Thanks for sharing...interesting. I‘ve used a low end shelf and the “presence” 5K bump since analog days for Janice’s vocals. The rest is informative particularly seeing it graphically.
Bud
PS Regarding Epstein...hard to get away from politics nowadays!
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! A few of our videos are here on our website: https://www.janiceandbud.com/our-music.html
Brand new user of this tool and just attempting to finish off my first song. I'm not very versed in recording technology. I've look through the threads but cannot seem to find an answer so if there is an existing thread, please point me to it.
My question is what is an "easy", i.e., doesn't require much mixing knowledge or equipment, way to add vocals to the biab song?
I have an m-audio mtrack 2x2 and a low end behringer mic. I added "record audio" to the file but boy does it sound bad. I attempted some mixing but the only choices i could find were the vst/dx synths, which i tried to use anyway, but still sounds bad.
Should i even be attempting to record voice via biab? Should i export the song as a file and use something like cakewalk, or audacity?
At this point in my learning, i'm interested in completing a first song that doesnt sound like crap but I dont have the mental or life bandwidth to attempt a deep dive into what might later be required to really make it work well.
So somehow I need to work within the confines of where those two intersect. Thx, Tj
My question is what is an "easy", i.e., doesn't require much mixing knowledge or equipment, way to add vocals to the biab song?
You answered you own question below....use something like cakewalk, or audacity
Originally Posted By: TylerOJones
Should I even be attempting to record voice via biab?
No
That's my two cents. Recording vocals can be a bit of a learning curve but we all figured it out. Open the back track from BIAB as an mp3 in audacity and then use it to record a vocal track. Can't get any easier and still result in acceptable quality. Good Luck
I agree on the above post about exporting the song to a DAW and then recording your vocals there. I use Reaper here but there are other ones. A bit of a learning curve, but you don't need to learn everything at once and just a basic mix with a BIAB file and your vocal will be pretty simple.
Export the BIAB file as a WAV file though, not an MP3. You want the quality of that file to be as good as BIAB can produce because you are not done yet, you still need to mix in your vocal.
When you get more adventurous you can export the BIAB file as individual tracks, that will give you more control over the mix. But for now, rely on the mix BIAB has given you, they are not bad out of the box if you are using one of the BIAB styles.
So, after you have your BIAB as a track in your DAW, go ahead and record your vocal on another track.
There are many VST plugins you can buy specifically designed to work on vocals. They basically include all the effects you would normally put on a vocal, compression, EQ, reverb, delay, etc., all in one package, and they will typically come with a lot of presets that will sound good with little or no tweaking. Later you can experiment with building your own effects chain for vocals, but for now keep it simple.
I agree with using a DAW for recording. Cakewalk used to come with the monophonic version of Melodyne but I don't know if it still does as I don't use Cakewalk anymore. If it does then I would use Cakewalk. Melodyne is a pitch correction software so with a little work your vocals would be on pitch. Cakewalk also comes with a bunch of effects. Plus there are a number of free effects available via the Internet.
I have used a low end Behringer mic, IIRC I got three for $49 USD, and they will work just fine.
The main thing is have fun and don't get discouraged. I know it can be overwhelming at first but if you just take baby steps you will putting songs in the Showcase forum very soon.
Good luck and I hope this helps.
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
Thanks to all of you for the great tips and encouragement. A very good friend of mine is a musician and has a nice home studio. He's helped me record a couple of my songs and it's very good quality. My purpose in purchasing biab is to be able to capture a vision and sort of "rough" of what i'd like vs saying, ok, i'd like a Gilmour-esque guitar here and the drums from breathe, or this should sound like Jerry Reed, etc.
But then i started listening to some of the quality arrangements and final mix of users' songs and was totally blown away, and began to think that maybe i can get close to that quality.
He did offer to let me do vocals at his place but i wanted to at least try to get something acceptable. But he does have years of experience and understands the principles and his tool set very well.
I actually just deleted the free version of cakewalk but may reinstall. I have audacity and will try the above recommended route.
This really helped me in my recording studio. BUT I wouldn't pay full price right now. Join the Musicians Friends Stupid deal of the day emails. I purchased this same shield for $50 USD. This has been on sale a few times and with the holidays coming up it just might go on sale again.
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
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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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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 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®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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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!
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