sslechta - Nice look there, love the mood lighting! Flight sims would be pretty fun on that setup I think.
Jeff - Simple is good! Always liked the Rokit's for my kind of music (rock/metal), good mid-range response, and solid lows with the 8" version. Motu 828 in the rack on the left? I've got an 828 MK3 Firewire as a secondary interface - the firewire ports died, but the ADAT still works so I've got that patched into my Fireface. I'm just nerding out, don't mind me
Mike - Great idea with the spider capo! I'd love to try out that old Martin, and I love your studio "helper" as well.
Good eye there Simon. Yep, that's a MOTU 828MK3 on the left. I had the same issues with Firewire. Had to get a special Firewire card for my computer that was supposed to correct all the FW issues. Worked ok, but it was still hit and miss many times. Gave up and went USB, no problems since.
Buried further down in the pic, behind the Montage is a Yammy TX802 on the right and a MOTU MIDI Express XT on the left. Using the MIDI Express I can hook all of my synths up once and use them all as needed without playing with MIDI wires all the time. All audio feeds into the MK3.
The system is much more capable than I'll ever be...but such is the life of a hardware junkie!
Cool! You have a Proteus F/X. That's what I donated to Eddie after about 25+ year ownership. Nice sounding box.
Howdy Steve....
Ha....I bought that Proteus back in the early 90's if I recall correctly. It's a great module, been reliable and with (4) banks of patches. Although, that Roland XV5080 dwarfs it in the patch sense.
I've gotten much leaner in the module arena over the decades.
I had a 5' rack of analog stuff back in the 90's....mind boggling to think about now. (EDIT: see post #15 for a chuckle: https://www.tdpri.com/threads/why-aren%E2%80%99t-guys-as-precious-about-analog-recording-gear.1035249/#post-9951758 I also had a Teac M3 mixer which isn't in this view)
Good eye there Simon. Yep, that's a MOTU 828MK3 on the left. I had the same issues with Firewire. Had to get a special Firewire card for my computer that was supposed to correct all the FW issues. Worked ok, but it was still hit and miss many times. Gave up and went USB, no problems since.
Buried further down in the pic, behind the Montage is a Yammy TX802 on the right and a MOTU MIDI Express XT on the left. Using the MIDI Express I can hook all of my synths up once and use them all as needed without playing with MIDI wires all the time. All audio feeds into the MK3.
The system is much more capable than I'll ever be...but such is the life of a hardware junkie!
Jeff
Is your MK3 the hybrid one? Mine is Firewire only, no USB sadly. I've tried multiple computers (Mac Pro, iMac, Macbook, Windows PC with different Firewire cards), so the firewire on the MOTU is definitely dead. Still useful through ADAT, and thankfully it has two ADAT's so I can do all 8 channels at 96khz. Had to change Muxing mode on it (I think) as it was sending signal that my Fireface didn't understand.
TX802 is a nice one, been a long time since I've played with a hardware FM synth - nowadays I just use VST's.
Simon, right, my 828 is the hybrid one. Good thing too! I bought it thinking that firewire would be the cat's meow...turned out to be a dog even with a SIIG card with the TI chipset. Gave up on firewire and switch over to USB, no problems since.
The only on-going problem I've had with the 828 is teh display screen in it. Takes a while for it to warm up to be able to see it. Sometimes I have to let it warm up and then turn it off then back on to see it. Seems to be a well known issue with the 828 Hybrid. Next time I'll go with Focusrite.
Haven't used the 802 in a long time. These days its mostly a place holder to raise up the Motif, Fantom and Oberheim rack stack above the back of the keyboard so I can see them.
Know what you mean about VSTi's, got quite a few myself. But there just something about a hard synth that rings true to me. I'm a sucker for dials, sliders, buttons and flashing lights!
Well....I won't say it has always been that way during decades of countless studio incarnations and upgrades of one device or another.
But...after leaning things out some years ago I'm able to keep it that way pretty easily. Obviously, I'm not recording multiple people or sessions anymore so wallowing in miles of cable hell is easily mitigated. Just myself an a couple of other old fossils get together to keep our chops up. The only thing not in the pic are mics/stands and my guitar amp (at the bass player's studio) which is a Randall Commander II RG-120. (bought new in 1979 for 275$)
I think James is dealing with a different kind of equipment monkey on his back! Hey, no cable issue right? I wonder how he's getting along with latency?
I have a better photo now they are Alexis fusion and ensonique mr 76 Corey my son plays these . He has had the ensonique 25 years the alesis 13 years . I handle guitars and amps . Cliff
chulaivet1966, What are your drums? Back in time I use to have a Ludwig Club Date set with Zildjian cymbals but now rely on either a VSTi, Zoom, or Yamaha drum machine.
chulaivet1966, What are your drums? Back in time I use to have a Ludwig Club Date set with Zildjian cymbals but now rely on either a VSTi, Zoom, or Yamaha drum machine.
In 1987 when I was much immersed in writing/recording I bought the Kawai R-100 drum machine. (Lots of pics on google if curious) It was ok for that time but I outgrew it for a couple of reasons and upgraded to the Roland MBD-1 Bass/Drum module in 1998 or so. I still use it. (it's in my studio pic (bottom device on left).
There are some trap kits in Cakewalk but I haven't used them as of yet.
Sorry if I got to verbose but you made me think back through the decades. Now I need a beer.
Our current "studio" is a Mac, a Scarlett 212 and several good mics so nothing worth showing as it is also a workout room The same room 20-25 years ago might be of interest.
Janice at the Tascam Portastudio 8 track cassette likely recording me on the upright bass
A bit later with a Fostex VF 160 digital 16 track
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
I cleared my space last week so the painter could do the room. It needed packing up as we're moving house anyway. These snaps were taken about two years ago.... The book shelves are part shelving and part diffusers. the CD racks, have the had the CDs inserted to diffuse as well..necessary with that much smooth plastic. The rug & matressy ting in two corners are make do bass traps. Two interfaces for two computers - one is XP and the other W10. I have some great VSTs that don't bridge to 64 very well so it's easier to use them in that comp and then transfer the files. The older/larger interface is great with nice pres plus more ins n outs but doesn't work in W10 land either so if I want to record more than two sources I use the old comp & interface. You can see I'm a bit of a cheat with my cello.
Last edited by rayc; 03/28/2109:42 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
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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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. 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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
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