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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358 |
I have a PC but I don't own a laptop. My PC is plugged into an amp & any music I play sounds great. I have "ITunes" installed in my PC with all my MP3 backing tracks. It is a simple procedure to select a particular tune and start it, stop it, start over, select a different tune, etc. etc. I also have a Nano Ipod with the same MP3's loaded. However, my fingers are not so nimble these days, the Ipod is small. I don't gig a lot anymore but I do some. Starting the wrong tune is a pain. Posted a similar question here recently & as a result purchased a DVD player. A good idea. Backing tracks sound super but selecting a track is not easy. My Question is...Could I not pick up an old laptop, install ITunes, load my MP3's, line out to the PA & use that on my gig? My gig is this Friday, so the clock is ticking.
Thanks for your patient reading....Hank
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 163
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 163 |
Yep. That should work. While most are fine, the quality of sound from some laptop's audio-out (headphone)jack is poor, so check it out before hand.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,683 |
On the laptop, turn up the volume on that earphone jack as far as you can without it distorting. Then turn up the volume on the PA. This will help you get the best sound from the PA.
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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Joined: Sep 2007
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Matt's suggestion is good advice for each gain stage in an audio chain. It gives you maximum punch and less noise from each input.
Note that you may get 60 Hz hum when coming straight out of the headphone jack on your laptop. You can buy a ground loop isolator for $20 to $30 which will safely eliminate this noise entirely. (There is another, cheaper way which carries some risk, so I won't detail it here.)
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Joined: May 2000
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There are mp3 players available that feature LARGE BUTTONS, you would save money and hassles over getting a laptop just for that reason. http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Alarge%20button%20mp3%20player I know one guy who uses an mp3 player designed for Toddlers, simply because the readout screen and the buttons are huge. Looks kinda funny, but it sits on his music stand and the audience can't see the big colorful PlaySchool like "toy" he's using. --Mac
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Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 99 |
Look also for good deals on iPads. Some older versions are available for cheap. Bought one for my Mom for $299.00 at Best Buy. In addition to iTunes, there are tons of apps that may give you more flexibility.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
Hank, Laptops are very cheap now, and the onboard sound is quite good on some of them. We use a $400 Toshiba with Win7, using WAV files for our tracks, into the PA, and they sound great. An added advantage is that the laptop can be used for recording as well as performance. Forget ITunes, forget the Ipod. - try this little FREE program. http://mike-warren.net/digitalfakebook/ Simple to use, editable, and did I mention...free?  Regards, Bob
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 358 |
WOW!
Thanks for all the replies
The DVD player, I bought at Walmart, Made by RCA. Cost me $90.00. The biggest problem is I use the BIAB count in for each tune & it doesn't play the first beat, though all the counts are there when I play it in my computer. It would take a while to get used to that. My vocalist would go nuts. It will be going back to Walmart today. Still have 3 days & I will be using one of your suggestions.
That fake book program looks interesting 90 db. Nice to have. Will be down loading that, for sure.
Love this forum & it's helpful members. Thanks....Hank
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897 |
Maybe I could hook up the following to my Gateway Laptop with Windows 8.1!?????
Yesterday, I bought Walmart's brand "Hisense 50" SmartTV", this morning I will connect it to a $250 Vizio Sound Strip (Model S3821)for a surround system for the RV "home" studio I have. The Sound Strip comes with a standalone wireless subwoofer. Gonna hook this all up today with the supplied digital audio cable.
I have both a Fender and a /Berringer, both large Keyboard Amps, which I'll hook up too! Something to do during this cold winter "snap"! Today's High, only 46 degrees!
I know...I know...you all are shedding a tear for those poor Seminoles down here...
Whatta game last night between Florida State and Auburn
Last edited by GDaddy; 01/07/14 07:57 AM.
Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.
Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
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Joined: Sep 2007
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Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Go Noles (but only since the Gators were out of it)!
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Joined: Apr 2010
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,139 |
"The DVD player, I bought at Walmart, Made by RCA. Cost me $90.00." That DVD player will give you fits on a hollow wooden stage when it starts skipping. Just a head's up (we have a very expensive Tascam CD player in our rack gathering dust).  Regards, Bob
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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!
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.
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