|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
I never upgraded so I did not have realtracks until a couple of months ago - man why did I wait. I wrote this piece for my bride a couple of years ago - but once I had realtracks to work with - I wrote a new arrangement. Still learn something everyday on the mixing side - any pointers will be appreciated. http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7425309
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
Hey Powderman;
That was great! Yes, with realtracks it opens up a whole new world of recording possibilities, doesn't it? May times in my sogs, the "Realtrack pickers" play better that I do! I have trouble fittin' in. LOL.
Good mix. I wonder how you did the vocals? Did you get that full sound with just reverb, and effects, or are the vocals panned slightly left and right? It had a great sound.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Luvs3rds
I do so much fiddlin' with the mix sometimes - but I am pretty sure I did pan 65L and 65R with the vocals with a little reverb.
' Sure do like the real tracks - I didn't get all the sets when I upgraded - but have been starting to add a couple of sets here and there.
I have checked out some of your things before - and it is all good.
Thanks
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
I'll start by saying very nice tune, I am sure the bride had to love it. Also I'll let a couple of others more qualified than I to give you pointers (if needed) regarding the production aspect. The only other thing I would add that would IMHO take the project up quite a few notches is to use Real Drums as the midi drums are a bit distracting.
Were you playing any instruments? As besides the drums all instruments were right on.
Oh, welcome aboard Powderman!
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Danny,
Thanks for the thought. I played drums for many years - so I tend to let them get a little out of place. I did play acoustic guitar on a track - I'm mostly just a strummer.
Take Care
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Realtracks are a blast and a nice little tune. Here are a few quick observations.
At 0:04 and especially at 0:07, the pedal steel stops abruptly -- which sounds wrong. The way to overcome this is to keep generating the pedal steel until it sounds the smoothest. Sometimes this can be easier in RB, since you can generate short sections here and there
I would re-do the drummer and experiment with styles and A/B sections. Something dropped out at around ~0:27, I think it has to do with the drums. Dropping off the drums at 0:45 seemed odd.
The real tracks are cool, but they still need to be whipped into shape quite often.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301 |
Hi Powderman,
That is a fine good song!
Here are my humble observations;
While I undersrand your effect on vocals, I feel it's a little overdone (sometimes less is more , sorry for the cliche) You have a fine voice which I think would benefit from being upfront and clear rather than double tracked.
The midi drums also let it down especially as it's a "power set" I'd go with Kevin's suggestion here.
Thanks for posting buddy, most enjoyable,
Dave.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
I was going to mention that the double-tracked vocals at +65 and -65 were a little too much for me, but that is just a personal preference. But since Dave mentioned it, I'll second that motion.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
Kevin;
RE: "Sometimes this can be easier in RB, since you can generate short sections here and there "
Are you saying you can Select a certain portion of a track, and just re-generate that portion in RB? I didn't know that? If that is so, that is exactly what I'v been wanting, instead of changing what I like also, just to change what I don't like.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,815 |
Quote:
Are you saying you can Select a certain portion of a track, and just re-generate that portion in RB? I didn't know that? If that is so, that is exactly what I'v been wanting, instead of changing what I like also, just to change what I don't like.
Yup, just highlight the section of the track you want entered, make sure that track is "selected" and generate your instrument. You can't do 2 different instruments on one track (the first section will switch to the new instrument, too) and I really don't know if the 1st section will re-generate or not if you keep the same instrument. On the quick example I tried, it looked like only the 2nd section generated, but that's hard to tell.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Hi Powderman,
cool song overall. I have to agree with Dave on the vocals. You have a nice voice for this type of song, and I think it is hidden fat too much by the double tracking and the reverb. I'd go single track on the lead vocal, compressed to bring it way out front, then add reverb to taste.
Any background vocals could be double tracked for fullness, compressed on a slightly lower level, then slight delay or reverb to taste and run them at about 70% of the lead vocal level. To taste of course.
For mixing and mastering techniques, you can see if Ray Thigpen still has his tutorials available. They helped me a lot. I still refer to them and they are very well done.
Good song, good effort, welcome to the club.
toucher
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
Too bad I have to go to work now, or I would be on there right now! Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Quote:
Danny,
Thanks for the thought. I played drums for many years - so I tend to let them get a little out of place. I did play acoustic guitar on a track - I'm mostly just a strummer.
Take Care
I was making reference to "BIAB Real Drums". I am assuming if you have a BIAB version with "real tracks" you also had the "real drum" tracks. Also nice work on that acoustic track.
later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
Everyone,
Thanks so much for the comments. I've already started replacing the drum track. I tend to have low self esteem when it comes to the vocals - so I tend to try too many effects and gimmicks. I already kind of knew that - but needed to hear it from another source. Friends and family won't ever tell you those kind of things.
I've had BIAB for over two years - sure wish I would have gotten involved in the forum back then - the talent here is wonderful.
Thanks again
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Nothing wrong with your voice Powderman. Great warm voice, and it has so to speak a tear and a smile inside of it in the same time. You could use a bit more air from the belly and make the airflow steady and stronger to keep the voice more stable, but in your sound I have nothing to say but: great sound! Actually I wrote a long response, but then I was all of a sudden automatically logged out when entering the story, sad for me, lucky all of you.  I will not all type it again. But I give the short version. About what the others said: 0:04 seconds, weird stop: nah, just a normal stop i.m.o. 0:07 seconds, weird stop: yep, agree there 0:27 seconds, dropout:huh? I don't hear a dip there? compression: yes, some, but don't overcompress. delay: possible, but be careful, it can also make a muddy mix in the end. I would prefer backings without any effects for that matter, and with a roll off of low frequencies to make them weigh light. Since the instrument allready fill up quite some I think it might not even need backings at all... realtracks drums That or a change of drum kit (the rock snare doesnot really fit in I think and a bit too much toms that sound the same each short break) Anywayyyyyy.... Doubling of voices is not a stranger in music world, it happens quite often, but there are some things, besides the question if it really adds something to the song, to consider: As in this song I can't walk away from the fact that there seems to be some phaseproblems going on. I don't know for sure what exactly caused it, maybe you used a delay, or maybe just the coincidence of two almost similar tracks cancelling and emphasizing eachother from time to time. It might be even your head turning to read the lyrics and that way giving me that impression because you are softer and harder in volume throughout the whole song. Anyway when the waveform is exactly the same or also almost the same, a small difference in phase of the wave can cause trouble. In this case a doubled (copied) track with a small delay might be easier to deal with, since they are identical and therefor better to manipulate. Although I think you don't need to double with your voice on this track. So my conclusion. Toucher said the most of it: some compression to make the voice stand out and maybe some reverb to create the feeling of space. Finally I would want to suggest a little bit of EQ in the higher frequencies (like at 2kHz and above) to create a bit more clarity in the sound, which helps the voice to be more present as well as the pronounciation becomes more clear. Can you guys believe it? This is the very short version of my previous input. I bet this allready bored you all into oblivious didn't it? Guys? Hello? Wake up guys, I am done!
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 262 |
abaudio,
Thanks for the summary. I have already switched to a real drums track - but still not getting the right sound in the fill areas - but I'll find it. Also working on the vocal.
After I spent some time with it - I'll have to throw it back up here.
Nearly time for work.
Have A Great Day
The Powderman
Learning something new everyday
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 301 |
Lookin forward to the "throwback" ;o)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Me too! I mean looking forward to it, that is... Goodluck!
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
Powderman;
I finally get the meaning of your name. It must be fun hittin' that switch!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,736
Posts795,456
Members39,942
| |
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