Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
#488767 08/31/18 11:09 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
When you are all stressed out just press play on your mellow box and chill out.

The Mellow Box

BiaB style = Borrum MIDI Celtic Pop Waltz. I used all of the instruments in this style:

Bass - I changed to a double bass then duplicated the track, raised it an octave and used cellos. Thus the bass and cellos are playing the same lines just an octave apart. Sound source = Kontakt - Diamond Orchestra

Piano and Guitar - I changed the sound to vibes. Sound source = Kontakt - Experimental Vibes

Strings - Sound source = Kontakt - Solid State Orchestra

I am playing the choir and lead violins via my keyboard controller and the tin whistle via my wind controller. Sound sources: choir = Play-Symphonic Choir,
Lead Violins = Kontakt - Solid State Orchestra, Tin Whistle = Kontakt-Patchman Tin Whistle.

Magic Sauce = a touch of reverb via Breverb- cathedral on all but the bass and cellos.



Last edited by MarioD; 08/31/18 11:11 AM.

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
MarioD #488779 08/31/18 11:59 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Mario

A pretty, soothing composition, with a very clever approach to the sound design.
Nice tin whistle playing.

Peter

MarioD #488791 08/31/18 01:07 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 8,362
Wow Mario. What a cool tune. Loved the chord progressions. That wind controllers is such a pretty instrument. Really nice melody. Cool choice of backing instruments. Mellow box indeed...


Scott Collingwood
https://soundcloud.com/scottt709
https://soundcloud.com/spiritlevel-ca
https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritLevel-ge3hm/
MarioD #488801 08/31/18 01:44 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,950
Very nice, Mario.

You do some amazing stuff with that wind controller!

Enjoyed the listen.

fj

PeterF #488809 08/31/18 02:08 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: PeterF
Mario

A pretty, soothing composition, with a very clever approach to the sound design.
Nice tin whistle playing.

Peter


Thanx so much Peter. I try different sounds until I find one that fits what I want to accomplish. I'm glad you like it.


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
Scott C #488811 08/31/18 02:10 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: Scott C
Wow Mario. What a cool tune. Loved the chord progressions. That wind controllers is such a pretty instrument. Really nice melody. Cool choice of backing instruments. Mellow box indeed...


Thanx Scott. I like messing with chord progressions. That is one thing I love about BiaB, i.e. the ability to listen to the chords prior to accepting them. You are not going to hear the ones that don't fit!


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Very nice, Mario.

You do some amazing stuff with that wind controller!

Enjoyed the listen.

fj


Thanx Floyd. I have been practicing the wind controller. Now I've got to get some of my guitar chops back. Old arthritic fingers ain't helping either!


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
MarioD #488822 08/31/18 03:39 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,987
Mario,

I always look forward to hearing your songs. They always have a nice cinematic feel to them. I can close my eyes, and visualize this in a film.

Nice work with the wind controller. Nice arrangement. Good, peaceful feel.

Steve


Steve Young
Music
"In order to compose, all you need to do is remember a tune that nobody else has thought of." - Robert Schumann
MarioD #488828 08/31/18 04:01 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 3,357
Mario`s mello box sounds good - and inventive. The changes you made to stock instruments give this a kind of fairytale feeling I enjoyed.


Robert

MarioD #488849 08/31/18 10:36 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,081
I think I need one of those Mellow boxes!

Nice composition and interesting to read how you built the track. Love the tin whistle!

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
G
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
G
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 7,052
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
Very nice, Mario.

You do some amazing stuff with that wind controller!

Enjoyed the listen.

fj


AMEN!! I'm always convinced of the realism of your wind stuff. I'm tempted to try it myself but I'd probably be no good at it. Always love your beautiful instrumentals Mario!! I feel mellow now! Take care. Greg

MarioD #489040 09/02/18 01:40 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,665
"When you are all stressed out just press play on your mellow box and chill out." Mario, you said it perfectly here! That was soothing to the soul! Great job on this! You always produce very nice sounding material! Thanks, Torrey

MarioD #489059 09/02/18 03:33 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 160
Apprentice
Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 160
Well that will relieve any stress every time. Beautiful relaxing piece of music! Enjoyed it!

Dave

MarioD #489128 09/03/18 09:34 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
My God Mario, this is simply exquisite. Can I offer one suggestion ? Bring in a flute rather than the whistle ? It would give it a lush classical feel. Add one of your gorgeous choirs and it's in a league of its own

MarioD #489129 09/03/18 10:08 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,197
We always enjoy reading the backstory on how you put your compositions together...even if the methodology is way above our production pay grade smile

We enjoyed this very dramatic (and cinematic) song and appreciate the skill involved in producing it.

J&B

PS Bud wants to know if the mellow boxes are available at Amazon?


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
MarioD #489205 09/04/18 04:03 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,369
Mario..way to “engineer” a unique musical texture, like weaving a blanket with some mystical threads, then laying your melody right on top of it...as always, love your curiosity and creativity. I’m a big fan of using the generated midi notes, then changing up the sound samples to create interesting combinations. Also, there is a point amidst the meditative fell of this that you introduce a chord change that, at first, seemed quite jarring, but then you took off on another smooth set of changes...I liked that little harmonic “wake up call”! Great work!


Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
MarioD #489209 09/04/18 04:27 AM
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,414
What a gorgeous tune, Mario! Love the progressions, and the harder I listen, the more subtle nuances I notice. It is so lush, and has so many layers to it. This is precisely the kind of tune I could listen to with high quality headphones and get lost to.

Great work and thanks for sharing smile


Cheers,
Deryk
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: Steve Young
Mario,

I always look forward to hearing your songs. They always have a nice cinematic feel to them. I can close my eyes, and visualize this in a film.

Nice work with the wind controller. Nice arrangement. Good, peaceful feel.

Steve


Thanx so much Steve.


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
Robertkc #489720 09/07/18 03:22 PM
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: Robertkc
Mario`s mello box sounds good - and inventive. The changes you made to stock instruments give this a kind of fairytale feeling I enjoyed.


Robert


Thanx Robert for listening and those very nice comments.


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
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
MarioD Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,823
Originally Posted By: BlueAttitude
I think I need one of those Mellow boxes!

Nice composition and interesting to read how you built the track. Love the tin whistle!


Dave, I really needed one today! Thanx for listening.


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
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,378
Posts804,046
Members40,109
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
hadija, lunadcruse, Jonas Karlsson, Johnj, Tod Dickow
40,109 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 119
rsdean 96
DC Ron 86
WaoBand 81
vicarn 81
dcuny 69
Today's Birthdays
annick.vanlooy, Ray George, Timber
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5