|
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: 2,145
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,145 |
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: 3,619
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 3,619 |
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: 11,010
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,021
Posts799,032
Members40,011
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean