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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,669
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,669 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. There was a time after one of my bands broke up that I continued to play some of the booked gigs as a solo performer. Just me and my acoustic guitar. It actually worked out well. At the time, there was no such thing as having a home studio since the gear was either not yet available or cost prohibitive. BB has changed that. In today's environment, it would be so simple to put together a good sounding solo act. But doing studio work has ruined me. I'm not interested in being out in clubs after midnight..... or the drive home at 3am... no, I don't miss that. But yes, there was an immediate freedom that came in being able to play anything I wanted. And most of the clubs I was gigging were not dance clubs so that aspect didn't enter into consideration when making up set lists.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/03/15 02:54 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,447
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,447 |
I went duo in 1985, and won't go back.
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
I do like (1) the better money per person of a duo (2) having a partner with the same work ethics as me (3) the uncomplicated juggling of more than 2 lives with the music business.
I do miss the spontaneity of other musicians in the group improvisation sense (my backing tracks never surprise me), the flexibility of everything live, and more people to help schlep the PA set. But all in all I'd rather do the duo.
Someone mentioned one-chord songs. They are usually difficult to cover, because they have strong identifiable signature licks and kicks, which BiaB by it's nature doesn't do, that's where a good MIDI sequencer comes in.
I find improvising a long solo over a one chord song much more challenging than chord changes. It's more work to keep it from getting boring without chord changes to play around with. And playing with backing tracks, you need a good cue to tell you when the solo is over, because if you get distracted, you might lose the count or the feel of when the solo is over.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,059 |
Oh, I miss playing in a bigger band but I don't miss (1) the band member that gets too high to play well (2) the band member who is more interested in the opposite sex than the music (3) the band member who shows up late or takes long breaks (4) the band member who doesn't learn his/her parts before rehearsal.
Insights and incites by Notes
I have had the same problems. I will add one more that I had problems with: (5) the band member's spouse/girl-boy friend who thinks he/she can run the band.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Since our band stopped doing bars and really play very limited gigs the band thing has been more enjoyable......we get along pretty well. The core 3 musicians have been together over 20 years.....we have gone thru our share of 4th musicians and also played as a trio when needed. My fiance is now the 4th and that has proven to be an incentive to continue. She was a chorus teacher and piano teacher for about 20 years. She was a concert level pianist but now has shoulder trouble so she has to limit her playing a bit....I never realized how physically demanding playing piano can be as I am just a hack guitar player.
I am looking forward to the duo thing even if it is just so I never have to play "Louie Louie" again....
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752
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Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752 |
Another source for signature licks and runs if you don't play a particular instrument or you are exclusively a rhythm guitar player and don't play any lead - and don't have easy access to one, are MP3 quality level audio clips from Internet sources such as YouTube.
As BIAB has shown us, wma or mp3 quality level files are sufficient for use at live gigs.
Searching for song specific lessons and tutorials on a site such as YouTube, one can usually quickly find several lessons that are high quality tutorials. Somewhere during such a lesson, the teacher will play specific riffs/runs/chord progressions at the proper tempo and in the key of the original recording very accurately and isolated from any other tracks playing. The audio of these lessons can easily be downloaded to your computer, imported into your DAW and mixed with your BIAB generated tracks to create a very precise, authentic and accurate cover of the song.
As an example there is a YouTube tutorial by Don Felder, formally of the Eagles, of him teaching his licks, runs and fills for Hotel California.
He goes through the complete song so the audio can be cut into individual stems or as RB names them, scraps. One advantage of this particular video for me is that he has transposed the key to Am which is much better for may vocal range than the original key of Bm.
I don't play live gigs and only download stems from the internet for my own personal, educational use. I'm not a lawyer so I cannot make any recommendation to the legality of use of a tutorial clip or even a midi file for use in a commercial setting.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I play in a classic rock band and am forming a duo so for the most part I am doing classic rock with some newer stuff thrown in. My band doesn't have much time for practice as a unit so when I want to add song I can set up backing tracks and send them a demo to practice then when we are at a gig we can go over the song at sound check and add it to the list that night. Since the band isn't getting as many gigs I wanted to do the duo for my own entertainment. So while I am adding many of the songs I do with the band, I am also putting in songs that "I" like. There is a bit of freedom in not having to worry about whether you are able to dance to a song or not. The other thing is since I went with a tablet for song sets I find that with a chord chart and backing tracks I can really expand my repertoire. The duo thing will be a new thing for me but I have played in a band for 40 years and we have always found danceable songs that were hits to be safest for our audiences. I don't want to hijack the thread, but I'm always interested in the gear other duos are using. Stuff like – what kind of amps/speakers/monitors, etc. Could you humor me and give me some details? Regards, Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live.
Last edited by pedwards2932; 11/03/15 12:45 PM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
I have 2 sets of Alto powered speakers 15" and 10". I will probably use the 10" for the Duo. I use the 15" with a pair of Alto subs for the band. I have a Yamaha MG82cx mixer for the duo. We are using hot spot style monitors (I have been experimenting with in ear monitors which I may go to....still undecided on that). I plan on going direct in with everything no amps and use the monitors for stage sound....easier to control the sound.
My fiance has a Korg Krome keyboard and I use a Godin guitar with a Roland GR55. I have 2 TC Helicon Harmonizers so we can add thicker harmonies if needed. I have a 10" android tablet with Mobilesheets which allows me to set up chord charts and backing tracks.
We have just started working on the duo so we need more practice before going live. Sounds like a nice setup. The Altos get a lot of love from the SR guys. I'd love to go with powered boxes, but we've got a lot invested in the system we use. The places we play tend to get kinda loud, so we're using 2 Yammy 15's amd ywo Yammy 12's for monitors (and sometimes, we can't hear them!). I wish you luck with the duo. It's about the only format that gets any work these days! Regards, Bob
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
TC Helicon vocal gear is just great. It's a steep learning curve at times, but I love my Voicelive 2 and I'm integrating more and more. I also love the TC Electric Nova multi guitar effects unit. They're both a bit old now. I guess if I was buying, I'd take a hard look at the Voicelive 3 Extreme especially for duos or solo acts.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I have the Voice live touch that I use and an H1 that she uses. The VL Touch is a nice unit but real easy to mess up the settings live. The H1 is simple and almost bullet proof. She has a much better voice than me so the H1 works great for her. I think the TC Helicon are really great units.
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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.
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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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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