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Joined: Apr 2021
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OP
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I had Power Tracks Pro back in the 90's, and once I'd learned a few things, it became my go-to notebook and synth sequencer/recorder. This was my first digital music application, and I was pretty well thrilled with it at the time.
The versions I used were back 20 years ago or so, and I'm wondering what I'll have to do to get back in the groove with today's PTP. My latest computer doesn't seem to have audio inputs like my old desktops did, and I've been looking over the threads and seen that an interface may be required, for example.
Also, I thought the features were pretty cool; you could use a mode called piano roll to click, drop and drag notes, and modifying individual notes in duration and other dynamic parameters was easy. You could switch screens and both see and print your tracks in musical notation. It had a built in mixer, and I don't remember how many tracks were available. Some basic effects were available, and as I recall, there was a bundle of instruments and synth sounds included.
I bought a software product at the same time called Virtual Sound Canvas (at least that's what I think it was called), which offered better sounding instruments and more of them. Eventually I switched to a Korg X5DR synth but continued to use it with Power Tracks Pro.
Sorry, this is getting a bit long. Mainly I'm asking if the current product can do all the things my old versions could do, and do it simply as I'm not so hot as a computer guy. Any advice for starting up a hobby project would be deeply appreciated.
Tom
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That is good advice if you want to stay with PTP. However things have really changed in 20 years so I suggest that you also look at Band-in-a-Box and RealBand. RealBand is a huge improvement in PTP IMHO. I am assuming that you are on a PC as Mac computers do not have RealBand.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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I upgraded to BIAB after 12 years with BIAB 2008. The learning curve is quite steep with BIAB, but you will get RealBand and you'll recognise the RealBand GUI as PT on steroids. The biggest change in both programs is RealTracks which are amazing. However, if you want to just upgrade to the latest version of PowerTracks things will be quite straightforward. The synth you mention - Roland VSC (virtual sound canvas) is well past its sell by date but you can get its successor the Edirol Hypercanvas in its 64 bit version totally free (by the name of TTS-1) if you download Cakewalk by Bandlab - see Peter Gannon's 'no brainer' post in the BIAB forum) If you knew PT of old, PT 2021 won't be too much of a leap and it does everything you remember and more. If you still have your old PT - or at least registered it when you bought it - you qualify for the upgrade pricing. PT is absurdly cheap even at the full price for what you get. as for interfaces you have a wide choice. i use a behringer which is quite cheap but does everything i need perfectly - long winded link below https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-U-PHO...;th=1&psc=1and if you have any problems the PT Forum is full of friendly people waiting to help. go for it!
Last edited by Bob Calver; 04/26/21 07:25 AM.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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Yep.... I never used PTP but I can assure you, you are in for a big, pleasant, surprise in what PG has been doing over the past 20 years.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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FWIW I have kept using PTP through the years as well as BiaB and RB. One location we record at, the guy there likes PT since about 2007 or so, and has just kept using it. The amazing part is his old version just kept working through all the new computers and OS he has bought over the years. From W98 thru W10. I am talking to him now about updating it so he can have the new 64 bit version. I think his last update was PT12 or so  It feels so weird when I go over there and sit down in front of his old version. Things have moved around for more efficient workflow since then, so it seems clunky to me now. Once he sees the new version and plays with it for half an hour he'll be right back at home with it. There is lots of new stuff, but the old stuff still works. As mentioned above, if you really want the easy route to making music quick, BiaB is the way to go. You can have a band play the song from start to finish using real recorded musicians and get all kinds of variations. If you go that route, they do throw in Realband, which is basically PTP with the ability to generate these tracks, which means you don't have to actually play everything in (or enter it by hand). It's a bit more $$ though, but from what I understand they don't have to honor the 30 day moneyback guarantee very often. It does what it says. Take a little time and look at the videos for all three products. Then you'll be a little better prepared to decide.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Just a bit of advice. Just about everyone that buys BIAB these days goes for the Ultrapak which includes all the RealTracks and styles (except for Extra Styles discs and other add on packs like the Loops with styles discs.
PG do easy terms to take the sting out of the initial investment. The pro pak is a the basic program but you'll rapidly get frustrated with all the stuff that's missing.
The creative avenues BIAB Ultrapak opens are literally endless and you'll find that RealTracks from genres you'd never think of using can be very useful.
But a simple update to PT2021 might be all you want.
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Joined: Apr 2021
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OP
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Thank you, your replies have been both enlightening and encouraging.
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
That's my story and I'm stuck with it. I felt that prior experience would give me a boost in learning the new version. For the price, I'll give it a try.
Thanks again.
Tom
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..
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
..
Thanks again.
Tom
Yes you can use PTP to mix in live instrument/voice recordings Just note, your 'MIDI' sounds will have changed. It's really not a big deal, the fixes are there, just depends on how you want to (or can) improve those. The old (free) Roland VSC synth is no longer available, but many other options exist. Well worth the cost to dive back in.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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TomR.... Cakewalk Sonar is now totally free.... the big version that used to cost hundreds is free.... Bandlab is giving it away and has been for a number of years now. That's a deal you can not beat.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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Peter Gannon Talks Band-in-a-Box with zplane
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