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RealBand
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699
Journeyman
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OP
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 699 |
I just want to create fairly minimal instrumentation backing tracks to play guitar over and sing over(two vocalists, maybe some sax). This would be for a low key duo/trio situation. What's the best way to utilize Real Band for this? I'm thinking mixing tunes down to a looper pedal.
Band-in-a-Box® for Windows
Version 2026 (1237)
64 bit application
RealBand 2026 (4)
Windows 11 Home
Intel(R) Core(TM) 5 120U (1.40 GHz)
12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
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RealBand
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 193
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 193 |
1. Create your song in Real Band using drums, bass, and whatever other instruments you want.
2. Click on 'Render' in the toolbar
Select 'Merge Audio and VSTi/DXi tracks to stereo wave file'
Now you have your song as a .wav file. I convert the .wav to .mp3 and load it on my tablet or phone to use as backing tracks when I perform.
Is this what you wanted to know?
Last edited by Del; 10/18/20 03:19 AM.
Del
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RealBand
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 898
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 898 |
Del's approach is a great way to get started. It will at least give you some tracks for the gigs
I used my Ipad or Iphone to play tracks for performance. Either cable direct from the device or use bluetooth.
I use a piece if IOS code called Anytune Pro to manage songs and setlists for performance.
One tool I have found very helpful in producing a consistent non-clipping output levels for my backing tracks is a piece of code called MP3 Gain. This keeps you from having one track too loud and the other too low in volume. It also identifies clipping when your mix is too hot. Fix clipping in the mix not at mp3gain.
A LUFS meter and Limiter is important. I personally like to EQ each track in my DAW. I use automation to accent different accompaniment parts to make the track more interesting.
None of it is hard. Truth be told I learned a great deal here on the BIAB forums. There are some folks with skills here.
If you want to sound good out in public, you need good quality tracks.
It is work.
biab2026(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Daiwa Saltist 35H
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678 |
I like having the SEQ files myself.
Then you can have a mix and send a click/drums, synth/guitar patch changes as well .. even lights can use the MIDI data.
Having both MIDI and Audio available is nice.
That said, test the system you'll rely on many times before an actual show <grin>
If you don't need MIDI at all, an MP3 list can work, but will be a little less powerful.
Maybe Silvertones will chime in .. he plays solo shows pretty regularly using the Jukebox feature if I recall correctly .. you may want to look at that too
/personally, I have created SEQ files in RB, but used PT in live performance as it is lighter in resources (doesn't auto-load accompaniment features when opening files etc), and PT can open/use RB generated SEQ files
//we've also recorded multitrack performances live this way; playing a SEQ file in PT while recording our performance .. not recommended for the faint of heart or ill prepared
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 35 |
I have always used the Jukebox function and use the SEQ files. I will put the SEQ files in a separate directory for each set. One other trick I do is to have a blank four bar SEQ file that I put as the first song in the Jukebox list. The reason to do this is so that when I start the Jukebox it plays the blank song first, loads the next song and then waits until the spacebar is pressed. This way you don't have to try to hit the space wherever the computer is located and then get to position where you are performing. I did hack the circuit board from an old PC keyboard and wired it into an old guitar pedal. I use a USB extension so that I can just use the guitar pedal to get the Jukebox to start the next song when I am ready. The other advantage with using the SEQ files is that if I have friends that play different instruments I can just mute their track, otherwise it will just be the lead guitar track that is muted when I perform alone.
Darren
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RealBand
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,678 |
Another 'Frankenstein' approach is to find an old keyboard and throw it on the floor.
Then your foot can simply tap the Space Bar key to start/stop RB Jukebox (as opposed to how Darren overcame it). Rip the other keys out of said keyboard to make it even easier for your foot, if needed.
/thinkin' outside the box
//I admit, it's an ugly foot pedal, but has worked
///or so I've heard .. of course I would never try such a thing <wink>
////Again, I'd create the SEQ files in RB and use PT for live performance, if it were me, for various reasons
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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RealBand
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 102 |
Hello,
After you create your tracks you all might like this for live backing tracks:
Cymatic Audio LP-16 Live Player Multi-track Performance Playback System.
Leave your laptop at home. The standalone Cymatic Audio LP-16 plays 16 mono WAV files in perfect sync from a USB drive. Sixteen discrete outputs send multitrack rhythm tracks and vocal harmonies to front of house, click tracks and cues to performers onstage, and even MIDI triggers to samplers and lighting rigs. This makes the LP-16 an excellent option for solo performers who want to bring their backing tracks on the road, and for large ensembles, EDM performers, and places of worship with complex playback needs. The Cymatic Audio LP-16 pulls double duty as a 2-in/18-out USB audio interface for your home computer or iPad in and out of performance season.
Cheers!
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RealBand
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,860 |
I know Our own Mr. “Notes” Norton, has been playing live for years with a laptop. He keeps a second old standby Lapps ready in case of failure. I personally played with RB as others have said and it worked great for the most part. I did over a three year stretch have about 3 or 4 files become corrupted. So I suggest making sure all you song files are saved in a second location. I like the laptop approach cause as Bob said you can fire other midi instruments. I had mine setup to control my TC Helicon voice works unit for backing vocals and some special effects and vocal processing. The .SEQ files allow chord and lyric scrolling.
I don’t play that way now as I don’t do it often, but when I do, I use an iPad/android app called Jamzone. I have about 120 song files I have purchased over the last year of so. Mostly pop, country and a few real oldies I like that I can play along with. It is simple and effective and can be altered to your needs. You can change tempo, and key, and since it is multitrack you can turn off the tracks you want. It also scrolls the lyrics and chords which is kind of nice for me addled brain.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
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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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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 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.
Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
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.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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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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