|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 15
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 15 |
Dear Everyone.
I write instrumental music - or try to - it's usually gentle, New Agey stuff. So I start off with an oboe - for example - as my lead sound, mix the strings/everything else perfectly to fit the oboe. Then for the second half of the track I want a flute to be the lead sound for a bit of variety.
What I always find is the sounds that were perfectly (HAH - we're talking theoretically here!) EQ'd etc. to go with the oboe now sound totally awful with the flute. If I adjust everything to sound fine with the flute, of course they'll sound awful with the oboe.
Which means I'm ending up with (at least!) two complete sets of backing sounds, one for each lead instrument. Or if I change lead instruments 3 times - even for just a couple of bars - I'm having to have THREE completely differently EQ'd and effected sets of backing sounds, one for each 'lead instrument'.
Now I'm not the world's greatest at doing backing mixing, but if I fight through the pain barrier to get the backing sounds sounding OK with ONE instrument, is there any way I can keep the same backing sounds mix setup for both leads (ignore the third, let's stick to 2) or does there always have to be a completely differently setup set of backing sounds for each lead sound?
I'm using solely VSTs (and plugins/soundfonts maybe, mainly VSTs.)
Yours hopefully
Chris.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,669
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,669 |
Chris....
It sounds like you're over-thinking this. You should not be "EQing the tracks for a specific instrument"... what you should be doing is EQing the various individual tracks to sound as natural for the instrument you are using.
I have found that most samples and even the more primitive patches, sound pretty good to start with. Once you decide to try to make them sound better by EQing them you have altered them. In most cases, when I'm using any sort of instrument in the manner you are describing, there is quite often, NO EQ in the track at all. And generally the only EQ is in my DAW's master buss and it's a very subtle enhancer in certain frequencies only... and it covers the entire mix.... not a specific instrument.
Note: I do use EQ on certain instruments and in the tracks..... but once set, it never gets changed and certainly NOT in the middle of the song. Ex: Drums for more kick and snap in the kick drum and snare, Piano to brighten, bass guitar for a fatter bottom, acoustic guitar to clean it up and brighten..... but the goal is always, always, always to have it sounding natural and real.
Note: My advice is that while you are getting started, do not use a bunch of EQ's in the tracks. Nothing will mess you up quicker if you don't really understand the complex things that are going on and how one EQ in a track can affect a different EQ in another track in the final mix. Your goal to start should be to get a natural sound without relying on EQ in the tracks if possible. Use some EQ in your master buss to shape the entire project as a whole.
Strings should sound like a string section or a solo instrument depending on which one it is. EQ would be used to highlight the qualities.... not to change them to the point that they don't work but with one other instrument. You should be able to use the oboe in the first passage and then simply drop the oboe out and bring in a flute without having to adjust anything regarding the EQ. Your backing tracks should always be consistent regardless of which instrument is currently in the solo spotlight.
Think of how a real orchestra would sound and use that as your starting point for how to set the EQ on everything.
Listen to the music of some of the folks here.... you will notice instruments coming and going but you will also notice that the backing tracks remain the same. If you're changing the EQ on the backing tracks in a song during the song..... unless you're going for some sort of "special effect", simply put, you're doing it wrong.
Start by soloing the strings.... now, remove all the FX.... listen to them raw. Do they need anything to make them sound like real, normal, strings? Use a gentle touch if they do. Now... repeat this with the rest of the backing tracks..... Your goal at this point is natural sounding BUT also to use as LITTLE FX as possible to get there. If you have an EQ that looks like the silhouette of a mountain range..... start over.
Most time you will find that the EQ is fine straight out of the box with very little tweeking required...... but the real issue lies in the levels of those instruments in relation to each other. Learn how to use volume envelopes to adjust the volume of the parts automatically. If the strings are playing louder to support the stronger oboe in the first section.... when the flute comes in later in the song, the string can easily overpower it making you think it's an EQ issue when in fact if you simply dropped the string's volume a few dB and perhaps muted one or more of the other tracks in the backing, space would open up in the song and it would suddenly work amazingly well.
Again... listen to the songs of some of the folks in the showcase and on their websites and notice how varying the volume is really the answer to getting a good mix rather than varying the EQ settings.
Volume envelopes are available in Real Band for your mixing use.
hope this helps you a bit
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 04/16/16 02:56 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 671 |
Dear Everyone.
I write instrumental music - or try to - it's usually gentle, New Agey stuff. So I start off with an oboe - for example - as my lead sound, mix the strings/everything else perfectly to fit the oboe. Then for the second half of the track I want a flute to be the lead sound for a bit of variety.
the backing sounds sounding OK with ONE instrument, is there any way I can keep the same backing sounds mix setup for both leads
Yours hopefully
Chris. I'm going to offer a suggestion change the lead settings to fit the backing track. I do use different, Volume, Pan, EQ, Reverb,and other effects for each lead instrument. I think you can leave the backing track alone once you "get it where you want it" if you put the lead instruments on different tracks. One track for each lead instrument. With that done you will be able to adjust each lead instrument/track to fit your one backing track. The following steps outline the track splitting process with file saving precautions. Save the BIAB file WITHOUT any effects, pan or volume settings I usually name this file SONGNAME_FLAT.SGU. Then, open it up in Real Band, Save this RB file as SONGNAME_FLAT.SEQ extension. GO to your track with the different lead instruments and DUPLICATE this track 1 time if you have 2 lead instruments. ( 2 duplicates if you have 3). On the original track SOLO the track turn up the volume to -3db, pan=0 and listen to the track until it changes instruments, rewind a little and listen again and decide the point where you want to switch the lead instrument. Select (mouse click) that point in this track Highlight (hold your mouse button and drag your mouse) to the end of the track. Then Delete that section of the track, using the delete button. Before you go to the next step listen to the tack again. Did you cut off a note too soon? If so go edit, undo erase. Go back and pick the correct point and re-due the deletion. Now save the file AS SONGNAME_SOLOEDIT1.SEQ. Go to the first duplicated track Line up your mouse in that track at the point where you determined you were switching instruments on the previous track. Now erase everything on this second track from that point to the beginning of the song. Now save the file AS SONGNAME_SOLOEDIT2.SEQ. (If you save the song file in the manner I suggest you will end up with 3 files that allow you to go back and change something if you discover at a later time that you made a mistake.) I can't do screen shots but look at the following graphic. _=erased data, O = Oboe, V=Violin Track 1) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO_____________________________ Track 2 )______________________________________________VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV So now you have 2 separate tracks with the solo instruments that you can tweak to match your one backing track. If you have 3 this method works fine, just duplicate another track in the beginning when you duplicate track 2 and on track 3 erase everything from when the 3rd instrument comes in till to the beginning. Then go back to track 2 and trim the end of that track so it does not play over track 3. Your 3 tracks would look like this, where X=another lead instrument. Track 1) OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO____________________________________________________ Track 2)_________________________VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVV___________________________ Track 3)_________________________________________________XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Hope this helps.
Last edited by dga; 04/17/16 06:09 PM.
"When you help somebody else you are really helping yourself"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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®!
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.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,365
Posts791,303
Members39,862
| |
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