Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Thought I would pose a question to the group:

What is your favorite plug-in or VST and why?

I'm thinking about getting the Sonic Sweet by BBE. I've used them in live performances for years, and am thinking about getting the plug-ins to sweeten my overall sound a bit and keep it from sounding too flat.

Does anyone use it or do you have another one you like better?

Thanks!

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,745
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,745
For live performances, I've always used hardware based FX. However, with the advent of digital mixers, they come loaded with all sorts of good FX.

For my studio work, my indispensable plug in is Ozone.


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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Hey GH - thanks for the note back.

Do you use Ozone directly in BIAB or as a mixing element in RealBand or your DAW?

Thanks!

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,485
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,485
Another vote for Ozone. I use it on the master bus of the DAW’s final stereo mix.

In case it helps, Ozone takes serious computer resources so Izotope offers Alloy. I use Alloy if I was to adjust individual tracks.


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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 139
I figured out how to apply it to all tracks if you want to apply effects prior to exporting tracks as separate .wav files prior to mixing.

When you add your VST plug in, select it to the "combo" bus, and it will apply it to all the tracks, as opposed to just and individual track.


Last edited by jimmadsen; 10/10/18 03:51 PM.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,005
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,005
Izotope's Ozone 8, Neutron 2 and Nectar 2
Waves' LinMb and CLA Drums.

They are all indispensable for what we do. It would be hard to pick one as they play different roles in our productions.

Bud


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
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
K
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
K
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
FabFilter's Pro-Q and SoundToys' Decapitator are my go-tos, I throw them on pretty much everything.

I'm also crazy about Waves' API 2500 for compressing drums.

Cheers
Kent
PG Music

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
I agree on all the Izotope products...

Here's a fun one:
Izotope Vinyl - FREE




Steve

BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,745
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,745
Originally Posted By: jimmadsen
Hey GH - thanks for the note back.

Do you use Ozone directly in BIAB or as a mixing element in RealBand or your DAW?

Thanks!


I use it in Sonar in the master buss. I also use it in the Sonar vocal buss quite often.

Never use it in BB. BB is a writing and structure tool. Nothing in it makes it to the final 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.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,457
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,457
In order of preference...

1. iZotope's Ozone on the master stereo bus for the final mix.

2. iZotope's Nectar or Waves' 'CLA Vocal' plugin (both are great).

3. CLA plugins

4. Renaissance Bass (from Waves)

5. Reatune (in Reaper), Melodyne


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
I love DMG audio products. I use DMG EQuality as an excellent EQ on any track and DMG Limitless as a final Limiter when mastering. I also like Sonible Smart EQ+ which I prefer to Ozone 8 in making a nice clear final master.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,447

Based on Noel Adams nod to ReaTune in Reaper, I have been using it "on trial" and purchased Reaper just to be a legit and honest user of ReaTune.

I love it.

I have many plug-ins I love, but ReaTune is a gem and my new favorite. It is SO EASY. My other pitch correction stuff drives me nuts. This is so fast, so intuitive, so easy to use. I will use it on all my correction projects.

Thanks Noel.

I guess I have an extra DAW now too.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,457
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,457
David,

You won't be sorry!

Reatune is a great vocal pitch corrector. I also use it on single-note instruments like sax, trumpet, etc., from time to time.

For reference, Reatune uses the same zplane's élastique that BIAB does with Realtracks and Realdrums.

In case it's useful information...

I use Reatune in Manual Correction mode. Since I record my vocals in mono:

  • I de-activate the default "Stereo correction"
  • set the attack time to 80 ms (rather than the default 250 ms)
  • set the "Algorithm" to "élastique 3.2.7 Soloist"
  • use a monophonic "parameter"

This seems to work well enough for me.

For anyone else who is reading this thread and who is interested, Kenny Gioia explains Reatune in the below video clip.



One thing that Kenny doesn't mention in his video is that it's also possible to set the tuning at an angle. This can be useful for enhancing slide effects. When I use it at an angle, I usually finish the note off with a horizontal tuning line at the top if needed. See the image below. (On this image, none of the notes need correcting. I'm just using them to illustrate what I mean.)

Lastly, in the "Project Settings" I set...

  • the "Playback resample mode" to "Better (384 pt sinc)"
  • the "Render resample mode" to "Extreme HQ (768 pt HQ sinc)

I don't know if this helps with ReaTune but since the plugin is pitch shifting, I reason that it's probably better to set these options rather than leave them with their defaults.

Regards,
Noel

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
reatune - angle tuning.JPG (26.99 KB, 68 downloads)

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,495
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,495
Originally Posted By: David Snyder

I guess I have an extra DAW now too.


Like many DAWs it has it's benefits, and once you dig in they are plentiful.
If you can, take the time to tinker with it.

Sometimes I open RB/PT and Reaper at the same time, and just drag the tracks from RB/PT to Reaper. Then keep on working in a new environment, that (sometimes) can be more productive, & quicker (like when mixing).
It's different, but worth learning IMHO





I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!

PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.

The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.

The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.

Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!

Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.

Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!

Order now!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,882
Posts797,314
Members39,975
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
JMDESILE, holger6810, zxkarass, SteveCanada, Marcel29
39,975 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 180
Noel96 149
DC Ron 115
rsdean 112
Today's Birthdays
Biglad
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5