|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
New here. Been trying to do a lot of research on several programs. I've settled on BIAB to get real tracks and for it's hopefully ease of use. It's in the mail. Basically I'm a songwriter who is an intermediate acoustic guitar player who wants to be able to make basic but quality recordings of my songs. I have a couple of questions if I may.
1. Does anyone here record thier own vocals with RB/BIAB?
2. Do you all have recommendations for relatively inexpensive interfaces for my guitar if necessary?
thanks
steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
1. I am sure there are people who do, I personally like too record my vocals inside Protools, after finsihing my music creation in BB. I add eventually some extra instruments there as well. If you don't have any other program (you could also download some freeware) you could also try realband, this way you got a bit more overview to what you are doing. I did not work with it in fact, but I bet others can tell you much more about it.
2. By interfaces you mean external soundcards or amp simulators?
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
Thanks AB. I am getting RealBand 09. The less programs I have to go through to put down a simple but quality track the better for me. And by interfaces I mean either. External soundcards seem a little pricey for me. The cheapest good one I have seen is around 200.00. I just want to get my acoustic on the track.
Steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816 |
What kind of sound card do you use? Many start with the built in, and find it lacking. Truth be told it is, but for the beginner with simple needs it can be used. For free you can download the ASIO4All driver and enhance it's basic features. Next get a cheap small mixer like a behringer 802 zenyx, and that will give you a decent place to input tracks and monitor as well. $59 average online and at Guitar Centers
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,639
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,639 |
I have recorded many vocals and other tracks (including acoustic guitar) using Realband. It is a very capable tool.
For your guitar.. it sounds like you need a mic and preamp if its an acoustic.. what have you got to work with?
Give us soundcard info and any other equipment you have, then we can can make an econimcal suggestion..
.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
Thanks Rharv. I currently have a Dell pc with SigmaTell hi def audio, 2.8 ghz with 1 gig of ram and 230 gigs of hardrive space. I have a Blue Snowball USB mic which I'm growing to love. I have a Martin Dred with an LR Baggs iBeam setup. And of course the RealBand 09 coming. haven't gotten an external soundcard or interface yet. Trying to keep the cost down.
steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I-Beam pickup and matching preamp records divine when connected to Line Input of soundcard. Sounds as good as using a Mic.
That plus the snowball should be able to turn in some pretty decent recordings for you.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
I use a Edirol by roland UA-4fx interface, and currently I use vsc/dxi, forte, and the stantard Realtec audio sounds that came with my computer. Still waiting to upgrade to a better sound card. I sometimes use my Yamaha PSR2000 as a midi sound engine.
the UA-4fx is a pretty cool interface, comes with the ASIO4all, as well as a lite edition of sonar, at least when I bought it. Look up the unit on the internet, it may do what you want. I use it go go direct with my LR Baggs Larrivee, it does have a tube simulator with an xlr mic infput as well and phantom power. quite a bundle.
New I think was $140.00 when I got it. I'm starting to see them show up both new and used on Ebay now.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 235 |
Not bad considering what you are using. I wonder though, why is the volume so low? Maybe you could normalize the tracks before putting them on the net? Just my two cents (or better 5 dollar in those days of inflation)
I'll be back...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
That sounded good. Nice and clear. Even just the way it is, you could edit that in Real Band, turn on the "dynamics effects" built in, and boost the quality of that recording, without anymore equipment if you wanted to. Although at least a $59.00 Behringer mixer like I have, or a preamp would probably be the least amount of equipment needed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
Well I just received my RealBand 09 pro and installed it so it's going to take me awhile to get used to it. I did import an mp3 of a song I co-wrote and used the chord wizard. It had vocals on the master track. I was able to generate a little band to play along with it and was pretty close. It's pretty cool. Right now the chord wizard does not match the chords I played but I can edit that. It's pretty cool. Thanks for everyone's help so far
steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816 |
I might add a mixer as was mentioned above, but would be careful adding another USB interface, i haseen USB mike cause funky issues due to the fact they act as sound cards so the system thinks it has two USB cards or interfaces.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
Rob my plan for the moment is to lay down the tracks and vocals on RealBand and then maybe mix them down in another program. I'll try to do it all here to see what I can come up with but the other option is open. I guess my only issue right now is whether I'll end up needing an interface such as the M Pro Audio or a different sound card.
I'm discovering there is a whole lot to this................... :-)
steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816 |
RB will do it all for you. It really boils down to what you are comfortable with, everyone has a favorite program. For simple stuff, Rb is pretty solid. AS long as the USB mike send a good signal to RB it will be good. For guitar and such a nice little mixer can be great attached to the sound card.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 436 |
I really think you will like Real Band. I have used several others. This forum will have you up and running quickly with these programs. Answers come quick. Between BB, and RB, I really think you have some quality editing software available. I am not sure that you will really need interfaces for your guitar. You could plug right in to your soundcard direct, record dry, and find a lot of effects to make it sound good. You could go thru a mixer, and add an effects loop, and send it to your computer, or whatever. Depends what you want everything to sound like. I have recorded my acoustic direct, mic'd, . . . My electric direct, thru effects and then in, and have had good results. I am new to digital recording, however. I found out that, "Red, you're dead". No headroom like analog used to be. One or two red lights, and it sounds like S@#T. It is a blast, come editing time, to "select" noise, pops, breath noise, and CUT. Good, quiet, (Sterile recordings. . . another argument). Sometimes I miss cleaning an album with the juice on the cleaner bar, before playing the record.. . . . Ahhh, the old daze. . . . You will have fun, and get quality recordings like you wouldn't believe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823 |
Quote:
Here is an example of a scratch recording with the Blue Snowball USB mic straight into my computer recorded on Mixcraft4 with no mixing done. Just so you can hear what the mic sounds like. Click on the song Waiting In The Wings
steve
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=460722370
Steve, I hear nothing wrong with “Waiting in the Wings”! Super song.
My suggestion would be to keep recording as you are doing now using RB. Learn the program inside and out. That is learn how to record both your guitar and vocals-what settings sounds best for each-what recording volume is best for each etc. Since I don’t know your exact set up this will probably mean your will have to record your guitar and vocals separately. Actually that’s how I record hear. I build songs in layers by using my bass, guitar and vocal.
I also record dry and add the effects to my vocals and guitar after the fact. Here you can download a ton of free effects for both your vox and guitar. There are some good effects here.
The best thing is that all of this is free. Then after you get a handle on things you can determine exactly what you need or want.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 18 |
Thanks Mario, Rob and Luv..........I'm still trying to get settled with this program. Gotta tell you that the instruction pdf that comes with it seems a little hard to follow sometimes. I'll be looking through the tutorials here and on youtube. Basics don't seem too hard. I was able to import a guitar/vocal track I made, hit generate in the chord wizard and it all came up. I can see the real benefit of recording everything to a click track so you can stay close to your timing. When I hit generate RB set up a group of instruments but they were slightly off. I know there's ways to adjust that some. Starting to get my feet wet. It's fun. Thanks all
steve
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,816 |
Go here and do the tutorials, the Powertracks one do apply to RB as Rb is based on Power tracks with some Band in a Box mixed in. http://rsthigpen.com/free/
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
You have some cool songs there Steve. I'm hearing shades of Don Francisco, which is a good thing as far as I'm concerned. I love writing Christian and old style gospel music. Keep it up.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,375
Posts804,011
Members40,107
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean