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Hi Folk,
Just bit the bullet and bought BIAB everything PC.
Looking to setup up a small studio in my "man cave" pretty basic requirement I suspect but am totally new to DAW. In fact I had to look up what it meant. Just started playing the guitar and have a couple of descent microphones for vocals and would like to integrate BIAB, guitar, microphone, other music and tracks into a recording studio.
Am looking at a Yamaha MG12XU mixer which has USB Port and Yamaha bundle Cubase AI entry level DAW software with the mixer. Looking at the Cubase AI it seems it does all the basics that I would need.
Trying to get my head around if this is the way to go? One of the things I am not sure of if I went this path wether I need two seperate PC's, one for BIAB to feed a Yamaha source input and then a PC for the DAW attached to the Yamaha?
I like the flexibility of having channels available to bring other sources into my mixes that the Yamaha or any other mixer you folks may suggests as a better option?
I am good with setting up an amp or powered speakers as monitors and the like. Just would really appreciate the best way to integrate BIAB into a small studio system?
I am retired and happy to spend some dollars on setting up a system that I will use quite often. Appreciate some suggestion and advice on the best way to set up a small studio system without introducing much in the way of compromise.
Cheers,
Ian
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Simplest is to run BiaB all alone. Then, after you get as far as you can in BiaB, drag the tracks to your DAW. and continue working there. If you want to use BiaB features in a DAW setting, you also have acquired a program called Realband (comes free with BiaB). It is a 48 track DAW with BiaB features, like generate, etc. .. and in many ways is much more powerful. Plus you can simply Save a BiaB file and Open it in RB to keep working.. Many people never realize they have it or what it can do, since BiaB is the flagship program, but RB is very unique in it's own right. If you go to the page below, then scroll down a bit until you see the tabs, then click the Realband tab, you can read more about it. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.new.htmand this link has a little more info http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.features.htm(again have to scroll down to the Realband section)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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For DAW work, I use both Realband and Reaper.
As rharv has mentioned above, Realband has the versatility of BIAB (and more) when it comes to creating backing tracks. This makes it indispensable for me. It's very powerful.
Once I have the tracks I want, I then move into Reaper. While I could do all I wanted in Realband, Reaper offers a few things that I find value like tuning vocals, a number of different shaped volume envelopes and sliding of audio files.
At the end of the day, most of the DAWs I've come across are good. It's simply a matter of learning one and getting used to it.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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Fleetz.... As Noel states most DAW software has it's place. It a matter of finding one that has an interface and workflow that is appealing to your way of thinking/learning. Many companies offer demo programs should you decide to try something other than Cubase. (I've been with Cakewalk since 1993 and use Sonar X3.) Personally, I don't think (2) separate PC's is necessary. Just one that has sufficient beef to accommodate the demands of audio recording/processing. Do you already have monitors? You'll likely get a plethora of suggestions here. Good luck....happy spending.  Back to it....
Last edited by chulaivet1966; 05/05/17 02:10 PM.
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Hi Ian, I have a couple of questions: 1-do you need all of the inputs on the Yamaha MG12XU mixer? 2-is the Yamaha MG12XU mixer an audio interface, commonly called a sound card? I don't think that the mixer is an audio interface. There are a number of audio interfaces available at a wide variety of prices; the price often depends on the mic preamps and the number of inputs needed. Many people here use Focusrite audio interfaces. If you only are going to record your guitar and sing simultaneously then all you need it this one: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlet2i2G2Most of the time you may record each track individually. You would record the guitar then record your vocal. Don't worry about mixing as most all, if not all, DAWs have mixers built in. Also if the Yamaha is not an audio interface then you will have to buy one anyway. The only other thing you will need to start is a pair of near field monitors. PC speakers, headphones and stereo systems do not have the flat or near flat response needed for recording music. I do not use RealBand, I use Sonar as my DAW, but I have played with RealBand. My guess is that RealBand is more powerful than the Yamaha tied Cubase AI. Note be careful of DAWs that are tied to certain hardware as they are proprietary. You can get non-proprietary entry level DAWs from Sonar, Cubase and virtually every other DAW software out there. But since you don't have a favorite DAW right now I strongly suggest you use RealBand. Not only is it a powerful DAW you also have the most knowledgeable and friendly people here on the forums to help you if needed. To me these are the most important things to someone new to recording and DAWs. {EDIT} I see a couple of others answered as I was slowly typing mine.
Last edited by MarioD; 05/05/17 02:09 PM.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Thanks for the great replies. You folks certainly have rebalanced my thinking which is great. Wasn't aware of Realband and that it was a DAW. Given BIAB is still on it way here it is probably worth holding of on the Yamaha until I can fire up Realband and have a look. Currently only have a laptop but it is an i5, has 2gig RAM and a 500Mb HDD. It only has a basic 3.5mm mic and earphone audio I/O. So no expadability options of perhaps swapping out a sound card. Just liked the flexibility of the Yamaha to run in some balanced microphones, guitars acoustic and electric) and other sources. Probably a bit of old school on the audio front. Like to have some monitoring and some conrtrol over EQ, compression, padding, phantom powering etc etc thought this might in part compensate for limited laptop I/O. Also do like buttons and direct control. The Focusrite looks a nice compact mixer. It may well be that once I get into it this will be adequate. I have always been an over engineering kinda guy. The extra hundred or so dollars to get a MG10XU or MG12XU is not too much of an issue. I have some other audio playout sources that would be nice to run into the mixer for just listening to music with some decent monitor speakers. It is in a man cave after all. What you have opened my eye and thought process to is would I need the XU version mixer? That is USB I/O? They do a version without and no Cubase A1. If Realband does the business then Cubase is not needed and could get just the basic mixer version. Will look into Reaper and Soanar DAWs as well, man there is a plethora of them out there. Ideally was looking to get clear in my mind a definite way to go as I am off to the US next week catching up with some friend ps there. The range and the amazing prices always presents an opportunity to bring some bits back. Unfortunately the timing might not be that great given BIAB won't arrive here until after I have left. Was hoping that there was going to be a clear cut way to stitch a system together but way too many options and ways to do it. Haven't ruled out the possibility of building up an AV PC as I might look to do some video editing possibly using Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve software. Which is another reason I am thinking a 10/12 mixer. Resolve software on its own is a possible DAW solution. Never one to do things by halves. We live in exciting times. Imagine firstly trying to do what we can achieve today with great tools like BIAB and all the amazing low cost editing tools. 25 years ago you would have had to sell your house to afford to do what we have now that probably cost around a $1000 or so dollars to do. Crazy nuts what this can do for $299...there is even a free version that does an amazing amount. www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolveThanks again for all the great replies very much appreciated. Regards, Ian
Last edited by Fleetz; 05/06/17 04:40 AM.
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Ian, the first thing I would do is upgrade the RAM on your PC. 2GB is barely enough to run the operating system, much less other applications. If you only have 32-bit Windows, you should go to 4GB (that's all 32-bit Windows can address). If you have a 64-bit version of Windows and your laptop supports it, I would go to at least 8-GB.
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)
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Thanks John,
Was looking sideways at the RAM requirement yesterday. I saw that 1G RAM was min but +2G was recommended.
My system is a 64 bit.
Upgrading is not a big deal, definitely think it is going to be worth doing........or it might be the catalyst to build another PC with some serious grunt, i7 6700, tons of RAM, SSD's and a decent sound card.
Boys and their toys!
Cheers,
Ian
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Ian, welcome to the forum. I haven't read the whole thread, but two recent things caught my eye:
First, if you stay with your current laptop, you should not use the internal soundcard, but you do not need to 'swap it out'. Just buy a USB audio interface. Something as simple as a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 would do so much better than the built-in card.
Second, although your computer "system is 64 bit", double-check what your Windows is. Control Panel, System will show if the version of Windows is 32-bit or 64. Only if it is 64 can you benefit from more than 4 GB RAM, as John said.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Conversely, you could look at a control surface. https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/FaderPort8 This gives you the tactile feel of a mixer and integration with your DAW, and a ton more options. Regards, Bob
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Cheers Matt,
It is 64 bit Windows 7 at the moment....might upgrade to Windows 10 soon.
Regards,
Ian
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That's a serious bit of kit!
Regards,
Ian
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I use a very similar product, the Behringer X-Touch. Prior to that, I used an even more powerful Tascam FW-1884, but they didn't keep the drivers up to date. Note that either the Faderport 8 or the Behringer work very well in a DAW, but as of now BIAB does not support them.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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I have been using Samplitude Pro X for a number of years and it seems to perfectly fit along side BIAB, it users 'audio objects' to edit in a similar way as block chording with BIAB There is an official free version called Samplitude Pro X Silver which still has the same audio engine as the big brother and comes with a wealth of very good plugins and the Vandal Guitar SE emulation software. http://dl03.magix.net/samplitude_silver_soundcloud_us.exeBrian
Brian Cadoret
BIAB 2025 Pro build 1125e with BIAB2023 UltraPAK . Samplitude Pro X4 Suite. Mixcraft 10.5 Pro Studio
Focusrite 2i2 Scarlett
Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-3470 CPU @ 3.20GHz 3.20 GHz
Installed RAM 8.00 GB
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Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
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Cheers for the links ....I watched a few of Graham's you tube videos late last night into the wee small hours. He explains thing great.
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Thanks for the input folks.
Think you have convinced me that I don't need the Yamaha mixer. The standalone USB interfaces look to be the smart way to go.
Just need to pick a unit that ticks the boxes and plays nicely with initially Realband DAW but select one that will work with others DAWs. Seems these USB interfaces are pretty universal?
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Anyone using a Steinberg UR22mkII interface?
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OK... so you've gotten some good advice to this point.
Here's my take on gear.
Determine what you're going to use it for. Are you going to record bands and other musicians or is this a one man hobby studio where it's mostly just going to be you and maybe the occasional friend?
If you plan to record bands, you will need a mixer. If you're doing the solo thing, then you do not need a mixer unless you just want something to take up desk space and have to dust from time to time.
My studio rig is very basic.
I have a decent computer. i5 Intel quad core with nice sized hard drives. Nothing fancy, just solid. I run XP Pro 32 bit.
I have a Focusrite interface. (external sound card) It has midi and audio inputs and multiple audio outputs. Built in preamps and phantom power running ASIO as the driver.
I use a pair of Mackie MR-5 monitors and a 10" 100w sub.
Basically... that, is my studio. No mixer needed. I plug in my mic and guitar to the Focusrite and there it is. Ready to roll and rock.
In my computer, I run Band in A Box as well as it's companion Real Band and I also run Cakewalk's Sonar X1 DAW. While getting a DAW in a bundle with other gear is free, I recommend that you buy a full version of a DAW as opposed to using the LE "free" versions since they often have disabled features. Cakewalk has a nice DAW that comes with several nice synths and costs $50 to get started. They have packs that bundle it with some other stuff you will likely want, for more money. Look at Music Creator 7 and Sonar Home Studio. I get the feeling they're replacing MC7 with SHS. Both are excellent starting DAW's, priced right and fully capable of doing everything you need.
I write the songs in BB and then use Real Band to render the tracks to wave. I then copy them into Sonar where I work on them and add my live tracks for vocals and guitar. Mixing and treatment is done in Sonar.
A couple thousand dollars invested in good equipment will get the job done nicely. Then, you can set about the task of learning how to make it all work to produce good music. That's the fun part.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 05/07/17 02:41 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.
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Hi Folk,
Just bit the bullet and bought BIAB everything PC.
Looking to setup up a small studio in my "man cave" pretty basic requirement I suspect but am totally new to DAW. In fact I had to look up what it meant. Just started playing the guitar and have a couple of descent microphones for vocals and would like to integrate BIAB, guitar, microphone, other music and tracks into a recording studio.
Am looking at a Yamaha MG12XU mixer which has USB Port and Yamaha bundle Cubase AI entry level DAW software with the mixer. Looking at the Cubase AI it seems it does all the basics that I would need.
Trying to get my head around if this is the way to go? One of the things I am not sure of if I went this path wether I need two seperate PC's, one for BIAB to feed a Yamaha source input and then a PC for the DAW attached to the Yamaha?
I like the flexibility of having channels available to bring other sources into my mixes that the Yamaha or any other mixer you folks may suggests as a better option?
I am good with setting up an amp or powered speakers as monitors and the like. Just would really appreciate the best way to integrate BIAB into a small studio system?
I am retired and happy to spend some dollars on setting up a system that I will use quite often. Appreciate some suggestion and advice on the best way to set up a small studio system without introducing much in the way of compromise.
Cheers,
Ian Fleetz, The best thing you could do at this stage is read. You can spend a ton of money on stuff you don't really need. BIAB/Realband is a self-contained production suite. You may find that all you really need is an interface and a decent mic. Save your money for plugins!  Regards, Bob
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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®!
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