|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17 |
I'm not a professional musician and have zero knowledge about hardware. I just want to have fun doing some home recording and jam with Biab. I do appreciate good sound and I know that my Radio Shack speakers plugged into the Macbook speaker jack isn't going to cut it. If I had $500-1000 to spend what would you recommend to get the best sound quality from Biab?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey Fiddle, OK, I'm going to assume that since you are using a Macbook, you have the Mac version of BIAB? Many people are using the PC version with Parellels, since the PC version has more features at the moment. There are many ways to go, and I've spent years buying and then selling Interfaces. Also software. You need two things to get a really great sounding result>A good interface and a good Sample sounds. As far as interfaces go, everyone I know that uses Mac uses Apogee. The converters and Mic Pre's are top of the line. Since you are using a Macbook, I would recommend the Apogee "One" USB interface. Very small (like a pack of cigarettes) Awesome sound, has Line in, Mic in and a internal mic that is fantastic. Zero Latency. Cheap ....$250. You can spend up to $1000 for a Steinberg interface with 8 Mic pre's, but you won't get better sound! Here is the link, make sure you read the customer reviews, http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/One/As far as Sample sets go, it pays to use the good stuff! Although RT's are great, when you do need midi instruments, you need convincing sounds. Here are a couple of tips> 1. Native Instrument Kontakt 4>This is the premier sampler/sample library. The only issue with this is that it is NOT GM compatible, in other words, you have to manually load each patch. Not a big deal, unless you are pressed for time. Sounds are great, it is a HUGE library (40 GB) so you might want to keep in on a portable Hard Drive. Here is the link, Listen to the sound Demos> http://www.native-instruments.com/#/en/products/producer/kontakt-4/2. Vir2 has a Product called "VI One". It is GM compatible, which means your sound patches will load automatically. Here is the link, you can listen to the Demos> http://www.vir2.com/4DCGI/vir2/products/vione/index.html?1198hope this helps you, Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 483 |
Fiddle,
You don't mention your Mac setup. If you have the latest BIAB with real tracks and Garageband on
your MacBook you can do some pretty nice home recordings and jamming. I use a M-Audio interface to record sax or vocals into Garageband and then mix.
That's my setup and I play it through either a PA or high powered Onkyo stereo system
with floor speakers with 12" woofers.
You mention that you are not a professional musician so this type of set up should do you well.
I am a professional and I find few things to quibble about with this setup both at home and playing gigs.
Ernie
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17 |
Thanks for the info. I recently have switched to the Mac. My PC was getting dated and in need of an upgrade so I decided it was a good time to make the switch. What attracted me to Biab was the realtracks and realdrums. I'm mostly interested in country and old standard songs and using realtracks and realdrums for a backup band sounds pretty good. That's why I'm asking for suggestions on putting together a system to get the best sound for jamming. I might be able to get a lambda computer interface for next to nothing. Would it do the same thing as the Apogee interface you described?
I have never done anything with midi an am just picking up bits and pieces on how it is used by looking through the forums. But am I right in thinking I need some sort of midi keyboard to use Native Instrument Kontakt 4?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
The Lexicon Lambda is ok, but it's nothing like an Apogee. You would hear a big difference even just playing mp3's in iTunes!
As far as midi and keyboards go, just remember that the keyboard you use will just send a command to the computer to play the "Patch" that you selected. Your choice is to either use a Keyboard with built in sounds and plug that into a mixer, or use a keyboard controller to play softsynth sounds in your computer.
One other option I recommend and should have mentioned earlier is a Program called "Reason" by Propellerhead in Sweden. It has taken the music world by storm. Wonderful sounds, you start with an empty virtual "Rack", and then you fill it with synths, samplers, drum machines, effects, mixers, etc. Go to Youtube and type in Reason 4". That should at least give you a chance to understand what it does. And, you can use it in your DAW program using a protocal called "Rewire". I know it seems I'm writing Greek Math, but by watching the videos you will learn quickly.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
>>>...and I know that my Radio Shack speakers plugged into the Macbook speaker jack isn't going to cut it...>>>
I do my monitoring on Radio Shack speakers and they work great. They are Optimus 7 model, no longer made. They are flat as a pancake.
My criterion for a good mix in not based on how it sounds on my speakers, but rather on other people's speakers. I am making the recording for them, and I have no control over what they are going to use. So I mix on my rather modest monitors and then test on every configuration I can find - ipod, car stereo, boombox, distributed system, youtube. Each gives a different result. If my mix survives all of those tests I can be confident that whoever my listener may be will get a something reasonably close to what I intended.
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17 |
Thanks for all the comments. I have much to learn.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,611
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,611 |
If you are just looking for things to 'sound better' than the radio shack speakers, a set of powered nearfield monitors would help. Rockit, and M-Audio are a couple good ones for reasonable cost. http://www.samedaymusic.com/prodsearch?form=search/ppc&cat=2864&cat2=3170http://www.sweetwater.com/store/search.p...CFQsMDQod8XKUZQThat is for the 'output' improvement. There was a day when Radio Shack had some 'surprisingly' good monitors if you knew what to get, but that was a while ago. They had an underground following for a small set of speakers that were very heavy for their size sold as minimus brand (and also under the RCA brand name for a short period of time). Not powered though, required a separate amp. For input you can choose from many interfaces, and you already have good suggestions there- apogee, M-audio etc. Not sure which side of the equation you were looking for. For a 'semi-pro' quick setup I find M-Audio is usually a pretty good start. I personally like their monitors a lot, and use their input devices too. Both input and output can be had for less than the $1000 mark you mentioned. Shop around, they are common products.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 17 |
Do these types of monitors require an amplifier?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,611
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,611 |
No
The amplifier is built into each speaker. Two of them actually, one for woofer and one for tweeter.
Get an 1/8" stereo to two RCA adapter to plug into computer, then run cables to each speaker. Quick and easy.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Post your own Tips and Tricks here
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,992 |
fiddle
i'm no great pro AE mixing bloke..
more a songwriter/singer/lyrics bloke..
but i'll pass on a likkle idea a pro AE once gave me.
viz..
"notice how even on junky tv speakers a good song still sounds good , and the
mix "etc.
so mebe yes..get a decent pr of monitors, but dont let it consume you.
get a speaker switch that lets you switch tween a nice pr of monitors n a crummy tv speaker.
cos sometimes mixes that wre mixed on expensive monitors can fall apart
on crummy stuff like tv speakers n boomboxes etc etc.
a boombox or stereo clock radio is also a good added check.
such often have a line input you can feed from stereo line out of sound device.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available 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 Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,224
Posts802,066
Members40,071
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean