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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2005
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I'm just trying to catch up before it is too late. (Hell, maybe it's ALREADY too late. I'm 68). I'm 73, I don't want to hear it. It's never too late, it's all in your head, if you believe it then it's true. Or something like that. You obviously are 20 years out of date so forget all these suggestions and comments about how Real Band is slow, clunky whatever. You have no clue about any of this. I did a full album of music with my sister on vocals using RB. RB is free, works well enough and you don't know enough to have an opinion on anything at this point. There is nothing easy about DAW's for someone in your position. It's all new and confusing no matter which one you chose so you may as well work with what you've got. If you struggle with RB, can't get it to work, want to throw it out the window then maybe it IS too late for you because trust me, RB works fine. Other DAW's can be more elegant, look prettier, may do certain things faster (or not) but right now none of that matters. RB will do everything any other DAW will do. What's that you ask? It will record 48 tracks of audio or midi as well as any other DAW would. Other DAW's have unlimited tracks. Do you think you will be recording more than 48 tracks? I doubt it. It will sound just as good. It works with Biab files which no other DAW will unless you use the Biab plugin and you do NOT want to go there just yet. The plugin is way above your pay grade at this point. Just get familiar with RB then you'll have a starting point to begin talking specifics about one DAW vs another. Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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<< Remember 4-track analog recording? >>
Remember it and it's still the best option for any beginner.
<< I'd like some suggestions for some fairly good (and user friendly) home recording software. >>
Spend a day with a hardware recorder and you'll know it's software and every physical control in and out, through and through. You passed the learning curve 11 years ago. Modern hardware multi track recorders are as easy to operate as the multi tracks from 20-30 years ago. Units today are a lot more efficient, feature laden, editing is done digitally and the units have much higher specs than non digital multi tracks from the past. Modern digital units can be connected to a computer by USB providing easy transfer of BIAB generated tracks and also gives you access to more advanced editing of a DAW if desired or necessary.
A Hardware recorder's durability, stability and lifespan is decades better than any DAW.
A Hardware recorder purchased used within your desired price range can provide you 4 - 8 simultaneous inputs.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,665
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I'm just trying to catch up before it is too late. (Hell, maybe it's ALREADY too late. I'm 68). ........ There is nothing easy about DAW's for someone in your position. It's all new and confusing no matter which one you chose so you may as well work with what you've got. If you struggle with RB, can't get it to work, want to throw it out the window then maybe it IS too late for you because trust me, RB works fine. Other DAW's can be more elegant, look prettier, may do certain things faster (or not) but right now none of that matters. RB will do everything any other DAW will do. What's that you ask? It will record 48 tracks of audio or midi as well as any other DAW would. Other DAW's have unlimited tracks. Do you think you will be recording more than 48 tracks? I doubt it. It will sound just as good. It works with Biab files which no other DAW will unless you use the Biab plugin and you do NOT want to go there just yet. The plugin is way above your pay grade at this point. Just get familiar with RB then you'll have a starting point to begin talking specifics about one DAW vs another. Bob Harsh, but a fair assessment. Yes indeed.... any DAW is going to be a steep learning curve. And.... as has been pointed out, some of those have steeper learning curves than others..... however, if you have BiaB you also have a DAW in Real Band. It is a fairly basic, but useful DAW for someone starting out. I use Sonar because I have been using it for a very long time and know it. My learning curve with Sonar was quite an adventure in frustration at times.... more times than I can count. Dig in to Real Band and learn how to use it. I think you will find it quite capable of most of the things you want to use it for. As you learn how to use it, and if you encounter any real roadblocks to your work flow....at THAT time, and not before, you will have the knowledge you need to find and choose a DAW that does exactly what you want. Carry on and press RECORD. EDIT: When you start using RB, be sure to use the tutorials and help provided by PG. And when you have a question or encounter a problem doing something, there is always the REAL BAND forum where other users will come to your aid and provide you with advice and guidance on how it works.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 08/22/19 02:16 AM.
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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
Sorry to have given the impression that I am a total NEOPHYTE! I'm not. I have actually recorded BIAB/RealBand stuff previously and actually figured out how to save the stuff and convert it to MP3. (Or was it MP4?) Yay!! My PC is currently in the shop. Motherboard problem. But that stuff was done a few YEARS ago and I have forgotten most everything and am, thanks to the memory cells, almost literally starting over from the beginning.  Here are some things I did with BIAB/RealBand (not hard to figure out which ones weren't) and, hell, some of it isn't that bad. (Won't be hard to figure out why I asked about Pitch Correct. Darn vocals.) https://soundcloud.com/kiddcarvinThis one ain't too bad. "Fine Fine Fine - Status Quo (work in progress)" (Thankfully I didn't add the vocals. Planned on it. Again, thus the question about pitch correct.) I actually have a bunch of others I did with BIAB/RealBand for karaoke purposes but didn't upload to SoundCloud. And I'm serious about the memory issue. Heck, I don't know if I did the recordings with BIAB or RealBand. Or both. I guess that is why I said I was a beginner. Again, not a total neophyte. Reading the replies, and thinking about what I have actually done in the past, I might just stick with BIAB/RealBand. Maybe all I need to do is refresh my memory on the stuff then find something to help with them vocals. It doesn't have to be PRO quality anyhow. Just good enough to get some ideas and songs out there. cheers
Last edited by rokq22; 08/22/19 07:14 PM.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,590 |
I suspect you'll go from BIAB through Realband and on to Reaper. Maybe only using Realband for a couple of things. I have to agree that many things are more intuitive and easier in Reaper and it's rock solid. To start with just work with BIAB and get your money's worth out of that. Once you really know BIAB, you'll see some cool bits and bobs in Realband (although Multiriffs etc are now in BIAB.) Then Reaper and the VST world are likely to appeal. Finally, you can get some iZotope mixing and mastering software although it's a bit expensive. If you want to work live and are worried about pitch, you could do worse than look at TC Electronic hardware. Lot's of their products have built in pitch correction and harmonies etc.
Last edited by lambada; 08/23/19 02:25 AM.
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487
BIAB 2021 (Build 818)
Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor
Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi)
VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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With what you already know about multi track recording, you should take a look at this Tascam DP03SD Multitrack Recorder . You can easily import BIAB instrument tracks (midi or RealTracks) into the unit and add your original parts to the backing tracks. It really is as easy as the old cassette Porta Studios. The 44.1/16 CD quality matches the BIAB exported tracks. It has editing features, Punch in/out, with Onboard DSP Effects and Processing. You can literally create a CD from start to finish without a computer for anything other than generating/rendering your BIAB tracks. You are not limited to only 8 tracks because it can bounce tracks. It has a quality mastering features that is the same as used on the higher cost DP24/32 series hard disk multi tracks and there has recently been a substantial price drop making this fairly close to the price you're looking at. I'm positive you can produce higher quality recordings straight out of the box with this unit (or the less expensive DP008 or DP006) than you will get using any DAW you are unfamiliar with it's operations. With the price drop, it's also worth the price difference. Don't be fooled by it's appearance. It's not a toy.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
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Posts: 264 |
Wow, an actually PHYSICAL PRODUCT!!  Thanks for that. And I think that is just what I'll do. Hell, I just sold my Boss ME-80 because, MAINLY, I really didn't want to do the reading to learn how to do it all after not using it for a year or two!! I'll just use my tc electronic "DARK MATTER" pedal and be done with the stuff. (A delay pedal would be nice though). So I just dug out my old "MARANTZ PORTABLE CASSETTE RECORDER PMD101" and had a chuckle. I used to try learning guitar solos with that with my cassettes. TRULY OBSOLETE!! But thye thing is that I really don't enjoy doing everything on the damn computer! click, click click as nauseam. Anyhow, I think your suggestion is the best of both worlds! Thanks, I'm gonna get it.  cheers
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Another "PHYSICAL PRODUCT"! 
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2013
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<< So, Charlie, would I also be able to get a vocal enhancement plugin and use it with BIAB/RealBand and/or the Tascam? >>
Yes for both. BIAB and RB work with most VST's plus you have hardware choices and can also use hardware or software vocal enhancement and pitch correction with the Tascam or any other hardware recorder easily with the ones that have aux sends and returns. You can use hardware/software with the one's that don't as well, it's just a bit more involved with the routing.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2001
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not sure about the negatives for RealBand. It integrates with BIAB perfectly and I've never found anything I couldn't do. it's free if you have BIAB and unless you are a power user i can't see the point in mastering another piece of software. RB is a good way to start and only when you find you are frustrated that it won't do something you want is it time to look for another DAW.
for the average home recorder like me creating BIAB tracks, editing them, generating solos, and then recording vocals and my own instruments both as midi from a keyboard (with access to soundfonts, HIGH Q patches and third party fx incl 64 bit using jbridge) and live from a guitar DI'd and edited with amplitube what do forumites think i am missing (and therefore so would the OP) by just sticking to RealBAnd?
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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.
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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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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