|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
There are several interesting threads going on here about mixing and mastering. And this leads me to some questions about RealTracks.
Are they ready for the mix as-is or should they be considered raw, recordings?
Have they had EQ applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Have they had Compression applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Any other effects applied?
When I apply a new RealTrack style BIAB applies values for volume, panning, tone and reverb. Are these just suggested starting points or were the RealTracks recorded/tweaked to sound better in these configurations?
My work flow so far has been as follows,
1) start a new song in BIAB
2) set tempo
3) enter chords to my song
4) choose a style that a) I like, b) is the right time signature and c) is 100% RealTracks
5) set volume levels the same on each track
6) pan each track to 0
7) set tone for each track to 0
8) remove reverb on each track
9) render one WAV file per track
10) bring all tracks into my DAW and there set volume, EQ, panning, reverb, compression, etc.
Is this the best way to work if you know in advance you plan to do your mixing in your DAW?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
related to my post above, are there any "best practices" I should use when integrating my recorded tracks with RealTracks to make them all sound like they were recorded in the same studio? (other than I need to get better at playing and singing to better match the quality of the RealTracks!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,353 |
As far as I can tell, the RTs are recorded with very little processing, in order to leave as much choice as possible open to the user.
Your method of working seems to me to be very logical and efficient and I wouldn't see any reason to change it.
As far as getting your recorded tracks to sound like the RTs, I think you answered your own question! Other than that, just watch the EQ to make sure your own tracks don't end up too bright or too dull compared to the RTs.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 392 |
Quote:
There are several interesting threads going on here about mixing and mastering. And this leads me to some questions about RealTracks.
Are they ready for the mix as-is or should they be considered raw, recordings?
Have they had EQ applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Have they had Compression applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Any other effects applied?
I haven't done much engineering personally, but I've been around top pro studios for a lot of years.
IMHO, if you have to ask the above questions then the answer to each might as well be "no." What I mean by that is if you can't tell whether compression or other effects have been applied then you might as well assume they have not and proceed to add any effect YOU LIKE.
And what YOU LIKE is the key. There are no rules---at least none that anyone should follow robotically. Best thing to do is read up on some of the top sound engineering books so you know what the BASIC RULES are...and then break them until you hear what you want to hear.
(-:
Best,
Jim
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,876 |
Quote:
IMHO, if you have to ask the above questions then the answer to each might as well be "no." What I mean by that is if you can't tell whether compression or other effects have been applied then you might as well assume they have not and proceed to add any effect YOU LIKE.
so if you were my guitar teacher and my guitar was badly out of tune you'd just let me go on trying to learn to play like that?  I'm asking the questions precisely because I'd like to know the truth!
Quote:
And what YOU LIKE is the key. There are no rules---at least none that anyone should follow robotically. Best thing to do is read up on some of the top sound engineering books so you know what the BASIC RULES are...and then break them until you hear what you want to hear.
I appreciate your point here but I disagree for newbies like me. I have so little mixing experience you might say I shouldn't even be allowed to do it! But I wanna so I'm gonna! And it will be very helpful to me to start out learning basics and best practices before I start breaking the rules. Heck I'd even be willing to try some of the plug-ins with presets as my starting point for everything (if they were not so damn expensive!!!)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,362
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,362 |
Hi John, I virtually never change any of the Realtracks when I'm putting together a song. They sound just right the way they are. (I subscribe to the 'if it ain't broke, why fix it' philosophy.) If you have a listen to the demos at the following link, you'll hear what I mean about the sounds being already optimized. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.realtracks.htmPeter Gannon has mentioned many times in these forums that the demos are put together using instruments exactly as they're shipped with the program. Since BIAB is 'out of the box' accompaniment software that's designed to be used in live situations, PG Music have paid a great deal of attention to getting the sound right without need for modification. My view is that if the tracks sound this good, there's no need for me to do anything else other than mix them. Recently, I've started using the Ozone plugin in a master bus so that the final mix goes through this plug-in. I've found Ozone great at adding a bit of 'sparkle'. As mentioned, though, I do that to the whole mix and not the individual tracks. That's just my tuppence worth. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,449 |
Some of the earlier RTs were absolutely processed. And one of the problems I've had in the past (now pretty much solved, just a matter of going through and changing default settings) is that BIAB wants to slap reverb on pretty much everything.
Fortunately, the most I've ever heard on a RT that couldn't be changed is some guitar distortion, and usually the idea is to mimic a particular guitar (e.g., the Dire Straits RTs, which I love to heck).
The RTs labeled "Direct Input" for sure do not have processing on them. That little flag was added when BIAB started shipping with Amplitube, so you could have clean guitar, etc., to use with that.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Craig Anderton's First Rule of Recording: "If it sounds good to you, it is."
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Craig Anderton's First Rule of Recording: "If it sounds good to you, it is."
And I'll add that Duke Ellington also once made much the same statement, regarding bigband arrangments and songwriting: "If it sounds good, it IS good!"
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 63
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 63 |
Craig Anderton's First Rule of Recording: "If it sounds good to you, it is." Ask any noobs if something 'sounds good' and then ask a mixing engineer the same, and you'll be very surprised. And the difference is this: the noob doesn't have any references to compare what he hears. The mixing engineer does. 'Sounding good' means how it sounds compared to other sources. Otherwise you might just say: 'this rope is long.'. Long compared to what? Anderton just meant: 'don't be a total perfectionist, otherwise you'll be getting stuff done at the pace of a snail'. He didn't mean: 'You don't need to learn a thing: just trust your ears, because they surely are brilliant.'. As for the original question, I still haven't seen an answer. It's quite simple: either the realtracks are raw recordings, or they are mix ready, meaning that at least they have no bad resonances, etc. There's nothing wrong with them being raw recordings, if they are. We just want to know so that we can treat them as they need. My impression is that they are 'raw' but they don't contain bad resonances or spectral imbalances. Then again, I am a musician, not really a mixing engineer.
Last edited by ghgtu7yrtfg6e67u; 07/07/25 02:20 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
There are several interesting threads going on here about mixing and mastering. And this leads me to some questions about RealTracks.
Are they ready for the mix as-is or should they be considered raw, recordings?
Have they had EQ applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Have they had Compression applied? If so is that a problem when I apply more?
Any other effects applied?
When I apply a new RealTrack style BIAB applies values for volume, panning, tone and reverb. Are these just suggested starting points or were the RealTracks recorded/tweaked to sound better in these configurations? The recordings used for RealTracks have been "gently" processed, with the exception of the Direct Input versions and drum stems. This generally means that there has been some light compression and EQ done for the purpose of volume leveling and removing anything distasteful. Further EQ and compression can be applied if desired, however I'd wager most BIAB users skip that. As for any other effects, the only times those are used are in places that are obvious, such as distortion on a guitar. Reverb is added by the mixer in BIAB, meaning it can be turned up or down or off as desired. I would personally approach RealTracks as "mix-ready", meaning that some processing has been done but more processing won't hurt.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
This is an old thread revived, and I do not remember when the feature was added, but go to Help, Drop Station and read what's there about flat, dry and centered having to do with sending tracks to a DAW. Very important. I do the reverb, EQ, and panning of each track IN THE DAW.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,747
Posts795,700
Members39,948
| |
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