|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,261
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,261 |
........
AmpleSound AGM II Lite looks like a goer. I would like to let others know about it.
Tony
Thanx Tony, I just DLed it. I won the lottery for all of AGM's bass guitars. They are the best sounding software bass guitars that I have ever heard. Thus it doesn't surprise me that their guitars are also very good. YMMV
Checkout person "Did you find everything OK"?
Me "Why do you ask? Are you guys hiding stuff"?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466 |
Having sax as my primary instrument I'm luckier than guitarists in the MIDI world. The wind MIDI controllers have almost instant response - about as instant as a keyboard controller.
Sax is my primary instrument but I do play guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and flute along with the wind MIDI controller.
I find putting in rhythm guitar parts with the keyboard a lot of work. Proper guitar chord inversions must be used, and sometimes choking and sustain has to be 'massaged' in the MIDI sequencer/DAW after entering. But it's all worth it.
Years ago when I tried the MIDI guitar, as I noted earlier, the latency drove me crazy. Perhaps I should investigate one of those MIDI guitar controllers.
For lead lines I find using the wind MIDI controller easier. Yes, I'm predominantly a sax player, but I also find that the reed on my WX5 does a much better emulation of string bending than the wheel or joystick on any of my keyboards.
The Yamaha WX5 does have mechanical keys unlike the EWI. But I'm so used to slapping keys on a sax, this is no problem for me. Yamaha made a very sturdy instrument. What I like most about the WX family as opposed to the EWI is the reed.
The EWI has a bite sensor that works with a capacitor discharge for return to 'zero pitch'. That gives the machine control over vibrato return speed. I want to be able to do things like bend up quickly and slowly come down to pitch like a guitarist does. The guitarist in a band I was in a long time ago called it a 'ghost bend'. Yes there are bending plates on the EWI that you can control this with, but my fingers are busy with other functions. I prefer it in the reed.
The Wind MIDI controller's con is that it doesn't do double stops. Everything has it's price. But they could be added.
So for making BiaB styles and the backing tracks for my duo, I use keyboards for chord input and melodic percussion input, and wind MIDI controller for wind, guitar, and other lyrical instrument leads or background riffs.
There are exceptions and no hard fast rules. The right tool for the job might not be the one that works most of the time. If something isn't working right, try other tools and you never know what will work best.
For me music isn't instant gratification. I like the process of making the music as much as I like the music itself.
Sometimes making a backing track for a new song in my duo might take only an hour or two, other times a day or two. It depends on the song and my skills.
The harder songs improve my skills and after working on them for many hours, hearing the playback the way I want it is the reward. And I've been in this duo for many years now, so if I'm lucky, I'll get to play that song hundreds or thousands of times, and I'll be glad I spent the extra time with it every time I play it.
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
On sample based digital computer stuff:
The quality and amount of used samples also plays an import roll. There are some great VSTs around sound wise, indeed Ample, and Orange Tree.
Most acoustic instruments (and old electric Fender guitars?) have changing overtones (harmonics) and a resonance frequency belonging to the physical built property of the instrument itself. Hard to capture in a digital VST environment. Years ago i was in the luxury situation of owning some early AKAI and Ensoniq samplers due paid sound-tracking jobs. Spent a lot of time trying to capture mandolins and guitars. Tried layering to capture all, but gave it up sort of with a feeling of 'too much work' and 'i'll play it live on tape myself at a later stage', once i figured out the arrangement. Often done with BIAB, Atari days LoL.
These days i sometimes replace a 'real' rhythm guitarist with a VST (easy way out). And the only time i really was impressed of what synths could emulating a lead rock guitar (and sax and blues type harmonica) was with a Yamaha VL1m i owned quite a few years.
Later Steinberg Wizoo came out with their virtual guitarist VSTs, i still use at times for creating rhythm guitar tracks, maybe also out of laziness.
Sounds fairly OK though ...
MIDI produced stuff versus live recorded musicians has still a very big pre; one can change important parts quite easily at a later stage of some production. RTs are amazing, especially some. The trouble with digital tracks (limited to 16bit?) is IMO when you mix them together a sort of muddy-ing curtain moves in covering the whole caboose making all less palatable. Some RT's sound great soloed however.
On 16bit:
Was assisting at some live recording of a classical orchestra once in a church. The 16bit recordings on an AKAI Dr8, properly externally wordclock slaved and leveled, and left as pure as they were, turned out real well sounding on the final CD afterwards. 16bit can work, but i would prefer at least 24 bit if i have to work with sampled stuff in a complex production situation. RT going 24 bit? However it's the same with Toontracks drummer plugs, all 24 bit, but in a mix all those superbly sounding cymbals need extra help and processing to survive in a final mix. -F
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466 |
<...snip...>Most acoustic instruments (and old electric Fender guitars?) have changing overtones (harmonics) and a resonance frequency belonging to the physical built property of the instrument itself. Hard to capture in a digital VST environment. <...>
Agreed. The software synth has to create every note, every nuance of expression, every variation in harmonics, every tonal color change, from scratch by 'doing the math'. This taxes the CPU of the computer. And since software synths need to cut corners to reduce CPU drag, this might be a good case for external synthesizers. Hardware synths can have the properties of each note at each volume stored in RAM so all the changing tonal colors are available instantly with no extra load on the computer's CPU. Better synths have more realistic programming. Some hardware piano synths even add the sympathetic vibrations of the wood of the piano and the not played strings in a manner dependent on how hard the notes are played, and do it so realistically that it satisfies even finicky piano players. A good synth will change the quality of the sample with the pitch, that's pretty standard. A better synth will change the harmonics, brightness, attack, and other properties with volume. This requires a lot more CPU time on a software synth, but a hardware synth can have this pre-programmed. So with the better synth, playing the guitar string with more velocity (volume) will give a bigger noise burst at the attack, a brighter sound that gets damped over time, and a longer sustain. I have a synth that when playing a sax patch, and 'scooping' a note up to pitch as is often done, the sound brightens with the scoop. It also changes the brightness with vibrato so it sounds more a sax is supposed to sound like. All these things make the MIDI sounds more realistic. There are 128 continuous controllers http://www.nortonmusic.com/midi_cc.html many of which are there to add expression after the note has been attacked. They are your friends if your MIDI controller can send this data and your MIDI synth can receive it. Now I admit, I've only tried about a half dozen software synths, but none of these could compare with the amount of expression and realism I could derive out of a good hardware synth. And the hardware synth does this with no extra load on the CPU and thus for all practical purposes, no latency. That's why although I use RTs from time to time, I haven't abandoned MIDI. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
A PS on MIDI strings. Strings in an orchestra often sound that good due that the players adept their fine tuning according their feel of the scale's tonality. Usually if i have the time to check matters in a midi controlled environment, i'd like to fine tune the 3rds and sometimes 6ths for a more natural feel. Hardware synth or VST. You can't do that with real tracks.
With them you might be best off to use those in the key where they were recorded in.
F.i. a cajun melodeon is tuned to 'just' tuning. Played latter instrument at a studio job, and the engineer, a well trained classical pianist with ears used to his concert piano's tuning, said: argh, that thing is way out of tune. Well Marc Savoy himself tuned it, and he's the (cajun) expert and one of the best tuners around: 3rds and 6ths are 15% lower, but i changed it later towards around 8 % below zero. Less chilly and chicken skin for a few eager ears i guess LoL. -F
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 6 |
Good old MIDI. Thank you, I remembered the past and smiled, very beautiful.
Be perfect at all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,466 |
A PS on MIDI strings. Strings in an orchestra often sound that good due that the players adept their fine tuning according their feel of the scale's tonality. <...snip...> Horn players in a section do the same thing. Our ears like just intonation better than equal temperament. Piano tuner professionals often use 'stretch tuning' on a piano because it sounds better to our ears. There are plenty of MIDI edits available, and fine tuning is one of them. Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,702
Posts795,048
Members39,936
| |
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