|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
I'm a new user to DAW and looking for the best DAW for BIAB.
Can you share your opinion ?
Thanks
Vincente
Last edited by Vincente; 10/12/18 04:26 AM.
WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 30
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 30 |
Hi, the simple answer: there is no "BEST".
Its depends what you are used to (i'm a Cubase User since Atari Time, so for me it is Cubase). It also depends on the money you want to spend and the time. If you have not enough time then there is no sense in a high end tool. Maybe you start with real band and after a while you will see what your needs are. Then ask again and maybe there are some specific useful hints.
BIAB 2024 UltraPlusPAK, Cubase 13, Ethno , SC8850, MU80, QUASAR, Win 10 (64), U-PHORIA UMC 1820, Halion 7, Wavelab 12 Elements, Dorico 5 Elements,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
Many users here use Reaper. It has an excellent support base, and is a very powerful DAW, with what I understand is an attractive price tag. It's probably worth considering. Some Reaper users will chip in, I'm sure.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
I think you can use any. The key is putting in the time to learn it.
Most people will recommend the one they know best because if you learn one there is rarely a good reason to use another. An exception would be for pros involved in studio work. I’m familiar with a few because of that. I have strong reactions, positive and negative, to each new DAW I see because some fit my idea of how they should work, and others really do not, making work more difficult. Luckily you can try demos of many to get a feel for how it ‘seems’ to you.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,789 |
Simple question deserves a simple answer.
Reaper.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 130
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 130 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,448 |
What the best DAW is, is not a simple question at all.
The question here was, what is the best DAW for use with BIAB. I still like the first answer, “it depends”. And learning RealBand first would be very helpful.
However, even though I found Reaper to be among the more difficult to work with, I would support Reaper as the better answer for the first standalone DAW simply because we know there is an active user base here on this forum. One user even made a recent video describing the workflow between the two programs. So the guidance will be there.
I also like Reaper for their ongoing changes and communication with users. And the price is right.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,970
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,970 |
If you're new to DAWs then you might want to begin by reading +++ the Wikipedia DAW article HERE +++ . The article explains what features are common and how hardware or software DAWs differ from each other. The article has many links for all of the most common free and for pay DAWs for Windows, Apple and Linux computers. If you have the Windows version of Band-in-a-Box then you already have RealBand which is a PG Music DAW included with the purchase. RealBand is useful because RealBand can import Band-in-a-Box MGU and SGU files and it adds some much requested additional capabilities not available in Band-in-a-Box. Some people don't use a DAW because Band-in-a-Box is all they need. When extra help is needed, they can use a free audio editor like +++ Audacity +++. One problem with an audio editor is it can not work with midi. DAWs can manipulate both audio and midi data. One full featured DAW available for the cost of your email address is +++ Cakewalk by Bandlab (CbB) +++ This software is built on Sonar which is a DAW with a thirty year history. BandLab itself is an interesting music collaboration platform and social network.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,936
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,936 |
All of the modern DAWs have similar feature sets and will work equally well with BIAB.
So it comes down to price (if that is important to you), and workflow; how intuitive is it to work with.
The good thing is that most DAWs available, if not all, have fully functional demos, so download a few of the demos and spend a few hours learning how they operate.
I did just that a few years ago and settled on Reaper, for me it just “made sense” as far as workflow went. You may like a different one better, so it makes sense to invest a week or two and take them out for a test drive.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
I'm a new user to DAW and looking for the best DAW for BIAB.
Can you share your opinion ?
Thanks
Vincente
I like Matt's answer best. The best one to use with BIAB is RealBand. That's the simple answer to the question asked. Real Band amplifies and extends the power of BIAB as well as functions as a DAW for the major purposes of a DAW. It IS a DAW. And if you have it already, then it's free. Besides that, there is a formal subforum in this forum for questions and comments about RB. IF I can get my midi issues sorted out, Reaper will get my 60 dollars. But the learning curve is rather steep for me (and I have at least some acquaintance with DAWs). If you are new, and just getting into BIAB and DAWs, then RB is your obvious choice. I am guessing you've got quite enough on your plate just getting the hang of these great tools. I wouldn't jump to another DAW right off the bat when what you have may have more capabilities than you can currently use. I don't know. Use the DAW you have. You won't need another one until you do. If you do now, then do what others have said and test-drive a few within your budget. I hope Reaper works out for me, because I've already spent more than I intended to. Another 60 dollars won't kill me, but my wife might hire someone to do it.
Last edited by Tangmo; 10/12/18 09:20 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,357 |
Hi Vincente, As a number of people have indicated, my view is that there is no 'best DAW'. From what I understand, most DAWs are very capable and very powerful these days. When I listen to the songs on Users Showcase here in the PG Music forums, it's easy to hear that the many DAWs used all turn out great results. Whatever DAW one decides to settle on, the key is to thoroughly learn those bits of the software that you need for what you want to create. I'm a Reaper user. Below are the reasons I like Reaper... 1. Audio and MIDI tracks can be dragged from BIAB to Reaper. 2. It's easy to set up plugins and softsynths in Reaper. 3. Time-stretching is a valuable tool for me and Reaper has time-stretch markers that make stretching/shrinking audio very easy. 4. Full audio clips can also be time-stretched easily. 5. Automaton control in Reaper is vast and every control on whatever effect is used on a Reaper track can be easily automated. The main envelopes I use are (a) volume, (b) pre-FX volume, (c) reverb, (d) mute. 6. Reaper offers a number of envelope-related shapes that are great for (a) assisting with de-essing (or taming harsh sounds in general -- like J, G, K, etc.), (b) compiling snippets of audio into a single track, (c) fading in and out in general. 7. I've recently discovered spectral editing (from a user on these forums) and this is a very powerful, frequency-based editing tool. 8. 'Snap to grid' is something that I use a great deal and access to its settings and on/off switch is fast and easy in Reaper. 9. The tutorial library created by Reaper master Kenny Gioia is very, very extensive. Kenny's videos are also easy to follow and very instructive. In addition, there are many Youtube videos created by many different users on how to do things. If you want to checkout Kenny's video collection, have a look at.... www.kennymania.com/reaper-videos/Realband (available with the Windows version of BIAB) is also an important song-creating tool for me. While I assemble my final product in Reaper, the fact that Realband offers all the functionality of BIAB but in a DAW-like environment is useful. If I used the Mac version of BIAB and didn't have Realband, though, BIAB and Reaper would still do exactly what I need. Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114 |
Hi all
Yes almost any Daw that you are willing to learn.
Having said that I would not go for specialist programs like Ableton Live 8 and its successors as they are aimed more at live DJ clubbing work, and calling up sound loops. Triggered from a controller keyboard or special control suface.. Normal midi handling is not typical and you may well struggle using with BIAB
Just my thoughts
Mike
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
I agree with most posts here - it is down to how you like the workflow (which is very different from daw to daw).
I'll mention FL Studio here, because they have one big advantage, which is that you only pay once and then you have a lifelong licence for the program (with all updates, etc.). I payed about 149$ in 2001, I think.
Still I am also using other daws, like Cubase, Maschine and Ableton, but that is mainly because they have different interesting plug-ins that I wouldn't get otherwise - or sometimes because they simply fits better with my midi-keyboards or my Yamaha-synths.
Please, you should take the advice from many people here and try out the "lite"-versions or the demos before you settle on one daw - because the one that feels intuitive to you will probably be the right one.
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
Hi Mike,
I'm sorry, but I (partly) disagree with you about Ableton Live. It can be a an amazing tool for composing if you are in doubt about how to build your song - like where should the different parts (verses, bridge, chorus, solos) be and in what order, because you can easily audition the different possibilities in Ableton by using the exact same tools as DJ's would use in a live situation.
I found a lot of inspiration by moving parts of a composition around to see what new sonic/inspiring things would happen. That's quicker to do in Ableton than in BiaB.
I hope I make sense (not sure about that).
Will
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
Wow! Thank you all for your inputs about my question: "Best DAW". What I meant was easy to use and cost.
WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,362 |
Vincente, about cost you got the answer. RealBand is free because you have the Windows version of BiaB, but ease to use... more difficult to answer as I have not yet used it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,802
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,802 |
Stand alone digital multi track recorders such as the Zoom R8,R16,R24, L12, L24; Tascam DP-008,DP03 and DP-24,Dp-32 or the new D-24 all have proprietary DAW built in. The learning curve is better than any software DAW. The units are rock solid, some also double as an Audio Interface, will vary from two to 24 inputs and regardless of the actual channel count, can produce dozens of tracks. They are mobile, make great field recorders, have actual faders and knobs and normally the menu's do not go very deep. They all work flawlessly with BIAB tracks.
They can easily transfer audio files to and from a computer DAW and very seldom malfunction or crash.
Cost can be less than $100 used to just over $100 new to thousands depending on what you buy.
They operate as simply as turning it on, plugging in Mic's and line level inputs such as keys, electric guitars, etc, opening a song, select tracks, hit record and you're off. No drivers, sound cards, finicky plug-ins or wacky OS's.
You can learn a unit inside/out in a day...
They're not as fancy or popular as DAW's but at the end of the day, you can record, edit and publish a song from start to finish literally in the box --- The real box....
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 10/12/18 02:01 PM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285 |
I use Studio One Pro 4. I can drag a BiaB song directly into it.
But, as previously stated, there is no best DAW. Asking a question like this is like asking what is the best vehicle to buy. It depends on your needs. Also you will get the Chevy, Ford, etc lovers and haters pitching their vehicle as the best and knocking all the others. YMMV
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,021 |
Wow! Thank you all for your inputs about my question: "Best DAW". What I meant was easy to use and cost. If Easy To Use and Cost are the key performance indicators, then RealBand should definitely be somewhere at the top of the list for you.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280 |
I use Studio One Pro 4. I can drag a BiaB song directly into it. When you say a BIAB song, you mean a •.sgu /•.mgu file?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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 PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,736
Posts795,467
Members39,942
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean