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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 221
Apprentice
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OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 221 |
Dear all, I have a Roland Fantom G which I use to compose music (pop/soul/light jazz) using the on board sequencer. I use Biab to arrange the backing tracks. So far so good. Lately I'm discovering the needings to play popular songs in real time, and let my wyfe singing. Doing (quite) everything by myself, even with the help of Biab, is sometime too time consuming. I'm considering the use of an arranger, but I'm skeptical because I find an arranger limited in some way. However I've found the Korg PA3X LE, and was quite impressed by this demo on SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/korg/sets/pa3x-le-demo_full-songs So impressed, that I'm considering to sell the Fantom G and buy a PA3X LE, because in that way: - I can use it as a real time arranger - I can use it as a workstation, as master, and still using its internal sounds and Biab when I want to compose in the 'other' way. Often I don't have the time and/or the desire to dig in the sound programming, and/or arrange a whole song from scratch. And with an arranger I think I may have more fun with other musicians and friends. I don't know if the sound quality could be compared with a workstation, but from what I've heard, they are more than decent. The on board sequencer of the PA3X LE is sadly not so user friendly like the one of the Fantom G, and would probably force me to use a computer and a DAW, but I think this would happen eventually more or later, even with the Fantom G.. What do you think about this crazy idea ? Do someone of you have some experience with arrangers, in particular with the Korg PA3X LE ? Regards, Sergio
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,325
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,325 |
Well....I checked out your link and even looked at another link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PFsg2KD3iAPersonally, all the patches are far too midi sounding vs a real instrument. IE: the sax, guitar patches....just far too cheezy for my liking. But, we all write from different perspectives and for different purposes. The truly unappealing aspect is the price point at 2799$....whew. It should come bundled with 10 cases of El Patron for that price.  If those patches are appealing to you for the genre you like to write then it's a judgement call for you. I'd recommend gaining a bit of 'desire' to learn/use BIAB and buying the UltraPak to actually get some real musician backing tracks at a fraction of the price of the Korg device...and....your efforts will likely sound much better. Yes...it would require a bit of 'desire' and application on your part. I'm little help for your actual decision but maybe it will add a modicum of perspective with any other comments and you got a bump. Carry on....get out your wallet and happy spending.
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 01/08/15 11:41 AM.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,179 |
My perspective;
every keyboard is different and you will want to eventually change from the Korg. Nothing wrong with that, simply that time will demand it. The Korg may be fine for now, but a 'new thing' will inevitably come along.
If you really learn how to use BiaB/RB they will work with ANY keyboard/synth you end up using. Plus be familiar to work with even when using a totally foreign synth.
I spent years learning this. Creating projects on one work station that didn't fully work on another (or newer) one, etc., cost me lots of time.
I'd suggest hunkering down and learning one platform that will work now and in the future. At this time I think that would be PC based, like BiaB/RB.
Just my thoughts for time/money invested.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,720 |
Lately I'm discovering the needings to play popular songs in real time, and let my wyfe singing.
depends on what you mean by "popular songs" you could check out Norton Music's User Styles for Band-in-a-Box http://www.nortonmusic.com/ maybe one or more fake books would be useful
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,434
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,434 |
Hi Sergio. I've been in the same boat many times myself. You have some really good advice from some of the forum members above. From my point of view, I don't understand the need for either arrangers nor workstations these when you have BIAB or RB or Sonar or any other DAW.
External DAW's are far more comprehensive than any on-board sequencer these days. If its better, additional or more sounds that you want, try an external HW synth or rompler...I use a motif and fantom rack mounted units. If its even more sounds that you need, there are some extremely capable VSTI's these days.
Look into getting a good controller keyboard or a stage piano board and run the external synths, romplers and DAW from those. You'll save a ton of money and have a much better and more capable system.
I gave up on having the latest greatest keyboard arranger/ workstation years ago...got rid of them all. Went back to my very first keyboard... a classic 30 year old Yamaha DX7II and run everything from that with BIAB and RB.
Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2025, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,325
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,325 |
Went back to my very first keyboard... a classic 30 year old Yamaha DX7II and run everything from that with BIAB and RB. Ha...I'm still using my Roland JV30 as a controller purchased in 1994. The on board sounds haven't worked in a few years. They'll work for a few seconds then it seems the oscillators just seems to fade out and I get a fuzzy, delayed sound with lack of any volume....just a guess. It's no matter because I haven't used the on board patches in a decade and it still responds/triggers my other modules just fine. It appears semar isn't enamored with our suggestions. Good luck semar...
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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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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
- Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
- Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
- Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
- Playable RealTracks Set 4
- RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
- SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
- 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
- Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
- Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
- RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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