|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
Hi all. I'm not a professional musician but I'd describe myself as a serious amateur. Until July I enjoyed playing jazz solo on the piano, and I still enjoy that, but after buying BIAB two months ago I realize it has given me options that I didn't have before. But the tinny sound from the MacBook Pro laptop leaves a lot to be desired. I do have a sonos speaker but it only connects through Sonos, so I have to convert to MP3 first. I'd like to be able to connect my laptop directly to a speaker system but I know zilch about the mechanics.
The laptop has 4 Thunderbolt3(USB-C) ports, and headphone/mic jack. I have connectors that convert the ports to USB3 and HDMI ports.
Basically I'd like to play the piano with the backing tracks I've developed using BIAB. I wouldn't be recording and it's unlikely I'm going to play with other musicians but I intend to get a MIDI keyboard at some point and the ability to plug in a microphone (not for me!) would be good as I want to keep these options open.
Some ideas on a basic setup would be appreciated.
Last edited by Genghis_McCann; 09/03/17 01:23 PM.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
The simplest way is plug a 3.5mm to RCA Audio Cable in the headphone socket and the other in the stereo line in/AUX/CD. Turn the laptop volume down low to start with. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
Thanks pipeline. I'll be back home in about 24 hrs so I'll try that with the older stereo system I have. I'm comfortable with computers and I'm picking up the BIAB software OK but I've never really understood audio or audio hardware. When people start talking mixers and stuff my eyes start to glaze.
But your suggestion seems simple enough. I'll be back.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
It’s not as simple or inexpensive as Pipeline’s suggestion, but I never use the headphone jack. I suggest an inexpensive USB audio device instead. Those mini headphone jacks wear out and can cause a horrible loud sound over your amp and speakers when jostled. Just a killer mistake at a gig. Also, the level of the headphones is not line level; it varies with the volume control, which itself is often really scratchy sounding. And the impedance is wrong for optimal audio quality.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
...Basically I'd like to play the piano with the backing tracks I've developed using BIAB. I wouldn't be recording and it's unlikely I'm going to play with other musicians...I've never really understood audio or audio hardware. When people start talking mixers and stuff my eyes start to glaze. Yea, for how he is going to use it that will be simplest, easiest, cheapest way.. You can get leads that bring it to line level, but just keep the volume low on the laptop and use the volume on your stereo. On most it should ask if you want Line Out or Speaker Out when you plug the jack in.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
<snip> I suggest an inexpensive USB audio device instead. <snip> Thanks for responding. I feel as if I'm in a canoe for the first time trying to figure out which is the front end. Is this what you mean? I googled "USB audio device" and got this: https://www.cnet.com/how-to/make-the-most-out-of-your-computers-usb-audio-port/I may have misled Pipeline a bit. I'm not just looking at the cheapest way to get sound out of my laptop although I'll definitely try his suggestion. I guess I'm asking for ideas for a blueprint to start a basic music studio, with the flexibility to add in a midi keyboard and microphone later. I had in mind something like an electrical wiring diagram showing me the components I needed to do so. Does that make sense? Alternatively, if anyone has links to basic tutorials on audio setup I could start there too. Aye, Genghis
Last edited by Genghis_McCann; 09/03/17 05:03 PM.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
Yes, that basic article tells why a USB device is better than the built-in connections. Since you are selecting for a studio, I might suggest a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6. $250. Whether you get this or not, looking at the user manual you can download will give you a diagram that should really make things clearer to you. Try looking that unit up on Sweetwater’s site. https://www.sweetwater.com
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
I've looked over the sweetwater site and I'm slowly getting a better idea of what I need. I never thought I'd ever say this, but the piano that I love (and that you will have to pry from my cold dead fingers) really limits me in my progress in jazz, and at some point in the future I'll need to go looking for a midi keyboard if I want to get more out of BIAB and its possibilities. But there isn't any point if I have no idea how to actually use it and don't have the equipment to make it all sound good.
Thanks Matt / Pipeline
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,607
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,607 |
Not necessarily true; some MIDI keyboards can sound good out of the box if you use the sounds that came with it instead of the computer.. but you still need an interface.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
There are plenty of folks here who can help you with piano/computer questions. I’m not one of them, but ask away. Glad we’re getting you closer. We fully understand how mysterious all this can seem to those starting out.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,867 |
Absolutely you want to use a USB audio interface.
Essentially for 2 reasons.
First..... better quality audio. You get studio quality sound.
Second..... two way transfer. The headphone jack is one way..... audio out only and shaky quality and performance, as others have pointed out. With the USB interface, you can not only hear the audio coming out, but you can also record in while playing along with the music you hear.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
Thanks GT. I decided on the focusrite 2i2 bundle, which starts me off with headphones and a microphone too. Ordered it today from our local music store and it should be in within a week. Also got all the leads to make the connections to my HiFi stereo system.
I got the 2i2 rather than the 6i6 because I play on my own and the chap at the music store told me that if I do buy a midi keyboard it would be connected to my laptop anyway rather than directly to the interface, so I shouldn't run out of inputs.
In the meantime I'll get some more music into BIAB and read more of the manual. Thanks all. I'll let you know how it goes.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,867 |
......I decided on the focusrite 2i2 bundle, which starts me off with headphones and a microphone too. Ordered it today from our local music store and it should be in within a week. Also got all the leads to make the connections to my HiFi stereo system.
remember that the hi-fi stereo system has biased speakers. Essentially that means they tend to reproduce some frequencies better than others intentionally. You'll want to keep that in mind when mixing. And at some point, you'll want to budget for some studio reference speakers that are self powered to get a better representation of the actual mix. Using a stereo system and speakers for playback isn't bad.... but just understand the limitations and be careful when using it to monitor a mixing session. Headphones might be a better option depending on the model. Either way.... yeah... the focusrite is a big step in the RIGHT direction. Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
Good luck and keep us posted on how it goes. Will do. Thanks for the advice.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 33 |
My Focusrite 2i2 bundle arrived just over 2 weeks ago after a month on back order from the local music store. Unfortunately it arrived one day before I was booked for a total hip replacement! So I wasn't able to check it out until yesterday.
It works well. It was straightforward and intuitive to set up, even for someone who knows nothing about mixing and audio. The bass was overwhelming, probably because of the hifi speakers but after some experimentation the output sounded really good. It's a long time since I played with a band so it took some getting used to, but I'm really happy with BIAB.
I don't have any ambition to play professionally (my father and uncle did) but I get a great deal of satisfaction out of music as a hobby, and I think BIAB will add to the pleasure I get from playing.
Equipment: Yamaha 5'6" grand piano. BIAB for Macintosh 2017 --> 2020. MacBook Pro. Focusrite 2i2, Yamaha YC 88 keyboard
"Why do I have to go to school, Grandad? If I watch YouTube I'll know everything!"
- Grandson #3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
...the chap at the music store told me that if I do buy a midi keyboard it would be connected to my laptop anyway rather than directly to the interface, so I shouldn't run out of inputs.
Glad things are working out. I believe the above statement by the salesperson is wrong. Laptops do not have MIDI inputs. You would want to connect the MIDI keyboard to the Scarlett.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114 |
Hi Yes it is true that laptops do not have midi sockets. But I think what the guy in the shop meant, was if you buy a musical or controller keyboard you will get a USB to HOST connection and midi can be sent to the laptop that way via one of the usb connections. Some Yamaha keyboards no longer have normal midi skts only usb to host The DGX660 piano for one. To my mind this is a backward step, not every one wants to connect to a pc. You may want to connect via midi to another midi device external to the pc. I wish manufactures would not consider a new way of doing things as a replacement instead of an extra option. I well remember when I first got a DGX 620 some years back being so disappointed that it only had usb to host, I had just assumed it would have normal midi as well. That taught me to scrutinise the specs of new models not to see what was new but see what they had left off that you would expect to be there. Rant over  Have fun Mike
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,569 |
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
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)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 41
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 41 |
Sorry to be late to the discussion here, but why can't you just hook up a bluetooth speaker? Personally, I have a fairly ancient MacBook Pro and just bluetooth into my home receiver. I practice that way all the time. I've tried hard wiring from the headphone jack into the audio input of the receiver, but the sound quality isn't noticeably better. Bluetooth is a lot easier.
Last edited by Slick Salmon; 11/07/17 03:29 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
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.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
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!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,205
Posts801,934
Members40,068
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean