|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Quote:
And possible a new Daw
1)Protools 10 http://www.avid.com/US/products/pro-tools-software
How many here use these products and if do are you satisfied with them? Thanks Leonard
Don't want to start any flame wars, but skip this. Replace it with Reaper and you will be happier in the long run. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510 |
Really high end VSTi's there Leonard. Far beyond what I need and use (see my sig below). You'll need a really fast computer and lots of RAM to handle all of that.
Although, I now use Sonar, I did look at ProTools at one time But if I remember correctly, doesn't using ProTools lock you into using only certain hardware? That was an issue for me.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I Love Logic Pro 9, has 5 DVDs of loops(MIDI and Audio)and very easy to use too. It's presets for Instruments and Mastering really help those who are just starting out! Virtual Instruments and FX Plug-ins galore! Way easier than Protools and updates have been free so far for me! Here is a song I made with some of the Loops and the Drum Kit and Sax are from Biab. http://soundcloud.com/tommy_cole/nu-jazz
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
Yea, I'm using Reaper right now and love it.Pretty easy to use and sounds better than what I was using before. I'm just trying to use the best there is for what i want.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
TommyC
Awesome sounding track you made there. I'm really 90% sure I will get a Mac next year and get logic.It was on 99 dollars last time I check to download. This will have to last a few years so I want to get the biggest bang for the buck I can.Every time I listen to other peoples work on here I feel so inferior because most sound so professional and if you wrote the song yourself then really I'm jealous.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
Yes there are high end for sure but,Chris Heins horns are awesome sounding and the other as well. I will probably just get the Horns out of all them just because of the expense.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Quote:
Yea, I'm using Reaper right now and love it.Pretty easy to use and sounds better than what I was using before. I'm just trying to use the best there is for what i want.
Sounds to me Leanord that maybe you have more money then knowledge. The DAW has nothing at all to do with the sound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,366
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,366 |
In my experience, there's very little which can't be done in RealBand, which you'll have already bundled with BiaB and as John said, DAWS are just number-crunchers.
Once you scratch the surface, even some of the top end DAWS struggle to keep up with RB. You've got 48 stereo channels immediately available, 8 auxiliaries (x4) which you can route and 16 sub-groups, plus there are 4 inserts on every channel and sub-group. Add in a few decent third-party plug-ins and you've got a world class system which integrates perfectly with BiaB.
My advice would be to learn how to utilize all the features of RB and to spend the money you save on VSTi.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,906 |
I would stay away from Pro Tools as it is midi limited, has proprietary peripherals and is only 32 bit. 32 bit is the big one because with the software you are thinking about buying you will need a lot of ram and 32 bit only gives you up to 3 gigs. That is not enough. I would go 64 bit with a minimum of 8 gigs with 16 gigs of ram or higher being better.
I personally use Sonar 1XD but like John has said a DAW has nothing to do with sound quality. I would try all of the 64 bit DAW demos and pick the one that works best for you.
Why Mac? Again there is no difference in sound quality between computer systems. You can get a killer PC music computer for less than half of what you will pay for a Mac. Plus the software is a lot cheaper. Go to a local computer dealer and they can make you one without all of the unnecessary crap that on the shelf brands put on. Keep it off line and you will not even have to deal with anti-virus/spyware etc programs. Just my thoughts – that is what I do.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
These "what's the best" threads always remind me of the guy who buys a new guitar every 2 months and a new amp twice a year. And the issue is that he doesn't know how to play. Or this Pete Barbutti bit about the "chordine". http://youtu.be/uzkixTbOchEWhat makes Reaper good and Protools suck, because YOU use one or the other? Ease of use? I installed Reaper and looked at it for about 2 hours and found the interface confusing and clunky. Why? Because I am used to Real Band and Sonar. They are really ALL the same. You record track 1, then track 2, then track 3.... all the way up to 48. The different with Real Band, as we all know, is that it generates music so you don't have to, but once they are in the DAW (and I still wonder why we have to use some oh-so-techie-sounding 2000s term for what we called "Sequencer" with the original Cakewalk product) what is really the difference if you plug in a vst reverb product into Protools or Sonar or Reaper? So I am not being a wise guy here. I am actually interested in knowing why your "Chevy" is better than his Dodge or her Ford? (Notice I put Ford last...) Don't just give the guy your preference, Tell us why and what your experiences were when you were comparing them (and if you have that strong of an opinion, I assume that you have tried more than one and have compared them) side by side.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
I've used them all. What do I use? RealBand. End of story.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
|
Anonymous
Unregistered
|
I look at it in the same way I would say "Look, I found the best woman ever and I am still with her. Why would I change?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Propellerhead Reason is a great complement to Band-In-A-Box IF you work in MIDI, and IF you need a kickass softsynth, and if you DON'T need MIDI out from Reason. (We're still trying to figure out whether that's a bug or a feature.) Note that as of version 6 Reason is a complete DAW unto itself. There are a handful of us here and on the Propellerhead forums who use both BIAB and Reason.
If I read your list above correctly, though, that would give you at least three DAWs (including Real Band). Each has unique features and there is a justifiable use for each, but that's a LOT of firepower, even for an experienced user. Also note that Reaper and Reason each have Rewire and so would work together directly. If you don't know what that means, you need to do a lot more research.
Good luck, friend.
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Re: "DAW" Quote:
(and I still wonder why we have to use some oh-so-techie-sounding 2000s term [DAW] for what we called "Sequencer" with the original Cakewalk product)
I'm with you on this one. I believe that DAW should refer to the physical hardware and sequencer to the software. Otherwise it's pretty confusing, in the same way that using "CPU" or "hard drive" to refer to your PC's case and contents totally loses beginners when you are trying to have a conversation.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
I agree that the sound has nothing to do with the DAW or sequencer, whatever we want to call it. It mostly depends on the material you start to work with, whether is loops, midi and or recording your own music, in that case, plug ins and or VST instruments and the ability to use them is what is going to make the difference IMHO. I'm not an expert in these matters like many others in this forum from what we all learn, but yes, I guess you should use whatever you are comfortable with; for instance, I have gotten used to use Acid Pro, which is never mentioned here, some people have the opinion that is mainly for loop work, that was the case many years ago, but now it can handle and process midi files with most VST's out there, at least that has been my experience. However I have to also agree that RB have just about everything and more than any sequencer out-there, specially when working with RT's and everything related to BB. And yes just about anything from Soundsonline is very expensive and requires a high level of skills using this kind of software; sounds terrific though.
later
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,281 |
Of course, we cannot forget about the final mix on whatever software, that definitively makes a huge difference!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,436
Posts805,102
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