I'm looking for some knowledgeable person to tell me that what I want to do is feasible... or not.
Here's the basic idea: Through my headphones, I want to hear BiaB, mixed with the mic input of me playing the alto sax. Important to note that I want the audio of my sax to be sweetened with a little reverb.
For that reason, I'm thinking that Voicemeeter Potato might do the trick. I'm reluctant to install it without first getting the blessing of someone who has used this software. Would I need a virtual cable or any other add-in besides Potato?
Is Potato a good approach to getting what I want? Should I consider some other product? Any guidance you may have would be greatly appreciated.
First a couple of questions: 1-what OS are you running? 2-What is your end goal? Is this just for practice or are you going to record and post your songs. 3-what are you computer specs? RAM, CPU, etc
If you goal is just for practice then get a mic, plug it into your computer, and record in BiaB. Note that I do not record in BiaB so I'm not sure if you can add reverb prior to recording. If you have a PC then RealBand will do what you want or on a MAC garage band.
If you want to record and post songs then things can change. If you are not that concerned about tonal quality then the above method will work. But if you want the best tonal quality then you will need to purchase a good audio interface, also called a sound card, and a good mic. These do not have to be super expensive items. A Focusrite audio interface can cost around $110 USD
Thanks, Mario -- especially for those links to hardware. In answer to your questions... >> 1-what OS are you running? -- 64-bit Windows 10 Pro with all the latest patches
>> 2-What is your end goal? Is this just for practice or are you going to record and post your songs. -- I just want to practice. No recording needed. Basically, I want to listen to myself perform, while Band in a Box is playing chords and rhythm.
>> 3-what are you computer specs? RAM, CPU, etc -- I-5 chip, 32GB RAM, plenty of storage.
I just remembered reading about recording in BiaB but I couldn't find the thread I was looking for so I tried what I was thinking. You will have a big problem doing what you want in BiaB as you can not hear what you are recording while you are recording it. You can only hear it on a playback.
I don't know if RealBand has the same limitation. I have to go now but if anyone else doesn't respond I will try later in RealBand.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I know that many external soundcards come with software FX (reverb is usually a staple). So, if your soundcard has FX it should be fairly simple. You open BIAB and plug your mic into input, most external soundcards have a gain knob, and you adjust your mic level to match how you see it fit with BIAB arrangement.
Possibly you can run your mic through BIAB FX (not sure). As you mentioned, you just want to "play along" and not record...
For the surety to have recording input effects, zero latency monitoring, zero question whether your BIAB tracks can have effects, zero CPU load, Zero connections issues and ease of operation; I recommend a small personal mixer like one of these. For practice only, don't worry about USB capability just be sure the device has effects and phantom power. Even at the $100 price range, you will get high quality effects particularly with the Soundcraft Lexicon effects.
I use Voicemeeter Banana all the time. I have windows set to VB Cable and Voicemeeter Hardware 1 input set to VB Cable. I have Voicemeeter Hardware input 2 set to HiFi Cable. I have DAW set to Voicemeeter AUX ASIO. I have Biab set to Voicemeeter ASIO. I have Voicemeeter Hardware output set to onboard audio or external audio device.
Steve, Charlie's suggestion is the only way you can hear BiaB tracks and your sax with reverb simultaneously. The $118 USD Behringer looks ideal. You would run the BiaB tracks out to the mixer, play your sax with reverb in another mixer input, and listen via the mixer's headphone out.
Back in my day the only time we started panic buying was when the bartender shouted "last call"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
with RB you can hear your live input and the backing and there is a facility to use fx on the input sound. at least i think i'm right - it certainly works with vocals when i use my behringer audio interface. i can vary the mix of backing and live on the unit as its full duplex.
forgive me because i'm not a sax player but when i sing i get my input played back to me but 'hear' my voice anyway
are you likely to hear the reverb from the input over the loud live sax playing?
While Potato is Donationware like the base and Banana versions, Potato will start occasionally asking for an activation code after 30 days. The donation amount is up to you (as with the other two versions), but you will need to donate to shut it up.
FWIW, I donated US$20 for Banana. If I ever need the additional capabilities of Potato, I'll pick whatever donation amount I think is appropriate for me, and then subtract $20 from it.
Very good software.
Last edited by TheMaartian; 05/09/2011:37 AM.
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