effects you want to use. The basic recording is simply a raw audio file, usually recorded without effects. This is to give the mixing engineer (you) the freedom to experiment. If you put a smiley face EQ on a track you could boost it by 6 DB right there. If you then add a compressor to reduce some peaks there's another DB boost. RB gives you 4 effects slots and there's a big difference between what order you put them in.
Check out Edit>Audio Effects.
People who come to RB after using another DAW for years never bother to learn all the ins and outs of RB because they don't need to, they're already familiar with their regular DAW and that's fine. Why waste all that time learning what is basically duplicate functions?
But don't assume RB can't do everything your favorite DAW can but differently. All the DAW's are different but they all will get the job done and so will RB. All those PG effects plugs are world class, they just don't look it. The various effects windows are pretty bland looking, no cool colors and graphs but the underlying effects engines are very good. This has been verified over the years by some big name people who really know this stuff including the famous programmers who wrote those effects.
You can duplicate a full mixing and mastering suite right in little ole Real Band no problem at all, it just doesn't look like the science station of the Starship Enterprise.
Here is what I have done so far to boost the volume in RB:
(1) Set the Windows audio settings and PC speaker levels to max.
(2) In RB mix window, I push all the track volume sliders, "ALL" master volume slider, the right side FX sliders to top position.
There are no more volume sliders to push to maximum, the output volume is still low, and the volume indicators hover around -12dB, which is half of Biab's 0dB.
So I now import the .SEQ into Magix Studio, in the Mix window I push the track and the master volume sliders to reach about 0dB, then export to an MP3 file...good volume! I don't need Magix Studio if I can only boost the volume to about 0dB in RB, like in Biab where I can adjust the desired volume... sigh....
I tend to think that this is a 'programming deficiency' in RB, since we don't have this problem in Biab!
DO NOT worry about the volume levels in the mixing stages. It's a common mistake many folks make, wanting the volume to be up.... However, the important part in mixing, is to get the mix and the EQ right..... make it sound good.
You can ALWAYS, ALWAYS use audio tools after the fact, in 3rd party editors and mastering suites to get the volume up.
My process involves getting the mix right and sonically solid. Then I export the song and load it into a 3rd party audio editor. It's there that I urge the last little bit of gain out of the mix track.
I look at each of the tools I have and realize that they all have a purpose and a job that they do exceptionally well. I use each one in the area of it's strength. As a result, I have one song, that is acoustic in nature, that folks have commented that it was louder than some of the rocker tunes on the same forum site, but it was also crystal clear. They were asking how I managed that task. It might have been the song SAD GOODBYE on my website.... but I'm not 100% sure since it was years ago.
The point is you can always get the volume up... but be sure you are working with a balanced mix. Get that done first...worry later with the levels.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/19/1401:52 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
as herb said clean mix is number one. If you mix to 0db you are risking a very bad mix. Anything over 0db is already clipped digitally, and will sound harsh. mix to around -12db and then when summed at the mixing buss you will have a great mix. then boost gain either with a peak limiter, or a audio mastering program after the mix down
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean