|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Hi all, Brand new here. Considering purchasing Band In A Box soon. I was hoping to get some direction from the pros in here! I'm a singer/songwriter who typically writes and performs with only my voice and an acoustic guitar. I have a collection of songs that could really benefit from additional layers of music. Currently I use a Zoom H4n field recorder to record my guitar and vocal tracks separately and then I bring those into Reaper for EQ, mixing and output. But I am really not good enough at playing other instruments such as drums, bass, etc. to record those tracks. So I'm looking for a good way to add these other layers to my music. So here are my questions... 1) for a typical workflow, could I bring an existing recording into BIAB or would it be best to lay down a drum track (or other click track) with BIAB and then use that as a backing track to record a new vocal track? 2) can I bring a vocal track into BIAB or is that more of a RealBand (or DAW) function? 3) will I be happy with the acoustic guitar strumming in BIAB or is my live recorded acoustic track going to be better? 4) I worry that using the RealTracks in BIAB will make my song sound like other BIAB songs. Is that something to be concerned about? Or, once I mix it all up will it sound like my song and not like every other BIAB song? 5) related to above, how do the solos work? I am assuming they will be the same solo every time they are used so that would be a problem in an original song. Right? 6) would you consider BIAB to be mainly a practice tool to use for creating backing tracks (for performing or writing) or is its output nice (and unique) enough to be used as accompaniment for a demo? 7) what would the typical workflow be for someone who has composed a song on an acoustic guitar? something like this maybe? - write song - enter chord progressions into BIAB - add various instrument layers in BIAB - export backing track from BIAB - record vocals using backing track in headphones - mix backing track and vocals in a DAW 8) Based on what I've seen so far it looks like I need to spring for the UltraPlusPak or be unhappy with missing RealTracks!  Is that correct? 9) is BIAB the right software for what I want to do? Thanks so much for any assistance you can provide me. I really appreciate it! John
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
JohnJohnJohn (or is it John, John, John -- did you get in trouble a lot as a child? -- ha, ha)
1.) You could bring the live track in and add instruments to it -- but your timing would have to be pretty good. I would lay down the click track with the BIAB drummer and build from there.
2.) You can bring one audio track into BIAB -- but I really use a DAW for that (I user Sonar, but RealBand is a DAW).
3.) I use a lot of the acoustic guitar parts from realtracks. They seem to fit in well.
4.) That is a legitimate concern. The goal is not to use a BIAB backing and plop your vocals on top, but to use BIAB so it is part of the song. That sometimes is easy and sometimes it's not -- but it can be done.
5.) The solos can be regenerated over and over again and be different each time. You can also cut and paste and move things around to make it "different". Yes, after awhile you can hear those BIAB riffs in other folks' songs and recognize them -- that why we always want more realtracks. Having said that, there is a lot of variety available right now.
6.) I think you can use biab to make pretty decent recordings. How good sounding is up to your skill level. Even though a bunch of nashville studio musicians perform a lot of the realtrack samples that I use, Nashville (from what I hear) still will frown on BIAB demos (and probably LA and NY, too). So, don't let them know until it is too late!!
7.) That is probably the exact work flow I use.
8.) UltraPak Plus is the way to go (for me).
9.) I think BIAB is a great tool and a lot of fun. Whether it is right for you, is up to you. Traditionally there is a mid-summer sale in biab-land, but who know what will happen this summer?
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,342
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,342 |
I agree 100% with Kevin. I would add that you should go to the user showcase forum and listen to some of the music there. All of the music there was generated by BiaB and/or RealBand and all of the songs are very good. Some of the songs are Biab/RB totally, some with parts of RealTrack cut and pasted together, some were initiated then morphed into what you hear and some are all of the above. This way you will get an idea of what BiaB/RB can do.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Hey Kevin! Thanks so much for your detailed reply! I was checking out some of your music here http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=1144009 You have some really nice songs! Are there any specific songs there that you did with BIAB? And, yes, pretty much all my life people have been shaking their head at me and saying "John, John, John"! (hey, there's a song in there!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Thanks MarioD, I listened to a few songs they were pretty impressive! Gotta take a few minutes and listen to a bunch more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I'm just John the John cubed thing makes me feel about 30% of what I should.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Quote:
Hey Kevin! Thanks so much for your detailed reply! I was checking out some of your music here http://www.soundclick.com/bands/page_music.cfm?bandID=1144009 You have some really nice songs! Are there any specific songs there that you did with BIAB?...
Those are all BIAB tunes with me adding guitars,vocals and such. If you go to the "full song info" page at soundclick, I show what BIAB did in each song (at the bottom of the lyrics). When I post them here, I detail out exactly what realtracks/midi stuff I used.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,696 |
Welcome John. Judging from your opening post, you've got a good handle on this, and you've been given some wisdom already. I got into this digital stuff to augment my own songs and it's been perfect. Good enough when I was only using MIDI and even better when the RTs came along . . . you'll want those. As for my work flow - I start with the chord sheet. My own acoustic is only used in RealBand. The better synthsizer you have for midi, the better BIAB sounds. RTs are beautiful. You'll have a great backup band in no time, and you'll want to use RealBand. All my songs on my site are done with PG Projects - beginning to end. Whatever you use, you probably won't add your own acoustic - and if you have a good mic - you should add your acoustic in RealBand or whatever DAW you decide to use. Backing tracks in BIAB, full mix in DAW. Boy are you going to have fun!   Cheers - Ian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Yo 3 Johns,
All good advise already, so all I will do is welcome you to the forum.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Geez Ian I liked you better before the photo.  rotf (What am I doing here...)laughing. Help me up.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Quote:
I'm just John the John cubed thing makes me feel about 30% of what I should.
I figure its my hook and if I repeat it enough...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Quote:
Welcome John.
Judging from your opening post, you've got a good handle on this, and you've been given some wisdom already.
I got into this digital stuff to augment my own songs and it's been perfect. Good enough when I was only using MIDI and even better when the RTs came along . . . you'll want those.
As for my work flow - I start with the chord sheet. My own acoustic is only used in RealBand.
The better synthsizer you have for midi, the better BIAB sounds. RTs are beautiful. You'll have a great backup band in no time, and you'll want to use RealBand.
All my songs on my site are done with PG Projects - beginning to end. Whatever you use, you probably won't add your own acoustic - and if you have a good mic - you should add your acoustic in RealBand or whatever DAW you decide to use. Backing tracks in BIAB, full mix in DAW.
Boy are you going to have fun!
Cheers - Ian
Thanks for the advice Ian! I'm looking forward to this!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Quote:
Yo 3 Johns,
All good advise already, so all I will do is welcome you to the forum.
Later,
Thanks Danny!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Liked your songs Kevin - nice vocals
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
>>>...7) what would the typical workflow be for someone who has composed a song on an acoustic guitar? something like this maybe?...- write song...- enter chord progressions into BIAB ....>>>>> There is a lot of variation in the workflow. I always start with BiaB, then move to realband at some point of development. Which point? ...it depends. My way is that I work out the chords, melody and structure in BiaB. When I am figuring out whether I want 2 verses and a chorus, or 2 choruses and a verse, BiaB is the tool to use. It is much harder to change your u mind after the song is ported over to Realband. When I get to Realband its time to try adding various realtracks. Well this is the idea anyway. I run into various issues with almost every song that have me bouncing back and forth between the two programs a coupleof times. THen again, some people on this forum do everything in Realband, and sometimes I can get everything I need just using BiaB alone. Here are some songs that kind of fit the creative process you decribed. Almost all the instruments are Real tracks. https://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50?feature=mhee/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,816
Posts796,572
Members39,965
| |
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