Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103 |
Just a quicky! When playing live, do people use Band In a Box, or transfer file to RealBand? (or something else?
Roy
Geekom Mini-pc Intel i5-8259U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 11 pro Acer V15 Laptop Intel i5-5257U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 10, x64 Acer 5750 Laptop Intel i3-2310M 6.00 GB RAM 64-bit operating system, x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385 |
I've been in a duo using self-generated backing tracks since 1985. Here is how I do it: http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.htmlInsights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103 |
Well Norton. What a great article! I enjoyed reading that.
Roy
Geekom Mini-pc Intel i5-8259U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 11 pro Acer V15 Laptop Intel i5-5257U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 10, x64 Acer 5750 Laptop Intel i3-2310M 6.00 GB RAM 64-bit operating system, x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Roy, there's a similar topic on this in the "Off Topic" forum..... Going Live...what do I need?One common issue people like to avoid is a computer problem. Some folks like to use an MP3 player to play backing tracks because it's more simpler to use and less prone to issues as a computer. Enjoy the read.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics. PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483 |
I make a set list on my MacBook and use it live in Jukebox mode when performing. If needed I also have all songs on my iPhone.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600
Journeyman
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 600 |
Wow! I understand the answers others have gave but I despise using fixed mp3's and feel I've paid goodly sums for live play features, like the conductor, to use BIAB live. Does anyone here use it instead of mp3's? I love the big lyrics window and think I will get used to the conductor if I start using it on a regular basis.
Seems the biggest problem the mp3 users have is the fear of BIAB crashing on the job. For those of you using BIAB live, do you have problems with crashes on the job?
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,057 |
No, I never had a computer with BIAB crash on a job. I do, however, try to keep things as simple as I can by using the MP3 player BUT I put .WAV files on it for the best quality I can get. The laptop stays in the car as a backup.
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 103 |
Thanks for the comments. Others thing I like/don't like. I does not remember my cappo position, in the saved song, so it has to be set before pressing play. As its Zoom meeting I use it for, and only do the same number a few times, without much practice (new numbers each week) its handy to see the 'chords screen' while playing, to get the finish etc correct. I can't do this with mp3's.
Roy
Geekom Mini-pc Intel i5-8259U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 11 pro Acer V15 Laptop Intel i5-5257U 16,0 GB RAM 64-bit Windows 10, x64 Acer 5750 Laptop Intel i3-2310M 6.00 GB RAM 64-bit operating system, x64
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
What I use to show lyrics and chords is Songbook. In this I can also add comments such as capo position, chorus, verse, instrumentals, tags, slow down or what ever.
I insert pauses to the scrolling where I need them, say stop the scrolling for a time whilst playing an instrumental the come back in and the scroll restarts.
One could easily load the song apply the capo on the said fret. Then start the scroll and MP3 with the chords coming up at about the right tempo for the MP3. After experimenting with a few songs it is very easy to use.
In my case have the words in a text format. Import the text into Songbook add a title and other comments. Set the time of the song (the length of the MP3 in mm.ss), the location of the MP3. Set the key to make changes easier later if required. Then add the chords into the words so it all matches up. Maybe add a pause for the intro.
I load the song press start and also start the MP3. So the song starts showing me the chords for the intro, stops the scroll to allow the intro time and continues the scroll for the words and chords to come up.
Comments are inserted to let me know where I am. e.g. verse 1, chorus, instrumental (16 bars). The scroll pauses whilst the instrumental is played. Then the scroll restarts after the time allocated for 16 bars.
All simple and easy IMHO.
Tony
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385 |
There is more than one right way to do this.
I don't do set lists, because I'm not clairvoyant enough to know what song would be absolutely best for the audience 10 minutes from now. That's why I use a laptop and not a mp3 player.
When playing I watch the audience to determine what I should play next. One example: If they are on the dance floor and looking like they are getting tired, calling another fast song would not be the best thing to do. So judging from what I already know about the audience I might pick a slow song, if there are ballroom dance types I might choose a 'specialty' dance that they would get up for while the others catch their breath and sip their drink, play a request that doesn't fit anywhere else, or it might be time to make an announcement.
On the opposite side, if they look like they need another fast song, I can free one hand for a couple of seconds to call up the next song and hit enter as soon as the song I'm currently playing is done. Sometimes 3 seconds between fast songs is too long, because once they make the decision to go back to their tables, not much will change their mind. It's easier playing a fast song when the dance floor is crowded.
I can make the decision of what would my experience tells me what would be best for the audience 15 seconds before the song ends, and it will only take 2 seconds to cue up the next song.
I couldn't do that with a tablet or mp3 player. Sometimes I only have 2 seconds to call up the next tune.
My philosophy is to give the audience what they need, when they need it, even if they don't know what they need and when they need it. I look at their clothes and shoes before starting (you can tell a lot from that), decide what to play, see how it's going over, near the end of that one call up the next song, and repeat until the gig is done.
I figure that if I give them a better experience than my competition, I'll get more gigs. So far that has worked, at least until COVID-19 knocked on our door. I've actually had to block out time and refuse gigs to take an annual vacation.
Computer reliability
I've been using ThinkPad computers on the gig since 2002, when IBM still made them. There is a spare up and running at all times. Since 2002 when I started using ThinPads, I've needed the spare twice.
(1) the hard drive started making a mechanical noise so between songs I moved the USB end of the USB->Audio interface to the next computer. The audience never knew there was a problem. Next day I replaced the Hard Drive
(2) The CMOS battery went out. This is the first time that happened and I didn't know I could manually enter date and time and boot the computer, so I went to the spare. The repair was a $5 'coin battery'. That was on one of my 2002 computers, and it's still running today.
I wouldn't use a different brand of computer, only ThinkPads because of their reputation.
I saw a video tour of the International Space Station, and they have two, redundant ThinkPad computers that regulate all the life support functions of the space station like oxygen, cabin pressure, etc. Obviously NASA feels ThinkPads are the most reliable too.
But like I said, there is more than one right way to do this.
Insights and incites by Notes ♫
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Hi Bob, I do set a list but I can very easily change on the fly. All my songs are there in basic alphabetic order and I also have lists of types of music. Say 60 rock, waltzes, Australiana, so it takes very little time.
I find if I don’t have some idea before I start I tend to fumble around looking for songs a bit and/or often play the same songs in the same venue time and again. Using a list I can be sure I’m not playing the same song in the same venue the next time I’m there (unless for some reason I want to). When I add a song to the list Songbook shows what list the songs have been added to.
Using Songbook gives me heaps of flexibility.
Tony
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,385 |
Like I said, there is more than one right way to do this.
I'm glad that works for you.
I tried an iPod once, and it took me too much time. But then I have over 600 songs in my repertoire.
So if I'm playing a song and decided to play "Wagon Wheel" next, when the song is done I type W hit Enter and "Wagon Wheel" starts immediately. It's the first W song. If I want "Walk Like An Egyptian" I have to type WAL and hit Enter. It starts in less than a second.
I can even type that W or WAL during the song I'm currently playing. I can often get a hand free for a second. Then when the song ends I hit Enter the next one starts immediately, almost as smoothly as a DJ.
After decades of doing this I'm pretty good at sizing up an audience and knowing a safe song to open with by the way they dress, the shoes they wear, their age bracket, and how they conduct themselves. Then it's just a matter of watching the audience while playing.
It's what works for me. YMMV
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove & Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginners Forum
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 861
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 861 |
I use IOS devices (IPAD Iphone) to play my 320kb mp3 backing tracks on stage. I use BIAB and Logic Pro to create them. I sometimes use bluetooth if its available but prefer just running a cable from the ios device to the PA/mixer/amp/speaker/etc. I find Bluetooth implementation spotty across PA manufacturers. Some brands its good enough, other places not so much. So for audio quality, I find the cable the most consistent.
I use Anytune Pro to handle playing back the mp3's. I can create set lists, loop, change key, tempo. etc. I find it great for rehearsing and learning tunes also. Anytune has bluetooth/midi implementation so you can used a midi/bluetooth pedalboard to control start/stop, next/previous, etc. This is pretty useful if you've got a guitar in your hand. The software makes gigging with backing tracks easy.
I can easily copy my tunes and setups from one ios device to another. I usually use an ipad as i like the larger screen. I have an iphone with the same material at the gig in case the ipad goes awol.
I've only done this for about 5 years so don't have the experience of others on this forum. I can setup my rig in about 2 minutes and everything fits in the side pocket of a gig bag.
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS (Latest) Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro 11 Irwin Vice Grip Fencing Pliers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,390
Posts778,606
Members39,642
|
Most Online25,754 Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|