Thankfully, BIAB renders truly stereo individual tracks as "stereo" even if the option is set to render all tracks as mono. This keeps drums and (often) piano the way they were recorded. I've always had trouble, however, mixing when any of the individual tracks are stereo. It's very hard to find a spot in the stereo field for other instruments where they do not clash.
Is there a set "distance" for how far right-left a stereo piano track goes if it is set to "center"? Any other info that might help?
This may be kind of a confusing answer, but it's my opinion nonetheless
When mixing, I like stereo tracks to be handled as 2 individual MONO tracks. It helps me define the 'width' of the stereo field for the tracks as well as the placement (and volume/EQ of the individual L/R signals).
"how far right-left a stereo piano track goes" is defined by the sample or recorded track(s), unless you separate them to MONO, then you can put L or R anywhere you want .. though you you are still stuck with how much of the L/R is bleeding between the two tracks.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I was rendering to mono tracks till very recently. I just switched back to stereo tracks on my last couple songs. Instead of panning the tracks I used izotope Neutron to spread the stereo field for each track. I got the idea from working on EDM tracks where many synths are mixed this way to give a wide and full stereo sound to the music.
This may be kind of a confusing answer, but it's my opinion nonetheless
When mixing, I like stereo tracks to be handled as 2 individual MONO tracks. It helps me define the 'width' of the stereo field for the tracks as well as the placement (and volume/EQ of the individual L/R signals).
"how far right-left a stereo piano track goes" is defined by the sample or recorded track(s), unless you separate them to MONO, then you can put L or R anywhere you want .. though you you are still stuck with how much of the L/R is bleeding between the two tracks.
That's a fine idea. I can hear it working best on tracks that aren't too wide. Even mono tracks rendered mono can be handled that way. Would it work on a stereo piano (high keys further and further right, low further and further left) or moving drums hits to still get that full spectrum?
I was rendering to mono tracks till very recently. I just switched back to stereo tracks on my last couple songs. Instead of panning the tracks I used izotope Neutron to spread the stereo field for each track. I got the idea from working on EDM tracks where many synths are mixed this way to give a wide and full stereo sound to the music.
I tend to put all BB tracks to the centre before I export the wav files. I then pull them into Reaper (or Cakewalk if I am adding special midi bits). In Reaper initially I normalise all tracks to about -10 dB or less (depending on the number of tracks). I might split stereo tracks into two mono tracks (most often piano tracks) panning each resulting track to where I want it in the mix. Other times I leave the stereo file as is (usually guitars) and pan it.
I found leaving them panned before export really limited the panning options. Maybe it’s just me.
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 08/31/1812:11 AM.
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I use stereo tracks only for keyboard and drums. And I tend to always mix keyboards near center (picked that up from floyd). Sometimes I'll use Ozone's imager to widen them.
DAW's handle stereo tracks in different ways when you pan them. Mine, Logic Pro, will, e.g., pan the left side of the stereo track more if you pan left. Not always good. However, Logic has a plug in called the Direction Mixer that will let you pan a stereo track in a many different ways to make it sit nicely in the mix.
Bud
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My rule of thumb on mixing is as follows for stereo and mono tracks.
Stereo tracks: these are generally left as "centered" since for the most part they are already set up as stereo with slightly different audio information in the right vs the left side of the track. My main concern with a stereo track is the level of the track. A great example of this for me is the RB B3 tracks. Just use the track centered and vary the volume with automation as needed. That said.... Yes, you can pan the stereo tracks off center but you then start losing the audio data from the slighted side. If you really need to pan a stereo track, first, convert it to mono so you have 100% of the sound data, then, pan it where you want.
Mono tracks: These can be panned as needed or centered depending on the track.
regarding how far to pan the track. centered to 100% fully left or right..... nothing is off limits. Looking at the tracks individually probably isn't the best idea.... so I always look at them in the context of the mix. And it's kind of like an algebraic expression..... what you do on one side you have to do on the other. So, if for example, I have an acoustic guitar and I want to pan it 50% right, there should be something, perhaps a different guitar or a piano panned 50% left to balance the mix. I often use a pair acoustic guitar tracks, both playing a very similar, or the same part, recorded independently, and panned 100% left and right to give width to the mix.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
I was rendering to mono tracks till very recently. I just switched back to stereo tracks on my last couple songs. Instead of panning the tracks I used izotope Neutron to spread the stereo field for each track. I got the idea from working on EDM tracks where many synths are mixed this way to give a wide and full stereo sound to the music.
You're spreading certain tracks "this" much and other tracks "that" much? Would the opposite work--narrowing the field?
Great song, by the way, and the mix is clear as day.
Yes, basically each instrument is spread a different percentage to sit in its own space in the stereo field. Make sure to set the pan on all of your BIAB tracks to center before exporting though.
Yes, you can also narrow the stereo field using Neutron.
Attached is a quick diagram that generally shows how I spread the tracks.
Yes you can spread the piano wider and wider, but more importantly you can narrow it in a mix. Most mixes should not sound like you are sitting on the bench with the piano player listening to it, if there are other parts to the mix.
Example of narrowing: the piano is on the left side of a stage; you can have the highs and lows still have 'some' spread, but hear it mainly from the left side of the recording/mix (both the left/right channel panned varying degrees left) and still also have the ability to make one side louder if needed, like if you want the higher notes louder and less piano bass ...
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
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
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
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!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
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!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
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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