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 02:57 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: 8,189
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,189
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: 20,571
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,571
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 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.

PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,173
Posts801,567
Members40,062
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Chione, Armando D'Errico, PhilinPhil, RBDavis1957, Trenamusic
40,062 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 135
zedd 107
rsdean 103
DC Ron 100
Noel96 78
Today's Birthdays
Bernard Rasson, John Temmerman
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5