|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3 |
I would be interested in those that are using BIAB for live performance. I am thinking of trying that with a singer/guitarist. I am a pedal steel player. I would appreciate any info, tips, do's don'ts.
Thanks so much,
Uniplayer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 207 |
I've been using the program on live gigs for the past few years. I find it best to use only the bass and drums. One thing I can't stress enough: keep all your songs in one folder, listed alphabetically. If you start putting them into different song categories, you'll end up with a mess, and you'll be wasting time on stage searching for your songs. Mike Laatz www.CapetownJazz.com
Mike Laatz
Cape Town
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 491 |
I also only use Bass, Drums & Piano. And to avoid some of the problems Mike talks of.....I record from BIAB on to MiniDisc, This is only MY preference....it means I can set the MD player to 'Autopause' .....and re-start with a footswitch. It might seem a 'low-tech' solution, but it suits me. I can also change my program around ,on the MD if required. I stress...as a Guitarist/Vocalist/Banjoist...I only use this when LIVE musos are not available.....so I'm trying to re-create a similar sound. Many others on this forum use laptops very successfully in various ways. At one point I also tried an iPod......I eventually found a way to stop each track.....but then I had to manually restart! Fine....if you are not trying to perform at the same time! Hang in there....you'll find a way to suit. Regards,  Joe G.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Many on this forum use BIAB for live performances, heck there are a few who do it as their fulltime job.
For me, playing live is the reason I purchased BIAB some 4-5 years ago. I do vocals and play guitar live using BIAB as accompaniment. I started out using just piano, bass and drums but with the quality of real tracks improving with each version I can't help but write fuller arrangements to include them.
My folders are categorized by genre, plus I do a playlist for each individual gig besides. Often I will set up that list through the jukebox feature and refer back to my genre marked folders from time to time for special request or just to make a change that will fit the gig mood better that my original set playlist.
I play BIAB directly from my laptop via the earphone jack to my PA system. Been doing this since day one without one single issue (hope I did not jinx that one). All of my equipment is hidden in a rack behind a draped curtain between the rack and my audience, including my monitor.
Welcome to the forum and get ready for a lot of creative fun.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
I've been using BIAB for 14 years on solo gigs. I'm a pianist and use Real Bass and Real Drums for backing. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,508 |
I don't use BiaB directly on gigs, because I think that it isn't quite good enough for "prime time". But I do use BiaB, export to a MIDI file, import to a sequencer (Master Tracks Pro), add things that aren't available, mix with a half dozen or so sound modules, record as audio (Power Tracks Pro) and bring the final mp3 backing track files to the gig on a laptop. Complete how-to details are here http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.htmlNotes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3 |
Thanks guys for your comments.. it is very appreciated...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
I love the Real Drums and Real Bass, which is all I use on live gigs. Sounds tons better than any midi tracks. Of course, all I play are jazz gigs and no covers where you have to play the same things the same way every time. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I still use biab for practice. I can't get it to behave for gigs. Proabably just me. I make an mp3 and stick it on a player and use that into my mixer. Right now the time to make a track including RealDrums and other instruments takes too long for my liking. Will get better soon though. Octuple processors with 200 gig of Ram and 30 terabytes of storage is only a matter of time...
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
I'm doing basically what Danny C. is doing---BIAB with guitar and vocals. I arrange my play list ahead of time for each gig using Jukebox, but have all the tunes organized by genre. My song folders include jazz, rock, country, pop, waltzes, Christmas, gospel, novelty songs, etc.... This seems to work for me. Since many tunes can cross categories, I just make a decision and try to remember where I placed them. Most of the time it works.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6 |
I use BIAB tunes live all the time. The key to making it reliable is to get the songs off the computer. Similar to what Bob says above. I go from BIAB midi to GarageBand (dang mac user) to smooth things out, adjust instruments and remove or adjust any stray notes. From there to an mp3. I load each of my songs as an individual playlist so it stops after each song. Songwriters always have a word or two to say between songs anyway. So I chat while punching up the next song. This also allows for adjusting the set on the fly as the audience mood changes. If cover songs are planned for then perhaps 2 or 3 will be lumped together in a playlist and performed back to back. I spend a lot of time balancing the mp3 playlist to play at the desired level for each song. This requires a bit of back and forth between the computer and mp3 player and guitar/amp. I feel it's worth it because I don't want to mess with guitar or mp3 volume on stage unless live conditions demand it. Usually once the mic is balanced with my setup it's up to the sound person to adjust overall volume anyhow. Everything coming from me is leveled. I have not had good results with any auto-level programs. I don't like fussing with gear on stage. The audience doesn't like it either because its boring. In singer/songwriter venues, where there are many changes per night, you can see people using the break between artists to make their getaway. On my way up, I hand the guitar cable to the sound person and I am on that mic complimenting the previous performer and getting the audience attention right away. Red faced advice: Always have backups of everything or unplugged versions ready in case technology leaves you high and dry.  ----------------- Dave G Mi•Band Home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 3 |
Thank you all for your great advice.. I will keep you posted when we go live.. Joe Mac.. aka uniplayer.. www.joemcham.net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3 |
/me revives the live thread I'm hoping to be able to control BIAB with one of these . What I'm hoping to do is go from say latin to swing in real time. It's a jazz piano gig and I was going to use a drum machine but BIAB would give me many more options. Has anybody done a style change like that within the same song. I really need to RTFM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Absolutely, Rockstar. Biab already has both a midi style and a Real Track with Real Drums style that is called Bossa/Swing. Perfect for Green Dolphin, Tunsia and many others plus its very easy to create your own style too. And, there's ton's of third party styles for virtually any song there is at Norton Music.
As for midi controllers afaik the only one that works is the one PG sells on the website, the wireless Frontier Tranzport.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3 |
Manual = g00d. Yup it sure can do style changes within a song. Turns out biab has extensive MIDI control implementation. The FCB is perfect for it. Looking at the Conductor window; it means that when the piano player yells "Bridge!" I can hit a button on the FCB and biab will go to the bridge....in time...after it finishes the current measure! That's a small miracle right there. Now to figure out what hardware to use.... In a live situation latency will be a big problem if I were to try to go VST. I could use my Triton but sheesh I setup everything now and the last thing I need is another keyboard. Is anyone using VST on a laptop w/o latency issues? I need to open a new thread.... 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Different VST plugins may respond better than others. If you mean VST and not the Roland VSC.
The VSC, in conjunction with ASIO sound drivers (I use the built in soundcard of my laptop for most live gigs, plus ASIO4ALL free driver converters, sounds great) can work with the VSC, although it is often machine plus OS dependent to be glitch free with the Conductor.
***The latest upgrade of BIAB, 2009.5, announced today, has greatly improved the Conductor action when using RealTracks/RealDrums a must for live gigging IMO. If you have 2009, I understand the download for the simple upgrade without adding those 100 new RealTracks, is going to be a freebie, so check the update page. If you are buying new after today, it will already include the patches for that.
For live work I do recommend a hardware MIDI synth, though.
For portability plus really great MIDI sounds, that would be the Ketron SD2 Orchestral Wizard, check it out, pgmusic sells them.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 66
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 66 |
I've been doing this for five or six years. I have a file entitled "complete set" which contains all of the tunes I play live. Before a gig I add a number in front of the name of the tune 1,2,3,etc. Those tunes I plan to use then come to the top of the list of tunes when I hit the song button.
I use the earphone jack for audio and a Roland Synthesizer for digital sound. Both go into a mixer.
Richard
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 52 |
Hi Danny C.! I have been using a Sound Canvas of some type for years as a sound module - now I have an SD-20. But I just bought a new computer just for the music and I am thinking of running my sound out from the headphones jack to the mixing board - like you do. I have been cautioned by two professionals that that is not a good idea because of electrical hum and clicks, etc. They say it is unrealiable - it may work in most venues but then it will sound awful in others. But you sound like you have never had any such problems! How do you avoid such problems? The same two professionals also told me that the hardware sound modules, like the SD-20 or the older Sound Canvas products are all superior in sound to any virtual sound cards on the market. I would love to hear your ideas and experience on these headphones jack and sound quality issues since you seem to have a lot of experience in these areas! Thank you in advance for your time! Another part of this thread discussed placing files in one or more folders or in the Jukebox - where they are apparently only filed alphabetically. I just recently put all 500 files I take to a job in one folder and arranged them in the order they are in within my fake book (which is not strickly alphabetical). I used a numberical prefix in front of the file names in the folder I intend to play from (while I have separate folders for original back-up copies of all the files). The numbers start at 0001 and go on with 0002, etc. It seems to work as I can play them rather quicly out of Real Band just by going back to file "open" which takes me back directly to that one master folder with all the songs. This also allows me to run the Big Clock in Real Band. I talk some between songs and do requests so I don't follow a predetermined order of songs. Of course, I can easily produce one of those if needed - in fact I have many of them in my old Cakewalk Professional program's playlist funcition. I wish Real Band had a great playlist function like the Cakewalk  .
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,422
Posts804,836
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean