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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
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If you want a good mic (condenser) at a good price.... look at these mics by Gauge. http://www.gauge-usa.com/Gauge_Microphones/Home.htmlThey are sold direct from the manufacturer to you. That keeps the costs down. No middle men taking a profit. In LA, at a songwriter's convention, I heard these mics side by side with mics costing 10x as much and the comparison was amazing. Check out the ECM-87. It's very comparable to the Rode NT-2A at a much lower price point. Here's the MP3 comparison link>>> http://gauge-usa.com/Gauge_Microphones/Compare.html where the gauge ECM-87 ($150) is compared with the $3000 U-87, the $1000 AKG-414, and the $1000 TLM-103. These are good sounding mics at bargain prices. The only reason I didn't buy one on the spot was I had just bought the Rode NT-2A a few weeks before. BTW: they also have an $80 dynamic that probably compares nicely to the Shure 57/58 series mics. I haven't compared it or looked at the specs.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 03/21/15 02:33 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 2009
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OP
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Thanks for the link on those mics Herb I will certainly keep them in mind. I know you will probably smile but in the meantime I have bought this one from ebay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Record-Condenser-Dynamic-Microphone-Mic-Sound-Studio-Recording-Shock-Mount-/261808200150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf4fc19d6Got it a few days ago and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised how good it seems and how well it is made (though I am a total novice as regards condenser mics) It really does bring up the level in vocals and has a better high end than the old cheap shure. The phantom power works fine as well from my fast track pro with it. We'll see how things goes It really does seem a lot better than the AKG I returned to amazon at almost four times the price. Thanks to everyone for all the help. Musiclover
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668
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Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668 |
Thanks for the link on those mics Herb I will certainly keep them in mind. I know you will probably smile but in the meantime I have bought this one from ebay, http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pro-Record-Condenser-Dynamic-Microphone-Mic-Sound-Studio-Recording-Shock-Mount-/261808200150?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cf4fc19d6Got it a few days ago and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised how good it seems and how well it is made (though I am a total novice as regards condenser mics) It really does bring up the level in vocals and has a better high end than the old cheap shure. The phantom power works fine as well from my fast track pro with it. We'll see how things goes It really does seem a lot better than the AKG I returned to amazon at almost four times the price. Thanks to everyone for all the help. Musiclover Just curious if you used the cord that's shown in the pics or if you used an XLR cable with it? No problems from me about using an inexpensive condenser mic. Lots of folks use them and if they sound good, who cares what you paid. Lots of the condenser capsules are being made in China where they can be made and sold for very little cost and still have a relatively decent quality. I recalled a certain brand and model being very popular several years back on the Cakewalk forums and the cost was under $50. Quite a few people had them and raved about the sound quality. I'm just glad to see it wasn't a USB condenser mic. Good deal!!
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/02/15 03:33 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 2009
Posts: 3,127
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OP
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Just using my own XLR cable with it Herb. Good fit.
Doesn't have an on/off switch with it though as it says in description on ebay, but not really bothered about that.
Will see how it goes in a few recordings but so far so good.
Musiclover
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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Just using my own XLR cable with it Herb. Good fit.
Doesn't have an on/off switch with it though as it says in description on ebay, but not really bothered about that.
Will see how it goes in a few recordings but so far so good.
Musiclover None of my current mics have on/off switches. (Wait, I think the AKG dynamic does but I haven't used it in decades.) The ones I did have in the past that did have those switches always made some sort of noise when they were switched.... anything from a mild click to a speaker destroying bang. Maybe that's why the AKG hasn't been used in decades.... Once you get in the groove with that condenser, chances are good the recordings will improve 100% over the past recordings.... I love mine and would never go back to the 58.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/03/15 01:56 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: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,034
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None of my current mics have on/off switches. (Wait, I think the AKG dynamic does but I haven't used it in decades.) The ones I did have in the past that did have those switches always made some sort of noise when they were switched.... anything from a mild click to a speaker destroying bang. Maybe that's why the AKG hasn't been used in decades....
That is one reason on and off switches were eliminated. Another is the switch was another point of degredation between the mic and the amp or recording source, ie tape, DAW etc.. The latest cheap switches that came from China also added either distortion and/or noise, thus they were elininated.
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
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I keep seeing people say 'I only use mic X'. That's fine if all you ever record is the same thing. I agree, for the this thread topic/problem; the LDC format is likely the best choice (if a good preamp is available, need to remember the importance of that). Mic choice depends on your needs. When Screamo was the thing with new bands, I wasn't going to put any of my LDCs in front of singer. Wasn't going to happen. The 57/58 is worth having. That's why any real studio has them. When Barry (one of the best singers I know) is recording, he insists on the 58 .. through a 'good' preamp (it makes a difference). I think he sounds fine with a LDC, but he isn't as comfortable so doesn't perform as well, and really, that's what recording is all about; recording a good performance. Like I've said before; I prefer my voice through a 57. I do not like all the imperfections I hear with the LDC. It's probably the same with Barry; he hears things he doesn't like and knows how to use the 58 to avoid these things. Using a sensitive Large Diaphragm mic requires certain skills. My daughter took to it like a fish in water. Knows just when to move closer for the intimate sound and back off to nail/wail. I never get a weak or excessive signal (or pops) with her. Use whatever mic captures the best performance in the best way. 
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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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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Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
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- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
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Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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 10 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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