|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
I copied an mp3 BB rhythm file I made to a digital recorder and played it back by plugging my powered external speakers into the headphone jack of the recorder.
Playback volume was not "loud" enough if I want to play banjo with the rhythm file accompanying my playing.
I then plugged two other (different) powered speakers and on playback from recorderand was able to turn up volume to quite loud. These particular speakers had specs of "10V, 700 mamps" in back (there were no specs on the "not loud" speakers) mentioned above.
Which now has me wondering. What sort of portable speaker system (convenient to carry around) do you members use if playing solo for people and having the BB rhythm file coming through loudly enough?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 615
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 615 |
I use a Roland Street Cube. Battery operated and plenty of volume with nice sound.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
I use two 15" Mackie Thumps, plenty of power here. I do use the aforementioned Roland Cube for a monitor.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Thanks for the heads up about that Roland Cube Street! Looks great - a bit pricey though. I have been meaning to get myself together and get out on the road but my old Pignose seems to have had its day
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Having looked at that, I found an alternative for about half the price that might do: the Roland Mobile Cube
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
The above are pricey, although the Roland Mobile Cube is a little more acceptable.
For my beginner level of playing, I was wondering about relatively cheap systems right now.
My instructor plugs my little Sony recorder into his boom box and it gives sufficient volume.
Something along those lines, perhaps.
Anyone using less pricey stuff?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
You are talking about the 'busker' market here. Battery is the problem. Maybe the old Pignose would work for you? Question is: how loud do you need to be and how many people do you see yourself playing for? That's what you have to ask yourself
I have an old mono Alba Karaoke battery amp here with two inputs plus cassette deck... Of course, there's no street cred with that!
Forget the Pignose - same price as the Roland Mobile Cube these days...
Last edited by WienSam; 05/19/12 09:57 AM.
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
Not that loud - say playing in a living room of a house.
I just don't want the banjo overpowering the volume of the recorded background music.
Why is battery a problem? They run down too fast?
I could get something that plugs into AC current.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
I meant that when you are in the battery/busker market the ROI is not good. I have a full PA system (Yamaha StagePAS 300) that only cost €350. Roland do a single speaker basic PA for €250.
I have given this question some serious thought this evening (because I might well need something like this myself in the near future) and looked for something from Yamaha and the options from Roland, Behringer et al. It seems you want an amp but you don't want your banjo drowned out? I reckon the best bang-for-buck option out there is the Roland Mobile Cube. Yup, including case, it will set you back €200, or less if you're lucky, but it will do all you want and more.
Otherwise, you need a decent active twin speaker set - look to the IT world for this. I have a good pair of active desk top speakers for my laptop that are all of 20 years old (now that type tends to be USB). They ain't battery powered mind and they probably cost around €60 at today's prices. For that matter, they ain't that portable either!
As a last resort - check eBay! Nothing wrong with second hand (so long as it works)
HTH
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
I have often used a Bose radio for my Biab tracks for very small venues and played live accoustic guitar. Bose is kinda expensive but maybe another stereo with a lower price tag will fill the bill. All you need is one with RCA inputs.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The Home Stereo or Video Receiver/Amplifier can be used for great sound with BiaB.
All that is needed is the proper audio cable and plug adaptors to go from the L and R outputs of your computer to the Aux or Tape or other Line Level input on the Stereo.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
I would only have a single plug from the headphone jack of recorder (a Roland R-05) to the external speaker system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Go to a thrift store and pick up an old stereo system for $5.00, a can of Black Krylon paint for the speakers and be done with it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
I would only have a single plug from the headphone jack of recorder (a Roland R-05) to the external speaker system.
A "Y" adaptor that breaks out the stereo headphone jack into two L and R connects is needed for that. Places like Radio Shack, etc. sell them.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 76 |
OK. I think I have enough info to work with here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 615
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 615 |
I had used a bunch of cheap USB speakers, and even a Fender Can Amp until finally breaking down and plunking the cash for the Street Cube. It was way more than I wanted to spend for the amount I use it (I really should be busking to make it pay for itself) but I was sick of limited range but mostly volume in battery-powered devices.
What sounded fine in my home studio would be drown out at a wine-and-cheese art show by the most soft-spoken bunch of Unitarians you've ever met. Don't ever underestimate the REAL volume you'll need to perform in a crowd. You also need a decent sized speaker for the rhythm section to sound at all convincing. Wish I could have found a cheaper solution, but I figure at 50+, what ever I buy is probably going to be the LAST of that particular item, so why cheap out on myself after sacrificing for a wife and kids the past 20 years ?
Some people I know by Harleys and cruise to weekends in Vegas with their buds. The way I see it, an amp under $300 is pretty reasonable.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
Quote:
I had used a bunch of cheap USB speakers, and even a Fender Can Amp until finally breaking down and plunking the cash for the Street Cube. It was way more than I wanted to spend for the amount I use it (I really should be busking to make it pay for itself) but I was sick of limited range but mostly volume in battery-powered devices.
What sounded fine in my home studio would be drown out at a wine-and-cheese art show by the most soft-spoken bunch of Unitarians you've ever met. Don't ever underestimate the REAL volume you'll need to perform in a crowd. You also need a decent sized speaker for the rhythm section to sound at all convincing. Wish I could have found a cheaper solution, but I figure at 50+, what ever I buy is probably going to be the LAST of that particular item, so why cheap out on myself after sacrificing for a wife and kids the past 20 years ?
Some people I know by Harleys and cruise to weekends in Vegas with their buds. The way I see it, an amp under $300 is pretty reasonable.
Hmm, so what should I do for solo gigs? I already have the Yamaha PAS300 but I may well be on the streets soon (I'm not kidding here). My poor old dog upped and died last year, so I don't even have the tear jerker to help me along. Ok, I'm not broke (yet) but I'm pretty feeble, although I don't look it. Already had one major spine op for scoliosis and trapped nerves, I expect another one this year.
Nah und? (as they say in Deutschland)
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,736
Posts795,478
Members39,942
| |
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