|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Rog, that's makes perfect sense you should have explained about the kids up front. I've done the same thing many times. Sure, a basic PC is "good enough" to get a 14 year old started with this stuff. I don't think I've ever seen a high schooler on this forum asking for advice, I was responding from the point of view of someone new to this stuff who's already an experienced player and is past that phase.
If they advance to the point they want to produce something like what they hear on commercial radio or the internet, then they need something a bit better.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700 |
I guess we are arguing sematics, because i have taken this very side many times over at Cakewalk's MC forum, where i spend that better part of 8 years helping newbies setup their system. I have heard the other more experienced users there, tell the new folks that they will never get it going unless they run out and buy a bunch of expensive equipment.
A small Behringer mixer attached to the line in and line out will allow someone to get the process rolling, and do a very decent job. That I agree with, but along that same line (that is how I started by the way) we all know from experience that eventually we realize that a better sound card will make the system more solid, and upgrade the process. Just adding a $149 PCI card (price at that time) made my system purr. I still used the behringer mixer for another 4 years, until one day i bought a Yamaha mixer that i found on the bargain table at Guitar Center. As far as buying a USB interface well, i bought it because it was on sale, and seemed like a good idea at the time. Do i need it, well not really.
Does better gear help you, yes and no, sure it makes the process easier, and you can get better end results, you can have better options, and more choices to use for what you want, but you can do fine without it as well.
I believe you can record and get good results from the PC card/chip, but i believe you get better results from a decent interface. I can build a beautiful home with a hammer and a hand saw, but a compressor, air nailer, and power saw will make it far easier.
For young folks starting out, on a very small budget, ROG ideas are spot on, and i do not want to diminish them at all, he is right on. I have preached this as well. I like oren like the minimalist path for the most part. Nothing i own has been purchased for full price, except my one acoustic guitar. Still having the proper tools sure makes the job easier.
Last edited by Robh; 03/01/12 03:17 PM.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
I agree with that too Rob. A similar discussion was going on a few years ago. Someone posted a link to a site where a pro recording engineer did a whole band with just SM57's specifically to shoot down the theory that you have to use expensive mic's. It sounded pretty good, not great but still pretty good, a lot of folks would be happy to get a sound like that. The guy was good, knew how to mix. I have a bag full of mic's including some 57's. Never leave home without them, they're great all around workhorse mic's, I use them mostly for live drums but they do have a distinctive rolloff sound no matter how you post process them. Yeah I know, give me the blindfold test and maybe I couldn't tell which track recorded by the same band was recorded with the 57's and which one with the better mic's but I'm pretty sure I could.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353 |
Bob - I have to admit to being a member of the SM57 fan club. There's one million-selling-album singer who used to insist on using an SM57 for studio vocals because it was "his sound". It made me realize that if you want transparency you use a U87, but if you want that "rock singer live on stage" sound you reach for the 57.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 506 |
I think a good mics and pres are essential. As long as the interface is quiet all is good.
I would never encourage a beginner to start with just anything. If you start by plugging a Nady Starpower mic or their brethren into your on-board sound card, you are going to be discouraged.
With a decent pre, SM-57s are good mics, if that's the sound you are looking for. There are many mics in that range that have differing qualities that would also work to get you started. Some of the MXL condensers and some direct to digital USB mics are good examples.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700 |
I use cheap Behringer 8500 mikes they are 57 knock offs, and i find them to have a slightly warmer sound. I also have a AT 2020 condenser, and it is super smooth and crisp in comparison, but it also picks up every other sound, so I have to really treat my home space to use it.
I have a different take on USB mikes though, i find them troublesome. Since they act as a second sound card they often introduce clock timing issues. I never recommend them especially for newbies, as they really struggle with them.
Great discussion, ROG, thanks for starting it. It is really interesting to hear others thoughts on these things.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296 |
Good discussion, and interesting points.
My personal experience about the difference happened about two years ago.
Disclaimer: my dual core music computer was purchased seven years ago, so it's not the latest technology.
I was using my EMU 1820M (fairly high end card), but it was crapping out. Searched the multimedia productions forum (where Mac pops in occasionally with excellent advice), and learned that perhaps some capacitors were failing. Took it apart (had nothing to lose - it didn't work), and found several bad caps. But this isn't my story.
When it was out being fixed, I resorted to the onboard sound. It was simply so terrible, that I gave up on music until the EMU was back in operation.
Now, I'm sure that onboard sound has improved as suggested by several here, and maybe my machine just had a "worse than usual" on board sound chip, but I can assure anyone that there was simply no comparison at all in audio quality.
Glenn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,086 |
My experience is a little bit similiar to yours Glenn. For playback the best on board chip I've had was on my old Dell with yamaha XG on board. On my computer with the realtec, I thought the playback sound was quite disappointing in comparison regardless of all the settings I tried. Getting my EMU 0404 interface and disabling the realtec was a huge night and day difference for playback. The latest new on board ones must be much better.
Interesting discussion.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,843
Posts796,852
Members39,969
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean