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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Hallo
I'm in the process of making some easy-listening backingfiles. I need high-quality sounds, but I'm not sure which way to go and what is possible.....
1) Some of the demos on the PGmusic's site sound really great. How do I make my file sound the same way? ... or as good?
2) I actually like the sounds that comes with logic, but is it possible to use them (as a sound module) with BIAB?
3) Everybody speaks highly of the Ketron SD-2. I used to have a Roland SonicCell, but couldn't make really great with that machine. How do a comparison fall out?
4) Is there any virtual modules worth mentioning in regard to the questions above?
sincerely
mads a
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Hallo
I'm in the process of making some easy-listening backingfiles. I need high-quality sounds, but I'm not sure which way to go and what is possible.....
1) Some of the demos on the PGmusic's site sound really great. How do I make my file sound the same way? ... or as good?
2) I actually like the sounds that comes with logic, but is it possible to use them (as a sound module) with BIAB?
3) Everybody speaks highly of the Ketron SD-2. I used to have a Roland SonicCell, but couldn't make really great with that machine. How do a comparison fall out?
4) Is there any virtual modules worth mentioning in regard to the questions above?
sincerely
mads a I'll try to answer these as best I can 1. Band in a Box (BB) will give you the raw tracks as will Real Band (RB). What you do with them and how you use them will determine the results you get. The more experience you have with mixing and production, the better the results will be. However, straight out of BB/RB, the tracks will sound good. 2. IDK.... read on... 3. I've never heard the SD-2. I use a Yamaha DX-27S for my midi work and NEVER use it's internal sounds. 4. I always use the virtual or soft synths I have. What you use depends on what you like and your budget. If you have a listen to the music of the folks here in the forums.... check the websites listen in their signature as well as new songs from the User Showcase forum, you will find a wide variety of styles, genre's and quality based on the individual's abilities and experience. IMHO..... BB & RB, when used together properly, will give you superbly crafted quality audio tracks which are the building blocks for your song projects. What you do with them after that is up to you. Needless to say, you can use them "as is" for fun, or you can mix and produce them into something that approaches professional quality. I first bought a few of the introductory packages with the Real Tracks I wanted..... but soon realized the full potential that was lurking in the top of the line version and upgraded to the everything package and love it. The audiophile version uses uncompressed wave files, BUT.... the "normal" version, which is the one I use is mighty fine too. I've never had anyone complain about the quality of my audio tracks.
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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Joined: Jun 2012
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Joined: Jun 2012
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I can answer number 3 The Ketron SD-2 Orchestral Wizard is a pocket size MIDI module that packs an enormous punch There are some audio samples here I've got one, I'm impressed.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Joined: Jul 2000
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I have a Ketron SD-2 along with a collection of other sound modules. The SD-2 has one of the best General MIDI sound banks I've heard, plus 3 more banks of non-GM sounds. Virtual soft synths? I don't use them for a few reasons: - Hardware synth modules last longer than software synths - I still have synths I bought in the 1980s that are not only working perfectly but have useful sounds that have never been duplicated by more modern synths. When the computer OS changes, it's possible your investment in a software (virtual) synth will be gone, as it won't work on the new OS
- No latency - actually about 5ms (the time sound takes to travel about 5 feet). The software (virtual) synth has to manufacture each note using math and the computer's CPU and other resources, this takes time. The hardware synth stores the sounds in ROM so they are immediately available
- No latency continued - since all hardware sound modules have about the same latency (+- a millisecond) you can mix as many as you want without having a timing problem. So if the sax sound is best on one synth, the bass on another, the snare on another, the piano on yet another (etc.) it's no problem. You can pick the best sounds of each. I've used more than 10 different synths combining the voices in synths I bought in the 1980s with brand new ones.
- Minimal CPU load - because the soft synth only needs MIDI signal, and doesn't have to 'do the math' for each note on each voice and each expressive element, your computer is more stable, less likely to crash, and your DAW can work more efficiently
- Better sounds - again, since the sounds are in ROM, they can be much more complex than those of a soft synth. To save CPU time, most software synths take short-cuts, resulting in poorer sound quality (of course this is relative to hardware and software quality)
My two favorite MIDI synth modules are my Ketron SD-2 and my Edirol SD-90 - but there are many synths I have had the pleasure of owning, so there could be better ones out there for you. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106
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OP
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 106 |
Thanks for all these very useful remarks....I'm so much wiser now.
In regard to question number 1):
" Some of the demos on the PGmusic's site sound really great. How do I make my files sound the same way? ... or as good?" This question was more directed at the sound quality of the intruments in the styles and how are they are fitted and put together.
I played with a Tyros guy for a while and it was quit amazing as a guitar player always to perform aside all these perfect instruments inside a CD like perfect mix.....The band that came out of the speakers was simply so well put together in the yamaha styles.........In other words any bass, for example, regardless of the quality will not sound equally good in any midi file, which is my point....:-).....In my ears the soniccell didn't do the job in regard to BIAB, which is why I'm asking this question.
As a newB I have found it hard to make BIAB sound as good, as I actually think it can. This I blame on the importance of the right instruments being put together in the different styles, which is not were I'm strongest..... :-)....
I need a plug-and-play unit that just fits the BIAB styles perfectly.....does it exist?
ma
BIAB since 2010
Catalina (10.15.7) iMac (27", late 2013), 32 GB.
BIAB 2022, installed on internal HD; Logic proX; EZdrummer; Spark; Synfire; Suggester .
Musicians Institute (GIT) 1991;
Conservatory of Southern Denmark 2000.
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,799
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Joined: Dec 2011
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As Herb mentioned, I suspect that a lot of the quality you hear with RT's and RD's goes beyond the very high quality of the raw files. Mixing the tracks in a way that presents a good soundstage with the "right" amount of balance takes the RT's and RD's to the pro studio sound. A good mix with effects and polished by mastering is what makes many of the songs you listened to shine. There's a learning curve that never ends but it's fun. And as mentioned the BiaB tracks even w/o all of the above sound great.
Bud
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos are here on our website.
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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 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.
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 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!
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.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows 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 60 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 Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. 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 Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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