|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266 |
When I use the BIAB audio track for recording (as opposed to exporting the song into a DAW) I don't know how to stop feedback of my voice coming through the headphones, so, as it is, I hear my voice naturally but I also hear it in the headphones. I want the singer to see the chord display on the computer screen so he can follow along, as the words are typed there. But I want the singer to hear all the tracks except his own voice as he sings and records. Is this bad technique?
Thanks.
Last edited by Marty Sorensen; 12/27/16 03:56 AM. Reason: Clarify.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726 |
Personally, I don't think it's a good way to do things. It's not the way it's done in the pro studios.
A singer has to hear themselves when they sing or they get off pitch pretty quickly. The singer should only hear his/her voice in the headphones in addition to the music. If they need to hear the natural voice, they can lift one of the cups a bit.
If you are recording a vocal, the assumption is that the room is quiet and the singer is getting everything through the cans, and with enough volume to hear everything cleanly.
If, however, you wanted to have the singer NOT hear his voice in the cans, In order to hear the reference music clearly in order to sing with natural voice for reference, the music also has to be in the room loud enough. The mic then picks it up as well as the voice, and you get into phase issues and comb filtering of the music becomes a very real issue. Not counting the possibility of actual feedback and low frequency rumble.
It's best to have the reference music and the singer's voice together in the cans and the room totally quiet except for the singer's voice. Even with this setup, it's not uncommon to get headphone bleed into the sensitive condenser mic that is generally only a few inches away from the cans.
Yeah, bad idea.
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: May 2015
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 40 |
I concur with Guitarhacker on this one. Having done quite a bit of vocal overdubbing in various studios over the years, I can say that you always want at least some of the vocal being tracked coming through in the headphone mix. Normally, that level might be lower relative to either the primary harmonic instrument(s) or lead vocal, if you happen to be recording harmonies. The question you might better be asking is how to adjust the mix for the vocalist for tracking. That's a fairly easy fix, as you simpy change the playback volume of each track to suit the vocalist's desires. It's a fairly simple thing. I hope this helps!
-Mark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726 |
When I am recording a vocal, I want it to be the loudest thing in the mix I hear in the cans. I need to hear what I'm doing clearly.
If there are harmonies or leads, I will mute those tracks. If I'm recording a harmony, I will have the lead audible but at a lower level so that I have a reference to work against, but it's not the loudest one. My current vocal take is always the loudest thing in the mix.
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: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I always want a vocal I'm tracking in the cans along with a guide melody track of some kind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
RS, any preferences for melody track instruments (that might not be used in the final mix, just for vocal guide)?
Last edited by Andy A - USA; 12/28/16 02:33 PM.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
RS, any preferences for melody track instruments (that might not be used in the final mix, just for vocal guide)? I've used Oboe to good success. It seems to cut through the mix, sustain notes with no vibrato, and does not sound too much like my own voice. I record a dummy vocal track or several to get a good idea of how I might express the song. Then I simply use my iRig Keys 37 to record a midi melody that is similar, does not have to be exact. After digging through midi instruments I usually end up with Oboe, no portamento, no vibrato. It helps me keep better pitch as I record my keeper vocal tracks. I also put some reverb in my headphones. I use a Yamaha MG Mixer with digital FX. The audio output of my interface is connected to a stereo channel on the Yamaha MG mixer. My vocal mic goes through the front of my interface as the BIAB or DAW tracks are coming through via the USB connection. My headphones are connected to the hardware Yamaha MG Mixer, not directly to the interface. I simply mix in a little digital reverb so it's not so dry and it helps me stay on pitch. But not too much as I don't want it to make me think I sound better than I actually do.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726 |
As a reference I like to use:
Drums.... sure beats a metronome
Bass
Acoustic guitar or piano
Lead instrument for solo's so I know where they are. (sometimes not)
I want a simple reference to follow. I often mute everything else including other vocal tracks depending of course on what I'm in the process of recording.
It can vary from one song to the next. I have been known to use the full finished mix as a reference because I record the finished vocal tracks last. Up to that point I have a simple scratch vocal for a place holder.
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: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805 |
I also often use the oboe sound for the melody.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266 |
Thank you all. I'm just beginning so some things are beyond me, but I will study and practice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221 |
Personally I like the song to be as complete as possible before doing the all important vocal. That's so that hopefully the dynamics of the vocal matches the song as it builds etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
I can understand what you are saying, Matcham. I definitely hear a mismatch at times (all the time) when I change instruments just for vocal tracking; singing too softly, or too harshly. But, my hearing is crud-o-la, so I gotta have a crutch or take up jelly-making.
Oboe. Wow... I never would have thought. Great suggestion. I will definitely try that out. Thanks, JFord and Tobias!
And, thank you for the full description, Tobias. You sorta lost me right after dummy, but the reverb in the headphones may be something I can rig up. Often, I feel like the more clearly I hear my voice in the cans, the more I try to steer it, know what I'm saying? In real life I don't, but I do expect a little better for recording purposes. Maybe the reverb takes enough out of it that I could feel "real", like in the moment.
Herb, you are a pro. You don't count. You could whistle thru your toes and stay in key. Kidding aside, thank you for that. That's what I'm doing now, and it has proven to be the best set up so far; bass, a simple drum, more passion than a metronome but not all Keith Moon, and keys, sparse as reasonable to hear the melody but not walk all over my hearing.
You guys are the best. Thank you, Marty, for starting this thread so I could hijack it. You are the best, too!
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,599
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean