I listened to forum member, Sundance, +++ COVER +++ of Michael Jackson & the Jackson Five's song, "I Wanna' Be Where You Are". One of the things that struck me is how different the cover is from the original recording. That in itself is not new as there are many instances where a cover has taken a song in a new direction. One example is the original "Mother Nature's Son" by +++ The Beatles +++ versus a cover by +++ John Denver +++. It amazes me how someone can hear a song in a new and different way.
All of that is so I can get around to asking this question, "When you use Band-in-a-Box to produce a song can you maintain the song as you first envisioned it or does Band-in-a-Box influence the final production results?"
As a composer I don’t do covers, although I do sometimes do transcriptions for pay. BIAB absolutely always sends me in a different direction than I had envisioned, and I think that’s great!
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; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I actually don't use BIAB much, but when I do, that's exactly what I use it for: to take me off in a different direction than I would go otherwise.
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
I agree with the gentlemen above. Almost without exception, when I approach BiaB with a song idea in my head that I really want to create, that once I get going, I find myself "off the path" that I started on.
I suppose that could be viewed as lack of discipline(bad) or flexibility(good). Forced to choose, I'd say good.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677 BiaB 2025 Windows For me there’s no better place in the band than to have one leg in the harmony world and the other in the percussive. Thank you Paul Tutmarc and Leo Fender.
Jim, my answers to those two questions are yes and yes. Sometimes I know exactly what I want and what style to use to achieve it. But many times BiaB leads me down a different path. BiaB is great for learning and creating new genres. If I didn't have BiaB I wouldn't be doing half of the music that I am doing today.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
For me it's very easy to fall down the rabbit hole that is all things Band-in-a-Box and lose my original song arrangement or concept in the process. I can easily audition styles and RealTracks for hours! When I think a song is interesting enough to retain the original I'll generally take a couple steps that help me to keep on track.
One is to make a rough draft audio file. It might just be me humming, playing a guitar or singing but I catch what I can while the song is fresh on my mind.
Second is to make audio notes detailing what I want in each segment of a song.
Between the two if I get led too far astray I have audio to remind me of my original idea.
As I use mostly my own playing I have a fair idea of what I want to do and the prog doesn't dictate direction much. I use it occasionally to try a different style or flip between options I'd planned, (like the jazz n rock versions of the same song I recently posted). Mother Natures Son has few excellent covers - Denver's is a winner in the direction it takes the guitars but his vocal seems out of place. Nilsson's voice with Tipton's arrangement made it something different and interesting but "soft" as the mawkishness of McCartney seemed to appeal to Harry. It's part the iconic nature of the original and partly that it's a complex but not very exciting song...soporific even.
Using BIAB to create a cover can be problematic as it can, as shown, make things rather bland/generic unless care is taken. I did one cover earlier this year - my 1st - and I deliberately took it in a different, aggressive direction but the process began with a BIAB style in mind - though it was heavily altered with me adding bass, guitars and "vocal".
Last edited by rayc; 08/15/2211:15 PM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
I would think the more tracks a user creates for a song project the less opportunity Band-in-a-Box has to take your vision in a new direction. For example I believe it would be difficult to go too far off track with user created keyboard, guitar and vocal tracks.
One of the nice things about Band-in-a-Box is you do not need to be a vocalist or musician to enjoy using it. But depending exclusively on Band-in-a-Box limits a user's ability to determine the outcome.
Some ways a non musician or vocalist user can personalize tracks is through editing MIDI, choosing a virtual instrument or applying loops. All of those choices go outside the Band-in-a-Box norm but are available for use in Band-in-a-Box.
It's always a chart smashing hit in my head..... now, If I can just get that to translate to the demo.
Actually, No. What I hear in my head for a given song always takes a different route when I select the style and start working on the song in BB. I can't say it's a lesser version because that's not true. It's just that it rarely ever turns out exactly like I was envisioning the song. Like I said, different doesn't mean it's not as good. It just means that it took a slightly different route in the audio world. And sometimes, it actually does turn out better than I was hearing it in my head. Those are the magical ones.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
It's always a chart smashing hit in my head..... now, If I can just get that to translate to the demo.
You're not using the right magic VST plugin.
Byron Dickens
BIAB. CbB. Mixbus 32C 8 HP Envy. Intel core i7. 16GB RAM W10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i 20. Various instruments played with varying degrees of proficiency.
Man,some VST plugins ARE magic. I have a close to 1,000.
The one I would never give up is free and it's by Sonible and Focusrite, called "Balancer."
I use it on every mix on almost every track. It is extremely lightweight and non-intrusive but it will, among other things, make that BIAB acoustic, or piano, or cello sound exactly the way you want it to, or close, in half a second.
David, I watched the Focusrite vid for Balancer...interesting short cut thing. I've downloaded it to experiment...can't hurt to play with it can it? Thanks.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
… All of that is so I can get around to asking this question, "When you use Band-in-a-Box to produce a song can you maintain the song as you first envisioned it or does Band-in-a-Box influence the final production results?"
Yes.
It all depends what I’m going for.
BIAB 2024 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
How do you maintain your first vision of a song project as you heard it in your head while not letting Band-in-a-Box not influence the final product? If I audition styles those styles influence me.
BUMMER, needs an activation code from a current Focusrite account. My Gen 1 Solo is out of date so no go.
Strange, my account for my Gen 1 Scarlet 8I6 worked fine.
I've always had trouble with mine - may just be me CeeBee. BUT it's now irrelevant as Sonible sent a key with the sign up confirmation so I can grab it and David was correct - free.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
When I do a cover I have a certain style in mind and BIAB is great for letting me flush that idea out. That's one of the things I like best about the product. So yes, BIAB does influence the production result. For example my latest cover is a soul song but I wanted to use a Bossa Nova Rhythm. BIAB was excellent in helping me work that out. When I did "Walk On BY' as a Disco Song BIAB Certainly influenced that outcome. So for me I would have to say that BIAB definitely influences the outcome based on Rhythm, key instruments that I use, etc..
BUMMER, needs an activation code from a current Focusrite account. My Gen 1 Solo is out of date so no go.
Strange, my account for my Gen 1 Scarlet 8I6 worked fine.
I've always had trouble with mine - may just be me CeeBee. BUT it's now irrelevant as Sonible sent a key with the sign up confirmation so I can grab it and David was correct - free.
Then again..my problems with FREE suppliers continues. The key isn't enough, nor an account...it required ONLINE authentication.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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