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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6 |
Hi, this is my second post, and I'm still in the overwhelmed stage. Many things I could ask, but as I consider how to record audio onto my pc laptop-never have done before- I have a Samson condenser mic with an XLR end that obviously won't fit into my little 1/8" input on the side of my computer, so I assume I will have to shell out a couple hundred or so for a decent interface? Also have a keyboard and acoustic guitar to add in for a possible adding a few notes.
second question, not sure once I get all this how to adjust the volume of the input.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 110 |
Welcome to the fold. I'm using a Presonus Audiobox USB interface, which can be had for around a hundred bucks. Pretty clean sound and comes with StudioOne Artist DAW. IMO, Well worth the price.
Focusrite is another good brand, but I have never used them, so I can't elaborate.
Input volume can be controlled from the interface.
Last edited by Takamine; 10/12/15 10:49 AM.
Rich
Windows 10, 64 bit | BIAB 2019 PlusPak | Studio One 2 Artist
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2000
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Joined: Dec 2000
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If you are looking to record quality audio, you really should look into getting a USB external audio interface, such as what Rich mentioned. The mic in on a laptop is generally a noisy input, and really designed more to let you do Skype (or similar), not to record quality audio. Most laptops today also do not include a line level input, so your not going to be able to use that microphone input for your keyboard or guitar.
An external interface will generally include a button to provide phantom power, so you can use it with either dynamic or condenser microphones.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2015
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Apr 2009
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USB interface...external....is the way to go.
For one thing, it's portable, and can easily be moved from one computer to the next unlike the internal sound card/interfaces. Mine is set up to run on my laptop or my custom built desktop DAW.
Be sure it has 1/4" jack inputs and outputs as well as the XLR inputs and phantom power for the low impedance condenser mics.
Most decent interfaces have input level controls and at least one headphone jack with a volume control.
Be sure the inputs have pre-amps on them.
And this is crucial.... be sure that it runs native ASIO and not wrappers and codecs for it's driver.
I'm partial to the focusrite line of interfaces. They have industry leading pristine pre-amps and meet ALL of the requirements for a good home recording interface. They are available in 2 channel models such as I have, up to the multi-channel models for larger studios and recording an entire band live.
Most home studio needs are met with a basic Focusrite interface. I believe I gave $300 for mine but the prices have come down significantly since. If it died today, I'd buy a new Focusrite again to replace it.
My advice to anyone looking to buy an interface is this. Remember that you are purchasing a piece of gear that will become the musical heart of your studio. Everything you do will either go in, or go out through it. Do not scrimp on this purchase. Save a few weeks more if necessary to get the one that you really want. A good interface will make the recording process a pleasure.
A cheap interface will be the source of endless frustration. I've seen people get out of music because they went cheap, got a piece of junk interface, and then thought that all interfaces were the same. They are NOT. So get a decent one to start with.
You will never regret buying a good interface.
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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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
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got another question, though I realize this negates audio recording in BIB. (Should say here I have a ZOOM r16 unit with faders and some effects, that have used til now) Until I get an interface, is there a way to export BIB tracks to that unit, after which I would record my vocal and then mix down. Is that doable?
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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The Zoom R16 records to SD card memory storage. Export your BiaB tracks as WAV or AIFF files. Create a new project on the R16 then you can use the USB connection to transfer the BiaB files into the R16 project. Then you can use the R16 in standalone mode to record your tracks without a computer or leave the R16 attached to your computer and use the R16 as an audio interface to record your tracks into the audio track of BiaB. Try visiting the Zoom forum if you need more help with the R16. ++ Link To Zoom User Forum ++
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Joined: Apr 2013
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I used an R16 with Band in a Box for quite some time with no issues.
Since it is also an USB audio interface, skip the sd card and record up to 8 tracks into Cubase or Real Band using Asio drivers and USB. The R8,R16,R24 series have nice quality preamps that are more than adequate to record with. The computer DAW will have better effects and offer automation.
BIAB 2026:RB 2026, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I used an R16 with Band in a Box for quite some time with no issues.
Since it is also an USB audio interface, skip the sd card and record up to 8 tracks into Cubase or Real Band using Asio drivers and USB. The R8,R16,R24 series have nice quality preamps that are more than adequate to record with. The computer DAW will have better effects and offer automation. Exactly. Also, while this all might seem overwhelming, there is a GREAT free resource that you can go through at your own pace - the Music Production course from Berklee College of Music through Coursera. https://www.coursera.org/learn/music-productionThere is a session going on right now where there are others learning the same things you are learning. It starts tomorrow. You can download the videos and keep them for future reference if the course moves along faster than you would want to expect. -Scott
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 6 |
Thanks to all who replied. Some of this is a little over my head right now, but I'm going to refer back to it over a period of time and take it all into account. With a full time job, wife, and just trying to write songs this is all going at a snail;s pace, but I intend to keep trying.
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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 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
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Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
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What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
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Note: 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.
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Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
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