|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5 |
Hope some one can advise me regarding recording a guitar with the backing tracks I have recorded in RB: This is what I did with no success.
I connected my guitar to the headphone jack of the computer and open the track window. Then selected an unused track for the guitar. Started the backing tracks and hit the record button: nothing recorded. The Input signal on RB not activating. So, went to youtube and followed the instructions - exactly what I had done but no success.
Did I miss any other steps? - do I have to select "recording" in the audio setup in computer? Thanks for any help you can provide.
David
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,147 |
the headphone jack is an output not an input. that's why you can listen on headphones. try the mic input jack but you may find you need a preamp to get a usable signal.
the mic jack should work ok though if your guitar has an active pickup like an electro acoustic. not sure about passive pickups on an electric guitar and the relative strength of the signal compared to a mic.
try it -at least you'll be connected to the right jack on the pc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
As Bob said you need to be using an input port. Usually the mic input on a PC is not satisfactory. Best to save your pennies and get a good audio interface, there are many options out there.
An audio interface usually connects to the PC via USB and has a port specifically designed to be set up for guitar input. Once you have the input being seen by your DAW it is best not to set your recording level “too hot”. Best to record a bit low and lift the level after recording. It is easy to raise the level recorded a bit low but near impossible to reduce the level of a signal that is too hot (and results in clipping). -18db to -12db is a good level to start at.
Just some thoughts
Tony
Last edited by Teunis; 10/24/21 11:09 PM.
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 836 |
As Bob said you need to be using an input port. Usually the mic input on a PC is not satisfactory. Best to save your pennies and get a good audio interface, there are many options out there.
Band-in-a-Box/RealBand tends to work well with most audio interfaces. If you're going to be recording, you should consider getting a device that has its own ASIO drivers for the best experience. For audio interfaces that do not have its own ASIO drivers, sometimes generic ASIO drivers like ASIO4ALL or FlexASIO will work, but not always. We recommend that you stop by your local pro audio store and ask the salesperson which card would best suit your particular recording and playback needs.
Best,
Chantelle
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,647 |
heres a list of asio interfaces that pg users find work well with rb. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=635707#Post635707the landscape is changeing all the time. what i do is rent for 30 days before buying to ensure compatibility with my pc dave. <thats the best advice i can give you , particularly if your new to this. om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5 |
Thanks so much to all of you who provided your instructions - amazing to have this forum with so many helpful members. My laptop is connected to stereo amplifier. I manage to record my guitar with the tracks I created. I found an old (and cheap) audio interface (enabled Mic for Recording) and Spks for Playback. Will shop around for a decent Audio interface - spoilt for choice with varying prices. I should also share this experience: I managed to do the above with my older Acer laptop but not successful with my newer Lenovo Laptop. Can't figure out why. And by the way, the Lenovo and newer laptops only has the headphone jack but not mic - also, the playback on this Lenovo has the headphone enabled (doesnt work with Speakers when connected to the amplifier). Thanks again to all for sharing your expertise.
David
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,035 |
Some laptops have a combination (combo) jack that can be used as either an input (guitar, keyboard, microphone, etc.) or output (headphones). You use the Windows audio controls to disable one function and enable the other.
While you can use the laptop jack it would far easier to use an audio interface with a USB connection.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 5 |
Thanks Jim...appreciate your advice. Will try this soon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Some laptops have a combination (combo) jack that can be used as either an input (guitar, keyboard, microphone, etc.) or output (headphones). You use the Windows audio controls to disable one function and enable the other.
While you can use the laptop jack it would far easier to use an audio interface with a USB connection. Typically these combo jacks have a 4-conductor 3.5mm headphone jack, the 4th conductor being for the mic input. These are usually set up for use with "gaming"-style headsets, so even if you do get an adapter to patch in a guitar you'll end up with "voice" quality guitar recordings, which is not very good. A proper audio interface (such as Focusrite, Steinberg, MOTU, etc) is the way to go.
I work here
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,191
Posts801,759
Members40,063
| |
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