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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
OK so I clicked opt.-preferences-Count-in Metronome Options and I'm presented with some options to change. I need to know how to get a longer count in when recording in BIAB. The count in is way to short. SO I hit record and have to run to my drum set and get situated and one bar count in is to fast. How can I set it to a longer duration? Like say 7 bars like I have in Reaper. Now before you say why don't you just record in reaper, well I find it easier to record in BIAB because of the layout.When I get to say the 4th,8th bar I know I need to accent a cymbal or such and then when I get to the 17th bar I know I need to change up my style. Yea, I know pretty simplistic and a real professional does not need this help, but I'm not a professional and I need all the help I can get. I'm still using version 2012.5 if that matters.Thanks for any input.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,633 |
Hi Leonard, BIAB will only give a maximum of two bars as a count-in. If you want to use BIAB, what I'd do in your situation is set up a song that has a pre-intro of 7 or 8 bars that has just the rhythm playing and all other instruments resting. I'd also set the metronome to be visible so that I could see the counting of the bars. In the last bar of the pre-intro, immediately before the song starts, I'd rest all instruments and just use visible metronome to give me the count-in I need. Personally, I'd use Reaper and the "Big Clock" feature in your situation. Provided you've set the tempo in Reaper, the Big Clock this will give you all the information you need about bar numbers. When in Reaper ... 1. Click on the "View" (1) menu and then select "Big Clock"(2).  2. Now right-click on the face of the Big Clock and set it to show "Measures.Beats".  Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612 |
Leonard, your situation is perfectly normal. It takes me more than two measures to get a horn in place after starting a recording, especially if there is a pickup. I use extra bars as Noel described, or use another program to record. The ability to specify how many measures the countin is would be a good Wishlist request item.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
Thanks Noel I will give that a shot in Reaper or try the first suggestion first. Both ideals I didn't think of.Thanks Again.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 167 |
Thanks Matt coming from a pro like yourself it's assuring that I'm not the only one in this pickle. I am also a little humbled that someone like yourself is on these boards. I'm sure you don't realize it, but to be a rank amateur like myself and having a professional musician weighing in on such a trivial matter like this makes this person feel pretty good. Thanks for the encouragement. 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Quote:
... Now before you say why don't you just record in reaper, well I find it easier to record in BIAB because of the layout.
Now that is one for the record books
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hi Leonard,
I solve that problem using the Pause Play until MIDI received, or set the Prefs such that the Spacebar on a qwerty keyboard is used to Start Play from first Bar.
I found out that hooking up a separate USB keyboard will make a fine "remote" for BB and can be set over by the trapset for easy reach. Load a song, then take yer time and get behind the drums, when all ready, tap the spacebar on the remote keyboard and band in a box starts with the normal countin, only now there's plenty of time.
Use of a USB wireless keyboard, such as those from mfr's like Logitech, etc. can also do the job, without cables between the remote keyboard and the computer.
On top of being able to start and stop the playback remotely, having the whole qwerty keyboard next to you is time to investigate the world of band in a box keyboard shortcuts, which are listed in the help file. Change tempo, run the Conductor feature and just hit the keys to tell bb to repeat choruses, for example, or tell it to jump to the last chorus and out, lots of things can also be accomplished besides just solving the two-bar countin being too short to get to the drums problem.
Another option you could try is to pick up a programmable USB footpedal if all you think you will ever need is the one or possibly two keystroke functions. Smaller, out of the way but there when needed.
BTW I like setting the Prefs to use the Spacebar because it is so much bigger than the other keys, don't have to squint at the keyboard when I'm sitting the drums or the piano or holding a guitar or trumpet, seems I can always hit that long Spacebar okay. I've even placed the keyboard on the floor and hit the Spacebar with a foot, careful, my size 13s could likely turn the whole plastic keyboard into recyclable material...
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,612 |
Good tips from Mac. I thought about mentioning some of those, but when I am recording, particularly punching in, I like to hear more than two measures before I start playing. It's a get-into-the-feel thing. To do it quicker reminds me of some of the frantic quick mute changes I've had to do in the pit for shows. All I get out of that is some nice dents and anxiety, and a chipped note entrance here and there.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I greatly prefer recording whole passes rather than punchins, then I will have several complete whole pass tracks which can, if necessary be Comp'd to make the whole.
Comping with Volume Envelopes is far easier than splice edits, too. (Today, the splice edit is now cut 'n paste, but in effect the same thing, I just like using the older terminology.)
--Mac
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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.
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Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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)!
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- 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
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- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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