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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6 |
I have looked, and don't see a way to do this...
Can BIAB or RB be used as a very simple drum machine? I want to use it just like a drum machine to build some very simple drum loop grooves, and tweak them real time, to practice bass with. My goal is to be able to make a simple Kick, Snare, High Hat based pattern and build a few variation grooves from there. I want to control what is heard on each beat. Seems like with all that BIAB provides this would be an obvious thing to incude. While it is super easy to use BIAB to up a loop in any style and mute everything but drums, I want to build my own grooves real time while listening to the drum loop, like a drum machine...without buying a drum machine :-).
I have Native Instruments Studio drummer. It is very easy to pick a canned groove on the fly, but it has no ability to tweak the groove.
I also have Hammerhead and Hotstepper freeware. These give me the control I want but not the great instrument library that is in BIAB.
Anyone have any tips?
Thanks!
Tom
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Nope.Sorry it's not really designed for that.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,495
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Joined: Oct 2008
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Hi twangsd,
As silvertones indicates, it's not possible to build up any kind of arrangement in realtime (instruments, chords, drums, etc.). BIAB doesn't work like that.
It is possible to use MIDI drums and build up a pattern, though. One could use the Notation View or the Piano Roll view (I'd favor Piano Roll for this) and simply put the notes in that correspond to the particular midi drum sound.
What I'd do is to create a sequence of a couple of bars, get it right, and then copy and paste it to create the length of song I need.
Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
While BiaB doesn't really have such faciliy, the included RealBand program does have the Drum Grid Editor and that can allow you to quickly fashion a repeating drum pattern as a MIDI track.
See the Help file inside Realband for the full skinny.
Have Fun,
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 6 |
Thanks. It looks like the Real Band Drum Grid Editor will do most of what I want, although I couldn't get it to play any sounds when I pressed play. Will figure it out.
Does anyone have a recommendation for a stand alone, dedicated, software Drum Machine?
Tom
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,904
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Jamstix  Not a standalone since it is a VST - but very flexable and can integate into your recording. But does not play with BIAB/RB...  So nevermind. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,361 |
If you're working in RealBand with the grid editor, you always have the option of using the Coyote WT drum sounds. They're not the best you've ever heard, but would work for practicing to. Alternatively, there's lots of good and free drum machines here - http://www.vstplanet.com/Instruments/VST_Drums.htmROG.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
Jamstix 
Not a standalone since it is a VST - but very flexable and can integate into your recording. But does not play with BIAB/RB... 
So nevermind.
Actually it does, but. Always a but, right? It works as a sound module only so it acts like any other synth and will play back prerecorded midi drum parts but it can't do it's primary thing and create new drum parts or jam along with an audio file (hence the name Jamstix). That's the long time VST "tempo lock" problem that apparently cannot be fixed in RB. This affects any drum program or effects program like delays that require tempo matching with the host. Peter himself said over two years ago they were working on it but not a word since. That's very unusual coming from him, when he says they're working on something it's usually done in the next patch or update but not with this problem. The only conclusion is it's not worth the time required to fix or it's simply impossible because of something in the coding.
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.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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