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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37 |
Hi,
I was given excellent advice on this forum recently about adding vocals and naturally enough it included using a mic. The only mic I had in the house was an old Victor one that came with a now-retired cassette recorder. This one achieved only one green light on the scale so I went to a store and perused the mics. One (AudioTechnica, I think, or Sony) promisingly announced itself as a "digital" mic for DAT (which sounds impressive and computer-related) but I noticed that the packet said in small letters "not for PC use". I then called over the assistant and asked him which would be useful for my purpose and he shrugged and advised me to buy a headset with mic attached. Wasn't sure this was good advice so chose to stay micless rather than buy something unsuitable. So folks... what sort of mic is best?
Chris
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
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Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
check out zzounds.com
lots of under 100 buk mics.
but youll need a mic pre also assuming you dont have one.
before giving lots of recommendations...whats your budget. ??
also..do you have a sound device with a mic pre already built in or a mixer ??
list your gear that you have if any. are you laptop ?? desktop ??
if no gear .heres one decent option of thousands..
mxlv67g mic into a rane ms1b mic pre. proly around 300 buks.
for ultra el cheapo.. used shure 57 mic into 60 buk behringer xenyx mixer.
total prolly 120 buks.
tell us more bout your gear you have.
cant recommend a sound device until its known whther desktop or lappie.
retired puter engr....powertracks on amd......NICE !
"what is the black art of audio engineering ?"
my silly songs...motagator.com/bmanning
see my tips in the tips section.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have a Shure 57 and 2 knockoff look exactly like 57's from Fender.
I recently bought an Audix om5 and I love that mic to death.
I have a bose L1 Model 2 behind me and I get no feedback, and the only thing I'm struggling with is the letter S. I'm putting lots of work into the S and hope I can get my mouth to adapt to the dentures enough to thort it out. That's a mic that when setup right, only picks up stuff from about 2 inches to 3 inches away unless you are shouting. Of course I have the Bose toneport pre-amp AND the TC helicon voicelive preamp in the line, I don't have the latter very much in play.
John Conley
Musica est vita
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Hi,
I was given excellent advice on this forum recently about adding vocals and naturally enough it included using a mic. The only mic I had in the house was an old Victor one that came with a now-retired cassette recorder. This one achieved only one green light on the scale so I went to a store and perused the mics.
Hi Chris,
That mic should be able to drive any proper Mic Preamp.
But it sounds like you may have been plugging the mic directly into a soundcard's Line Input. That would only light one green light with *any* mic.
What you probably need, and need to know, is that you need a proper *Microphone Preamp* to go between the mic and the soundcard's Line Input. Use of the computer's Mic Input is not recommended for recording music as they are noisy and are also designed for those little headset mics and stick mics like the store showed you, which aren't great for singing music either.
You can find a Mic Preamp or you can find a small recording mixer that has built in mic preamps these days for a small cash outlay due to the proliferation of music making supplies for the PC.
Your problem right now sounds like one of gain and not the mic itself, although you can certainly find better mics at the store and should, the mic designed for a cassette recorder is a dynamic mic that can typically turn in a better job than its plastic housing or the like depicts. --If it has the right electronics between it and your soundcard. The mic level cannot drive Line Level, as you have found out.
**Note: It might also be the case that the cassette mic is High Impedance, in which case it wouldn't be a proper mic for home recording to PC anyway. If it is Low Impedance, and most are, it should work okay with a proper mic preamp or mixer, though.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 134 |
Like all gear ... and GAS* (Gear Acquisition Syndrome*) ... microphones and their accoutrement are a universe unto themselves.
In addition to the good above advice ... make sure you understand the difference between mic types. You'll probably want to use a dynamic mic, like the excellent Shure 57's Mac mentions, as this type is better at rejection of sound further from the microphone.
Also look into the USB microphone solutions such as the Samson units. This is a way to avoid having to get a preamp if you don't already have an audio interface wth mic pres.
Finally, go to tweakheadz.com and look at the excellent tutorials there on all things home studio ... including microphones.
Prado
Last edited by Prado; 02/22/10 09:07 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,657 |
Personally i hate the USB mikes. They act as oneway sound cards and this seems to add another clock into the mix and causes timing issues.
I used a Shure clone and a Behringer mixer for years and it worked great later i added a better mixer and a condensor mike (add E instead of O for those who care) for getting a crisper recording sound. But still the old dynamic mikes do work well. I bought three behringer mikes XM8500 $19 each, when i bought the condend(Insert vowel of choice)r mike and i love them three mikes for $60 US. Great in a live situation.
The little Behringer mixer especially the Xenyx version have decent pres and sound pretty good.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Yes, USB standalone mics can be problematic, the clock timing will differ from that of your soundcard, also some of them make monitoring yourself through the headphones darn near impossible to do. Not recommended.
--Mac
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 37 |
OK. Lots to digest there. I'll give it careful attention. Thanks all. I hope one day to graduate to the point where I can advise with equal assurance!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 611 |
Hmmm.. I never thought about disabling my USB mike when doing BIAB. I had been getting all kinds of sporadic timing issues since I moved to Windows 7. Let me give that a shot. I am thinking of gettign another good old Analog mixer again. I had been using my TEAC portasound (even though the cassette mechanism died when the first Bush was president. Time to treat myself. I've seen 5 port Behringers for less than $100.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD4,SD1000
Yamaha RX-v381amp
VB-Audio virtual cables
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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.
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Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
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2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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