|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Hi again, after working out all the issues with the ultra paks and pro version, my next query before a purchase may sound simple to some but I have no idea of the answer.
I want to convert (render I think you call it) the BiaB file to an MP3 to use to as a backing track for guitar and vocal using onsong as the player.
Do I....or why do I need a DAW program and what will it do for me.
How do I get the midi sounds to sound real without buying a Merish style midi player??
Think I'm happy to go with the Pro version and spend money on selected real band downloads to suit my music style.
Sorry if this sounds a dumb question but never got into this side of musical production.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,672
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,672 |
Band-in-a-Box provides a basic capability to render MIDI sounds (the Coyote WT). It's genius in that it "wraps" the Windows MIDI sounds into a DXi synth; it's not that great in that the sounds are get are still the same as the Windows MIDI sounds.
If you want to render MIDI to audio (and BIAB will do this for the MIDI-based accompaniment, melody, and soloist tracks), you'll need either a DXi or VSTi synth. You can use an external hardware synth (either a standalone synth or a keyboard); however, you can't render directly to audio, you have to record the whole thing separately.
If you want good MIDI sounds, then you'll have to buy an additional (or multiple additional) soft synths. The sounds you get is only as good as the synths you get. The RealTracks are audio and BIAB can render them, because they are already recorded; however, BIAB doesn't come with any MIDI sounds - only the engine to tell a synth what sounds to generate.
So, at least initially, you should probably look at getting something like the Coyote Fort DXi synth ($40), or perhaps look at buying Cakewalk Music Creator 7 (which is really a DAW, but for about $50, you get the Cakewalk TTS-1 DXi synth; Cakewalk also). Both synths are pretty good and lots of folks use them, but you are still going to be disappointed with certain instruments. They won't be bad, but they won't necessarily be good.
From there, you could look at offerings from IK-Multimedia (such as SampleTank) or from Native Instruments (verious Kontakt-based synths) or from Garritan (lots of orchestral and band sounds) or from Steinberg (such as the Halion synth, which has great sounds, but also requires a USB dongle). There are many other synths available, ranging from free to thousands of dollars. You'll just have to evaluate as to what meets your needs.
The choice is yours. But remember that BIAB is the engine, but not the sound source for MIDI. Better MIDI sounds will unfortunately result in an additional investment.
That being said, using the Coyote WT synth will at least get you up and running right away while you decide which way you want to go.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 697 |
Win 10, 64 bit, love my Lenovo T420, BIAB 2019 (613), RB 2019 (2)
Short term memory is getting shorter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Am I on the wrong tram here??
I really want a drum and bass track and maybe odd times some piano to use as a backing track for songs I play with acoustic/ vocal.
Am I wrong in assuming this can be done by real band??
Happy to but a good midi reproducer...whatever you like to call them and would appreciate some good options.
Thanks
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,672
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,672 |
WISH - Now I'm not sure what you are asking for. You asked how to get good MIDI sounds, and I believe that has been answered. Can you do a drum/bass/maybe piano track in BIAB; certainly. And if you aren't looking for an exact cover version, RealTracks will do that nicely. As will MIDI. But if you go with MIDI, you are probably going to want more than just the basic MIDI sounds that come with Windows. that's why DEddy and I suggested several synths to take a look at. Am I wrong in assuming this can be done by real band?? Did you mean RealBand, or RealTracks? RealTracks (as long as you get plenty of them) will certainly accomplish this. RealBand is a DAW, but your original post indicated that you weren't sure whether you needed a DAW or not. And this is the BIAB (not RealBand) forum, so that's the reason for my confusion. Let us know what you are looking for specifically and we can help you out.
Last edited by jford; 08/28/16 02:39 AM.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA BB2025/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167 |
Terminology:
RealTracks are studio recorded sessions of audio that BiaB/Realband can slice/dice to make songs.
MIDI - digital messages that get sent to a synth or FX (they contain no sound themselves; the synth creates the sound based on the message it receives). Musical Instrument Digital Interface
Realband - the 48 track DAW that comes with BiaB and has the ability to use the BiaB engine for both MIDI and Realtracks.
Knowing the above may help clear up your questions.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Thanks, slowly getting it...I think.
Probably will get clearer when BiaB Pro arrives (our download speed is not good enough where we live)
I don't need exact cover tracks, more the style and beat.
About 15 years ago I bought a Goldstar midi keyboard which I used with a program called Jammer with an expensive sound card in the PC. I didn't really get to use it much as I was dragged back into another band so my early introduction into midi was short lived.
All that's left is the keyboard (full size) and a Edirol UM 1 whatever which apparently is not compatible with Windows 10. I think the UM 2 may work as I have been trying the original with Garage band without success.
So, happy to think real tracks will play without midi software.
If I buy this coyote software does it link itself to a playback of any midi file or do you have to load it into it......for instance if I purchase a midi backing track from wherever how do I get this midi track to play in the coyote software.
Happy to try midi amd buy the software and even happier if I can get the keyboard to work with it.
At the end of the day I want to convert whatever comes out if BiaB - midi or real tracks to a MP3 file to load into my chord/word program Onsong.
Thanks for you replies, much appreciated.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,037
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,037 |
If you have used Jammer, you have a good sense of what a MIDI backing track can do. Jammer was not updated, but BIAB certainly was, and audio was added (RealTracks and RealDrums) so you have a great deal more to work with.
Yes, BIAB songs are easily saved to .MP3 format but the specifics depend on what you may have on your computer. It's not a BIAB question as much as an off-topic question; we can help you.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Thanks for that Matt, apologies for the wrong forum, haven't got my head around much yet and haven't visited all the topics.
Thanks for the reply and confident I'll get something happening with a little help.
Cheers
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,037
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,037 |
Oh no, you're fine here. Your question is about making an MP3 in BIAB for Windows.
What I should have said clearer is that the process of setting up an MP3 encoder is not BIAB-dependent and is more likely to be discussed in the Off-Topic forum. You should be able to search that and find lots of help (but we can help here, too).
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167 |
Sometimes the quickest, fastest way out of the box is to simply save the song to a wav file and use a 3rd party convertor, if you don't see MP3 as an option in your choices right away.
Something as simple as iTunes or LAME Front End works fine. Or Audacity.
Just be careful where you get Audacity for the next couple weeks if you decide to download it. They've had a few servers compromised recently.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Thanks rharv
I have Audacity on board and have played around with it with MP3 backing tracks with limited success.
I will find out if this is all I need when BiaB arrives...
tomorrow hopefully.
Unfortunately it's only the pro version but I'm sure I'll be adding more real band tracks very soon.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,167 |
Just open your BiaB generated wav file and Save As mp3.
It really should be that easy. If you don't have lots of good sample rate options, Google 'Audacity Lame MP3' and there will be simple instructions to install a codec with lots of options and decent quality inside Audacity.
Some of us have got LAME running inside BiaB, but for others it has proven problematic. So just opening the file in another program and saving it as MP3 is a pretty easy fix. Some will do whole folders at a time if desired. That's why I mentioned Lame Front End; it has the LAME Codec and some nice options for converting file(s).
I have Audacity, but I also have LFE, since it's handy sometimes.
Always scan installs before proceeding, for any downloads.
I've not had a problem with LAME from various sources, but better safe than sorry.
Last edited by rharv; 08/30/16 01:26 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,346
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,346 |
Hi again, after working out all the issues with the ultra paks and pro version, my next query before a purchase may sound simple to some but I have no idea of the answer.
I want to convert (render I think you call it) the BiaB file to an MP3 to use to as a backing track for guitar and vocal using onsong as the player.
Do I....or why do I need a DAW program and what will it do for me.
How do I get the midi sounds to sound real without buying a Merish style midi player??
Think I'm happy to go with the Pro version and spend money on selected real band downloads to suit my music style.
Sorry if this sounds a dumb question but never got into this side of musical production. First... use WAVES as backing tracks, not mp3 if you can avoid it. You get more data in a wave than you do in the MP3 and on a good speaker system it can be noticeable. DAW... you need this to do editing and mixing on your backing tracks. Raise/lower volume levels, make edits, add multiple tracks, apply EQ and compression properly, and a number of other housekeeping chores on the tracks. MIDI... is what it is. It's not going to sound as real as a real player (in most cases) and depending on the quality, a discerning ear can tell. So unless you are working with really high end sample libraries, the midi will not sound real. Certain instruments in midi sound better than others. Drums and piano, and bass tend to sound ok to really good. Horns and reeds, not so much. Real tracks can be a lifesaver in this area. They sound good and they sound like a live player is behind the instrument. Hope that helps
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Thanks guitar hacker, never heard of the waves bit but will give that a go. Have come across Reaper and at least they have a very intense video tutorial so enjoying sitting through those and actually learning.
Will an "export" of BiaB music file (wave or MP3) take tracks over so each one can be edited in Audacity or Reaper or will it come across as a single (combined) file? Guess I'll know when I try but still waiting for the postman.
I am lost at the moment with what "codec" is and installed LAME but don't know where it's gone and what it's going to do. Still working on it.
When I am actually constructing a backing track to export, I am assuming I have to type in the whole song with "x" amount of bars rather than as in the video tutorials where you say to repeat this verse and chorus etc. I am not expecting a DAW to recognise any of those commands.
Thanks
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Guitar picker, like the Gibson...I have a 72 SG special with a whammy.
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833 |
Wish, Does your saved compressed file need to be mp3? I personally prefer to save as wma these days. This is the same format that PG Music use with their Realtracks (unless one gets the Audiophile edition of BIAB). As far as compression goes, mp3 and wma both compress audio files to around the same size. Also, I'm a Reaper user and avid supporter of the software. It's possible to drag and drop from BIAB into Reaper and have each instrument on its own track for mixing. Personally, I prefer to save individual WAV files from either Realband or BIAB and then load these individual files into Reaper. If you are interested... ...go to the SoundCloud link in my signature below, the songs you hear are created by tracks from BIAB and mixed in Reaper. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 223 |
Thanks Noel, not sure whether I need MP3 or wave.
I use MP3, as I use my IPad with Onsong which allows a backing track...unsure whether it has options on type. To date it's been drum tracks from Garage Band converted to MP3.
Will check if wave files play on iPads and Onsong.
I only play a few gigs every now and then so while I strive for the best sound with my gear, it's not the end of the earth if I have to compromise,
Cheers
BIAB 2022 UltraPAK
Xtra packs 1,2,3,4,5,6,13
2019 and 2018 49pak
Asus Zen Book UX533F 1TB ssd
Windows10 pro, 16g i7 64bit
Allen and Heath Z10fx mixer
Alesis V25 controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,833 |
Wish, WAV files are usually around 10 times larger than an mp3 or a wma file. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,814 |
Thanks Noel, not sure whether I need MP3 or wave.
I use MP3, as I use my IPad with Onsong which allows a backing track...unsure whether it has options on type. To date it's been drum tracks from Garage Band converted to MP3.
Will check if wave files play on iPads and Onsong.
I only play a few gigs every now and then so while I strive for the best sound with my gear, it's not the end of the earth if I have to compromise,
Cheers We maybe confusing more than helping wish at this point. Everyone is referencing pc terminology and files. Wish states he is using IPad so he maybe more likely to encounter RIFF, AIF, AIFF, MP4 and MP4a than WAV, MP3 or wma. I don't know what types of compressed and lossless files are used for Mac Realtracks. Perhaps a Mac user can enlighten us pc users.
Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8 Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
Join the conversation on our forum.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll also keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
From overviews of new features and walkthroughs of the 202 new RealTracks, to highlights of XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAKs 18, the 2025 49-PAK, and in-depth tutorials — you’ll find everything you need to explore what’s new in Band-in-a-Box® 2025.
Reference this forum post for One-Stop Shopping of our Band-in-a-Box® 2025 Mac Videos — we’ll be adding more videos as they’re released!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until July 31, 2025! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 Italian Version is Here!
Cari amici
È stata aggerate la versione in Italiano del programma più amato dagli appassionati di musica, il nostro Band-in-a-Box.
Questo è il link alla nuova versione 2025.
Di seguito i link per scaricare il pacchetti di lingua italiana aggiornati per Band-in-a-Box e RealBand, anche per chi avesse già comprato la nuova versione in inglese.
Band-in-a-Box 2025 - Italiano
RealBand 2025 - Italiano
Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
Stay up to date—get the latest update now!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,319
Posts777,701
Members39,617
| |
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