|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
While going through some old hard drives, I found some songs I did in BIAB from several years ago, so I thought I would post them along with explanations of what you're hearing. The first 3 songs go back 10 or more years: "Made For Lovin' You" This song was done before BIAB had a soloist function. Rodney did all the lead guitar stuff and sang harmony. What makes it kinda interesting to me is holding all the instruments, except drum fills, at points during the song for emphasis. "If I'm In, She's Out" This was right after the Soloist function was introduced and I used an Acoustic Steel String Guitar setting for the intro, the solo, and the ending. Deana's harmonies during the choruses were generated by the Digitech Harmonizer. "Lifetime Warranty"Like Rodney's song, I used a real guitar for the intro, the solo, and all the fills, and brought in Kathy Kersey to add all the backup vocals for Angie's main vocal. Again, I used drum stops to make it more real sounding. "(You're Keepin' Me) At A Distance"This one is the latest BIAB arrangement, using all Real Instruments and Styles, except I use an actual fiddle player, and Bob played mandolin, as well as singing the lead vocal. Switching to the "B' style kicks the choruses into overdrive, and putting stops in (except for the steel part) makes it a little more "real" sounding. Again, I brought in Kathy Kersey to add all the backup vocals. These songs may help give you some ideas for adding some flavors to your own BIAB songs. Anyway, I found them and thought they might be of interest to some of you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,199 |
Hi Harvey Gerst, WOW and WOW again  You said Quote:
These songs may help give you some ideas for adding some flavors to your own BIAB songs
I think that it is going to be hard to achieve the professional sound that you have managed in your 4 songs.
I have downloaded them all and will try to learn from them.
Thank you very much for posting them,
Well Done 
Regards
Michee
Windows 11 64 bit, Biab 2024 1111, Realband 2024
i7 Desktop Computer 16Gb Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
It's a privilege to hear BIAB in the hands of an absolute professional. It is also interesting to hear how your utilization of the program progressed along with its development, pointing up that the notes you don't play are as important as the ones you do.
What synthesizer(s) did you use for the MIDI parts?
Richard
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
On the older songs, I used the original Roland Sound Canvas. The last song was done with the RealTracks stuff.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,122 |
Harvey is one of the best in many fields, and has given lots of good advice. Thanks for letting us hear what's possible Harvey. Any outboard gear used on these?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
Probably some light compression on the vocals (FMR RNC compressor) and a cheap Lexicon Alex reverb.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
simply beautiful, harvey. thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576 |
That's impressive Mate. Nice clarity. Yeh a compressor really makes a difference in vocals. You can bring 'em right out in your face or put 'em in the background. Just depends on what you want to do. You do have to be careful with it tho'. Too much and you get either a mushy sound or a pumping feel. Not what you want.  Ahhh the stuff I've learned here.
Russ Anyday above ground is a good day Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision 6 Ghz quad core AMD processor 8 Gig memory 1 TB hard drive 6 GB hard drive Windows 7 Premium Loose nut behind the keyboard 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,722 |
Very impressive indeed, if this were a golf tournament some would be shouting "You Da Man!"
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
Thank you all for your praise, but I really only posted these to point out that BIAB is very capable of achieving professional sounding results with almost any version. The trick is to capitalize on its strengths. It took me many hours to get those recordings: fine-tuning drum patterns, adjusting the A and B patterns, and adding live instruments where necessary.
BIAB is one of the most valuable recording tools I've ever come across in my 50+ years as a recording engineer. I've used it since the early DOS only versions - and it still amazes me as to just how well Peter has done in creating a perfect songwriting tool. With just a little creative input, anyone can make a really good demo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
That's great sounding material! Thanks for posting Harvey.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
Quote:
That's great sounding material! Thanks for posting Harvey.
Peter, your program made it all possible, so it's me who has to thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Heya, Cap'n Gerst!
BIg Virginny WAVE to ya down theah in Tejas, podnuh!
Kinda figured you'd be around on big UPDATE announcement day.
The new RealTracks are likely gonna be right up your alley, Harvey.
Methinks there be some munnymakers in theyuh...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
Quote:
Heya, Cap'n Gerst!
BIg Virginny WAVE to ya down theah in Tejas, podnuh!
Kinda figured you'd be around on big UPDATE announcement day.
The new RealTracks are likely gonna be right up your alley, Harvey.
Methinks there be some munnymakers in theyuh...
--Mac
Yup, but I'm wondering if I can just send PG the 80GB UltraPAK USB hard drive I have and have them load all the new stuff on it? Will it all fit?
It's definitely a "munnymaker" for me.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
They'll send ya a brand new hard drive already loaded, that's the way I'd recommend going.
Or, put an intern on the download helm and restock yer own hard drive.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 287
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 287 |
Harvey, Your music is absolutely beautiful... thank you for sharing it. <<and putting stops in (except for the steel part) makes it a little more "real" sounding.>> Could you elaborate on this a little... what are drum stops and how are you using them? Gale
Mr. G
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I'm pretty sure that Harvey is referring to the judicious use of BIAB Hits and Rests, Gale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 235 |
Quote:
I'm pretty sure that Harvey is referring to the judicious use of BIAB Hits and Rests, Gale.
Exactly, Mac.
There are four steps involved:
1. Insert a part marker AFTER the bar where you want a solo drum fill. In this case, we want a drum fill at Bar 4, so we put an "A" marker at the start of Bar 5.
2. With the cursor on Bar 4, right click and choose the Chord Settings option.
3. Select Hold, Shot, or Rest. (I usually use the Hold option most.)
4. Finally, select the box marked "Except" and then mark everything but the drums.
Now when you play the track, all the instruments will hold at Bar 4, while the Drums play a nice turnaround.
In the very last song ("Keepin' Me At A Distance"), I used a rest for all the instruments, but kept the pedal steel going.
Last edited by Harvey Gerst; 08/13/09 12:31 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 287
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 287 |
Thank you Mac and Harvey... I appreciate the detailed explanation. Now I will listen to your examples again to hear what you are referring to :-)
Gale
Mr. G
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,689 |
Quote:
Thank you Mac and Harvey... I appreciate the detailed explanation. Now I will listen to your examples again to hear what you are referring to :-)
Your help is much appreciated here, also.
Thank you,
Don S.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 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 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,826
Posts796,660
Members39,968
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean