Some of you know this some probably don't. I drive a fair amount for work. I actually really enjoy it because it gives me a lot of time to listen, analyze, and just really appreciate different approaches to music.
I love radio ready production as well as stripped down, just starting out artists...and everything in between.
Where I feel guilty is, I REALLY enjoy a lot of the music this forum is creating. However, as I stated, I am driving as I hear it. I am totally against texting/messaging/distracted driving; so I don't comment at the time of the listening.
Compound that with the number of songs I listen to both from here and other sources and I honestly don't remember what I would comment; so I either don't post or go with the generic "Great song. Keep it up."
Does anyone have any suggestions for a quick, easy, and not distracting way (driving) to maybe do a little better on my part.
I considered recording my comments into my phone, but it takes me out soundcloud, or whatever app...and becomes a distraction again.
I feel guilty enjoying and not showing appreciation. I want to change that for 2019.
Thanks for any suggestions. Ya'll deserve some praise!
**Also, I many times will use speech to text if I have to, and it's FAR from perfect. I don't edit, because, again it would be a distraction. So if you ever receive an oddly worded message or post from me, you now know why
Last edited by HearToLearn; 12/16/1807:06 AM.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Mount it within easy reach, set up to record MP3, place it on standby and after you hear a song press the record button, state the song and your comments, press the record button again to return to standby then repeat the process after each song.
You should be able to mount it with most mounting devices for phones.
Although not a perfect setup but just pressing one button is not very distracting, i.e. much like changing a radio station with a push button radio.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
For what you're wanting to do, Mario is on the right track. But since your goal is to record your thoughts for posting, you don't need to go to the expense of a recorder in the Zoom or Tascam quality field recorder.
A $29 Olympus voice recorder will do fine and most record continuously for 5-24 hours at different bit rates of MP3 to uncompressed WAV. Most have three different mic sensitivity levels and all are one button start/stop. You can get an external clip on mic for less than $10 and place it on your sun visor, turn on the recorder and record throughout the length of your trip. If you use the voice activation mode, simply listen to a song with the volume set a low enough value to not activated the recorder at the lowest recorder mic sensitivity, which is easy to do when using a clip on mic. The recorder is always standing by in record mode and will only activate and record when you speak. This will eliminate the dead time between your comments as you listen to the music. It will activate to road rage shouts so some degree of care will be necessary with your language. Best of all these units work marvously with all the voice to text software.
Well if it were me (and "me" includes the tech I use) I would simply tell Siri to create an Apple Note and dictate my comments. I've been using Siri so long she could nail me reading the Gettysburg Address. I would later cut and paste from Notes to the appropriate post.
Bud (A 73 year old who is on the veritable cusp of technology...HAHAHAHAHAHAHA...yeah)
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 have two Olympus DVRs and they are excellent recorders. The stereo separation is phenomenal considering that the mics are only an inch apart. The default record mode is .wma but easily switchable to .mp3/.wav/.ogg/etc. It records about 120 hours on 1 AAA battery.
Wow, great ideas! I will have to check into some of the recorders. I had no idea they were so inexpensive now!
Bud-I'm on android, which I tried their "hey google" then "take a note" it did...but...I have NO idea where it went to! LOL I'll keep messing with it. NOT while I'm driving of course. I'll also have to see how much this interrupts song flow. Great suggestion.
Matt, I pushed the red button on my watch and now there is some countdown to the end of the world show. I have a little over 3 minutes to cancel it. Any ideas how how to do that. I need an answer sort of fast...lol;)
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
ditch the guilt. Guilt accomplishes little more than to steal your joy.
If the people who post songs here were all needy types who might get depressed if they didn't get affirmation, then maybe there would be a solid reason for making sure everybody did their part to offer a bit of comfort. But...
I don't think the people who post songs here are needy and looking for a praise fix... so not dispensing the dopamine shouldn't be construed as an offense.
But, even if we assume that people ARE looking for praise: there is no contract stating that once they upload their song, anybody at all is required to comment on it.
What is uploaded freely is yours to enjoy freely.
And comparing the potential consequences of distracting yourself while driving to the potential consequences of not commenting on a song... I don't see them as being at parity of risk. Maybe err on the side of driving safety and limit comments to those times when you are listening at home?
You are more than welcome to have one of my Olympi. I'll never get back to needing two. Just PM me with your shipping address.
The technology has changed a lot since I got them. The newer models are Bluetooth, these are USB Ported via a bayonet connection.
What goes around ... Matt sent me a vertical mouse with his generosity. It's my turn!
"Inexpensive", not. I paid 100 Bux each!
When I was commuting to work in Seattle, nearly an hour each way, I would record snippets of songs/ideas so I wouldn't forget before I got seated at my DAW.
ditch the guilt. Guilt accomplishes little more than to steal your joy.
If the people who post songs here were all needy types who might get depressed if they didn't get affirmation, then maybe there would be a solid reason for making sure everybody did their part to offer a bit of comfort. But...
I don't think the people who post songs here are needy and looking for a praise fix... so not dispensing the dopamine shouldn't be construed as an offense.
But, even if we assume that people ARE looking for praise: there is no contract stating that once they upload their song, anybody at all is required to comment on it.
What is uploaded freely is yours to enjoy freely.
And comparing the potential consequences of distracting yourself while driving to the potential consequences of not commenting on a song... I don't see them as being at parity of risk. Maybe err on the side of driving safety and limit comments to those times when you are listening at home?
standard disclaimer: I'm old
All of the above is right on, particularly the distracted driving bit. Just enjoy.
Isn't that supposed to be used for: "Dick Tracy calling Joe Jitsui"?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Pat, that has been my approach overall for a while. The problem came in with, when I would sit at my computer, I wouldn't remember the specifics of what I would want to say...so I would head to the "Off Topic" section and pretty much only comment there. Bad idea!
I totally get what you are saying. I guess it's sometimes rare to be able to hear someone's music, enjoy it, have the opportunity to thank them for the experience, and not take the opportunity. It felt selfish. That's on me though. It's not like when I don't comment for extended periods of time anyone is sending me a PM saying "hey man, you haven't comment on my song or anything else in a while. What's up?" Maybe it's time to let that guilty feeling go. It's how I'm wired; but maybe it's time for a rewiring. lol
Don, what an amazingly thoughtful offer. Thank you for that! My fear would be the second you put postage on it and sent it; yours would break! lol Redundancy can be a great thing in such situations. Thank you again for the offer though. I'm stunned and amazed by it.
Again, for the record, I would NEVER allow for distracted driving. I get we all have it to a slight extent; but I'm very much against it. I drive too much and see too many instances of people thinking they are driving fine. They are certainly not! There is just of it. I also believe in leading by example to my kids.
Chad (Hope that makes it easier)
TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Don, what an amazingly thoughtful offer. Thank you for that! My fear would be the second you put postage on it and sent it; yours would break! lol Redundancy can be a great thing in such situations. Thank you again for the offer though. I'm stunned and amazed by it.
HTL,
No, they are amazingly rugged and solid, unlike some of the competitive models which are mostly plastic.
I guess my point is the car is not somewhere to be thinking deeply about making particular comments on someone's song.
If your kids are in the car, it's probably a better example to them to take the time to pay attention to them, not to the recordist of a song.
Now, if you take the time to explain what you find interesting or enjoyable about someone's song to your kids while you are driving, that's worth tons more than the comment back to the poster of the song. You might end up with a reliable drummer and bass player in your future!
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean