I work in a similar but perhaps slightly different manner.

I use BB, RB, and Sonar X1 in this manner.

I write and compose the music and lyrics in BB. I make sure I have the song exactly as I want it,,,, intro, structure and ending.

Close and save the song in Band in a Box.

Open Real Band and load the song from BB. It renders all the existing tracks as real tracks. I listen and evaluate if I like them or not. If yes, I export them track by track into a folder I set up for this song project on the desktop screen. If I don't like them, I select a new track (highlight it) and choose the appropriate track and render it.

I will render as many times as is needed to get the correct Real Track playing the part the way I need it played.

I also will render the "other" instruments such as steel, fiddle, dobro and whatever else I need.

I export all the tracks from RB to the folder. I also am sure to keep the BPM the same in BB/RB, and as I move to Sonar, the first thing I do is set the BPM to match.

I open X1 and after setting up the format of the project, I begin to import the tracks into Sonar audio tracks. Once there, I save it and then begin the editing and mastering process and this is where I add my own guitar tracks, mandolin tracks, and vocal tracks.

This method seems to work the best for me and I use it on all the songs on my music site.

NOTE: there is no single "right way" or "wrong way" to work with this software. Develop the method you like best, and use it consistently. Because, no matter which way you get there, if you use the same methods you will begin to learn the nuances and produce CONSISTENT results. The goal is to have each song sound good and as if it came from the same studio in the same year.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 09/16/13 04:59 AM.
You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.