Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
I record my guitar as an audio track into a BIAB song by plugging it directly into my computer. BIAB let’s me add reverberation and I can add some effects like echo using a stomp box hooked up in between. What I can’t get is distortion or even crunch. Running the sound through the overdrive channel on my guitar amp first, produces too much volume for BIAB to handle.
Has anyone come up with a good way to do this?
Thanks.


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
There are a ton of distortion plug-ins available. Google/Bing distortion vst and you will find a ton of them. Many are free.

Here is a site that list some of the free ones:

https://thehomerecordings.com/best-16-free-distortion-vst-plugins/

Most all, if not all, amp syms also have usable effects. If you have the free Amplitube I believe it has a distortion effect.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Thanks MarioD. How do you hook them up to get the distorted sound into BIAB?


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
Originally Posted By: AlastairLC
Thanks MarioD. How do you hook them up to get the distorted sound into BIAB?


You would use it as an effect after you recorded your guitar. I don't do these kind of things in BiaB, I do them in my DAW, so someone else will have to give you step by step instructions.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
i record in RB as its a lot easier to my way of working. but if you have amplitube (it comes with BIAB)use the fx insert to choose amplitube as your plugin which you can do with the mixer in BIAB. record your guitar first then open amplitube which comes with an interface where you can choose which pedals to add. there's a tube screamer or similar, delay and chorus. you can also choose amp and cabinet simulations.

from my days as a guitarist, i'd suggest you add the distortion first then the time based effects like echo, delay and chorus later - there are pedals to do that in amplitube - rather than as BIAB fx up front.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,808
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,808
I believe if you look you should find that you have Amplitude in with BB. It is essentially a guitar sim. I've never really used in in BB..... I do have it in my DAW, Sonar, and it lets you apply all sorts of different amplifier models and pedals to the sound, and the one I have has different cabinet and speaker models too.

You can use that to make a clean guitar into practically anything you want.

If that doesn't work for you for a variety of reasons, you can google search ACME BAR GIG and get their free amp sim for guitar.


You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add 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: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,015
Alastair,

Try This

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Clipboard01.jpg (174.37 KB, 127 downloads)

Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 8) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
Depending on your recording setup, also - you could record amp signal and direct signal simultaneously. That way you can always add a vst amp later. Be mindful of potential phase issues though. If you want only one source I'd advice using the amp signal.


Cheers,
Deryk
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Wow! So that’s what Plugins are! Silly me.
The echo, flanger and tremolo sound fine. Distortion isn’t as good as my amp can produce but it’s workable.
Thanks you all for educating me.


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,551
Originally Posted By: AlastairLC
Wow! So that’s what Plugins are! Silly me.
The echo, flanger and tremolo sound fine. Distortion isn’t as good as my amp can produce but it’s workable.
Thanks you all for educating me.


You might want to try some of the free distortion plug-ins I mentioned earlier.


Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
are you using amplitube? it produces better distortion than the BIAB audio fx

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
No. Where do I find Amplitube?


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145
ok, i think this is how you do it. amplitube comes with biab as a vst. do you already use vst plugins? you access them the same way you do any plug in BIAB or RB. IN RB click on the fx button next to the solo or mute buttons on the track in the tracks window, or on the fx button at the top of the channel/track strip for the relevant track in the mixer. In BIAB go to the plugins tab of the mixer and each track has two lines - the name of the track/instrument and another with a drop down menu above it.

sorry if you know this already. in both cases the fx plugin window opens and you choose the plugin you want. however, you will probably have to add amplitube as a vstplug in.

scroll to the bottom of the list and select add vst plugin and then you will find a windows explorer window opens for you to find the plugin. if your installation is the same as mine you'll need to navigate to your main local drive (usually c for most of us), select programfiles[86] and then scroll down to find the vstplugins folder which being alphabetical is one of the last ones! open it up and select amplitube.dll

amplitube should then open up in the plugins window. you then select pedals, amps and cabinets

there are some presets but some of us have had difficulty getting them to load - try selecting the browser button in the top row and see if you have any - the names are fairly descriptive and they will populate the plugin to give you an idea of how it works.

if you haven't got any presets creating a patch is no more difficult than programming a multi fx pedal.

select stomp A and then go down to the bottom - there are spaces on the fake wooden floor with selector arrows. press the down arrow to cycle through available pedals. then if you need to add another pedal move to the next space along.

once you've done the pedals, choose the amp and then the cabinet. you then get a rack to set up which allows you to add more digital fx there and then but pedals, amp and cabinet are enough for me.

there's all sorts of magic with vsts - there are special files for the pedals, amps etc but they are hidden away and amplitube.dll finds them with no effort on your part. good luck and come back if you have a problem.

play around have fun! once you've added amplitube it will always be there in your drop down fx menu but you'll have to add it separately to BIAB and RB.




Last edited by Bob Calver; 04/22/20 10:48 AM.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Thanks Bob. Most helpful! Yes, the overdrive is much better using Amplitube.


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
FWIW I find myself using Fretted Synth stuff quite often.
Freeamp Full and Helian Bass make things quick and easy .. but have a lot of granularity available

They are older, but also pretty intuitive and easy to get up and running.
https://rekkerd.org/fretted-synth/

Note that all versions of freeamp were different. Some seem to play nicer on a given system than others .. trade off for the cost I guess.
I've only tinkered with the Freeamp and Helian Bass tools .. there's a lot more on this page.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Here are some ideas;
1: Record your amp by putting a microphone in front of it. You would also need an audio interface or at least an adaptor to connect the mic to your computer. Before I started using an dedicated interface I had a small Behringer 5 channel mixer connected to my sound card input. That worked.
2: If your amp has some type of line out jack you could put a DI box with an attenuater switch in between. Live Wire Solutions SPDI has worked for me. Or use a Behringer GDI21 which has great reviews.
3: There are many decent digital FX pedals that do a decent job of amp, over drive and distortion emulation. My current choice has been Zoom G1 Four on the Fender Deluxe Reverb setting. The output on the G1 Four is a single mono or stereo output. I can record straight to my sound card (although I often don't) with a simple cable and an adaptor at one end.
4: Record direct as you have been and use any one of the many and often free plugins such as:
SimulAnalog (various plugins)
Voxengo Boogex
Silver Spikes Ruby Tube
Acme Bar Gigs Whisper Tube
Blue Cat Audio BC Free Amp (2 thumbs up for this one)
MSaturator by Melda Productions (can adjust 2nd and 4th harmonics)
Amplitube 3 or 4.


Does the noise in your head bother me ?
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 147
Thanks Tobias. Sounds like I have many options.


Cheers! -Alastair
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Not sure if this works inside BIAB but the free Voxengo Boogex (or other amp emulator or even distortion/overdrive FX) followed by the free Voxengo Stereo Touch on the Guitar Cabinet preset actually works/sounds great.


Does the noise in your head bother me ?
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 225
W
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
W
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 225
Hi AlistairLC
I have also been looking at the same thing. I had heaps of trouble getting anything out of Amplitube but that’s just me.
I downloaded Native Instruments and their Guitar rig is worth a look. Most of the effects you can only use for 30 minutes at a time (unless you purchase) and then reload but there are plenty freebies than create plenty of distortion and other effects.
On the up side there are plenty of other instruments to play around with.
Cheers


BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,551
Or Freeamp from FrettedSynth, which comes in various flavors and offers some unique tempo based options for delays and chorus, etc..


Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
freeamp.jpg (118.58 KB, 37 downloads)
Last edited by rharv; 05/03/20 02:16 AM. Reason: sorry, I see I posted that a couple weeks ago

I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,082
Posts799,857
Members40,031
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
Newest Members
Airllines, roshan2121, Din, AurealiusB, sam31985
40,031 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 142
DC Ron 97
rsdean 94
WaoBand 86
DrDan 68
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5