Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,699
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,699
Billy sounds like you have taken on an ambitious project. Just a few comments on the drum thoughts.

Regarding orchestral percussion. I did make a couple attempts of working with this in the short piece you uploaded. I have gone down that rabbit hole over the past years and have a collection of suitable VSTs to produce this, for example, Kirt Hunter's kettle drums and tympanyi, Kontact Komplete 13, several of the Spitfire Orchestra products, and those are only a few of the products I remember I have.

As suggested by others here, these type of swelling and thunderous hits with long tails make sense in your space story board. However I found they just did not fit in the track you provided. These types of sounds simply need more "space" in the mix.

That short track has three sections: Intro (4 bars), Bridge (8 bars) and Soft Section (~18 bars). The Bridge section is the best candidate for the orchestral percussion, but each downbeat has a hard guitar strum which does not go well with a big drum hit. In fact, the Toms I used avoided the downbeat in all sections. And the Soft Section is too quite for a heavy hit.

Bottom line, it is a nice piece and a good start to your project. If there is anything else that I can do for you, just holler.

Dan



BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
Thanks for the link oldmuso. I have been looking around for free or nearly free stuff. I will get Mario's thoughts on the subject. He is always ready to help anyone.

Billy


Hi Billy,

Along with the free orchestral VSTs you might want to check the free SFZ sounds:

https://sfzinstruments.github.io/orchestra/

I have found the least expensive really good orchestral sounds are Kirt Hunter Virtuoso Ensembles :

https://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/virtuoso-ensembles-kontakt-retail/

(wait for a sale - I purchased it for $149 - but it requires the full version of Kontakt)

and Amadeus

https://www.kvraudio.com/product/amadeus-symphonic-orchestra-by-sonic-scores-music-software

($149 and it runs on the free Kontakt Player)

I just found out that the Garritan Instant Orchestra is free:

https://garritan2017.wixsite.com/personal-orchestra-5

(I bought that a number of years ago - it still has usable sounds and this maybe the best free one out there)

These are just off of the top of my head. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Note that starting tomorrow I will be on vacation/holiday. Where I am going may not have WiFi so I maybe off line for about a week or so.


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
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,740
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,740
The free version of BBC Symphony Orchestra from Spitfire Audio is excellent.

It includes timpani... (and other percussion).


As an alternative, you might consider using some synth drums for a more futuristic sound. They (synths) all come with a wide variety of "drums sounds" and much of today's music is built around them - embracing the those-don't-sound-like-real-drums sound of synth-y drums...

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Thanks Mario for the links. I will investigate those.

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
The free version of BBC Symphony Orchestra from Spitfire Audio is excellent.

It includes timpani... (and other percussion).


As an alternative, you might consider using some synth drums for a more futuristic sound. They (synths) all come with a wide variety of "drums sounds" and much of today's music is built around them - embracing the those-don't-sound-like-real-drums sound of synth-y drums...


Hi Floyd,
I think I downloaded the free BBC from Spitfire yesterday. Their paid version is pretty world famous.

Funny you should mention the synth drum idea. Some friends in Europe have been sending me ideas. Here is one.

https://soundcloud.com/planobilly/engineering-scratch-demo-engineeringscratchdemo-bagpipe-planobily-space-ideas

I am sure it will take me a few days to sort through all this.

Thank you again for taking the time to respond.

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Veteran
OP Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,736
Thanks Dan for all the feedback. What you are saying is certainly logical to me. All of this is just ideas that are being developed and the final product will most likely be quite different.

Perhaps I should have posted the original piano piece so everyone could get an idea of how all this started. Maybe I will do that if I have the time today.

Thanks for all the help.

Billy


“Amazing! I’ll be working with Jaco Pastorius, Charlie Parker, Art Tatum, and Buddy Rich, and you’re telling me it’s not that great of a gig?
“Well…” Saint Peter, hesitated, “God’s got this girlfriend who thinks she can sing…”
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
The free version of BBC Symphony Orchestra from Spitfire Audio is excellent.

It includes timpani... (and other percussion).


As an alternative, you might consider using some synth drums for a more futuristic sound. They (synths) all come with a wide variety of "drums sounds" and much of today's music is built around them - embracing the those-don't-sound-like-real-drums sound of synth-y drums...


Boom. The spitfire is the best IMO

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,136
Originally Posted By: rockstar_not
Originally Posted By: floyd jane
The free version of BBC Symphony Orchestra from Spitfire Audio is excellent.

It includes timpani... (and other percussion).


As an alternative, you might consider using some synth drums for a more futuristic sound. They (synths) all come with a wide variety of "drums sounds" and much of today's music is built around them - embracing the those-don't-sound-like-real-drums sound of synth-y drums...


Boom. The spitfire is the best IMO


I forgot about Spitfire. Yes it is one of if not the best free one out there.


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
Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,046
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,046
Originally Posted By: MarioD
I just found out that the Garritan Instant Orchestra is free:

https://garritan2017.wixsite.com/personal-orchestra-5

Sorry, this is a bogus site.

MakeMusic bought Garritan a number years ago, and it's still a commercial product.


-- David Cuny

My virtual singer development blog
Vocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?

BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,909
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,909
Whooops. If that's the case, then thanks for the heads-up !


BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
Off-Topic
E
eddie1261
Unregistered
eddie1261
Unregistered
E
My best advice is simply to bang the drum slowly...


Last edited by eddie1261; 09/15/21 02:17 PM.
#673245 09/15/21 03:00 PM
Off-Topic
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 2,296
Originally Posted By: eddie1261
My best advice is simply to bang the drum slowly...


That's about how I figured this would go. He was asking for ideas. Billy heard it, so I'm good. cool

Last edited by HearToLearn; 09/15/21 03:37 PM.

Chad (Hope that makes it easier)

TEMPO TANTRUM: What a lead singer has when they can't stay in time.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,513
Posts792,799
Members39,906
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
Rachel31, Joel Stoner, madyasho, aace, qloulia
39,905 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 182
DC Ron 122
jpettit 108
Noel96 81
Today's Birthdays
HighDezert, steelman61
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5