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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17 |
I have been using BIAB for a couple of years now and would like to add my live performance to the songs. However, I don't even know what you folks are talking about when recording live. Can someone give me a "kindergarden level" explanation of what you need to do this or direct me to a website that explains the basics.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 826 |
Here is a link to an article about recording with BiaB. It should answer many of your questions. Please be aware that the site is a work in progress. Eventually I hope it'll answer all you questions. Meanwhile, I hope this helps.
BiaB 2013 b366, RB 2013 b4, WinXP Pro SP3, Toshiba M70, 1.8GHz 2GB RAM 100GB HD. Focusrite Saffire 6 USB, Ketron SD2. BiaB Wiki
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hi Joe,
Hats off to pwarren for that link!
In a very small nutshell, here is a rundown of what you need to have and the steps of recording to make this happen. Keep in mind that this is my way of doing, I'm sure there are plenty of other users who have a better way than me, and I love to keep learning, so here goes.
1. Get yourself a good Digital Audio interface. A couple of good ones are the M-audio Profire 610 (Firewire), or the new Focusrite Sapphire interface. USB interfaces also can work well in smaller projects. Make sure you also have a fast (7200 RPM) Hard drive to record with. Lacie, or Seagate are both good choices. STAY away from 5400 or 4200 RPM drives, these aren't capable of recording digital audio in realtime.
2. You will also need to get a good microphone. These could range from $100 shure mic all the way to $12,000 for Sony's new Liquid cooled vocal mic (This subject could take me all day to write.) Bottom line, decide on your budget, Mic Preamp and what you are going to be recording (Vocals-male/female, instruments, drums, etc)
3. You should also invest in a good DAW (Seqencing and recording program) PG music has a good low priced product that has had good reviews. I use Sonar, which I've used for years. Cubase and Reaper are a couple of other good ones that come to mind.
4. After you have installed and configured your interface and mic, do so level testing to make sure you have a good level. One important tip>Digital Audio is NOT forgiving of level overload. You will know right away if your level is too hot!
5. What I like to do is make sure my BIAB file is perfect (or close) Then I save it as a midi file. When doing so, the Audio files are saved as well.
6. Open your midi file in your DAW, then Drag the audio tracks into your project.You have the choice to record your vocal/guitar in BIAB , or in your DAW. I like to use my DAW because I have more choices there (More tracks, etc)
7. I try to use high Quality VST instruments for my songs, the realizm factor goes way up. VST can be pricey, but worth it!
8. Finally I mix all these tracks, and then render this to high bit rate MP3 for my live gigs. Now I can have background vocals, strings, horns etc in my mixes.
Hope this helps, love to hear from other users,
Ed
4. Open BIAB, load your song, and then use the red "Record" button to record your take. BIAB makes it easy to do over if you are not happy with your results.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 484 |
Right on, Ed. Basically that is the process I use with the exception of the mic. I have been told by very qualified people that I cannot carry a tune with a handle when it comes to my voice!  Although, that water cooled mic sounds like a good idea. Perhaps if I sounded like I was singing under water it may bring better results! I also want to put my two cents in about your thoughts on VSTs. I absolutely agree. The end listener may not catch live or MIDI but when I am recording my guitar tracks I like to have a band that breathes. There is nothing like the sound of a real drummer using a real acoustic kit (we are no longer in the 80's ok?) coupled with a brass section or such that add the punches to the rhythms. As for recording with BIAB, I have not been able to find the recording track view as I can with RB or my DAW (Cakewalk HS6XL). I like to see what is happening with the signal as I am playing. Plus, I have learned where to spot visually where I think something needs to be edited. If I don't see that little wave screen moving along I am lost. RickeG
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 17 |
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
It's easiest to start just using band in a box and the one track you can record to and get started. If you are half happy with the results get better stuff. Once your inputs are setup, you can use a very cheap microphone to record, no reason even to spend $100. When it was first introduced people were using cheap computer mics just cause they could.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869 |
Hi Joe,
Did you say what you are recording? Vocals, Piano, Guitar, digital Piano?
If its the latter then you might not need a mike at all.. you could work with the midi
best to say.
I am new to BIAB so I let others answer
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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