|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
I have been performing Live Jazz with BIAB for quite some time. I am in the process of upgrading my laptop and hardware synth module. I would like to communicate with others who have been performing live music with BIAB. I would like to trade experiences and "Lessons Learned" with hardware and software configurations. All suggestions are welcome. My present setup uses a normal Pentium HP laptop with XP. Hardware Synth is an old Roland Edirol SC-D70 Sound Module Synth which also acts as a Sound Card. My PA is the New Bose Professional L1 Model II System. This PA is one of the best performing systems. http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop...nematch_pkg.jsp I am looking to upgrade Laptop, BIAB version, and hardware synth. All suggestions are welcome. lb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I run everything from an Acer Aspire netbook with no cd/dvd to an HP Media Centre system with 10 gigs of memory and a terabyte of storage. I also have a vaio laptop.
All work equally well, I only do the bare install and leave the software on the external usb hardware.
You didn't mention,
1. Do you want to use the band in a box and the conductor?
2. Do you want to use band in a box and a transport controller. (See their hardware section)?
3. Do you want to finish tracks, using Realband or Finale etc and make Wav's Mp3's?
Are you aware of delays in using Realtracks?
Then the advantage of a netbook is it's hard to rip off, you can unplug it and stick it in an oversized pocket.
Or use a couple of mp3 players for redundancy, keep a spare in your pocket with extra batteries.
Just more stuff to think about.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
John,
Great information. I am using BIAB with the conductor. No Tranzporter hardware. I only use the Laptop "hotkeys." Actually, I use conductor shortcut keys so that I do not need to bring up the conductor window. Songs are BIAB songs, not recorded MP3 songs. This way I can play with midi songs and loop back when ever and where ever I need. I do this often as a real band would do.
lb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
So you are not familiar with RealInstruments and RealDrums? Better listen to the demos here then, they take some time to generate, but it's worth it. Real Bass for jazz is great, and having Terry Clarke as your drummer, and oliver on guitar helps lots.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
John,
I have found the Real Instruments very limiting for a live performance, for now. This is only my opinion. Midi drum BIAB tracks generated with great midi sampling has sounded better and have more options for Latin and upbeat Jazz tunes. That is why I am looking for what performers are actually using. Your comments are a great help.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
I hope you do not mind if I jump onto your question to ask one myself. The thought of using BIAB as a standalone band appeals to me. Would you mind sharing which package of BIAB you had selected and why?
Thanks,
RickeG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
You didn't say what you play and how you run your sets. If you're already familiar with the Conducter then there isn't much else to talk about except for a new sound module. Several of us commented on that already in the other thread. I agree with you about the Real Tracks or Drums. Sometimes you need tracks that are more song specific than you can get with a RT. A new module like the SD2 or Sonic Cell can sound very good indeed especially in a noisy live venue.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
I'm a jazz pianist and use BIAB on solo gigs. I use Real Drums and Real Bass. They sound so much better than midi bass and drums. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
+1 with Ray. I also play keys and use RealBass and RealDrums. I still use Midi for Bossa guitar but I have a feeling that will be covered with future RealTracks. Only negative to using Realxxx is it takes time to generate the track(s). Freezing gets around the issue though.
R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 583 |
I'm not so much a jazzer, but rather an all-around player of tunes from the 20's, 30's, etc. to about the 70's and 80's. I'm on electric guitar, as well as vocals. My set up is Dell laptop with 7200 drive spin. I'm using the Forte sounds with the latest BIAB. It's working pretty well, except on the last gig the bass part went haywire on a couple of tunes and the real track rhythm guitar went out of tune once. I'm using the Bose L1 Model II, along with two keyboard amps that are fed from a second output from the laptop. I'm not that taken with the RT bass parts for jazz. There's too much movement for my tastes. The bass go up high at times and the bottom end is lost. I use midi mostly. However, I love the RT piano tracks and acoustic guitar parts. Please give us more of that.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I'm not so much a jazzer, but rather an all-around player of tunes from the 20's, 30's, etc. to about the 70's and 80's. I'm on electric guitar, as well as vocals. My set up is Dell laptop with 7200 drive spin. I'm using the Forte sounds with the latest BIAB. It's working pretty well, except on the last gig the bass part went haywire on a couple of tunes and the real track rhythm guitar went out of tune once. I'm using the Bose L1 Model II, along with two keyboard amps that are fed from a second output from the laptop. I'm not that taken with the RT bass parts for jazz. There's too much movement for my tastes. The bass go up high at times and the bottom end is lost. I use midi mostly. However, I love the RT piano tracks and acoustic guitar parts. Please give us more of that.
I know exactly what you mean about the RT jazz bass going up high. It's a legitimate technique that I hear fairly often by different players still, a little of that goes a long way. Most of the time I prefer the bass to hold down the bottom. Yet another example of just how many RT's are really needed to cover all the bases. The RT's are so good that we all love to say man, I wish they would come up with....
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Now I found just the opposite with the RealBass, I was and am still knocked out by the neck travel stuff. Like Ray Brown, man. It requires the improvisational player to KNOW where the roots are at all times, though. You must be able to hear them in your head as the chord progression, well, progresses.
There will likely be more bass realtracks in future though, I think that PGMusic has been doing a great job of trying to provide a little something for every taste with each release.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
I want to thank everyone for adding their opinion and information. This information is very valuable and useful. Please continue this dialog, please. Any "Lessons Learned" during live performances will be greatly appreciated. If you want to hear my present Performance Setup, you can sample at: http://www.lbentertainment.net/music.phpI am looking to improve this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
RickeG, I have been performing with BIAB for quite some time. I am a Woodwind Player and use BIAB as I play Soprano, Tenor Sax, Clarinet and Flute. I have tracks put together so that I use Singers and vocalists find it easy to sing along with my BIAB tracks. This setup has been quite successful for me. Although I play often in a Live Jazz Trio, the small BIAB setup has a place for live performances. These performances consist of BIAB and me, or an additional singer. I also use the computer keyboard in the "Thru" mode to play small solos with other Midi sounds on the computer keyboard. I use the Standard BIAB software with a hardware synth Module attached via a USB cable to my laptop. The Hardware synth box takes the strain off of the laptop and works better for me than an software synth package. You can sample my setup at: http://www.lbentertainment.net/music.phpI hope this is helpful. lb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 31 |
Your comments are very helpful. I run my sets with BIAB playing the intro and then proceeds to play the backup for the Melody line of a tune. I am a Woodwind player and perform with Soprano, Tenor Sax, Clarinet and Flute. I then have BIAB auto-loop the middle section so that I can solo as long as I need. The auto-loop is setup by the way I start my songs by using the "Cntrl 2" key to start the song. This will start songs with the intro but auto-loop the middle part. During the last Solo I stop the loop by pressing "1" so that the next section comes in at the Head of the Song. I use the formula with vocalists as well and it works well. You an hear samples of this setup at: http://www.lbentertainment.net/music.phpThanks for your advice. lb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
LB,
First, I truly liked the arrangements of the songs on your web site. Thanks for sharing. You may be able to help me decide on a particular BIAB PAK to purchase. Which PAK did you use to record the songs on your web site? I particularly like the Bossa Nova styles as well as other South American/Latin based jazz rhythms you touched on in your project. I am presently using JAMMER which lacks the demand on the rhythm players to achieve that genre of sound. JAMMER is primarily stright 4/4 in it's rhythmic accompaniment with little outside of the standard drum kit. And I really like the percussion arrangements you had.
Thanks,
RickeG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,032 |
Well Mr. L Bass , looks like we have a player here. Welcome to forum. Horn players always welcome. Sometime back I put together a brief demo of RT's as a tribute to my horn playing bandmates ... After listening to some of your stuff you reminded me how good it can be... Tribute to AJC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Luv yer arrangement on Bluesette, bro.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,725 |
Laurent,
Welcome aboard, I am about half way through listening to the tunes on your website and plan to visit again to hear the remainder. What I am enjoying now is your wonderful intonation and technique, you sir can play.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Solos, need solos, want to hear you improvise.
Scrapple as head-only?
Give us some speech, bro!
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,440
Posts805,140
Members40,121
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean