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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034
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Posts: 11,034 |
I too use and prefer Sonar as my DAW.
The reason I can give is that I am very familiar with the Cakewalk family line and know where just about everything is located. It took some time and effort to get to that point.
every DAW is slightly different in what they can do and how they do it. Some have features that others don't have. I have neither the time nor inclination to learn a new DAW and embark on a scavenger hunt every time I need a feature to do something. When I open the DAW to work.... I want to get the job done.
I do my writing and playing around as well as experimenting in BiaB. I probably spend close to the majority of my time there working on the various aspects of the song.... it's structure, groove, and lyrics.
I hit Real Band which I do understand is a DAW..... to mainly render the real tracks I want in my song project. I'm guessing I spend 10% to 15% of my project time in RB auditioning and rendering tracks, then exporting them to a folder.
In Sonar, I spend time working on the tracks and recording my live tracks. At this stage of the game, I need to do things and not need to think about them for 5 minutes. I know how to drop envelopes and nodes into a track.... drop softsynths in to other tracks, use FX and route tracks through busses.
Nothing against the other DAWs or Real Band.... I just know Sonar and all the little nuances of that platform, and, most importantly, it functions in a rock solid manner.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/19/13 03:05 PM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097
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Joined: Aug 2011
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Familarity is very persuasive. Whatever you become most familar with to perform any task is what you'll always go to when it's crunch time. It's just the way humans work. Your brain can be creative or it can work through task performance but it is very difficult and mentally draining to try and do both at the same time. Software companies are very reluctant to make any change that alters workflow for this very reason.
I've used Cakewalk products, Reaper, Multitrack Studio (MTS) and each has a task handling method I prefer. Heck, for some tasks I even prefer Audacity. But, for the things I really want to do which is to make good music tracks, learn more about music in general (think theory, chord structures and musical composition) and learn the components of music production PG Music is the only software company offering an all-in-one solution. My 2014 resolution is to learn the mechanics of using BIAB and RealBand efficently and comfortably. I want to master these two programs rather than use many programs to perform the same tasks.
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,677
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I want to master these two programs rather than use many programs to perform the same tasks. I been trying for 20+ years. They keep adding stuff .. but I agree with your sentiment. Learn what you have, run what you brung, however you want to say it; don't knock it until you've tried it.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860
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Now that they have added node based automation to RB i can't think of what it does not do except the VSTi timing lock thingy, and i really like the way Studio one handles comping vocal or guitar tracks. I made up my mind to really dig in and learn this platform, so i can really understand all it does. I find what ROG said about the mixer view and what it can do. It really does almost everything that any other DAW does. I mean reaper, sonar, studio one, cubase have more options, but actually RB does 95% of what they do, just fae simpler. To me simpler is easier, and in many cases better.
Like i said before, none of them, not a single one can generate RTs, bar to bar, start to finish, none of them have style based generation, all of them do loop creation in someway, but none as simple and integrated as RB. None of them have super midi tracks.
I agree with almost everyone here that familiarity is the best workflow, and what tool you love use it. To me that is what makes it fun.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
(Now that they have added node based automation to RB i can't think of what it does not do except the VSTi timing lock thingy)
OK here come the questions.. Working with my KOrg I never encountered the above..
What do you mean by Node Based automation ? & what is VSTi timing lock?
Also I looked all over for GUI.. It's referred to in several places. What does GUI stand for?
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 11,034 |
(Now that they have added node based automation to RB i can't think of what it does not do except the VSTi timing lock thingy)
OK here come the questions.. Working with my KOrg I never encountered the above..
What do you mean by Node Based automation ? & what is VSTi timing lock?
Also I looked all over for GUI.. It's referred to in several places. What does GUI stand for? Node based automation: the yellow lines are volume automation envelopes. the yellow dots on the lines are NODES.... I add them where I want and move them around as needed. You can add or delete them and of course, move the lines that connect them as you see in the picture to control the volume faders. The result of this automation can be heard here: The Best Christmas this pic is of the piano fills envelope in the first verse.  VST timing lock is where the synth is "locked" to the DAW timing for sync... they both use essentially the same clock for timing so nothing drifts. If not locked together, the midi synth can drift out of time with the audio as the track progresses. GUI Graphical user interface. the "face" of the synth or DAW you see and work with. In the photo I posted, you see the GUI for Sonar in track view.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 12/20/13 08:02 AM.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd 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.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,097 |
GUI is a software term that means Graphic User Interface. GUI is the tool you use to tell the program what you want to do, through which you input and retrieve data. It's the doorway that let's you interact with a software program.
Node based automation is a new feature for RealBand 2014 that allows you to preprogram one or more volume changes to an audio track. A node does two things: identifies the exact location of a volume change and gives the new volume level. By placing many nodes close together precise volume changes like fade-ins or fade-outs can be designed. Widely spaced nodes can be used to mute or highlight track measures (bars), phrases or sections. The key factor is automation provides for much better control over volume changes than can be obtained by manually controlling faders. Automation also allows volume changes to be consistent and repeatable.
Some plug-ins have built-in tempo based logic that allows the plug-in to creatively react to the tempo and time signature. This relieves much of the plug-in programming load off the user. BIAB and RealBand do not provide timing information to VST plug-ins so those plug-ins with logic can't use the logic so the user has to manually enter all the programming.
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
So when I used MTS to bring down the pops on the P of the vocalist was actually using Nodes.. & I didn't know it..I placed it above the pop & brought it down.. so I can now do the same thing in Real Band.. Great..
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 300 |
You continue to amaze me with your recordings.. Also inspire me, because I can see what can be done..
Incidentally was this track done on/in BIAB?? I looked for a Style with that bass, but so far haven't found it..
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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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!
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Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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