|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
Hello All,
I finished up about 20 new songs and have the raw MP3 files. Using my VU meter, I have a pretty consistent overall volume level, but still need to make a few adjustments so that when playing live I don't need to fool with the volume too much.
If I want to 'master' these songs prior to downloading on my MP3 player, do I put the 20 songs on individual tracks in RB and do a normalize, for example, from top to bottom, or do I put the songs on just one track, from left to right and then do a normalize?
Or is there a better way?
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Check out a program called mp3gain. I think it's freeware.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
There's only one way to do what you want. I'm afraid you need to use your ears. The perception of volume is dependent on the content of the song. A song with just acoustic guitar fully normalized will not sound as loud as a 10 track Band.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
John C,
The MP3gain looks very interesting; I'll report back with results. Thanks
Other John,
Sometime ago you had a link to songs from your play list and I recall that the overall volume was very consistent from song to song. How was that mastered?
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Percy,
Not sure of your age but I'm 60. I learned it the old way as I said. My ears.Didn't have computers or anything else. Just tape.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828 |
60 !!!! sheeez what a crusty old man! Just kiddin' John, I am not that far behind you. Heck i find i sing better than when younger, and play better also. Just i guess the time I have to invest in it.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
60 seems to be what many of us 'older timers' are.
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: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
Glad to see such young talent around.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 463 |
Hello All,
I finally finished 32 songs I needed to update for some new venues and had a chance to try out MP3GAIN.
First I ran the songs through my Win Media Player w/o MP3GAIN and the songs had a huge range in volume. I thought I did a better job in mixing, but with so many songs it was overwhelming.
Once in MP3GAIN, I used the default settings not really knowing what I was doing. After hearing the processed MP3s, I gotta say it's quite a dramatic improvement, truly amazing!
Another big thank you to John Conley for the suggestion.
Percy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Okay you 60s guys.... I will hit the milestone in June. I just need to ask....
Did it hurt much?
I had to fill out a form today and it was likely the last time my first digit will be a 5..... I am SO thankful that I have an electric range because I may have been temped to stick my head in the oven if it was gas. I already nailed the upstairs windows shut and unloaded my gun and hid the bullets. And what bad timing, I just had a tuneup so carbon monoxide is probably not going to work either....
I simply CAN NOT be 60 already!! It seems like just last year my band was on the road for 12 weeks at a time living out of a suitcase and eating bad food....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,828 |
54 here and dreading 60!!!
Yesterday i play basketball for two hours with my two son in laws one is 14 years younger and the other 18 years younger, plus my grand son was involved.
Gotta tell ya, i won the last game of 21 with a sweet turn around fall away jumper over my 6' 5" son in law.
Today i am paying the price for my folly with two sore knees, one swollen ankle, and a stiff back!!
What the heck was I thinking!
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
61 and it isn't all that bad. My right knee is not so hot but that doesn't effect my music making. And I retire on June 30. So I moving into the 6th album in the boxed set. Not sure how many more albums....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Back to topic... can you more experienced "mixers" offer any suggestions after I lay this out?
First of all, I decided to buy a desktop to run BIAB so I can put an actual sound card in and not use a mic in to record back to the laptop. Now, what am I recording?
I run my BIAB feed through my mixer with a 31 band and a digital reverb looped in. That goes to a Tascam direct to disc 8 track recorder. BIAB goes on track 1. Manual keyboard on 2, vocals on 3, drum fills off a drum machine on 4, harmony vocals on 5, the other 3 channels are for solos.
I feed that out of the Tascam into the mic in on my laptop, running Goldwave. When I listen to the tracks in headphones, they sound fine. In my Wharfedale monitors (which I strongly recommend, btw), they sound fine. When I play back the newly created mp3, it is really muddy, very midrange dominant.
Now, with a desktop and a sound card with RCA ins, I can send that Tascam feed back through the 31 band EQ and tweak it again.
So I think my question becomes, is it the conversion from wav to mp3 that is killing my fidelity? I save them at 320 rather than 128 for as high of a sample rate as I can get. Big files, but who cares?
Any ideas?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
We should apologize to the original poster, who was asking about setting the levels of songs, a major function of mastering. This question is different. Eddie, you should probably start a new thread.
We actually just had a long thread about problems burning MP3s to CD. That wasn't you, was it? I recall I could not get the answers I needed to help diagnose the problem. With a sample rate of 320, you should be getting very good sound. Can you tell us, what program is creating your MP3s?
I'm not clear on the signal path you describe. Are you possibly sending the signal through the 31 band equalizer twice? Does your sound card have its own EQ (like the old Creative cards did)?
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
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
No, that thread was not me, but I will go read it.
I only send it through the EQ once. What I think I should do is change WHEN it goes through the 31 band. And the sound card I want to use is a Creative (I think it was called) Awe64 Gold. Hefty card with RCAs on it. And for your other question, I use Goldwave to record on the computer side. I may want to use Soundforge or something else, but are they really that different? Seems like GIGO and maybe I am sending "G" in....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
Creative cards have that EAX or some such enhanced equalizer. Can you turn it off? You know this, but you normally do not want to "color" your recordings; only invoke an EQ on the final end of playback. Maybe the signal path goes through the EAX on recording.
Tell me about Goldwave. Is that the software you use to make the MP3s, in which you set the MP3 sample rate? Or are you using something else? [I use Adobe Audition, but SoundForge is equivalent; both are pro level and very powerful.]
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
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Well, I am not using the Creative sound card yet. That will come when I get the new desktop.
As far as EQ, I am losing SO MUCH top and high mid when I record from Tascam to laptop I wanted to play with using the EQ to cut from low mid down some and/or boost high mid and up. Of course when you add high end up you invite hiss.... and I get enough hiss from the crowd when I play. <rimshot>
Goldwave is just some kind of generic, freeware-ish recording tool. When you set up the record parameters you can set 128, 160, 320, etc.... I do have Soundforge that came with my USB turntable and I am going to try that before I spend a grand on a high horsepower computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,608 |
A long time ago, with inadequate encoding software to make MP3s, there were a few tricks to mix a track with EQ such that it would sound better when converted to MP3. I haven't had to do that in years. I send the encoder my best mix and it seems to work out.
What other parameters are set in Goldwave besides the MP3 sample rate?
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
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
Not much else you can do in Goldwave Matt. It is really a low end recorder program. The usual cut and paste, set start and end marker... uses the LAME encoder. I am going to try Soundforge and see what I get.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
This young "cat" will be 78 on 2-22-2012....
And I've recommended this miraculous out-of-production-Behringer
9024 before, with it's magical algorithms...one cool finalizer for
Mastering your recordings...or live stage "automated" sound-
System 'demands",,,too bad they were forced to stop production
On that "gem"!!!
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,436
Posts805,087
Members40,121
| |
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