|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838 |
I found this song idea I recorded years ago. The tempo varied from 99-105, mild clipping but it was recorded with two mics, one for vocals and one for the acoustic guitar. I worked on it for a bit with the idea to enter it into the Xtra Styles contest but it is not good enough quality of a song or production to do that. I thought some may be interested that it was done completely in BIAB and RB and using the Audio Chord Wizard I was able to get the track from a varying tempo to a steady 102 bpm. I also used the RB harmonies and effects to complete the mix. I worked with Band in a Box and RealBand to even the tempo to 102 and then created a backing track with one of Band in a Box's new Xtra Styles and added effects, harmonies and mixed the tracks in RealBand. I uploaded the song for discussion in the forum. I started the project importing the song into BIAB and applying the ACW for the actual tempo map and chord progression. I saved the BIAB project. I opened a new project in RB and imported the track. Using the average tempo determined from BIAB, I set the tempo to 103 and recorded a Click track. I opened the RB ACW and tweaked the tempo map and imported the song and chord progression into RB. I did this twice before I was satisfied with the accuracy of the tempo. Once I was satisfied, I changed the tempo and stretched the audio to a fixed tempo of 102. I used RB to split the stereo track into two separate mono tracks. I saved the RB project and returned to BIAB and auditioned Xtra Styles and decided on Inspire – Cheery Indie Pop. I returned to RB, Selected the Xtra Style – Inspire and generated the style. I erased the original acoustic guitar track and silenced the spaces between words of the vocal track to eliminate as much of the original acoustic guitar as possible. I duplicated the vocal track and edited that track so I could start over if necessary. Once the vocal track was edited, I added RB effects and created two additional duplicates – Panned hard left and right. I copied/pasted several phrases taken from the vocal track onto a new track and created harmonies from these. I balanced, mixed and rendered the tracks to stereo. I created a file of the song with a little of the original song added at the end for comparison if anyone is interested in hearing it and posted that to my Soundcloud account. I think this would have been a successful project had the original recording been a higher quality and better recording. Trash in – trash out is in full force here. I never completed the song beyond the first verse and the song here is just a repetition of verse and chorus. I decided to post this as is so possibly someone will benefit from the process. As a song, the recording or the quality of the song itself does not warrant entering it into the Xtra Styles contest. If any lyricist wants to have a go at completing the song and re-recording it from scratch, have a go at it. Sweet Eyes with original attached
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 08/28/16 02:02 AM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,477
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,477 |
Charlie, That's quite a journey you've been on! I've just been over to Soundcloud and had a listen and I have to say that you've done a really great job! Am I correct in assuming that the last part of the Soundcloud file is the original that you worked with? If so, you've really lifted the production up to the stratosphere! It's excellent. And, I disagree with your thoughts... this is every bit suitable for the Xtra styles competition! You should definitely lodge it in that thread. The bottom line is that you have nothing to lose, only things to win  (If you decide to lodge it, I'd also include all the above production notes.) I enjoyed the read and the listen. Thanks for being so meticulous. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 200
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 200 |
Hi Charlie
I'm following your tracks ...
As I'm heading in the same direction as your interesting workflow description indicates, I dived into the details and hence would appreciate even more details if you don't mind.
As I mentioned in the other thread your results were extremely good and inspired me a lot in the quest of recreating the past in new clothes.
I've inserted some questions in red below in your workflow.
1. I started the project importing the song into BIAB and applying the ACW for the actual tempo map and chord progression. I saved the BIAB project.
2. I opened a new project in RB and imported the track.
I.e. opening a *.*GU-file?
3. Using the average tempo determined from BIAB, I set the tempo to 103 and recorded a Click track.
I.e. the average tempo that the ACW in BB showed?
Click track with setting bars and/or beats?
Did you then realign the music according to the click track? Or did you do this at #5 including stretching of the audio?
Sometimes one gets the message about reconsolidating and this sometimes is a happening with the wav moving to a new bar position … Have you had this?
4. I opened the RB ACW and tweaked the tempo map and imported the song and chord progression into RB.
Preserving chords and part markers and just adjusting the bar-settings?
5. I did this twice before I was satisfied with the accuracy of the tempo. Once I was satisfied, I changed the tempo and stretched the audio to a fixed tempo of 102.
I.e. two runs within the same session with RB ACW?
Changing to the average tempo of ACW in RB?
Stretching with the Time stretch and Pitch shift command?
6. I used RB to split the stereo track into two separate mono tracks.
7. I saved the RB project and returned to BIAB and auditioned Xtra Styles and decided on Inspire – Cheery Indie Pop.
8. I returned to RB, Selected the Xtra Style – Inspire and generated the style.
9. I erased the original acoustic guitar track and silenced the spaces between words of the vocal track to eliminate as much of the original acoustic guitar as possible.
10. I duplicated the vocal track and edited that track so I could start over if necessary.
11. Once the vocal track was edited, I added RB effects and created two additional duplicates – Panned hard left and right.
12. I copied/pasted several phrases taken from the vocal track onto a new track and created harmonies from these.
13. I balanced, mixed and rendered the tracks to stereo.
14. I created a file of the song with a little of the original song added at the end for comparison if anyone is interested in hearing it and posted that to my Soundcloud account
cheers Thomas
On the latest version
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838 |
Hi Thomas. I'm no expert but am happy to share what I did.
2. I opened a new project in RB and imported the track.
I.e. opening a *.*GU-file? No. I opened a new RB file and imported the audio. I did not open the saved BIAB file.
3. Using the average tempo determined from BIAB, I set the tempo to 103 and recorded a Click track.
I.e. the average tempo that the ACW in BB showed? Yes. There is a difference between the precision of the ACW in BIAB and RB. RB is more precise. I began the project in BIAB because it generates tracks faster and I also only needed a rough estimation where to set the tempo in RB. I could have started the project in RB with the click track but I experimented with the Xtra Styles in BIAB first to see if the song was suitable for the project. I came back to BIAB and reviewed the files some more before making the final decision on which Xtra Style to use.
Click track with setting bars and/or beats? bars
Did you then realign the music according to the click track? Or did you do this at #5 including stretching of the audio? I aligned the song with the click track.
Sometimes one gets the message about reconsolidating and this sometimes is a happening with the wav moving to a new bar position … Have you had this? Yes. I consolidate the file.
4. I opened the RB ACW and tweaked the tempo map and imported the song and chord progression into RB.
Preserving chords and part markers and just adjusting the bar-settings? Yes, preserved the chords and part markers. I did this step to get a more precise and accurate tempo map for the whole song. After deleting the original acoustic guitar and edited out the bleed through of the guitar on the vocal track, I added some chords, changed a few chords and added some pauses to make the melody more interesting.
5. I did this twice before I was satisfied with the accuracy of the tempo. Once I was satisfied, I changed the tempo and stretched the audio to a fixed tempo of 102.
I.e. two runs within the same session with RB ACW? Yes. I imported the file into RB after the first run through the ACW and the exported to the ACW and tweaked the bars some more.
Changing to the average tempo of ACW in RB? Yes. Once I felt I had the tempo the best the ACW would accomplish, the file and tempo map were imported into RB and I opened the tempo map and deleted it and set the tempo at a fixed 102 bpm which was more accurate than the tempo determined in BIAB.
Stretching with the Time stretch and Pitch shift command? Yes. There won't be any issue with RealTracks, Super Midi or Midi files generating to the fixed tempo. The audio was time stretched and pitch shifted prior to generating the RealTracks.
I did more than what is normally necessary with my project because there was such a wide variance in the tempo range. 99-105.
With properly recorded audio you most times only need to do the click track in RB in order to generate a Style or add RealTracks. With this song, the drums were unuseable with just the click track as drums/percussion is a big part of the style. The speeding up and slowing down was very noticeable and distracting and also the syncing was off. I needed to have a fixed tempo to make this style work, thus I had to take additional steps.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 08/31/16 03:36 PM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838 |
Charlie, That's quite a journey you've been on! I've just been over to Soundcloud and had a listen and I have to say that you've done a really great job! Am I correct in assuming that the last part of the Soundcloud file is the original that you worked with? If so, you've really lifted the production up to the stratosphere! It's excellent. And, I disagree with your thoughts... this is every bit suitable for the Xtra styles competition! You should definitely lodge it in that thread. The bottom line is that you have nothing to lose, only things to win (If you decide to lodge it, I'd also include all the above production notes.) I enjoyed the read and the listen. Thanks for being so meticulous. Regards, Noel Yes Noel. I included a portion of the original recording at the end of the song. I'm very pleased with how well the style fit and the improvement from the original. Thanks for your encouragement and continuing support. I revisited my mix and tweaked a bit more and have entered into the contest. From what I've seen of the other posts so far, I've got a lock on last place but it was a fun project from start to finish. Charlie
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 200
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 200 |
Charlie
many thanks for update.
I now got a clear picture of the workflow.
Will now dive into reality trying to accomplish my expectations.
Cannot guarantee that no additional questions might pop up and hope it would be ok to consult you again.
Cheers Thomas
On the latest version
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,838 |
Charlie
many thanks for update.
I now got a clear picture of the workflow.
Will now dive into reality trying to accomplish my expectations.
Cannot guarantee that no additional questions might pop up and hope it would be ok to consult you again.
Cheers Thomas As Peter Gannon says, "have fun!". I'm glad to help again if you need it. Others here on the forum will too. It's a great place to learn.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,976
Posts798,498
Members40,000
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean