|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
Hi, first post here.
I'm making backing tracks using 2015 BIAB with real tracks, my tracks sound fine when I play them in BIAB on my computer, but when I export them to mp3 and transfer to my tablet they play flat for about 4 measures and eventually come back into tune. They don't slow down as far as I can tell just play flat just enough to sound out of tune.
I thought maybe exporting them at a higher r as te would help but it's still happening. Am I exporting them wrong or is my tablet not have enough power/memory? I'm not tech savvy btw.
Last edited by cb56; 09/08/21 03:20 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
I'm thinking the issue maybe whatever MP3 encoder tool the computer is relying on during the export process. There is a test you can try to eliminate this possibility. Export a song as a wave file instead of a MP3 file. Every media player I know of can playback a wav file as easily as it can play a MP3 file. If the wave file playback doesn't glitch then you know the MP3 encoder is causing your issue. If I'm correct you'll likely want to replace your MP3 conversion tool. +++ HERE +++ is a link to a site with a downloadable encoder.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,610 |
The best way to get the results you want is a DAW ... there are several for free. I use Cakewalk, but you could use Reaper.
Once you finished a song, render it as a WAV file (for more tweaks to each track, you may want to choose 'Render Individual Tracks'. Once that's done, open up a DAW and import the WAV file. Within the DAW you can edit each track you want it to sounds like. If happy, use the DAW's export function to export the song to MP3 - I recommend 320kBps.
See if that helps.
Cheers, Mike My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
Thanks jim and mike I'll give those things a try. Would audacity be good enough? I can also convert to mp3 with a program called VLC which is what I'm using to play the backing tracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
Ok, the wav file sounds better. I'll try a couple different methods of converting to mp3.
Also don't know how this happened but I also got something called Audio_stretched_WAV
what is that?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
I'm making backing tracks using 2015 BIAB with real tracks, my tracks sound fine when I play them in BIAB on my computer, but when I export them to mp3 and transfer to my tablet they play flat for about 4 measures and eventually come back into tune One thought I had was, perhaps this is a Variable Bit Rate (VBR) handling problem on the player side. If you can encode the MP3s as Constant Bit Rate (CBR), that might help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,703
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,703 |
Thanks jim and mike I'll give those things a try. Would audacity be good enough? I can also convert to mp3 with a program called VLC which is what I'm using to play the backing tracks. Yes, I convert all of my wavs to MP3s in audacity. Plus if you DL all of the effects for Audacity you can do a lot more with a wav file. Good luck.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
cb56,
I forgot to tell you in my first post but welcome to the forum! There is no way to determine which MP3 encoder installed on your computer Band-in-a-Box is using for the MP3 render. As Mark stated if the MP3 encoder gives you choices a constant bit rate is normally better than a variable bit rate. Also, if the choice is offered, the size setting makes a HUGE difference with most people preferring 192 or 320.
One other thought, if your tablet media player accepts wma audio files they typically offer smaller file size with better sound quality as compared to MP3.
But, if it was me, I'd stick with wave audio files if possible. Wave is a lossless file format so no audio information is lost. MP3 and WMA are lossy, compressed files which means some audio information is thrown out to reduce the size of an audio file.
An audio stretched wave file means the file data had been adjusted to match tempo, pitch or key signature. In your case that likely means the audio data of a RealTrack has been adjusted to match the chord sheet settings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,038 |
cb56,
I forgot to tell you in my first post but welcome to the forum! There is no way to determine which MP3 encoder installed on your computer Band-in-a-Box is using for the MP3 render. As Mark stated if the MP3 encoder gives you choices a constant bit rate is normally better than a variable bit rate. Also, if the choice is offered, the size setting makes a HUGE difference with most people preferring 192 or 320.
One other thought, if your tablet media player accepts wma audio files they typically offer smaller file size with better sound quality as compared to MP3.
But, if it was me, I'd stick with wave audio files if possible. Wave is a lossless file format so no audio information is lost. MP3 and WMA are lossy, compressed files which means some audio information is thrown out to reduce the size of an audio file.
An audio stretched wave file means the file data had been adjusted to match tempo, pitch or key signature. In your case that likely means the audio data of a RealTrack has been adjusted to match the chord sheet settings.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
Ok, driving my ears crazy trying to hear the differences. Used audacity to convert wav to mp3 not sure I'm hearing much difference doing it in audacity.
wav file still is by far the best but takes up lot's of space on the tablet. I'll be having 40-60 songs on there.
Selected constant bit rate but it drops the quality from 320 to 192 no other choice available.
I'll check and see how wma files work later
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
wma file seemed to improve. could be ear fatigue though. wav still sounds best. gonna call it a night. thanks for all the advice.If you think of anything else let me know. thanks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,503 |
I use either audacity or PG Music's Power Tracks Pro to render audio, depending on what I want to do with the music and use it for.
Memory is much cheaper than it used to be, so I never use VBR. Instead, I'll use a higher bit rate. VBR makes the playback app work harder.
I have over 600 backing tracks for my duo, all at 192kbps. I started doing this in 2002 when memory was more limited. If I were to do it again today, I might use WAV files or a higher bit rate.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
I have over 600 backing tracks for my duo, all at 192kbps. I started doing this in 2002 when memory was more limited. If I were to do it again today, I might use WAV files or a higher bit rate. A long time ago I encoded a bunch of old cassette tapes as MP3s at 128 kbps – a decision I've regretted many times. Unfortunately, to re-encode them at a higher bitrate, I'd have to play them again, and this is tape from the 80s that is probably degraded and might well disintegrate, even if I took the terrifying precaution of baking before playing. So I'm pretty much stuck with what I've got.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,031
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,031 |
These days I don't use mp3 format very much but encode to flac. Flac is a lossless format, not as small as mp3 but definately smaller than wav files. Being lossless the quality is really good. Most tablets nowadays can handle flac. Kevin
Last edited by Kevin Woolley; 09/07/21 05:47 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,566
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,566 |
I generally encode to a 320 kbps MP3. It's nearly impossible to tell it from a WAV file, and you save about three-quarters of the file space. Constant bit-rate, definitely. Some players won't even read a variable rate file.
Kevin, I use MP3 primarily because my car player reads them, but I never tried a Flac file in the car (Subaru). I don't think it's supported. Something to try, though, since it will NOT read a WAV file.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
I also generally encode at 320 kbps, as Matt stated. For my ears, 320 and wav were not discernable (but at my age, there's that). Although 256 was still very good, I did start hearing some artifacts, likewise 192 was also pretty good. Definitely hear artifacts at 128.
I always render to wav from BIAB or RealBand, and then create an MP3 using a different tool (usually either Nero, Diamond Cut Audio Restoration Tools (DCArt), or MediaMonkey Gold). Sound is dead on to the originally created wav file.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 1,689 |
So.....
(1) Original poster, have you ironed out your flatness problem yet? Did CBR help? and
(2) Has anyone else ever heard of this particular problem, with an MP3 taking time to "get up to speed"? I certainly never have, and was just guessing about VBR because it sounded like maybe a signal training problem.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,566
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,566 |
Thanks, Mark, for bringing that back. No, I’ve never heard this problem, but I don’t use VBR since it’s not always compatible with players.
cb56, did you solve your problem?
ps I know the VLC player is very versatile and I use it for video files, but I never tried it for audio files.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 13 |
Yes, cbr at 320 seems to do the trick. I think it might have more to do with my tablet since no one else has this problem. Not sure.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Posts801,860
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