So this year has seen a whirlwind of forward progress and activity for my businesses but a few of my professional studio commitments had to be rescheduled. Almost fully caught up (catching breath LOL)! Through it all I have been working on my studio workflow – I thought I would be done last year but I am at least well functioning now! Though not completely setup yet. I need 3 rooms to house my gear, but it all gets used and appreciated. (Guitars, amplifiers, vintage hardware need a space to live! ) Recent update was the Midas M32 to route vintage gear through. Its very nice! When you see ‘holes’ or spaces in the racks, you can be sure there is a high voltage tube driven kit below it or a large PSU that needs to stay cool. Otherwise, it would be filled!
I have done the working mans home studio since the first cassette 4 tracks. Everything from jingles, remote tracks for labels, song demos for studios, gear demos, countless sessions, fully produced high-end albums...to simple basic singer songwriter demos. I have had Cassette, Floppy, Mini Disc, ADAT, HRD Disc, SCSI drives, CD recorders and DAT… My current setup is organized, productive and efficient. The downside of such a small space is I need to bring in/out gear as needed, but the trade off is worth it for now!
So here is a shot of the room just before recording (Just the one camera , light boxes out of shot and tucked strategically away)a FAST fresh pedal demo for a buddy of mine in Russia who makes high-end gear. Gtown amps, done yesterday. Comfortable setting, good sound, clear video. Drums and bass are me…EP and organ are BIAB cut paste chop make! Effective approach. If ya’ll have any questions about production approaches in this type of small environment, feel free to ask! I can geek out on every detail down to why I chose certain strings, cables or instruments for the job/genre/style at hand. For instance, I keep 6 different brands of bass strings available on hand, just for detail work. BTW for the guitar tone curious - This is direct ANALOG guitar, no amplifier used and no modeling or 'sims' (Though I love my Fractal AXE FX) But running through a vintage PM1000 channel strip, EL8 distressor and PCM 60 verb!
Cheers ya’ll and an INFINITELY thankful week to you leading up to thanksgiving!
Most impressive. I do admire the compactness and cleanness of this design. Love to see an old tape deck still in use too (I still have an ancient Teac 4-track 10.5").
One question, as I do audio but not video: what is the porcupine tail, or whatever that is at the top of the camera? A windscreen?
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.
Most impressive. I do admire the compactness and cleanness of this design. Love to see an old tape deck still in use too (I still have an ancient Teac 4-track 10.5").
One question, as I do audio but not video: what is the porcupine tail, or whatever that is at the top of the camera? A windscreen?
Cheers Matt! Yes, love the Tascam 44. 4 tracks on 1/4" very usable! And it gets used often. This one is 84' 10.5" reels, 15ips and mint. Yes sir, that is called a 'deadcat' LOL! I use it on the shotgun mic when the fan is running!
Yep, impressive is right, maybe come over for some free scotch and steaks and re-work my studio into a "clean living" space like yours - I really should tear my space apart and start over but ... when I'm dead the wife or her estate guys can deal with it.
I see you have an FX II in the rack and you say you like it, well If you do, then time to test drive the III, I really like my FX III. However, I still run an analog tube amp, a Lexicon Signature 284, in my rack.
Again looks like a very well organized and efficient workspace.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Yep, impressive is right, maybe come over for some free scotch and steaks and re-work my studio into a "clean living" space like yours - I really should tear my space apart and start over but ... when I'm dead the wife or her estate guys can deal with it.
Cheers buddy, thank you for the comments! LOL, completely relate! But a curse and blessing, I need order to be productive, always been that way! And man oh’ molly did I ever tear this room apart! I had to wait till one of my ol' 18 year old pups passed away - it was his room! But did it myself - it was a fun project!
Originally Posted By: Larry Kehl
I see you have an FX II in the rack and you say you like it, well If you do, then time to test drive the III, I really like my FX III.
Cheers! Yes, really enjoy the AXE-FX, had this one since version 10.0 (I’ll go months without using it but when I want it, it delivers!) The III’s look sexy, but no actual impulse or desire to switch. I feel completely covered with the MKII and I know it so well! But i'll be honest and say I have peeked on occasion.
Originally Posted By: Larry Kehl
However, I still run an analog tube amp, a Lexicon Signature 284, in my rack. Again looks like a very well organized and efficient workspace.
Signature 284! Yeah, gotta love chewy EL84 tones! Classic odd-ball one off 90’s rack amp/pre-am/direct box! Awesome man – let me know if you ever want to move it. And understood! I am an artist and demo ambassador for Carr tube amplifiers. High-end, over built, gorgeous tones. I have an Impala, Sportsman, and Rambler which I use often but one of my favorite gems is my Netherland Elektra 185 (octal tubes) I was the first to have one custom made and shipped to the USA so it is a bit special! It is magical amp! (Also has my initials stamped in the serial (As does my Rambler)
Cool story, tech and photos. We have so often thought about a project like that for our music room (that also started with a 4-track Tascam cassette recorder). We have the construction skills for most of it but time passes and we spend so much time hiking, mountain biking and trail working.
Sounds like the pup had a great run!
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
J&B
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
Cool story, tech and photos. We have so often thought about a project like that for our music room (that also started with a 4-track Tascam cassette recorder). We have the construction skills for most of it but time passes and we spend so much time hiking, mountain biking and trail working.
Sounds like the pup had a great run!
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
J&B
Howdy J&B! Or Just J! Or Just B! Thank you! Understood! The chaos and disorder before the order can be mighty crazy when you rip out carpet and get to it! Can of 'what I am doing this for'...opens up! But you are right time passes with astonishing speed these days. Astonishing! If you are passing the time in the most joyful way for ya'll right now, that is the best work/play anyway! Cheers, RG
THR, that is impressive. Makes my small little studio seem .... well small. Yet it does what I need to get done any projects I do. I agree that setting up for efficiency is very important. The biggest issue I have now is that the laptop sits on top of the portable rack unit making any typing kinda hard. At some point the rack mount units will be built into the desk. I do have three amps, two guitar and one bass not showing. Plus a Gemini three channel tower type PA. For live acoustic stuff.
Since I use Presonus Studio one as my main DAW along with BiaB . I also use the studio one controller app on my iPad to act like a controller poor mans faderport. I like the app cause I can control multiple tracks with it. The heart of the system in my Presonus 1818 VSL interface.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 11/27/1904:29 PM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
THR, that is 8mpressive. Makes my small little studio seem .... well small. Yet it does what I need to get done any projects I do. I agree that setting up for efficiency is very important. The biggest issue I have now is that the laptop sits on top of the portable rack unit making any typing kinda hard. At some point the rack mount units will be built into the desk. I do have three amps, two guitar and one bass not showing. Plus a Gemini three channel tower type PA. For live acoustic stuff.
Since I use Presonus Studio one as my main DAW along with BiaB . I also use the studio one controller app on my iPad to act like a controller poor mans faderport. I like the app cause I can control multiple tracks with it. The heart of the system in my Presonus 1818 VSL interface.
Thanks Rob! Cool and compact! Love it! Been awhile since my setup could breath that well! WOW, is that an old VoiceWorks? Loved that box back in the day. Did a couple Jingles with it 16 years ago using the 'announcer' voice preset!! Happy holidays!
Did a couple Jingles with it 16 years ago using the 'announcer' voice preset!! Happy holidays!
Found one! Just popped it up on SC. TC Voice Works 2004. Radio Spot for a Coffee House: I used the 'gravely' voice and the 'announcer' voice! Fun blast from the past!
Speaking of the TC-Helicon VoiceWorks, does anyone happen to know which presets will work as the "note" harmony presets and exactly which 4 midi channels I need to setup to send each individual note of a harmony? I have an entire 16 track bank available. Thanks for any help! - Greg
That reminds me..... I need to sweep up the leaves off the floor and remove the old carpet and put down the new rug my wife bought to put in here......
I bring in a tree that normally sets on the porch, when the winter gets here so that tree doesn't die.... ( it doesn't like the cold ) BUT... it tends to drop 70% of it's leaves on the floor.... and , the carpet in here is in bad shape and should have been thrown out to start, but....
So there's that....
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.
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.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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) Recent update was the Midas M32 to route vintage gear through. Its very nice! When you see ‘holes’ or spaces in the racks, you can be sure there is a high voltage tube driven kit below it or a large PSU that needs to stay cool. Otherwise, it would be filled! 
- I really should tear my space apart and start over but ... when I'm dead the wife or her estate guys can deal with it. 
Thank you! Understood! The chaos and disorder before the order can be mighty crazy when you rip out carpet and get to it! Can of 'what I am doing this for'...opens up! But you are right time passes with astonishing speed these days. 
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