No offense meant to anybody so don’t be hating on me now ....and apologies for veering a bit of topic. Us old pharts do that.
I would love to see a correctly done (good research design) double blind study that tested for discrimination accuracy of those tested regarding:
High quality mp3 vs wav vs etc. Vinyl vs CD vs the best streaming platform $3K speakers vs $500 speakers High end tube amp vs a decent sold state amp
And more...
Good article. I'm surprised CD sales are still that high.
Bud
Caveat 1: I have a huge vinyl collection dating to early Elvis...including the Beatles "Butcher" album - got real lucky with that! All purchased when released. After the advent of CD's they were all relegated to the basement where they remain. I've gone from that vinyl collection to replacing most with CD's to uploading 500 CD's to iTunes to Apple Music.
Caveat 2: I owned some of the best turntables and tube amps. Mostly they too reside in the basement...well I wish all the tube amps did given the market for them now!
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
LOVE playing vinyl. At our local hospital radio station there's over 3000 vinyl LPs. Quality even from the 60s' is incredible. I bought a double vinyl album last year from a friend of mine who recorded his last album on vinyl AND cd. He gave me the cd, but the difference is astonishing. Vinyl for me every time
I still have my vinyl collection (about 1500 albums), but am digitizing them to MP3 (using pretty good software designed for that). It takes a while, but it's a fun hobby. I could probably get a number of them on CD, but I don't like buying the same thing twice, and many are no longer available anyway.
And I never had very good luck trying to listen to my records while driving in the car.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Matt, Can't speak for John, but I just record the turntable output to PT/RB, then use the PGVinyl tool sparingly (actually a pretty impressive tool once you learn it). And save as Wav.
The PGMusic VinylTool is worth exploring if you want to get your OLD vinyl albums digitized. I have a few hundred and some are definitely collector stuff, but alas I've also abused/wore out many that are no longer available. The PGMusic VinylTool is another hidden tool you already have but may not have tinkered with .. The settings in the image below are my default starting point, like I said; you gotta tinker with it a bit.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Hi all I am a great fan of vinyl, but sadly I sold my last turntable about 15 tears ago for more than I paid for it new back in the HI Fi era. Replaced most of my collection with CDs the balance transferred to high spec cassette tape.
Still miss that sound and the Valve (tube) amps. So much so that as some of you know I have recently bought a class A push pull valve amp for my guitar. Reminds me of those hifi valve amps like the Leak, Quad, Radford, etc. the sound I loved. However I can see how this all happened with the move to music PC based music and software in recent years. With the DAT audio systems and the ill fated minidisk (remember them) sandwiched somewhere along the way.
I love my vinyls and I probably have about 1000, but to be honest, most of my listening to music these days is via streaming... it is just so much more convenient.
Guys, if your Lps are quite crackly, then use Adobe audition ( or even cool edit as it was before.) It's been a fantastic tool for me copying Lps from friends. It REALLY works at taking all the crackles & pops out of a recording. I've even used it for hiss removal from old tapes. This was the software I've used for years for recording vinyl to cds to begin with. Don't have any more to copy now. I've about 10,000 cds on two 64gb sd cards and also backed up on a 1tb ext hd, which I use to take to the studio to do my radio shows.
Yes, I've used Adobe Audition (Cool Edit) for all my stereo editing from more than a decade. But unless you are recording from an amp the turntable is connected to, converting a signal from a turntable requires a preamp and that RIAA emphasis curve. There must be some interface that does it, or else perhaps software.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Originally my goodmans turntable had two phono out sockets, and would connect to my Behringer sound module. At the moment I don't have or need a turntable as I can just record any at the hospital radio studio and take them home to edit.
My Audio Technica turntable has audio outs, which is connected to my mixer and near field monitors, as well as a USB port, which is connected to my computer.
I only convert to a CD songs that I want or need to learn, and that is very rarely.
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
Some of you mention the RIAA equalization curve. This will need to be dealt with if your pickup is Magnetic, moving coil or moving iron (magnet) like Sure, Ortifon, etc. these will also need a pre amp as the output is low a few mv. The RIAA treatment is included in pre amps made for this purpose, in hi fi amps or can be bought as free standing units to give you an equalized output at a higher level for driving what ever. If you use a magnetic cartridge.
However those using ceramic pick up cartridges, you don’t need to worry about RIAA Eq or preamps. As they are a much higher impendence and output often 100mv to 1volt . The eq is not required because the ceramic element compensates for the recording curve.
This means that if you don’t use RIAA eq when using a magnetic pickup it will sound thin and toppy no bass. Where as a ceramic will give you an already flatter output across the range. Into its correct impedance.
The above all assumes that you are feeding the above cartridges to their correct input impedance, that is :normally 47k moving iron(magnet), Moving coil are often much lower impedance and need to go through a transformer to bring them up to a 47k input. Ceramic cartridges req a much higher impedance 1M to 2M to perform as above.
Strangely, and confusing for some folks if you feed a high impedance ceramic cartridge into a 47k input the mismatch causes its output to not be flat In fact it would be all top and no bass so you can bring it back on line by using RIAA EQ. But you would overload a magnetic cartridge input because of the ceramic cartridge high output
One thing I'm surprised is making a comeback is cassette - more and more independent artists I follow are releasing new projects on cassette tape. Which is strange to me since I have vivid memories of how low quality it sounded.
I do think vinyl is around for the long run. If anything else, the artwork on a record is stunning when you compare it to the tiny little artwork on a cassette or CD case. Between the packaging and vinyl itself, I almost consider it a work of art itself aside from the music.
I had read something about a huge shortage of vinyl pressing equipment and the people who know how to run them. I vaguely remember reading about how records are made as a kid and it's complicated. Here's a good article about it:
One thing I'm surprised is making a comeback is cassette - more and more independent artists I follow are releasing new projects on cassette tape. Which is strange to me since I have vivid memories of how low quality it sounded.
Strangely by the time cassettes came to an end, the high end cassette decks could turn in a good recording. What was not so good were commercial releases of compact cassette recordings, owing to the fact that they often copied for distribution on high speed copiers. As you know to double the speed doubles the frequency so you soon finished up outside the capabilities of the medium and the copies would playback at the correct speed when you played them but lacked in high frequency content. This has always been a problem with any double speed copier for tape systems in general. 15k is 30k at double speed. Real time copy is a much safer bet. Mike
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!
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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!
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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®.
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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!
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!
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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.
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)
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