Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 80
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 80
Hi Steve, I want to sing those words to my wife tonight. She would melt in my arms. Wow.

BTW, I, for one, would be interested in hearing the boring details of your 'vocal effects'

Kent

Last edited by kerkenat; 10/03/11 01:57 PM.

If ever a man had it all, it would have to be me, and ooh I love you

Climax Blues Band
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Steve,

Thanks so much for your kind words! Glad you like this one!

Have a great day,

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 223
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 223
Quote:

Wow! Not only are you talented but what a production. From the first drum beat to the last note I couldn't move. Perfect blend all around and just absolutely stellar.

Excellent!!!!

Mike




Couldn't put it any better!!

As good as it gets.

Martin


Music is what our feelings sound like.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Kent,

Thanks very much! (But I'll bet your wife gets flowers a lot more often than mine does, though!)

I am at my office now. When I get home this evening, I will try to send you a pm with more details of my vocal channel settings.

Have a great day!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Martin,

Thank you very much!

Hope you have a great day!

(Have you had any luck getting your DAW working?)

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 223
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 223
Hi Steve,

You're very welcome. Can't stop playing it - it's my current fav.

Absolutely no luck with Reaper. But I think I may have rushed things a little. It seems I have a program that will do everything I want - Realband!!!

I'll let you know how that works out lol!!

All the best

Martin


Music is what our feelings sound like.
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 193
Steve,

If you don't mind post the settings here so everyone can see. I don't think anyone will get bored with the details. Good music is in the details!

Steve


Steve
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,646
Wow, excellent lyrics, excellent production. Thanks for sharing!



My Music


My Tunes

Psalm 57:7 My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Martin,

Thanks again! Yes, RealBand should work very well for you. It's a pretty solid DAW in its own right, especially since you can open and further manipulate your Band In A Box files in it. Good luck with it, and I can't wait to hear your next one!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Robert,

Thank you very much, as always! Have a blessed day!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Steve (Retake) & Kent,

Okay, you guys asked for boring details, so here they are. First of all, here's my disclaimer: I am not, nor do I consider myself a professional recording engineer. A real pro, like Harvey Gerst, may (and is welcome to) come along and correct any ill advised settings that I use. These settings are just what I have come up with, with a lot of trial and error, and the help of a few friends who have offered little tips along the way.

So here we go...

1. I use an Audio Technica AT3525, with a Focusrite Saffire 6 USB Interface. A MacBook running Lion, with LogicPro 9. All the plugins I currently use (and this can change from time to time) are standard plugins that come with Logic.

Here is the Vocal Channel setup, in order...

1. Channel EQ.
For my voice, I use Highpass Filter at 108Hz, 48dB, and a Q Factor of 0.51.
I have a strong, narrow cut in the lows at about 138Hz, -17dB, with a Q Factor of 13.0.
Then I usually cut mids at around 740Hz, -14dB, with a Q Factor of 0.39.
Finally, a Lowpass Filter at 8500Hz, 24dB, Q Factor of 0.10.
I play around with the other Parametric Bell filters, in a very subtle way. ALL of these settings are subject to change to suit my ears, and voice, depending on the genre. (I have a very midrangy voice, so this is what works for me.)

2. Compressor
Strictly set to suit the sound. I play around with this a lot, until I am happy. Don't want it sounding too "overcompressed", but helps even out the sound, and brings out some subtleties in there.

3. Pitch Correction
Only use as needed. Don't overuse.

4. Multipressor (Multi-level Compressor)
This is a 4 band multi compressor. Again, I use my ears to judge. With my voice, I have a lot of midrange that needs to be controlled down, and lower frequencies can muddy up the mix. So I cut the lowest freq (90Hz and down) by -6.0db, and on all the bands, set the threshold to just top off the level, and Ratio 3.0.
Band 2, usually 90Hz - 160Hz. Cut by -11.5dB...
Band 3, usually 160Hz - 4700Hz. Cut by -9.0dB...
Band 4, usually 4700Hz and up. Cut by -6.5dB
All of these settings are subject to change, from song to song, depending on the texture of the instrumentation I am singing to.

5. Delay Designer
Totally subject to the song.

6. Space Designer (Reverb)
Again, totally subject to the song.

My rule of thumb: I will set the delay/reverb plugins to where I can just hear them clearly in the mix, then back them off until they are subtle, and natural sounding (unless the song calls for more effects).

7. DeEsser
I use sparingly, trying to keep it natural sounding. This one changes from song to song, to taste.

There you have it! Boring details. And these are just "starting points". I sometimes use more or less plugins, just depending on my need in the song. Again, if any of the pros out there want to chime in and correct any of this, please do! (I always want to learn more, too!)

Hope you have a great day!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 80
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 80
It's not that it is boring, Steve.

I'm worried because I really don't have the slightest clue how to even start with all these effects you mentioned. I use BIAB and Reaper and I guess there are a bunch of standard effects built in, but if I start messing around with all that, my songwriting will suffer immediately/immensely.

Is this going to be a big problem. I wish I could just focus on the songs.

In "It's Been an Honor", there aren't any effects at all. I just made the basic song and recorded a vocal on top of it.

I feel that if I could just focus on the songs, and find a techie to fine tune them, and some talented/appealing vocalists and musicians to perform the songs, then I could just 'do my thing'.

Does that severely limit me?

Do I need to break out the old audio processing books?

Kent


If ever a man had it all, it would have to be me, and ooh I love you

Climax Blues Band
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Kent,

Don't despair! If your primary focus is songwriting, keep it there. I'm a little nerdy, and like to tinker with the "sound" side of things also, when I write a song.

Reaper does have everything you need to do what you want to do, including somewhat comparable plugins to Logic, or most any other DAW. But if your pleasure comes from songwriting, and you are daunted by the production process, don't sweat it. With all the tools that Band in a Box gives you, you are able to accomplish what a lot of good musicians can only dream about. Take everything a step at a time.

Keep doing what brings you joy!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,080
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,080
I've been in "lurker" mode for a while, but the recent postings of songs have brought me back in. I'm not sure how I missed your song, but once again, excellent work. This is another one of those arrangements reminding me that "less is more".

Lovely string builds, and I loved the shift to the minor chord. I like the way you've stuck little acoustic guitar runs into places. Everything comes together on this one - nothing really flashy, just solidly built all the way through.

And thanks for posting the technical details of your vocal mix. Of course, the real magic of your mix is great vocals, but it's given me some interesting things to look at. I hadn't even considered playing around with a multi-level compressor before, and now you've got me curious.

Great job!


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,284
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,284
Quote:

And thanks for posting the technical details of your vocal mix. Of course, the real magic of your mix is great vocals...



I totally agree!
Quote:

I hadn't even considered playing around with a multi-level compressor before, and now you've got me curious.



Me too

Thanks for all this information, Steve, I found it very useful.

Regards,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
User Showcase
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 193
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 193
Steve, thanks for posting the details. I noticed a while ago that you had great sounding vocals. After we talked on PM's a while ago you gave me some ideas of what I could do and I did find a better way to process vocals than what I was doing.

Steve


Steve
User Showcase
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
A
Enthusiast
Offline
Enthusiast
A
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 18
Great song, kudos! Love the production, if this was self-produced in a home studio then double kudos!


postcards from the soul @ www.mediafire.com/anieyo
blog: www.anieyo.com
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
"Lurker" David,

So nice to hear from you! Thanks very much for taking the time to listen and post your very kind comments. I always appreciate your input!

Have a great day!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Noel,

Once again, thanks! If my "details" help you, then I am a genius. If they don't help you, someone hacked into my account and posted bogus details!

Have a great day!

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
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
OP Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Steve (Retake),

You are welcome! And thanks for your kind words!

Have a great day!

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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

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.

Team PG

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.

Watch the video.

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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. -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)
  • 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
  • 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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,578
Posts793,530
Members39,917
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Smithin, Gjsmal, JacksGuitar, Gibson J45 Banner, GJones
39,916 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 167
DC Ron 105
jpettit 84
Noel96 82
rsdean 69
DrDan 64
dcuny 64
Today's Birthdays
Guido Huckball, J. Canty, yadah37
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5