|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
I am new to the forum posts but I regularly read posts. I have had BiaB and PT for many years and loved the product. I have used these programs to lay down basic tracks and load into a Boss BR1600 digital recorder and then add vocals, guitar, etc., to finish the songs.
I recently purchased RealBand and have been impressed with the possibilities. My issue is the extreme amount of electronic noise from the computer sound card. I used a Roland Sound Canvas with my work with Power Tracks and did not have this issue. I want to use an external audio/midi interface but I am completely baffled as to what to get. I don't need a bunch of mike inputs, etc., as I love the Boss recorder. I need a simple but effective interface that has input from the computer and two outputs to go to the recorder. I intend to lay down tracks with Real Band, mix on the computer, then download to the Boss unit for other recording.
I would really appreciate any help!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
Do you have a PCI slot available on the computer? If so get an M-Audio soundcard and you'll never touch the BR1600 for recording again, as you'll get better recordings from the M-Audio. If you need XLR mic inputs get the 1010lt.
If you don't have PCI available consider one of the M-Audio USB selections like the FastTrack line.
The BR series actually records at MP3 bitrates if memory serves me correctly (I am a huge Roland fan). M-Audo USB can be as low as 130 bucks, PCI around $200 for 1010lt, but you'll get clearer tracks and be able to do all your work inside PT/RB.
Just my opinion.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for the quick response!
I do have a slot available for a sound card but I'm leary of the electronic noise from the hard drive with an internal card. That's the issue that started my search.
I have never recorded into the PC but have used the Roland unit for recording external voices and instruments. As I said, I've no experience in this area but I like real sliders and knobs. I've had some issues in bringing a instrument for backing in a song up and another down in Real Band with the mouse. Also, I can't pan instruments enough for the separation I like to have in Real Band. I realize that the Roland unit does not help me here as the tracks are already panned and eq'ed when I download the tracks.
You really made a point that interests me in using the interface to record into the PC. I use piano in most of my recordings and I have never been satisfied with the recorded sound into the Roland. Maybe I could get the sound I want recording through the interface. Maybe, during my conversion stage from using my Roland to completely recording through the PC, I could get an interface that I could still transfer tracks to the Roland, and, record the piano through the interface. Would the M-Audio units do this and which specific one would you recommend?
What particular software do you use? Also, how do you handle the slider issue (for me anyway)?
Again, thanks for the quick response and I look forward to utilizing your experience to possibly move me from my beloved Roland, kicking and screaming of course, to a new world for me of recording!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for the link, I'm going to read it now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
I decided to go with the M-Audio 2496, four in, four out. Should be here tomorrow and I can start a slightly new path.
Thanks for the info from both rharv and Pat...they helped me make up my mind
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
Many here use this card with great results. Hope you have fun with it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
WWII I'll be dadgummed,, I got the m-Audio 2496, opened the computer up and found that it only has the PCI x 1 slots.
I suppose this gives me no option other than an external interface. Which M-Audio external audio/midi interface would you recommend that is compatible with the 2496?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648 |
That's gotta be a bummer. Look at the Fast Tracks from M-Audio, or some here like the Tascam units..
First question I asked was if you had a PCI slot available ..
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
You said in your original post that you don't need a bunch of mic inputs. how about 'any'?
The reason I ask is that the Fast Track doesn't have any XLR inputs nor mic preamps on board. The Fast Track Pro does.
Send ye olde 2496 back to wherever you bought it. They probably sell the Fast Track Pro as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Here's another option I've had good results with. Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs. Maybe others could weigh in on this. Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB. No latency. Relatively inexpensive. I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets. Or you can run the signal in dry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Quote:
Here's another option I've had good results with.
Not sure how it compares to M Audio rigs.
Maybe others could weigh in on this.
Line 6 makes various versions with more inputs.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Line-6-POD-Studi...=item5ae2e1d532
Gets your Instrument or Mic into the computer with USB.
No latency. Relatively inexpensive.
I have the earlier UX1 with Gearbox effects program and it has a zillion possible effects models with different combos of virtual amp and speaker cabinets.
Or you can run the signal in dry.
carkins - any audio interface can get signal in to the computer, but none with no latency.
Line6 products have hardware monitoring, which routes incoming signal directly to outputs. However, all interfaces with a/d conversion into the computer have latency.
I'm 99% certain that the USB drivers for the Line6 products will have a latency or buffer setting. Usually this is given in number of samples or in time.
Look for your ASIO driver panel/applet and there should be adjustable latency or buffer parameters in the panel.
Here is one example of a Line6 ASIO panel and the buffer size is on the right. You'll see that there is no zero sample buffer size. http://line6.com/support/servlet/JiveServlet/downloadImage/2-144599-10962/310-348/UX1.jpg
At 512 samples as shown in the example image, that is going to be relatively small latency.
Just wanted to clarify the description of 'no latency'. Again, that is just for the input monitoring.
-Scott
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 36 |
Thanks for all the information!
I need the unit soon as I'm doing some recording and don't need the hard drive noise. I did send the 2496 back to Amazon and got the Fast Track Pro.
I'm sure I'll be needing help when it comes in and I start to use it...but I now know where to turn.
Rharv, I just got excited about getting the 2496 and did not check the "kind" of PCI slots that were available. No fool like an old fool, especially one who gets excited and jumps the gun! I believe I'll be more satisfied with the Fast Track Pro. Just in case I decide to push my old BR1600 aside, I'll have mic inputs.......
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 349 |
Thanks rockstar_not for the correction.
When I was reading the ad it said "Exclusive latency-killing ToneDirect monitoring" which I assume means zero.
But you know you can't trust advertising.
There's that ole "assume" again!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
carkins,
It's getting a little bit tiresome with this zero latency business that companies are touting. The only interfaces that have true zero latency monitoring, with processing are a few devices that actually do the DSP inside of the interface. These are normally very expensive (add a zero to the price).
The UX series is not like this. The PODX3 and XT models of course have the hardware DSP in the box, so they process 'live' on the incoming signal.
The UX series are cool however. I almost bought a UX2 a few years back, but the tech support could not answer my questions about mic pre-amp signal to noise ratio.
-Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,829 |
Knightsounds, you will love the M-Audio, it was going to be my next choice until i jumped on a $99 Tascam sale early this month. But the fasttrack will do a great job.
Working in the computer is a great setup, as long as the computer is well, er setup properly. Once you get started come back, and the folks here will help.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,163 |
Knightsounds,
Does the BR1600 allow importing of wave files via USB? If so, I would do that instead of recording directly into the BR, unless you are needing to use some FX during recording.
I use a Tascam recorder here and import my wave files via USB. That is the best way to get a "cleaner" sounding file to work with. You won't have to worry about humm or buzz from the electronic cord etc.
I also usually use the FX inside the Tascam as well, but you can convert midi and audio FX in Realband prior to writing it to a wave file.
Trax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,445
Posts805,168
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