|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
What are you using to balance the levels on backing tracks for consistency. I'd like to set the level once at mixer during sound check and not have to mess with it during performance. I use Ozone in the final mixdown. I just wondered if there was any type of program that would balance the outputs in a bulk manner?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
What are you using to balance the levels on backing tracks for consistency. I'd like to set the level once at mixer during sound check and not have to mess with it during performance. I use Ozone in the final mixdown. I just wondered if there was any type of program that would balance the outputs in a bulk manner? As a starting point, I use Wavelab to set all peaks at -4dB. However, that doesn't account for the differing dynamics between songs. For that, you have to use your ears. Regards, Bob
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I think I can do that in Ozone as well if I use the same preset.....since it is the last thing in the chain should get it close. What I have done in the past is use headphones and set a volume level then play each one and see if I feel like I need to turn up or down and make notes on which ones to adjust. I didn't know if there was anything out there that would automate the process. Thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,540 |
Nothing works as good as your own ears.
Many reasons for this, one is because you wouldn't actually WANT a ballad to be the exact same volume as a power piece.
It's all part of the show. Part of a good show is taking an audience up/down .. otherwise there is no 'up'.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
Ditto... that's why they put volume knobs on amps.
If you shoot for a consistent average level, you shouldn't have to grab the volume knob.
Notice as you listen to the radio, the songs from the hard hitting rockers to the soft ballads are all fairly consistent. It's rare that you really need to turn up or down.
I simply record with the meters barely touching the red in my DAW.... from the tracks to the sub buss to the master buss.... keep them clean and green. I export to a wave and run it through a wave editor to normalize the file to around, but less than 100%. That's where all my songs are setting. I find that is generally, sufficiently loud. People can always crank the volume knob a bit more if they want. As I play the music back on my MP3 player, I do not have to adjust the volume between the softer tunes and the rockers.
So..... it must be working OK.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
Sounds like doing it the same way as I have been is probably correct. I have been doing quick mixes straight from Real Band and they are fine for practice but for performance I will take more time with the final mix and then do comparisons with other backing tracks......just hoping there was a magic tool out there.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
....just hoping there was a magic tool out there. There is. Your well trained ears. EDIT: Go here and get this e-book>>>> http://www.thevintagemusician.com/download/how-to-get-the-ears-of-a-producer/use the password happilysubscribed or register and get your own PW.... this might help point you in the right direction.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/22/15 05:30 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
My ears are getting old and need some reassurance 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
As far as what you hear on commercial radio, each station applies their own compression. They will squeeze the life out of any song that isn't as loud as their loudest, so you don't have to adjust the volume on your radio. You will lose dynamic range, and there is nothing you can do about it, so there is no need to mix for radio airplay.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
My ears are getting old and need some reassurance That's what the user showcase forum can be used for. Simply ask for detailed crits on specific areas of the song, mix, production. We have several folks here who can and will give you more details than you probably want to hear. I used this very method in another forum to learn the things I have learned. Let others with sharp ears, observational skills, and more experience than you, point out issues or confirm your own suspicions. More than once I heard something in one of my mixes, thought it wasn't a big deal and didn't need fixing. And that was the very thing multiple people pointed out that needed to be addressed. Having others review your songs and production keeps you from getting sloppy and lazy. Everyone likes the reviews that say "Hey, great job" .... but the ones I value the most are the ones that point out things that I either missed or tried to sweep under the rug. I don't grow in my skills with pats on the back.... I grow when I'm confronted by the things I didn't do to my best ability.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 11/22/15 06:01 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 128 |
I didn't think we could do anything with cover tunes here. I've been mixing for years but as you get older your frequencies get diminished. Mainly I want to get each song to a relative level that works. I'll check out the site.....never too old to learn.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,802 |
I didn't think we could do anything with cover tunes here. I've been mixing for years but as you get older your frequencies get diminished. Mainly I want to get each song to a relative level that works. I'll check out the site.....never too old to learn. You can post cover tunes if you have paid for the licensing rights. Some folks here do that. It's recommended that you also post the license number so the mods will be OK with the cover and know it's legal.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 39
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 39 |
Thank you, Herb. I downloaded the producing doc. Good stuff for a novice like me to see.
2016 BIAB UltraPlusPak HD
Windows 8.1
8 GB, 64-bit, 2 TB
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
M-Audio AV40 Monitors (powered)
Zoom R16 Recorder - Interface - Controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,050
Posts799,404
Members40,018
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean