|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17 |
Hello there,
I have a question. I'm a choir conductor and I use BIAB to create backtracks for my choirs.
I also use Musescore to create midi files to practise with or create a piano accompaniment.
My question; What would be the easiest playback gear for me?
What I found is de Merish 5.
Is there any one using this and tell the pros and cons?
Any other ideas?
At this moment I use my phone connected via bluetooth to the mixer during concerts and practise sessions. It works good enough but I would like to know the next step. I don't play keyboard or piano. I'm a singer and guitar player.
Kind regards,
AJ
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
What you're presently using should work fine but ... you may find that cellphone headphone jacks can quickly and suddenly become troublesome.
Rather than wearing out a cellphone headphone jack I would visit flea markets, thrift shops, pawn shops, yard and garage sales and the like to pick up a battery operated media player. Like you, everyone has replaced media players with a cellphone so media players are plentiful and cheap. You may be able to use one you already have hiding in a drawer someplace.
While headphone jacks can also be problematic in media players there are numerous benefits too. Once you have one you likely can constantly leave the audio cable plugged in reducing wear. You don't run down the your cellphone battery. You can use the USB port to transfer files between your computer and the media player. A media player has dedicated transport controls. Most media players likely have enough storage memory to store a the audio files required for a complete performance as Wave files reducing the need to convert each song file from wave to MP3.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17 |
Thank you for your reply.
I actually use an old phone as a stand alone player with a powerbank.
The blue-tooth gives me the opportunity to start songs from where I'm standing so I don't use the headphone jack that often.
But I have a look at your suggestion to see if there is something that can help me further.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,864
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,864 |
If you have a CD player connected to you PA in the church, there's always the old standby.... burn a CD with the wave file. Pretty reliable.
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 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
The Merish device looks very capable.
But its over $1000 Euro in price
I believe the future of mp3/midi/wav track playback will be apps running on phones and tablets.
The i/o paths (Midi/digital/analog) for these devices is usually more than adequate for most people
I currently use a hardwire from the tablet to the PA rather than bluetooth.
I expect I will use a bluetooth connection for this in the near future. Maybe.
Apps for IOS and Android devices that perform a lot of features cost anywhere from 0 to 25 Euros.
So, you can do some experimenting for not a lot of money.
I currently use Anytune Pro for live gigs. I use the IOS version on both a tablet and a phone.
Besides set creation and playback it also sports bluetooth for control (pedal) via midi.
I use a IK blueboard with midi settings for start/stop playback, next track, previous track, eq on/off.
I connect a cheap expression pedal to the blueboard and have master track volume control also via midi.
It works pretty well.
You can do some configurable arranging with it also. I have not done that
Its spot on worth 20 euro.
I just started with a program called MultiTracker that allows playback and control of individual tracks in an arrangement.
I have some desired functionality I am trying to work out with the developers. This may be a great app for the future.
There are a number of apps specialized for worship also. I have not pursued any of these.
Hope this helps
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17 |
I think I already made up my mind in buying the Merish 5.
The only thing holding be back (probably not for long) is, it is a very niche product. Also the company is Italian based and doesn't have dealers in the Netherlands (Where I'm from) or hardly any other countries outside of Italy.
However seeing I have a library with 10.000+ karaoke midi files and also have a lot of midi biab styles I think this will be a very fine edition.
I would like to read reviews of other Merish users. Even if it is for an older product and was hoping to find some users on this forum.
Btw As long as I haven't bought it. I still like to find other possibilities and I don't mind thinking outside of the box.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
Internet information about Karaoke and MIDI file playback machines is really difficult to discover in my part of the world (southeastern US). An online store in Australia, +++ Hi-Tech +++ sells two players, the Merish 4 and Okyweb 4. Both units appear to be derivatives of Italian units no longer manufactured. Other than that link, all I've been able to find are manual links. This is an example of hardware being replaced with software. I was able to find MANY cellphone and computer applications.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
ajdvn,
Please think long and hard before you purchase the Merish
The unit you wish to purchase now may address your needs of today.
Over time your needs will change. You will gain skill in your craft and want new capabilities.
You will look to your manufacture to add these new features that others will have.
You may be disappointed. Merish is only 1 company, with limited resources.
Your 1000 euro beauty could well may become a boat anchor.
Trust me, I have many such boat anchors I have collected over the years.
Information on the Merish is not superabundant,via internet search.
This may be an indication of the future of the device.
To me that is a real alarm going off.
I would be hesitant to purchase such a proprietary device without extensively testing the capabilities of software solutions in the IOS/Android/MacOS/Windows OS environments.
These environments are rich with software solutions from hundreds, perhaps thousands of individuals and companies working on delivering this kind of functionality on general purpose computing devices (phones,tablets,Personal computers, watches?) at a fraction of the price.
Computing devices you already own.
I am just a guy on the internet.
But I do want you to be happy.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,867 |
With a library of 10.000+ karaoke midi files and BIAB styles, you may want to look at an SD/Flash drive player like professional/amateur DJ's use. They are capable of holding your entire collection, most have dual players for both redundancy and cueing. They are very durable and most have sufficient search features and other features you might find to be useful.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 17 |
Thank you all for your good advice.
I have ordered the Merish 5. Now the long wait starts.
Thanks you for your advice @mrgeeze. I think I made the right decisions.
I hope by thinking outside of the box and seeing different possibilities.
I will keep you all up-to-date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1 |
ajdvn,
So did you finally get it. After some customs issues with the delivery, I should receiving my Merish 5. Just a note after looking through the myriad ways to complete my one man band to many band members, it depended on the venue and the clients requirements, This seems to be the best answer to my needs. I thought of purchasing the Merish 3 system back when that version came out but didn't, held out through the 4 version, it was too loud, I'm talking color (yellow?) anyway now that is out in a non-offensive color Can't wait to set it up. If your interested we can continue this conversation offline.
Let me know.
RicoNJazz
ITnJazz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 1 |
How did you go with the Merish. I have the Merish Plus and was wanting to use it with BIAB. Managed midi getting from Mac to Merish but I think the mapping is very wrong as it sounds terrible. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
Tony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 4 |
Probably late to the game here. But I've owned a Merish 3 since it came out and have used the heck out of it for live gigs.yep it's was expensive! but worth it. No, software will not slowly replace this for what it is intended for. This program handles everything you need for a live performance minus the 2 powered speakers you will need. Nice 7" touch screen along with the ability to plug in an external tv monitor. Built in 2 channel mixer for 2 mics, Midi,Mp3 playback,plug in extra instruments and control they're volume. It has a fade button that softens the sound so you can talk over the currently playing backing track. It holds a bazillion files that i defy you to fill up (64 gig ss drive). http://soloduogigtalk.libsyn.com/
Last edited by Franko; 10/19/19 03:31 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
For those interested the Merish 5 is due to be released November, 2019. A copy of the pdf manual at the websit belowe. +++ Merish 5 Website +++ +++ Merish 5 Video Overview +++
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 1 |
Hello Everyone
Just joined this forum. I own a Merish 5 and wish to connect with other owners to discuss technical details. Is there anyone within this forum who owns this unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 1
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 1 |
Hi, I am new here as well and checking into the Merish 5. I read a review today online that it won't play the midi's I presently have on my floppy discs, when transferred into the Merish. Somebody said they sound terrible. Alot of sequencing went into my files and played them from my Yamaha PSR keyboard to my PA. Was looking for something compact to lug around instead of my keyboard that also could play straight drum beats for non midi songs.
Also, would the Merish have the quarter pin jack to direct line to the same input on my powered mixer. The diagrams appears to be the same quarter pin output. I'm not computer savvy enough to get into software programs, just having some fun with what I am comfortable with at my age and want a compact midi player now. I have to order this overseas from Canada and need some help on the above info before I do. Any suggestions on other similar devices that would work are welcome.
Thank-you
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,044
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,044 |
Hello there,
I have a question. I'm a choir conductor and I use BIAB to create backtracks for my choirs.
I also use Musescore to create midi files to practise with or create a piano accompaniment.
My question; What would be the easiest playback gear for me? An iPad. Much software and many apps that let you do what you need. Notion for iPadOS is very good and accepts MusicXML 3.0 from MuseScore. Now that Fender has purchased Presonus, Notion for iPadOS has gotten better and the in-app purchases are less expensive. I load my singer's guide tracks as mp3s into Dropbox. I find the idea of buying yet another piece of playback gear silly.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 892 |
Hello there,
I have a question. I'm a choir conductor and I use BIAB to create backtracks for my choirs.
I also use Musescore to create midi files to practise with or create a piano accompaniment.
My question; What would be the easiest playback gear for me? An iPad. Much software and many apps that let you do what you need. Notion for iPadOS is very good and accepts MusicXML 3.0 from MuseScore. Now that Fender has purchased Presonus, Notion for iPadOS has gotten better and the in-app purchases are less expensive. I load my singer's guide tracks as mp3s into Dropbox. I find the idea of buying yet another piece of playback gear silly. +1 I use Anytune Pro on an Ipad or Iphone. I think I paid $5 for it. Bluetooth to my pedalboard and/PA if i like. Incredible feature set. I just realized that you mentioned midi files. The AnytunePro software I use does not play midi files. That could make it a non-starter for you. My apologies.
Last edited by mrgeeze; 02/23/23 05:51 AM.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Blue and White Sea Star
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 2 |
I’m trying to work through managing file transfers to the Merish 5. Any tips would be helpful
Mebegebo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 2
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2025
Posts: 2 |
Did you ever get the Merish 5? I just did and have many questions.
Mebegebo
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,199
Posts801,872
Members40,065
| |
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