|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
I have used the customer chat service the last few days with Catherine.
It's like puling teeth to get answers. And then she changes the terminology when she answers and wonders why I am confused.
It's like this every time I have chatted with her.
Unbelievable.
I'm hoping someone from management will see this.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,516
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,516 |
I suspect you are asking questions for which there is no easy or "definitive" answer. And regarding terminology; BIAB is filled with the most obscure and obtuse terms and abbreviations accumulated over the past 20+ years. That's the product. Don't blame it on the sales/support team. It is just the way it is here.
Try asking here in the forum and if the only response you get is to contact PGM, then likely there is no definitive answer to be found anywhere.
Cheers,
Dan
Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,986
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,986 |
You've asked some very interesting questions that are perhaps outside the norm, like focusing on Ableton Live. I still don't know what you would like your method of composition to be. There also appear to be some unresolved questions about styles versus bonus paks versus RealTracks etc. and I can see where this might lead to an impasse. How about trying your questions here again?
Dan is right, we can only be stumped at worst, but collectively we are pretty good.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,796 |
Well, honestly .. PG has one of the best and fastest support departments IMO. And to boot that; there are quite a few forum experts willing to help out.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
I have heard that. However, that has not been my experience.
I asked very simple and clear questions, just about what was included in a particular package. What I got was an argumentative response. Perhaps it's just the one person. I have had good luck every other time in the past. But it's annoying when I keep getting the same person, who almost seems like she is going out of her way to be combative and adversarial.
Either she is trying to do too many things at once, not doing any of them well. OR she is untrained.
I mean when I ask a question comparing to things, using BIAB terminology and then she changes the terms I used when answering it does not make it easy to understand.
The forum has been great. I just had a few basic questions before purchasing. Really didn't expect the response I got.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Thanks Matt. I appreciate that.
I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10.
The sales page does not specficially say anything about the number of Real Styles included. It only mentions 2000 (I think) of the Midi Styles.
Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,000
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,000 |
yes if you want to have all the styles PG have created you need the extra styles discs.
mind you if you asked 'do i need to buy the extra styles' the answer might be 'what do you want to do?' rather than yes or no and things might get more complicated.
Last edited by Bob Calver; 12/28/20 11:34 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Keep in mind that like most businesses this time of year, they are probably working on a very small staff as people take the holidays off. The person you worked with may have been inundated with calls/chats.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
I suspect you are asking questions for which there is no easy or "definitive" answer. And regarding terminology; BIAB is filled with the most obscure and obtuse terms and abbreviations accumulated over the past 20+ years. That's the product. Don't blame it on the sales/support team. It is just the way it is here.
Cheers,
Dan
That was not at all the case in this situation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Keep in mind that like most businesses this time of year, they are probably working on a very small staff as people take the holidays off. The person you worked with may have been inundated with calls/chats. I understand that. I understand busy. I don't understand argumentative and completely failing to address a very simple tangible question. It was such a bad experience over a few different chats, that I am considering not making the purchase at this point. Not sure that I want to have to deal with that ever again.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,136
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,136 |
<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>
If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."
The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions.
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>
If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."
The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions. Someone had told me they do everything in MIDI Styles to start with, NOT REAL Styles. I guess that is what confused me. It sounds like you are not one who uses the MIDI Styles?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,256
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,256 |
I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. I don't understand all the fuzz. Xtra Style Paks 1-10 are explained in extenso even with examples here -> https://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=win.These sites are self explanatory - why would you need to call anybody at PGMusic? On a more personal note, I do suggest you refrain from acting ad hominem - otherwise you should consider getting rid of those letters 'gentleman' somewhere within your handle.
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. I don't understand all the fuzz. Xtra Style Paks 1-10 are explained in extenso even with examples here -> https://www.pgmusic.com/xtrastyles.php?os=win.These sites are self explanatory - why would you need to call anybody at PGMusic? First, that's NOT why I called PG. It was a simple question about how many REAL Styles are included in the Ultra Pak Plus. Second, I asked the question about Style Paks, because I don't yet have a good context of understanding since I havn't had a chance to really use the program much. Third, why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,256
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,256 |
. . . why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help? Because the referred website tells you all you were asking for? All you need to do is some reading and listening . . .
Martin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
. . . why would you post something so completely unhelpful to someone asking for help? Because the referred website tells you all no were asking for? All you need to do is some reading and listening . . . I disagree.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,136
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 8,136 |
<< I am just trying to get some clarity on whether or not I need to spend an extra $200 to get the Xtra Styles Paks 1-10. >>
If that is your simple question and "Assuming by composition...I mean the straightforward recording of backing tracks that are good enough sounding to put out commercially, not necessarily on a CD though."
The answer is clear..... Yes you do. As a composer that uses BIAB, you will find these Xtra Paks essential over time. The versatility of BIAB depends solely on the amount of content you have to work with. The core BIAB program is the same across all versions. Someone had told me they do everything in MIDI Styles to start with, NOT REAL Styles. I guess that is what confused me. It sounds like you are not one who uses the MIDI Styles? Yes, I start nearly every project with a midi style. Especially covers or a song I'm trying to "in the style of". I do this for several reasons. For covers, a good midi file gives the expected riffs, phrases, timing, melody for a guide, as well as the feel and groove of a song. It is infinitely easier to audition and select a RealTrack to an existing and accurate production than the opposite. Almost always a midi song is easier and faster than working with an MP3. It's faster and normally more accurate in populating the chord chart with the chords and midi generations are faster than RealTrack generations. I don't worry about the accuracy of the midi sounds initially and that's an issue only if I retain a midi patch in my project.
BIAB Ultra Pak+ 2024:RB 2024, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Thanks Charlie. Much appreciated.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,990
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 6,990 |
In rough numbers there are about 2000 MIDI styles, and 3000 RealStyles in the UltraPAK, and 2000 other RealStyles that are available in the Xtra PAKs.
"RealStyles" are .STY files (like MIDI styles are), but they are made up of real audio recorded instruments (RealTracks) instead of MIDI parts.
If you have the 2021 UltraPAK + the bonus 49PAK, and have installed the latest update patch, you have all of the RealTracks available at the current time.
Xtra Styles are additional STY files that we've been making over the last few years, that are made up of RealTracks that already exist in the UltraPAK. Indeed, you could make your own Xtra styles if you were dedicated and have a lot of free time.
Andrew
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 93 |
Thanks for the info Andrew.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Video: Band-in-a-Box® + ChatGPT = Impressed the BOSS!
Band-in-a-Box User Video Tutorials!
If you've reviewed our Support page, you've probably noticed the Videos page, which separates our Band-in-a-Box® tutorial videos by category: Overview, VST DAW Plugin, Setup, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and there's even an Archive category to go down memory lane... (You'll also find these videos on our YouTube Channel.)
It's always great to hear how other Band-in-a-Box® users create their songs, especially when they explain in detail what they're doing. Like Henry Clarke's YouTube Channel, Henry Clarke - Senior Musicians Unite! There you'll find his ALL Band-in-a-Box Tutorials playlist with over 50 videos! His top-three most watched videos include "How to Get Started with Band-in-a-Box," "How I use the Audio Chord Wizard in Band-in-a-Box," and "How to Create An Effective Solo Using Band-in-a-Box" - however he touches on many other topics and also demonstrates his own Band-in-a-Box® songs in the Band-in-a-Box Created Songs playlist!
You're guaranteed to find some helpful videos when you visit Henry Clarke's channel!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Italian for Windows is Here!
Ci siamo dati da fare e abbiamo aggiunto oltre 50 nuove funzionalità e una straordinaria raccolta di nuovi contenuti, tra cui 222 RealTracks, nuovi RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 3, Playable RealDrums Set 2, due nuovi set di "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 e altro ancora!
Tutti Pacchetti | Nuove Caratteristiche
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 French for Windows is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 apporte plus de 50 fonctions nouvelles ainsi qu'une importante de contenus nouveaux à savoir : 222 RealTracks, des RealStyles nouveaux, des SuperTracks MIDI, des Etudes d'Instruments, des Prestations d'Artistes, des "Morceaux avec Choeurs", un Set 3 de Tracks Jouables, un Set 2 de RealDrums Jouables, deux nouveaux Sets de "RealDrums Stems", des Styles XPro PAK 6, des Xtra Styles PAK 17 et bien plus encore!
Tous Packages | Nouvelles Fonctionnalités
Video: Making a Song with Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V
Take your Band-in-a-Box® project to a whole new level when you incorporate ChatGPT and Synth V to add lyrics and vocals to your song!
We wanted to demonstrate how this is done with our video, where we show you how to go from nothing to a finished "radio ready" modern pop song by combining the features of Band-in-a-Box®, ChatGPT, and Synth V!
Listen to the finished song, so you get a listen to the finished product: https://demos.pgmusic.com/misc/behindthefame.m4a
If you like it, watch the video. Either way, let's hear your comments!
Henry Clarke: Revolutionize Your Band-in-Box® Tracks with Regenerating Function
User Video: Convert MIDI Chords into AI Vocal Harmonies with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums65
Topics82,026
Posts740,482
Members38,662
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean