|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
While I have heard good things here about Real Band...it doesn't appear in any of the online reviews for DAW's.
My main question is this:
How does Real BAnd compare to something like Ableton Live?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364 |
RealBand is a free program by PG Music bundled with Band-in-a-Box. It reads the song files produced by BIAB. No other DAW to my knowledge does that directly; you have to transfer the audio or MIDI tracks to the DAW. RealBand allows you to regenerate part of a track, something that I believe does not yet exist in BIAB.
The commercial DAWS out there like Ableton Live have more features (and thus are far more complex). Many have their own instrument sound libraries, and differ in the plugins available.
Many of us here use BIAB, RealBand, a different DAW, a stereo sound editor, a CD burning program, a music notation editor, etc. in the production of a song.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
Thanks Matt.
Even with the VST adapter for another DAW you can't do that without ReadBand?
Also, if RealBand is a DAW...why do you use another one with it? Or are you just using RealBand to read the song files from BIAB.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,400
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,400 |
Not speaking for Matt, but my own reasoning below if RealBand is a DAW...why do you use another one with it? Many musician/recording environments do not have access to BiaB/RB. If I send a Reaper/Sonar file they can download the app needed to open the file if necessary. That's one reason. Most studios can open a Reaper file. Also Sometimes I move a project to another DAW near the end of my workflow simply for a change of pace, other times to try something new. Sometimes just working in a different DAW makes you look at things a little differently (it can help when you feel like a song is 'in a rut' and needs *something*) .. As for your original question: Say I have my basic song done in BiaB (chords/tempo and initial style) I can open it in RB. My first step is to always 'Make all BB tracks regular tracks' This way they behave like a track in your DAW, but still can be regenerated if desired, in whole or in part. They will not keep autogenerating; you have to tell RB to specifically generate them from then on. This way there are no surprises and you generate/regenerate each one in whole or sections until you are happy with it and then it 'sticks'. Kind of like being Frozen in BB, but more flexible. Say I like what I have so far, but I want the guitar to change on a certain section to a different realtrack, so the whole feel of the song changes .. I can generate that section on one of the unused 40 available tracks and tinker with it without worrying about any existing tracks. I can also Insert 4 bars and Regenerate just those four bars on any given track(s) I can also record any of my own Audio tracks or MIDI tracks using other of the 48 available. I can also use FX,Synths, etc much like other DAWs. When done, if I want something another DAW offers, I can easily drag the tracks as MIDI or Audio to other DAWs. I use it because it is much more powerful/flexible than BiaB, though that gap changes every year. Plus I cut my teeth on Powertracks, so the RB workflow and UI is comfortable for me as a DAW. I can do most of what I want in RB, so I do so in order to retain the generating capabilities. When/if I need to go to another DAW, either for me or someone else, it's easy to do.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,853
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,853 |
The only people who use Realband are owners of BIAB. I think it is safe to say no one who wants/needs a DAW would choose Realband. It is much more limited than most modern DAWs. In my opinion it is quite clunky and sluggish with an old GUI.
It does have the unique ability to work with RealTracks BUT if you carefully craft your song in BIAB, using features like bar settings and freezing tracks, you are in for an unpleasant surprise when you open those songs in Realband. Realband will open your BIAB song but all those perfect frozen tracks will be lost and be regenerated in Realband.
To be fair I gave up on Realband long ago. So maybe they have fixed these issues recently. If so I'd give it another chance! But if it still works like it used to I'll pass!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,933
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,933 |
Many DAWs are cross platform between Windows and Mac. Some DAWs also work on Linux. RealBand is a Windows only program so Band-in-a-Box for Mac users can not use the program. So the audience for the program is fairly small.
RealBand was first released after Band-in-a-Box was a mature product and existing users developed a Band-in-a-Box \ DAW workflow they were comfortable with. This reduces the audience for the program even more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138 |
Firstly, DAWs are standalone programs. You can't buy RB as a standalone program so that's why it's never reviewed. Its a partner program to BIAB that's bundled with it. Like rharv i learnt on BIAB and Powertracks so my workflow was established years ago. I do the minimum necessary in BIAB to create a track I like. Then i move over to RB where i have much greater control. JohnJohnJohn's point about RB 'losing' work you've done in BIAB is a good one. That's why i go to RB as fast as possible. i work there not in BIAB. it's easier and i have much more control and changes 'stick'.
so far i've not come up against a limitation in RB that means i can't do what i want to produce a finished song the way i like. i mainly need folk, country and pop songs and most of my stuff is straightforward as i would have played with a small band. i've more years than i care to remember playing in small bands with some success. as an advertising agency producer i've supervised many many recordings in big studios for a national broadcast. but i have no illusions that i'm an expert of the calibre some of our forum members are. i rarely need anything other than major,minor or seventh chords. maybe a slash chord now and then to give me a bass line.
if RB and BIAB were a car, they'd take you to the shops day to day, take you on a long drive comfortably and hold all the family's luggage. DAW's are ferraris in comparison. are you sure you need everything an all singing all dancing DAW will do? i think you are trying to produce backing tracks to play along to which is not a difficult task in BIAB and RB and BIAB often shows it jazz based roots which are harmonically and melodically more complex than the stuff i use it for.
so why not stick to BIAB and RB until you run up against something you can't do? if you decide you need a DAW, Cakewalk is free and there's a free trial of Reaper.
and going back to cars, my wife made me swap my beloved high performance two plus two for a family estate when our daughter was born. i didn't really miss it......................
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,080
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,080 |
.................
so why not stick to BIAB and RB until you run up against something you can't do? if you decide you need a DAW, Cakewalk is free and there's a free trial of Reaper.
and going back to cars, my wife made me swap my beloved high performance two plus two for a family estate when our daughter was born. i didn't really miss it......................
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
Before you think of buying Ableton Live I would look at Reaper, you can use ReaTrak to integrate Biab or BBPlugin.
You can get Reaper to do just about anything you like as it has scripting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364 |
There would be a lot of support here for integration of BIAB with Reaper (especially by Pipeline). Quite a bit for Cakewalk and some for Stidio One and various others. I don’t happen to recall anyone here who uses Ableton Live, although it’s supposed to be quite capable, as are the others mentioned.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
|
eddie1261
Unregistered
|
The main thing here is to look at what Ableton ISN"T.
Here's an analogy. When you watch an NHL game, in 5 minutes you forget that you are watching the greatest skaters in the world, because the hitting, passing, shooting and all make the skating subliminal.
What gets lost in Real Band is the song generation. Once the song generation is done, that part of the game (the skating) becomes subliminal.
And that's what Ableton doesn't do. "Skate." Ableton doesn't generate complete backing tracks. The DAW in Real Band is there mainly as a convenience and a value add to the song generation program. It was really never meant to be "Pro Tools Lite" or anything. Remember, you don't pay extra for it. It's just there. Using the drop feature, where you just rag each track to your DAW of choice, you are pretty much done with Real Band when the generating is done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
Thanks everyone. You've given me a lot to think about.
I guess it depends on the definition of "backing tracks". By strict definition that's what I am looking for. But I don't want boring, uninteresting backing tracks. I want something that, along with myself makes more a complete musical experience.
I have been also considering performing live with whatever I end up using. So I don't know if Reaper or Calkwalk can handle that?
When I really think about it...my music may lend itself to looping, layering, etc. I envision longer improvised sections. Something more interesting than the straightahead jazz I've done in the past, yet not as formulaic as smooth jazz. And not as far out sounding as electronic music. Probably more through-composed than typical song form.
I'm sure I'll have a better idea after I really dig in to BIAB.
Re: skating metaphor. It sounds like you are saying that the real art happens in BIAB and everything beyond that is frosting on the cake?
I like the idea of having a Ferarri...if only I knew how to drive it.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,364 |
You need to first spend time with BIAB. A lot of this will become clearer.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
I had to give up my '68 Mustang with 4 on the floor, a Holley 4 barrel carb, 411 gears, etc, for a station wagon! I miss my Mustang. I gave up my 1994 Mustang for a newer VW Golf! Funny enough, it was a good trade - the Golf was equally fast, given the weight difference. Peppy little car, and trunk space!
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,138 |
performing live with any laptop or pc is a risk. i know - i've done it. turn your backing tracks into mp3s. play them from an ipod or a phone direct into the PA. the sound quality will be fine for live performance and you can have a backup in case of mechanical failure by buying a second ipod off ebay.
as Matt says, before you invest in any other software, get to know what BIAB and RB can do.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,752 |
<< I guess it depends on the definition of "backing tracks". By strict definition that's what I am looking for. But I don't want boring, uninteresting backing tracks. I want something that, along with myself makes more a complete musical experience. >>
If that's the case, BIAB is All you need. BIAB will give you as many:
. Instruments as you will ever want to use in a song.
. As many tracks as you will ever want to use in a song.
. Automatically provide smooth transitions between instruments changing out with each other.
. Automatically create professional grade cross-fades.
. Automatically give professional grade intro's and ending's.
. With 'Song Medley', allow you to quickly and easily create medleys from BIAB song projects.
. Use 'Conductor' to do longer improvised sections. Something more interesting than the straightahead jazz you've done
in the past.
. Use 'soundtrack' to have any BIAB song play to an exact length.
. Use 'Jukebox' to create BIAB song playlists.
. BIAB can record Audio.
. BIAB can record MIDI.
. BIAB can edit Audio.
. BIAB can edit Midi.
. BIAB can notate Audio and Midi.
. BIAB can show tabs.
. BIAB can play loops and samples.
. BIAB can loop sections of songs.
. BIAB can modify Styles and use Part Markers to interchange regular styles or Multi Styles at any bar of a song.
. BIAB can layer instruments for thickening, panning, doubling, harmonies and to play in sequence or simultaneously.
. BIAB has a harmonizer feature.
. BIAB can isolate and import the medley track from a MIDI file.
. BIAB can create and read Karaoke files.
. BIAB in newer versions can create Multi Riffs of a section or a whole track.
. BIAB can detect, identify and import chords from a MIDI file.
. BIAB can detect, identify and import chords from an Audio file.
. BIAB can time stretch and pitch correct audio.
. BIAB has good plug-ins.
. BIAB works with XML and ABC notation.
. BIAB has a feature to accept user made RealTracks. Homemade audio that works like BIAB RealTracks.
. BIAB has a feature to accept user made Performance Tracks. Custom Tracks for a specific song project.
. BIAB has custom melodist and soloist audio and midi creation tools.
. BIAB has a built-in email feature allowing collaboration between users sharing SGU files, RealTracks, Styles and
more.
I think that's a pretty good list of tasks BIAB does before one ever has to think of moving a project to a DAW. The list gets even longer when it's considered BIAB functions as a multi track recorder and using multi track techniques and procedures expands BIAB capabilities enormously.
Users can construct very complex and dense arrangements that replicate what a DAW will produce and have an indistinguishable end product between the two. Just saying, BIAB can provide you as complete a musical experience that you can imagine.
Last edited by Charlie Fogle; 12/23/20 02:08 AM.
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 139 |
That is an awesome list you made Charlie.
Now I have a lot more homework to do because I don't know how to do all of those things in BIAB.
Something to put on my list for "Getting Better in 2021".
Thank you very much!!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 114 |
Thanks Charlie. Very helpful.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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!
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 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,430
Posts791,910
Members39,884
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no members with birthdays on this day. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean