|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13 |
Hi All,
I have quite a bit of experience with BIAB in live performance with prior versions in years past. It has worked well for me.
Previously, I have DISABLED Load/Save Volume with Songs (in Preferences); Then I set the individual Instrument volume levels (e.g., Bass & Drums) in the Mixer and just leave them. That seems to have worked in the past, but now with BIAB 2022 each new song defaults back to equal volume settings for all instrument tracks in the Mixer.
I'm using Real Tracks/Drums exclusively. Am I missing a setting?
Thanks!
DavidH
Denver, CO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13 |
Ok, the Chat support person just told me "no, you can't do that." So there you go.
So the workaround(s) might be:
1) set the volume levels for each track/each song and save/load them every time.
2) In the Preferences for RealDrums or RealTracks I could set a default global volume reduction (e.g., RealDrums always -2dB)
DavidH
Denver, CO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,774
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,774 |
Personally, If I was going to use BB tracks for live performance, to simplify the process, I would simply export the song with everything set the way I wanted to a WAV file and use a WAV player that I liked.
I was with a prison ministry for a while in one of the churches I was attending and we would go in and my job was to lead the music. We carried, by necessity, the bare minimum of equipment. My music tracks were exported from my DAW as mp3 and I had them in the music lists in my phone. Plugged that into the small PA and off we went. If I was gigging at clubs and such places, I would have used a similar method but with a laptop for convenience.... but with pre-recorded tracks ready to go.
If there's one thing I learned from all the years I played with bands, as a solo act, and in the other assorted musical things I did live, it is that the simpler you make it, the better off you will be.
As a side note.... I saw a band in Myrtle Beach many decades ago. They were 2 guys, and a computer running Cakewalk Midi powering a bunch of synth modules. Everything in that show depended on the one computer running MIDI flawlessly. This was way back in the early Windows days.... like maybe 3.1 or so. At every single break, one of them was working on the computer. Now I'll admit.... it sounded really good, but they could have simply recorded the tracks and life would have been even simpler. I asked the singer/guitarist if they were using backing tracks and he said no. Everything was midi controlled. Even the vocal harmonizer and the guitar processor switching rhythm to lead, and the lights..... all controlled by the midi from one computer.
It's a case of "can you?" yes you can...... Should you? Well, that's up to you.
Last edited by Guitarhacker; 07/30/22 02:40 AM.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,525
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,525 |
Yeah, we did that.
But it wasn't even a computer, it was a Roland workstation driving everything you mentioned, including the lights.
Running MIDI isn't much of a challenge, I'd still do it.
Running multitrack audio files is a whole 'nother animal.
We brought a computer along to 'record' the shows, but that was it. The show wasn't run from it.
If it stuttered during the recording that's no big deal; we were the only ones going to listen to it and analyze it anyway.
Eight subgroup outs from the mixer to a 1010 interface and into Powertracks.
Ahh, those were the days .. I wish we'd kept some of those files to look back and laugh at
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,636
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,636 |
It's a case of "can you?" yes you can...... Should you? Well, that's up to you. That's been pretty much one of my mainstay rules: "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should".
Last edited by Gordon Scott; 07/30/22 03:03 AM.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878 |
GuitarHacker makes some solid points.
my $.02
1. Don't use BIAB for live performance. You can do it, numerous veterans on this site do, but there are easier approaches. Software available for gigging with tracks is simply better than BIAB. Plus they run on your phone or tablet if you choose.
Use .wav, flac, mp3 or whatever format the software you select supports.
2. Keep it simple. No orchestral arrangements allowed. I mostly use bass, drums and 1 chording instrument (piano,b3,accordion,etc). I mix the keys very low in the output.
Its mostly just there to help me if I get lost on the changes.
A couple of things I learned from this forum:
Pan the bass hard one side to provide a crude (but effective) eq should you encounter a really boomy room.
Use mp3Gain (or something like it) to make sure output of all your tracks is consistent. Extremely important.
I play everything from Cannonball Adderly to Frank Zappa at my gigs and rarely adjust anything for sound once I run a tune or two at soundcheck.
Last edited by mrgeeze; 07/30/22 09:13 AM.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Heddon Super Spook XT (Mullet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 330
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 330 |
Good points mrgeeze. I've been using BIAB for backing tracks for nearly 20 years. I now keep it very simple. Wav files on a tablet played through my Boze L1. I know there's been discussion in the past on whether or not to use the ear phone jack on a tablet, but I've had no problems. Also, I agree about keeping the arrangements simple. With all the wonderful Real Tracks at our disposal it's tempting to create complex arrangements, but as the years have gone by, I now tend to rely mostly on bass, drums or percussion, and usually one of two guitars (usually acoustic) at the most. For me this tends to work well with my instrumental electric guitar, as it strikes a nice balance and doesn't sound too cluttered.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,986
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,986 |
My 2¢
I bounce to mono for live performance from my iPad. I do not believe in stereo PA except in small rooms, and then, only for background music between sets. People to the far L or R don’t get to hear the mix.
The Apple Music players are cumbersome for live playback. TwistedWave for iOS lets me set up a play list and change it at will. Track loading and playback are instantaneous.
Having lost an iPad motherboard from a bumped plug in the headphone jack, I’ll never, ever, ever plug anything into it again. There are simple, heavy duty Lightning to Headphone adapters from Philips and UGREEN that are far more rugged than the Apple products. My headphone jack has a piece of clear, waterproof tape covering it nowadays.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 878 |
I use iOS on either a phone or a pad. 320kbps mono mp3s.
Anytune Pro is my software of choice for track player. Among its many features is the ability to sync all my set lists to All my devices from my Mac in the studio over the internet/ cloud.
I’ve used digital out lighting usb, headphone out on an older iPad and Bluetooth. I carry cable for every possibility but increasingly I use Bluetooth.
It’s just easier.
biab2025(Mac) Latest Build
Mac OS (Latest)
Apple Mac Mini M2 pro 32GB Ram
Logic Pro (latest or pretty close)
Heddon Super Spook XT (Mullet)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,774
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,774 |
My 2¢
I bounce to mono for live performance from my iPad. I do not believe in stereo PA except in small rooms, and then, only for background music between sets. People to the far L or R don’t get to hear the mix.
Agreed 100% . Many of the bands I played in and with through the years had stereo boards but never ran a stereo mix for that very reason. I don't recall the name of the"professional" band we went to hear in concert, but they were running a stereo mix on the PA and it was really irritating to not be able to hear the guitar player that night. I could see him playing and taking solos but couldn't hear a single note from him due to our location close to the sage on one side.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13 |
That's great advice, thanks.
DavidH
Denver, CO
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,977
Posts798,548
Members40,003
| |
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