|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
THANKS to everyone for your varied and INTERESTING comments. My wife is a GREAT jazz/blues singer who has been singing professionally since about age 12.
I'm a blues dog guitar and harp player.
Luckily, we don't have to gig for the money but want to present an AWESOME show...which can happen if I turn down! (-: (Actually, I can hang with the better cats on the harp...after 20 years of maniacle study and practice!
But my wife's first exposure to BIAB gigging was before we met and was therefore BIAB circa 1990-95 so you can imagine why she hasn't been overly excited about trying it out on gigs.
But I'm WORKIN' on it and will ask her to read these posts.
The comments about letting BIAB regenerate its tracks every time rather than freezing or burning CD's is INTERESTING. Maybe a little dangerous but interesting. (Sometimes...not too often... the tracks gulp a little when being newly generated. Maybe a PC issue, not a software issue...but a gulp is a gulp soundwise regardless). (-:
Again....THANKS!!!!!
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
The comments about letting BIAB regenerate its tracks every time rather than freezing or burning CD's is INTERESTING. Maybe a little dangerous but interesting. (Sometimes...not too often... the tracks gulp a little when being newly generated. Maybe a PC issue, not a software issue...but a gulp is a gulp soundwise regardless). (-:
Exactly. This is what I meant when I said working with Biab live was a chore. It can be done seamlessly because Mac and others have posted they do it all the time but man, you've got to be a real expert with the program and pay attention to a lot of moving parts to do it. It's not just be an expert with Biab, it's also being an expert with your laptop. I can't emphasise that enough. We're dealing with computers here and you MUST understand how they work intimately. It's knowing the drivers, latency, MME or ASIO, midi input/output, audio settings, etc. When something burps on a gig under pressure, you have to know what happened, how it happened and how to fix it RIGHT NOW and move on. As a keyboard player I always had my bass/keys split patches ready to go in case of emergency and I'll just play live and worry about the laptop problem at the break.
Now to be fair, part of it was this was 5 years ago and things have improved a lot since then. My new laptop is much stronger than the old one, Biab has a lot more features now but the basic concepts are the same. If you're using the new freeze tracks feature, the Conductor still works so you can rearrange your song on the fly and the song starts in just a couple of seconds because frozen tracks don't have to regenerate but then you're losing that cool "slightly different version" thing Mac and others like so much. And so it goes, everything is yes, but, yes, but.
Remember, if you're just doing songs beginning to end the same way all the time then you don't need Biab at the gig at all. It's just a song playback player at that point. Take a MP3 player that has good playlist functions and plug it in to your PA.
So, this is my convoluted way of answering the question, can Biab be used live? Answer: Yes, but...
Just try these different things out and find the best way that works for you and your lady.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
On the other hand, running BiaB from a laptop on the piano's music rack is a LOT easier to get right than say, flying the F102.
Just sayin'
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
On the other hand, running BiaB from a laptop on the piano's music rack is a LOT easier to get right than say, flying the F102.
Just sayin'
--Mac
HA! You're dating yourself. The F102 was an interceptor introduced in the late 1950s. (-:
And as my screen name suggests...I'm a pilot and can attest that FLYING the F102 would be easy enough. LANDING it....not so much!
(-:
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 101
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 101 |
I still like using my laptop for live gigs, but I also make higher quality mp3's, through adobe audition 3, and save them on my iPhone. There is a great app called "Backtrax" that allows you to play tunes one at at time and edit the order of your set list. It also has a show lyrics function, but that doesn't seem to work on my 4g phone (I probably need the new iPhone). I'm using a Bose L1 compact PA and the sound is great. I'm thinking of getting another one just for the stereo effect (for me, not the audience). I have two L1 mdl II systems at school that fill a very large auditorium with an amazing stereo sound, even using mp3's.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
HA! You're dating yourself. The F102 was an interceptor introduced in the late 1950s. (-:
And as my screen name suggests...I'm a pilot and can attest that FLYING the F102 would be easy enough. LANDING it....not so much!
(-:
Jim
Hi Jim,
Then you should also know that the '102's not so affectionate nickname was, "The Flying Brick".
Takeoff and certain lowspeed maneuvers could kill ya faster than mere landing attempts, as a matter of fact, the first thirty some pages of the operation manual consisted of a list of to never attempt under any circumstances.
Quite a few died trying to fly the @$#%^ thing...
But once a pilot got past those issues, she was a joy of a bird for her intended purpose, which, indeed was supersonic interception.
I picked that model intentionally because she could be so hard to learn to fly.
Wasn't no F-16 fly-by-wire where the computer keeps a yanker-banker from doin' anything that might result in augerin' in, dontcha know.
Check Six,
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
That was Greek 2 me ok?
Practice makes perfect.
My son replied no one is perfect why try then.
I remember feeling speechless.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
When my kids said that, (Don't we all at a certain age?) I told 'em just like my Daddy told me: "Excellence may be unachievable for mortals, however the PURSUIT of Excellence should always be your goal in all things."
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Or, as my former business partner said who was a major in the Air Force and flew F4's, you lose power in an F4 it takes on the flight characteristics of a set of car keys (pulls them out of his pocket and drops em for effect). You've got maybe 3 seconds to decide if you're gonna pull the curtain and punch out or not and as everybody knows punching out is no picnic either. I was AF intel he was the pilot, lots of stories between us. The 102 was a brick but the F4 was a bigger brick as in put those two big honkin engines on it you can make anything fly.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 15 |
While we're talking about live playing with MIDI, what DXi (or hardware?) synths do you use (either for live or in creating the audio files)?
BIAB 2012.5 (upgraded from 2006), Windows 7 64-bit.
Guitarist and Worship Leader from Townsville, Australia
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Hey Jim, I just realized, your handle. It is AV8 as in Harriers?
Lindsay, I probably wouldn't use midi tracks any more. The Real Tracks sound too good even if I'm missing the occasional song specific lick here and there. I did a couple of small gigs two months ago and I was told that our regular drummer couldn't make it after I was also told there would be no bass player. I'm ok with playing left hand bass but not without a drummer. I was planning to bring my laptop and use Biab just for bass and drums but the drummer was able to make the gig anyway. I was practicing some of the tunes at home using my Kurzweil PC3 and Biab going through one of my EV 12" powered monitors. It sounded really good using a RT bass and a RD drum track. I would have had a guitarist and sax along with me so it would have been a trio with Biab.
If it was just me and a sax and/or a vocalist I would use Biab as the full band and probably use all RT's. If I did need a few midi tracks to fill in the Forte DXi is plenty good enough for that but I could also use the Kurz for midi. I would depend on what I think sounds best.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,740
Posts795,636
Members39,946
| |
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