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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi all!!!!!!
My apologies if I've posted this in the wrong section.
A number of members responded to my first post with some very helpful answers and suggestions, which I appreciated very much. Today, I have listened to a number of songs in the 'Users' Showcase' and I'm very impressed! There are some really talented people on this forum.
I'm currently working towards purchasing either the Everything Pack or most probably, the Audiophile Edition of BiaB 2012. Why the Audiophile Edition? 1) Because I don't want to have to download any files; 2) Because of the uncompressed files. I have a friend who said she would like to work on a few songs with the view of producing a professional - type CD in the future,(her CD, not mine) so this is where I feel the uncompressed files of the Audiophile Edition would be the better option at this point ... and, I believe uncompressed files are quicker and easier to work with. Some say they can hear the difference between the compressed and uncompressed files; others say they can't hear the difference, but I feel the uncompressed files would be better to work with in regard to a pro-type CD. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong regarding this.
I have a few more questions I want to ask in the hope of being guided in the right direction. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. As far as software / hardware, all I have so far is:
- Pending purchase of BiaB.
- Roland A90 EX Master MIDI controller - 1997 model. MIDI connections = In: 2, Thru 1, Independent Out: 4. It has a sound card but no recordable device on it like a Hard Drive for example.
- Kontakt 2.
I will need to get some kind of Audio / MIDI Interface and a Microphone because I will be using acoustic instruments and voice on a number of tracks as well as soft synths, sound libraries etc. I was just wondering what else I will need in order to fully utilize Band-In-A-Box and incorporate BiaB into a fully - functional DAW.
I was also curious as to what other people are using in the way of:
- sound cards / Audio / MIDI interfaces ... (brands and why you chose them ... pros and cons)
- type of keyboards
- studio monitors (speakers)
- type / brand of microphone and why you chose it... pros and cons. (I've worked with Senheiser microphones before and really like them but they cost a lot of $$$$, but I guess you get what you pay for.
I took note of a couple of users suggestions to my first post and checked out the KVR home page and the free downloads. (Many thanks for including the link to KVR). I will be downloading the following from their site sometime soon: Audacity, Crystal and a few others.
I look forward to hearing from anyone who can offer some assistance.
Kindest regards,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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If you don't want to download any large files, you still have the option of ordering the Standard edition of BiaB, just ignore the Instant Download and wait upon the company to send you everything already installed on the USB hard drive.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678
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Quote:
I was also curious as to what other people are using in the way of:
- sound cards / Audio / MIDI interfaces ... (brands and why you chose them ... pros and cons)
- type of keyboards
- studio monitors (speakers)
- type / brand of microphone and why you chose it
Soundcard - M-Audio 1010LT, becuse of number of inputs and reliability
Keyboards - various Rolands just because I like Roland interfaces and I'm used to them
Monitors - right now M-Audio BX8a deluxe, cause I like the clarity, and Blue Sky 2.1 for second set
Mic - I always suggest starting with SM57 or 58, but depends on what you are recording. These two mics are long lasting workhorses that serve well for many purposes from vocal to snare drums. They even catch the snap of a bass drum pedal fairly well, but lack the very low end for some applications. Then for intimate vocals I suggest a large diaphragm mic (later as a second one) if you want to capture every nuance.. but they need a good room and clean performance as they pick up every little sound.
One thing you may have overlooked is a good preamp. Many soundcards have fairly good preamps, but a nice dedicated preamp can make any mic sound better.
StudioProjects VTB1 is pretty affordable for this application.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Anonymous
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Anonymous
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This is a Ford or Chevy discussion, but I will pile on anyway.
M-Audio Fast Track Pro is my interface. Honestly, though people will weigh in with different opinions, when you think about what it does, outside of form factor they are not really all that different. There's a lot of "soundcard" discussion, but this hardware is essentially playing back recorded sounds, not generating them. Just translating the math involved with recreating/interpreting what is already there.
My keyboards are all OLD. I use Ensoniq keyboards. The company went out of business in the late 90s, so that gives you an idea how old they are. However, another matter of taste. I like the way they sound. Harv mentioned the interface. Well, as deep as I get into it, it's the bank button, and the patch button. I don't tweak sounds, don't bother with MIDI at all because of something I will mention later.
My mics are all Shure M58. I have one M57 that is a carryover from my live days and that was used to mic instruments.
I have powered Wharfedale monitors. 100w and teh slew rate is great so they can burst and recover without any lag.
Depending on how you choose to roll, your "off sound" gear is important. I just changed to a Behringer control surface so everything I do is digital now, but for years I was all analog so I have a ton of gear. I have 4 Alesis digital reverbs, 2 Behringer 31 band EQs, a drum machine, a vocoder, and a MIDI patching system that allows me to change master and slave at a touch. Too much to explain here, but I will say that after some programming it makes it very simple to change master and slave configurations. I have MIDI controllers but I rarely use them. All M-Audio, a 61 key, a 49 key, and a 25 key. Also a MIDI drum pad controller that I rarely use. I buy a lot of gear for a specific reason and then it sits in the corner when I'm done.
I haven't mentioned 6 guitars and 4 saxes....
All a matter of what you want to do and what you need to get it done.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,371
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I'm using Focurite for the audio interface, because I like the pre-amps, but there are lots of other good ones around. Midi is taken care of by an Alesis Q49 keyboard connected via USB. Most of my sounds are from VSTi now, but I do still have a DX7 and a Korg Poly 800. (Eat your heart out Eddie!)
I agree with rharv about mics. An SM 57/58 plus a decent condenser will see you through most tasks. Monitoring is Yamaha/Tannoys, but once again, most modern monitors will sound ok. It's all down to personal preference and what you've got to spend.
ROG.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Anonymous
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Quote:
I do still have a DX7 and a Korg Poly 800. (Eat your heart out Eddie!)
I used a Poly6 for YEARS!!! My first road rig was a Mirage, a Roland Juno 60 and a Korg Poly6. LOTS of sound possibilities.
Much to be said for the analog days!!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678
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Poly800 was one of the early digital synths, not analog. Had one for many years, my friend still has it, and it works. I recently put the Juno 106 back out, had to make sure it was still working. I don't miss the analog days much; VCF and VCA had a lot of 'slop' depending on power and conditions. Digital is much more reliable. That said, the moog is still around.  Fun to tinker with.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Anonymous
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Okay, without getting into a pi$$ing contest, this is from the Korg rep who I know from his days when he was the Ensoniq rep. Thankfully he keeps everything.
Note what I have made bold.
Features at a glance
Year of release: 1984
Polyphony: 8-voice
Presets: 64
Keyboard: 49-keys (four octaves)
Responds to velocity: no
Sound generation method: analog
MIDI: yes, in-out
The rest cut for lack of relevance. His reply contained this quote: "I might give you 'hybrid' because it did have some digital features, but it was really an analog sound source."
Buckeye Nation wins again.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101
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Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 101 |
Ditto on the M-Audio 1010LT. Very reliable.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678
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Posts: 22,678 |
Learn something new every day. It was DCO but has VCF, so indeed a hybrid. "It also stood out from many other synths at the time by operating like an analogue synth but had digital oscillators," I don't miss it. 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Anonymous
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I DO, however, miss my Poly6. The strings and clavinets were brilliant. And the organ in the Roland Juno 60 was great.
The organ in the Ensoniq ESQ-1 is great though. That synth was a gem and I will always have one. I am on my 3rd and I am always looking for another to have in the background. I also have the EPS16+ sampler and a rather big sound library, and that really covers me for sounds when I need something to sweeten what Real Band gives me.
Back to the original post though, it is important to a prospective buying to understand that I sweeten just because. Most of what I turn out is just Real Band. It sounds that good. This is why I continue to steer you toward Real Band. When you start creating parts from Real Tracks you get high quality clips to paste together performed by top dudes.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,964
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Joined: Jun 2012
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If you are considering an SM58 you should consider the Behringer XM8500. I own both and I gotta say, at 25% of the SM58's price, the XM8500 is an awesome value!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi guys!
Not sure if I'm doing this right by posting this reply here, as I'm new to forums in general and not sure of the proper procedure. I have PM'd all of you to thank you for your help and suggestions. Your knowledge and experience are a great help to me. I will be checking out all of the equipment you mentioned as soon as I can. Thank you all again for taking time out to assist me.
Kindest Regards,
Dome
BIAB Audiophile, Reaper, Kontakt Full Edition, Roland A90-EX Master Controller MIDI keyboard, Windows 7 x64
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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.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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.
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