There is probably an easy way to do this...but can I easily level-out my vocal tracks in RB?--I often like my takes, but find that when I've punched in a section, it's at a slightly different volume level...I usually take the track into Audacity and treat all the "anomalies" separately--also 'fixing' any vocal spikes...all so that I can raise the overall level uniformly.
Thanks in advance for any advise on this..
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
After completing your punch in's, select the entire track and consolidate it. Then right click and choose audio effects, select gain change, from the window, choose #3 from the drop down box in the lower left - normalize - and normalize the track.
Everything you are doing in Audacity can easily be done in RealBand.
If you are doing your punch in/out at the time you are recording the original track you should NOT have varying levels.
In fact, I have done punches several days after the original tracking was done and there is ZERO difference in levels.
Keep notes. When you track something, write down the numbers.... especially if you're using a mixer that is used for other things. That's what several people I know do.
Personally, I don't. I rarely touch the input levels and don't use a mixer. So there's literally nothing for me to remember.
If there are level differences, I drop a volume envelope into the track in my DAW and adjust manually.
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.
If you grab the bottom of a track in the Tracks window, you can drag it down to tinker with the volume envelope as Herb mentioned.
You can highlight the section and use Edit-Audio Effects- Gain change on any section of a track to do the same thing you did in Audacity.
You can put a compressor on it and see if that helps.
Different methods for different needs. In the Audio Effects-Gain Change window you can just use the regular Gain and boost that section a couple decibels. Normalize boosts the whole track (which you also did in Audacity). Pay attention to the check boxes on the left.
When punching in you may be able to look right away and see if there is a volume difference, if there is you can go ahead and use the Gain effect while you have the section highlighted already.. to save time.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I know zip about RB but does it not allow the typical DAW volume shaping?
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
Sorry to hijack a little on this...but I have that same question about PTPro and RB...can you put volume changes in?
I used another DAW for a tiny amount of time and I liked that I could graphically see (as a red line on top of the waveform) see the volume level I wanted at any time e.g. down to 80% at 0:55s then increasing to 100% at 1:20, etc.
PTPro/RB has "insert volume change" but I've been afraid to use it because: 1 - I can't see them (or can I?) 2 - I am not sure if it's RELATIVE or ABSOLUTE to the starting volume or base off the slider...?????
Sorry to hijack a little on this...but I have that same question about PTPro and RB...can you put volume changes in?
I used another DAW for a tiny amount of time and I liked that I could graphically see (as a red line on top of the waveform) see the volume level I wanted at any time e.g. down to 80% at 0:55s then increasing to 100% at 1:20, etc.
PTPro/RB has "insert volume change" but I've been afraid to use it because: 1 - I can't see them (or can I?) 2 - I am not sure if it's RELATIVE or ABSOLUTE to the starting volume or base off the slider...?????
Anyone know?
You can automate volume changes in PTPro and RB. You can also automate panning.
Sorry to hijack a little on this...but I have that same question about PTPro and RB...can you put volume changes in?
I used another DAW for a tiny amount of time and I liked that I could graphically see (as a red line on top of the waveform) see the volume level I wanted at any time e.g. down to 80% at 0:55s then increasing to 100% at 1:20, etc.
PTPro/RB has "insert volume change" but I've been afraid to use it because: 1 - I can't see them (or can I?) 2 - I am not sure if it's RELATIVE or ABSOLUTE to the starting volume or base off the slider...?????
Anyone know?
You can automate volume changes in PTPro and RB. You can also automate panning.
hi charlie, can you elaborate on how to do this in RB? I couldn't find it in the online FAQs
Thanks all..the volume envelop is what I was hoping for..never used it until now...reason this is an issue for me is how I work...I almost always have completed the music/melody part of my song project first, and am almost always fussing with the lyrics portion afterwards, and sometimes the 'afterwards' is a long time. Being able to adjust the volume envelop lets me swoop in to change/alter a portion of my initial lyric vocal with some new ideas--I often can't recall my mic setup so that I record the punch-in exactly the same way...revealing that Im' not a pro vocal performer..in this, my neadrathal method of recording vocals, I might possible get something that actually sounds smooth.
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
FWIW I can't imagine mixing a song w/o extensive use of volume shaping. Panning, effects, and volume all contribute hugely in creating an effective natural sounding soundstage. And not just for "punch ins" but for RT solo/fill segues, etc.
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
I just throw up a comp, a bit of verb, and hit "Record". My recordings are evidence of that laxity , but I'm interested in the song, not the recording. If I want a great recording, I would have to pay for it.
Most of my songs look like this when I'm finished with the mixing. This first pic is the screen grab for a section of Dust on the Floor. Lots of automation going on.
This one is the piano fills in the first verse of THe Best Christmas
It would be impossible to get a decent finished product without the proper and surgical use of envelopes for volume as well as panning.
BTW: I enter all the nodes and adjust the levels and fades manually. While the DAW is totally capable of recording the movements of faders as I drag them, I found out long ago that I could be surgically precise by entering the nodes after I zoomed in (if necessary) and get flawless edits. The piano fills in Best Christmas is a great example of that. I comped the fills from three tracks and in many cases, a short fill is a few notes from one track finished by a few notes from the next track. Zoom in, align the edits perfectly, check levels for consistency, make it happen.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/13/1503:43 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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
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Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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, but I'm interested in the song, not the recording. If I want a great recording, I would have to pay for it. 
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