|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40 |
I'm a plain old muso who's love for music far exceeds my abilities. I do my tracks in BIAB keeping them as simple as possible. Then render them into MP3's to strum and sing along to. Budget equipment is the best I can do. Alto mixer and active speakers. The question is would it make that much difference rendering to WAV files rather than MP3's. In truth i can't really hear the difference, too many years of music, motorcycles and machining has done the damage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 115
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 115 |
IMHO-if all you're doing is playing along for your own benefit- mp3 is fine. It also takes up less space on your drive and as you say, you can't hear the difference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
I concur. Of course, MP3s can be made in greatly varying quality. If you make one at 44.1K, 320 Kbps, stereo, then few people will be able to tell the difference between that and a .WAV file. If you make a mono .MP3 at 128 Kbps, you'll save space but more people will hear the difference.
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: Jan 2010
Posts: 874
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 874 |
Like Matt Finley said, High quality mp3's are probably fine.
To me, 128kbps are not good enough for performing.
You can hear the difference.
Personally I use .wav files because disk storage is hardly an issue these days.
Mp3's are compressed files. Compression is lost data.
It probably doesn't matter at 320Kbps. But perhaps sometimes it does.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro 11.2.2
Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40 |
Thanks, the BIAB does the MP3 at the 320 setting which sounds great to me. It helps for the storage on the little tablet I use as well. All's well. Take Care.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
For performing I use MP3@320kbps. After all I play to folk that are eating, chatting, elderly and or hard of hearing in some other way. I play the music through a PA in buildings that have air conditioners blowing away, or a bit of 50 cycle hum and/or many other extraneous noises. I don’t think anybody even if they were listening closely could pick the difference between the MP3 or a .wav in that environment.
It is possible to find the losses and have a listen to them. In a nutshell you could pull both the .wav and 320 kbps MP3 into something like Audacity. Set (normalise) them to exactly the same level, ensure both are set exactly at the same time, invert one of them then play the song. The tracks will pretty much cancel out. The sound you are left with is the losses. @320kbps the result is not that much, usually high end sound most people struggle to hear.
@128kbps you will hear more losses.
That was my experience.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 05/14/19 12:25 AM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,457
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,457 |
Set (normalise) them to exactly the same level, ensure both are set exactly at the same time, invert one of them then play the song. If you ever attempt to use this method you indeed need to make sure the two are exactly in time. By 'invert' I think Teunis means to reverse the polarity of both tracks. This also means both would need to be at the same volume (Normalizing would get them close but other ways exist). The theory is that what is in one track sending a negative value would cancel out another track sending a positive value. This has been a proven technique, but understanding the mechanics can be important. Get them out of time a little and the results are wrong (usually results in a noticeable phasing). Having one a little off on volume can also skew the results .. but the science is pretty cool to know.  Interesting application of the theory Teunis! I wouldn't have thought of this.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Yes, you need to ensure both the MP3 and the .wav are exactly the same in volume and where the play back is from or you will get the sound of phasing and volume imbalance skewing the result. The easiest way to get the start lined up is to go to the first transient on both tracks and line them up.
The term used by Audacity to reverse the “polarity” of a track is to “invert” it. That is the option under effects.
So basically what you are doing is putting the tracks 180 degrees out of phase. If both tracks were exactly the same the result will be zero output. Usually even what you are left with (assuming MP3@320kbps and .wav) you’d need to amplify a fair bit to hear.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 05/14/19 04:20 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 40 |
Thanks Guys, I'm quiet happy with what I'm hearing as I believe the old folk who I play for are happy. so I don't think I'll go looking for the bits I don't have. Even if I found them I wouldn't know what to do with them. The digital thing has passed me by a long time ago and gives me a headache. I still have my toolkit for servicing my car, feeler gauge, Timing light, Dwell meter, Exhaust gas analyser etc. But Digital came along now all I can do is oil change and top up fluids. Now I'm feeling my age. Take care from sunny Durban.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,726 |
High quality MP3 (320KBS) is very difficult to hear the difference. I have used MP3 tracks in my recordings and no one notices. A singer sent me the MP3 and later, when I got ready to mix, the wave was simply not available....
That song is In A World Without you. on my music page
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Posts795,573
Members39,945
| |
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