|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
Do I need some sort of 'interface' to go between my CD player and my PA mixer that would give me better sounding files? I just run direct from audio out (or headphone) from the CD player into the Mackie PA mixer...
Does it matter if I plug into a regular mic channel on the mixer, or the 'tape in' input?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 14,576 |
Does it sound bad the way you're doing it now? If not the it's not broke. Don't try to fix what's not broke. If it sounds bad then just make all the files on your laptop computer and plug your computer card output into your mixer. That'll sound good and it won't take up any space, hardly, on your hard drive.
Russ Anyday above ground is a good day Computer is Hp Pavillion Vision 6 Ghz quad core AMD processor 8 Gig memory 1 TB hard drive 6 GB hard drive Windows 7 Premium Loose nut behind the keyboard 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Did you read my answer to this same question in the BIAB forum?
And Russ is correct; if it doesn't sound distorted and it is loud enough, then you are fine.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
Yes I read your original response... and at your suggestion, moved the same here...
My files aren't 'broke', but they definitely do not sound as 'crisp/clean/ as they do running thru my PC and BIAB... so I thought maybe there was some interface I was missing..
Does the WAV rendering process, and subsequent conversion to an MP3 degrade the quality of the original SGU file? I have a very good, clean PA setup - JBL eon speakers and a Mackie mixer... so that is not the problem...
Thanks...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
This is the part of my other response that was important:
Line Out on the CD player could go into Tape In on the mixer.
Headphone jack on the CD player could go into one of the mic inputs (regular channels) on the mixer, but turn the volume on the CD down to almost nothing to start.
So, which way are you connecting your CD player to the mixer, so we can know what your setup is?
There should not be a need for any other interface.
The WAV rendering process does not involve any loss of quality. Conversion to MP3 does, since that means you are compressing the file. What bit rate are you using for the MP3?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
Like I said - Audio Out on the Sony CD player into a mic channel on the mixer..
Tried going into tape in on the mixer, but there was not enough 'bottom end', so I use the mic channel and bump up the bass...
I use Audacity for the MP3 conversion, and the bit rate is 192.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
OK, that helps. I agree, Audio Out is likely a headphone jack, rather than a Line Out, because it didn't work well with the Tape In. My SONY portable Discman CD player has both outputs, which is why I have asked. If you don't have a Line Out, you'll have to play with the volume control on the CD player, and you want to start soft then get it up as high as you can without introducing distortion. Only then turn up the Mackie.
If you DO have a Line Out on the CD player, you should be using that instead.
192 bit rate should be fine. If you don't like the sound, that's likely not the problem.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
The Sony has an A & B 'phones' and an Audio Out and Video Out (since it is basically a DVD player).... I use the Audio Out to the Mackie... I assume that's 'better' than the phones?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,449 |
Then I would think the best audio connection is Audio Out to Tape In.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Please state the model number of your DVD player and the model number of your PA/Mixer. Also, depending on your editing, and your conversion, how 'hot' is the audio file. You can open the file in Audacity and look through the file. The wave form , at some point along the way, should touch the bottom of the window or the top of the window.  As you can see, there is an area that goes almost to the bottom, and almost to the top. If you are not getting peaks like this, then the actual wave file is very weak, and will require a lot of volume to hear it. The problem is, you can 'normalize' or do a gain change which will, in software, increase the total volume of everything in the file. Unfortunately, as you increase the total gain, you will also increase the noise floor, so it may be possible that your input to the mixer will be at a reasonable level, but it will be full of hiss and background noise. If that is the case, then you need to go back to whatever your recorded the backing track in and re-record it at a higher level so that does not happen. Gary
Last edited by Gary Curran; 04/18/10 03:22 PM.
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,259 |
Quote:
OK, that helps. I agree, Audio Out is likely a headphone jack, rather than a Line Out, because it didn't work well with the Tape In. My SONY portable Discman CD player has both outputs, which is why I have asked. If you don't have a Line Out, you'll have to play with the volume control on the CD player, and you want to start soft then get it up as high as you can without introducing distortion. Only then turn up the Mackie.
If you DO have a Line Out on the CD player, you should be using that instead.
192 bit rate should be fine. If you don't like the sound, that's likely not the problem.
You and Gary have brought up some interesting and probably obvious points. I could tell from listening and always strongly suspected that that headphone output was not as strong as the output jacks. I just ordered a cable with RCA plugs and a female 3.5mm stereo jack for my ext. laptop speakers. From what I see, most mp3 players only have a headphone jack so we're stuck with that for output. Sure makes you think about making sure that you make a good quality recording to maximize your output results. FWIW
Stan
Cornet Curmudgeon
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,741
Posts795,650
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean