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Hi guys, it's been a while. Last time I was here was back in November last year when I posted a couple of tracks for your listening pleasure. You were all so very helpful then, offering much constructive criticism and valuable advice that opened my ears to both the shortcomings in my recordings and the possibilities for improvement. And I thank you all again for that. I would like to single out Rharv for special thanks. He re mixed some of my tracks for me in an effort to improve them, and did a great job. But he was unfortunately fighting a losing battle and he quickly made me realise that I had to vastly improve the original tracks before I would get anything like the sound I was hearing from other songwriters on here. So thanks again Bob.  So I've spent most of this year adding to my recording equipment and learning how to use it a little better. Though I'm still far from being an expert I am at last happy with my sound. I would like to point out that my tracks are song demos to allow me to promote and sell my songs rather than finished masters for release. I look forward to hearing any comments anyone would like to offer. Here's the first: Equipment: Roland VS 1680 Digitech Vocalist VR Alesis 3630 Compressor Rode NT1 Microphone Art Studio V3 Pre Amp BBE Sonic Sweet ****** Song Summary ************* Title: THIS IS THE SONG Key=Gb , Tempo 120, Length (m:s)=4:10 Soloist is saved with the song : Guitar,El,Sol,RockBalladEv65 (1167) Style is _BALBMS2.STY (Pop Ballad Brent Mason) Style MIDI Instruments are : RealTracks in style: 366:Bass, Electric, Country Ev 065 RealTracks in style: ~~686:Organ, B3, Background Pop Ev 120 RealTracks in style: 841:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm PopBalladSlowGritty Ev 065 RealTracks in style: 1167:Guitar, Electric, Soloist RockBalladBrent Ev 065 RealDrums in Style: NashvilleEven16^1-SideStick,Ride This Is The Song: http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=10354931
Music is what feelings sound like.
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My TunesPsalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
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Hi Songman,
I thoroughly enjoyed your song. Every aspect worked for me. In my book, you've got yourself a winner with this one! I especially liked the lyrics and the way you made the VCVCBC form do a terrific job.
All the best,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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What an outstanding song! Noel (above) is quite right
You’ve got 2 good sections going there, a fine and thoroughly coherent lyric and a nice mix.
The organ is terrific, in terms of both choice of patch and placement.
My only reservations about this piece would be that there is perhaps too much going on.
To me, parts of the vocal performance sound a little ‘over-the-top’ (that phasing effect…),
Also I find that the lead electric guitar weaving in and out during the chorus section and particularly in the bridge (“Words that used to come…”) is at best a distraction.
None of this is at all necessary as the song and the sentiments are easily strong enough to stand up for themselves.
As ever, these comments are purely subjective, reflect no superior knowledge of anything and are wholly intended to be constructive.
Hope the lyric is purely fictitious Martin!
Regards,
Marc
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Songman,
I enjoyed your song. But I agree with Marc on that lead guitar being a distraction in the chorus and bridge - it doesn't fit quite right to me and you really don't need it - imho your bridge and chorus would be stronger without it.
Good job! Keep 'em coming.
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No problem with the lead vocal sound here.
Agree though that at times the left side guitar leads distract from the song (which is what you are really trying to sell if I read correctly).
Nice live sound to it.
Very cool that you listed the realtracks for us. It helps hearing how certain ones work in different situations.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Hi Noel,
Thanks so much for the kind words - really pleased that you liked it. Thanks for taking the time to listen.
Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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Hi Marc, Thanks for the comments - can I book you to do all my future reviews?  Not sure what you mean about the vocal. I did push it a little to give it some "oomph" tho I'm sure your ears are better than mine. Maybe you could explain the "phasing" reference to this poor novice. I seem to remember getting that comment on my earlier posts last year!! Now for that damn guitar!! Josie and Bob seem to be of the same opinion and I have to confess I dithered over it a long while when I first recorded it. But mostly my concern was the guitar part in the Bridge, which I had a feeling was too much. I think the problem with me was that I listened to it so many times I eventually got used to it. But I think you are all correct - it has to go. Shoulda gone with my first instinct!! I actually like the guitar in the Chorus, though maybe it could be a little lower in the mix. But I appreciate and consider all your comments so thank you for them and look forward to any you may make on future posts! Sadly the lyric is entirely from the heart. And a broken one at that. So a warning to all forum members.........there maybe a few more sad songs on the way. If nothing else, a broken heart inspires some prolific songwriting. Hey ho....every cloud!! All the best and thanks again Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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Hi Josie, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated and taken onboard - see comments above! As I write this, I have "Rain On The Roof" playing in the background. I like this song so much and wish you every success with it. Take care Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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Hi Bob, Seems the guitar is unanimously hated - and yes - the song is the thing here. So time for a rethink and maybe a remix! And thanks again for your help and input last year with some of my tracks. It certainly made me realize what could be achieved even in a little spare room studio. My recordings may never be perfect but they are soooo much better than before. Thanks again Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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Songman, Very well written song! I am truly impressed with the song, itself. And I think your vocals fit well. As to the guitar... The problem with those Brent Mason solo parts is when you use a tempo that is very far away from the original intended temp for the Realtrack. Brent uses a lot of vibrato/bending - sounds really awesome when played at the right tempo. While Elastique does a great job of maintaining the tone and pitch when you alter a tempo, vibrato is one thing that doesn't translate well. Hence the problem. There is a Brent Mason solo intended for the 120 tempo that you used, and would probably have sounded much more natural, if used sparingly. The solo used in your song was intended for tempo 65, but played at about tempo 120. Again, I really like the song! Sorry about the broken heart, but it does seem to have yielded some good music in the process. Keep up the good work! Steve
Steve Young Music"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
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They are improving without a doubt.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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As Steve pointed out, the pitch remains constant when BiaB timeshifts the music, but the vibrato starts being cartoon-like. The flute has similar issues.
There's an option for choosing a different time base (Half/Normal/Double) that you might want to look at. You can find it in the RealTracks dialog in the upper right side. The instrumentalist plays twice/half as much to fill the space, but you don't get the problem of time distortion that you have now. It's a pretty good solution.
But I also agree with other folk, in that you've got a very solid song, and there's really no need to add all that guitar to it. It just adds busy filigree to a song that's quite good just fine without it.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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Hi Steve and David, The points you both make about the tempo of the style I chose, made me realise that I had actually completely forgotten to check the tempo when I originally used it. I have a habit of randomly selecting a style merely to input the chords and then work on the song proper once that is done. On this track, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it fit with what I actually wanted that I merely went with it. I must confess, to my untrained ears it still sounds okay apart from the twiddly stuff going on in the bridge which I thought at the time was wrong but went with it anyway. That'll teach me! Very happy that you liked the song however. And I'll be sure to pay more attention to my tempo next time. Thanks again guys All the best Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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"This is the song I thought I'd never have to write". If I could write I would have penned these words due to a breakup last October. I am just now beginning to come out of the funk of heartache and being able to listen to music (lyrics) without sinking into despair. I suppose I shouldn't mention personal stuff but I am celebrating the fact that the sun does shine again.
Also I think the melody really works well to bring out the lyrics.
Good song!
Mike
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Hi Mike, I truly know where you're coming from. Mine was April last year, and like you I've had a slow climb back. As to personal stuff, every song I post on here is just me pouring my heart out - and it helps. And to me, the best compliment a songwriter can receive is to be told that there music has touched someone in some way. So thank you for your comments. Bring on the sun!! Take care fella. Martin
Music is what feelings sound like.
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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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Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
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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.
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-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
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- 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
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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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