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#48665 12/11/09 01:30 PM
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I'm a new user so this may be a silly question...

I have just bought BiaB and found out that the Roland VSC Dxi won't work with my Windows 7 64-bit. However if I only plan to use RealTracks anyway (they're supposed to be better) then I wouldn't need DXi anyway, as RealTracks doesn't need/use Dxi?

I know that I can buy the Forte DXi but I'm thinking I probably wouldn't need it anyway.

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Hi Capn,

The DXi synth handles MIDI output. Windows 7/64 bit includes a synth "MS GS Wavetable synth", so you will get a very similar sound to the VSC DXi . It is just that the synth isn't a plugin (DXi or VST), so the MIDI sounds cannot be rendered (converted) to an audio file (WAV).

So for just playing and listening, you will have a MIDI synth. To get a plugin type of synth, then yes, either the Coyote Forte ($40 from PG Music) or the Roland TTS-1 ($40, included with CakeWalk Music Creator www.cakewalk.com) would work.

And yes, if you are only using RealTracks, the MIDI synth is irrelevant, since no MIDI data is getting sent.,


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Peter Gannon
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Quote:


And yes, if you are only using RealTracks, the MIDI synth is irrelevant, since no MIDI data is getting sent.,






Not 100% completely true.

Even if only using Real Tracks, rendering does not work on a 64-bit Windows 7 machine unless Forte is installed.

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On this page http://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_bbwrender.htm#realtime there are 3 methods listed for rendering songs to a WAV. Without having DXi can I still render using option 1 (ie record the song in real time)?

Ultimately I bought BiaB so that I can quickly make backing tracks, save them as an MP3, and then play along with the recording in a live performance. I'm just trying to work out if DXi is essential for this, or just a "nice to have".

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I would consider it an "essential" for the recording the MIDI tracks.

You can record in realtime, but that an awkward way to do it, and would be tedious with hundreds of files.

The Roland TTS-1 is a step up from the VSC in sound quality, similar sounds, just better quality.


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With this release, BB2010, you no longer need a DXi in order to Render Realtracks to WAV.


--Mac

Mac #48671 12/11/09 03:20 PM
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Thanks everyone - I think I understand the issues now

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The bonus 10Pak, that is included with BB 2010 (until Dec. 31 2009), includes a Forte demo, which works for 30 days.
And Forte works in all versions of Windows, including XP, Vista (32 or 64 bit) and Windows 7 (32 or 64 bit)
http://www.pgmusic.com/bonuspaks.htm

Forte DXi Demo
Coyote’s ForteDXi is a DirectX (DXi) plug-in that implements a high-quality sample player. Its sampled instruments offer a sound quality far better than the standard MIDI synthesizer. Use this 30-Day demo for your MIDI Output, Dxi, or to Render your songs to WAV in just a few seconds!


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Peter Gannon
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Well, that's what I do...save all the "Real Stuff" as MP3's, including styles, soloists, real drums, etc., and jam live with the many, many groovy material, as with a live-back-up-band. I'll do more of "it" when I get hold of 2010 and the new USB harddrive for $139.

But I've also been a proponent (buyer and user) of Brad's Real Book On-Line, which is a compendium of the greatest hit jazz mp3's in existence...as far as I am concerned. As backing for a jazz singer and jazz guitarist, as I am (and I also have about $20K in keyboard synths and modules/studio components as well as Sonar)...I love nothing better than to jam along with pre-recorded masters of jazz and jazz ballads, artists and such!).

I've always loved the special gratification of playing, as a single performer, in a jazz bistro environment...
the addition of Real Band/Real Drums in specific styles is a Godsend, and in addition I love to listen (and jam with a meriad of jazz artists (via MP3 backing with the original hit recordings)...live...the sound of all of this is truly remarkable...there is no audible difference between real and MP3 recorded, with today's sound systems. If you've got a good soundcard...or better yet, external synth modules or keyboards that never fail as software, you can have your MP3 Cake...and, eat it too...sucessfully!! Of course you probably are already aware of the "vocalists" hardware and software that can remove a vocal or solo track you would rather eliminate.

Whether you're into audio only or midi mostly, or a combination of both, BIAB will get you home fast!!

http://www.thegigbaby.com


Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.


Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
Mac #48674 12/11/09 06:35 PM
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Quote:

With this release, BB2010, you no longer need a DXi in order to Render Realtracks to WAV.







Ah, interesting. Thanks.

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You should at least read the New Features lists...

Mac #48676 12/12/09 04:09 PM
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Quote:

You should at least read the New Features lists...





Well, I did read it. Not word for word. And I certainly didn't memorize it. It is a long list. And I have been preoccupied with a couple of other things lately.

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  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
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In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

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We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!

If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!

Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

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