|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266 |
When I use the BIAB audio track for recording (as opposed to exporting the song into a DAW) I don't know how to stop feedback of my voice coming through the headphones, so, as it is, I hear my voice naturally but I also hear it in the headphones. I want the singer to see the chord display on the computer screen so he can follow along, as the words are typed there. But I want the singer to hear all the tracks except his own voice as he sings and records. Is this bad technique?
Thanks.
Last edited by Marty Sorensen; 12/27/16 04:56 AM. Reason: Clarify.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870 |
Personally, I don't think it's a good way to do things. It's not the way it's done in the pro studios.
A singer has to hear themselves when they sing or they get off pitch pretty quickly. The singer should only hear his/her voice in the headphones in addition to the music. If they need to hear the natural voice, they can lift one of the cups a bit.
If you are recording a vocal, the assumption is that the room is quiet and the singer is getting everything through the cans, and with enough volume to hear everything cleanly.
If, however, you wanted to have the singer NOT hear his voice in the cans, In order to hear the reference music clearly in order to sing with natural voice for reference, the music also has to be in the room loud enough. The mic then picks it up as well as the voice, and you get into phase issues and comb filtering of the music becomes a very real issue. Not counting the possibility of actual feedback and low frequency rumble.
It's best to have the reference music and the singer's voice together in the cans and the room totally quiet except for the singer's voice. Even with this setup, it's not uncommon to get headphone bleed into the sensitive condenser mic that is generally only a few inches away from the cans.
Yeah, bad idea.
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: May 2015
Posts: 40
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 40 |
I concur with Guitarhacker on this one. Having done quite a bit of vocal overdubbing in various studios over the years, I can say that you always want at least some of the vocal being tracked coming through in the headphone mix. Normally, that level might be lower relative to either the primary harmonic instrument(s) or lead vocal, if you happen to be recording harmonies. The question you might better be asking is how to adjust the mix for the vocalist for tracking. That's a fairly easy fix, as you simpy change the playback volume of each track to suit the vocalist's desires. It's a fairly simple thing. I hope this helps!
-Mark
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870 |
When I am recording a vocal, I want it to be the loudest thing in the mix I hear in the cans. I need to hear what I'm doing clearly.
If there are harmonies or leads, I will mute those tracks. If I'm recording a harmony, I will have the lead audible but at a lower level so that I have a reference to work against, but it's not the loudest one. My current vocal take is always the loudest thing in the mix.
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: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I always want a vocal I'm tracking in the cans along with a guide melody track of some kind.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
RS, any preferences for melody track instruments (that might not be used in the final mix, just for vocal guide)?
Last edited by Andy A - USA; 12/28/16 03:33 PM.
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,753 |
RS, any preferences for melody track instruments (that might not be used in the final mix, just for vocal guide)? I've used Oboe to good success. It seems to cut through the mix, sustain notes with no vibrato, and does not sound too much like my own voice. I record a dummy vocal track or several to get a good idea of how I might express the song. Then I simply use my iRig Keys 37 to record a midi melody that is similar, does not have to be exact. After digging through midi instruments I usually end up with Oboe, no portamento, no vibrato. It helps me keep better pitch as I record my keeper vocal tracks. I also put some reverb in my headphones. I use a Yamaha MG Mixer with digital FX. The audio output of my interface is connected to a stereo channel on the Yamaha MG mixer. My vocal mic goes through the front of my interface as the BIAB or DAW tracks are coming through via the USB connection. My headphones are connected to the hardware Yamaha MG Mixer, not directly to the interface. I simply mix in a little digital reverb so it's not so dry and it helps me stay on pitch. But not too much as I don't want it to make me think I sound better than I actually do.
Does the noise in your head bother me ?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,870 |
As a reference I like to use:
Drums.... sure beats a metronome
Bass
Acoustic guitar or piano
Lead instrument for solo's so I know where they are. (sometimes not)
I want a simple reference to follow. I often mute everything else including other vocal tracks depending of course on what I'm in the process of recording.
It can vary from one song to the next. I have been known to use the full finished mix as a reference because I record the finished vocal tracks last. Up to that point I have a simple scratch vocal for a place holder.
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: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,844 |
I also often use the oboe sound for the melody.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 266 |
Thank you all. I'm just beginning so some things are beyond me, but I will study and practice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 221 |
Personally I like the song to be as complete as possible before doing the all important vocal. That's so that hopefully the dynamics of the vocal matches the song as it builds etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 260 |
I can understand what you are saying, Matcham. I definitely hear a mismatch at times (all the time) when I change instruments just for vocal tracking; singing too softly, or too harshly. But, my hearing is crud-o-la, so I gotta have a crutch or take up jelly-making.
Oboe. Wow... I never would have thought. Great suggestion. I will definitely try that out. Thanks, JFord and Tobias!
And, thank you for the full description, Tobias. You sorta lost me right after dummy, but the reverb in the headphones may be something I can rig up. Often, I feel like the more clearly I hear my voice in the cans, the more I try to steer it, know what I'm saying? In real life I don't, but I do expect a little better for recording purposes. Maybe the reverb takes enough out of it that I could feel "real", like in the moment.
Herb, you are a pro. You don't count. You could whistle thru your toes and stay in key. Kidding aside, thank you for that. That's what I'm doing now, and it has proven to be the best set up so far; bass, a simple drum, more passion than a metronome but not all Keith Moon, and keys, sparse as reasonable to hear the melody but not walk all over my hearing.
You guys are the best. Thank you, Marty, for starting this thread so I could hijack it. You are the best, too!
Andy
BIAB 2017 Ultra
Windows 8 and 10
Scarlet 18i8
Reaper and Mixpad
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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 Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. 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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,233
Posts802,186
Members40,072
| |
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