I use both BiaB, and RB, i also use Sonar X1c Essentials as a polisher. I find that some of my friends, frown on it, but others are amazed. I know they think i cheat, but wow none of them are churning out any music. I had a younger friend over the the other day, and he was amazed at how fast i could knock out a solid drum and bass backing track. He played all the guitars, and while he did okay, it was a bit rough around the edges for what i could have done in RB. I played him a couple of my current projects and he was suprised. Still he and his younger peers like to pound out a song on a paltop with live drums and all live instruments, but i have to say they end result is not as good as mine.

They go for far more of a "now" sound, and RTs don't really give that.

I think if one is a absolute recording pro, they can get very good results with all live instruments, and if they have the latest and greatest equipment they can get a solid clean and polished song out of it. I remember a few years back i was reading an article about a recording artist from the 60s who was starting a new solo Cd project, as he had not released one for a while. He was already into the project somewhere near $10,000, and only had two songs partially done. He stopped by a music store, and picked up a DAW package, and a interface, went home and installed on his laptop, and knocked out the rest of the project in his small studio.


Most folks do not play every instrument, and therefore need others artist to handle the ones they are not solid on. Maybe they do not need BiaB/RB, but hey i play guitar, and bass, and i can add a lot to the song with RB. I could go back to step sequencing on my DAW, or using Reason, or Fruity loops, but that is not live either, and how is that any better, or less cheating tham BiaB? It is just another tool.

If folks turn up their noses at it, fine, let them do it the hard way. If someone does not want to dig in and learn the new ways, the industry will slowly leave them behind. We live in a tech world, we either join it or watch it. I don't think BiaB needs to be aimed lower and beginners, but maybe better tutorials, and lessons would help. The basics are really easy.

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