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Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 86 |
'Tis the season of giving - but if you're anything like me, a few gifts for yourself sneak into your gifts for others !!!
Is anyone planning on gifting themselves any musical goodies, like
- lessons with a great music teacher
- online video streaming lessons
- any kind of music books
- a day off from work (or from your usual retirement routine) just to play, practice, or listen to your favorite music
Best,
Joe
BB/RB 2025
Windows 10
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Absolutely there will be some self-gifts under my tree! First and foremost, I'm giving myself more opportunity to play the drums - I bought a drum kit earlier this year that I haven't had much opportunity to use yet, so I'm going to book some regular time at a practice space. As well, I'm going to try and squeeze in an electric drum kit if I can. Secondly, I started a small collection of nice headphones recently, and I might add to that - I've got a few nice pairs of open-backs, and might spring for a nicer pair of closed-back cans  What are you gifting yourself?
I work here
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eddie1261
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eddie1261
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Absolutely nothing! In my case both the giver and the receiver are incredibly cheap, and If I give myself a gift, then social protocol says receiving me must them give a gift to giving me, and that sets up an endless loop of giving/receiving and receiving/giving that led to me have 8 guitars I don't pay and 8 keyboards I rarely play (I could do with just the Kurzweil I have down here in my office area.) and a rack full of synth modules.
Plus I am also a grouch (or in this case, grinch) and I don't do holidays.
But to all of you who do get involved with this kind of thing, don't be cheap and buy yourself something nice!!
For you, Simon, I suggest a set of Sony MDR7506 phones. $90 at Walmart, or $130 from Sony if you want to feel like you are splurging!! I have 2 of these, one upstairs and one downstairs, and they are great.
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 621 |
Nothing here. My 14 year old Nikon left us and moved on to that great photoshoot in the sky so all my pennies have to go towards funding a replacement.
You think plugins are expensive....
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. https://soundcloud.com/athanorsoundlabs
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eddie1261
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eddie1261
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You going to buy a DSLR or a film model? (Do they even make those anymore?) I picked up a Canon EOS Rebel T6 with a 50mm fixed lens in a pawn shop for $200 a couple of years back. Then added a 75-200 zoom lens, an 18-55 zoom, a remote shutter switch and a monopod. A few accessories, like a body cap and some lens covers because to ones that came with the lenses we non good, and I brought the whole system in for about $500. I don't use it much, but it does a nice job for me. ![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/Cp6pYim.jpg) This duck was about 300 yards from me at Salem Lake in NC when I was down that way for Herbfest in 2022. I know a lot of people prefer film, but I just wanted to share what I picked up as you search for your new stuff. I also know a few Nikon people and they will use nothing else. Like how I used to be a Gibson snob in my day and thought the Les Paul was the only guitar in the universe.
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338 |
Well, BIAB 2024 of course. The best Goodie out there. I did just buy a luxury item: a Lokius by Schiit Audio (a Texas company). It's a small six-band tone control that sits right in front of me, instead of my reaching for the old multiband equalizer over in the rack spaces. When I listen to music, this little device allows me to tune in, or tune out, the bass etc. to help make hearing individual parts much easier to transcribe. https://www.schiit.com/products/lokius
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.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 20,777 |
Besides BiaB 2024, I've already purchased a few Xtra paks and styles that I need to complete my collection.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,662
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 2,662 |
I was inspired by a friend who said he wants to put more of himself into his music, a sentiment I share. So I recently got a good deal from my gear advisor for a drum sampling pad; the kind you play with sticks.
This thing is awesome and provides endless fun and growth. I'm looking forward to using it to add percussion to the BiaB songs I write.
And BiaB 2024 is on order.
https://soundcloud.com/user-646279677BiaB 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.
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
For you, Simon, I suggest a set of Sony MDR7506 phones. $90 at Walmart, or $130 from Sony if you want to feel like you are splurging!! I have 2 of these, one upstairs and one downstairs, and they are great. I've considered the 7506's, but I've already got a pair of Audio Technica ATH-M50's which are pretty similar to the Sony's. I've also got Sennheiser HD 380 Pro (which desperately need new earpads), AKG K7XX, a pair of 1970's K240's, and (currently my favourite) Grado SR60E. Considering a pair of Beyerdynamic DT 770's though, quickly demoed them at a store recently and liked what I heard. I did just buy a luxury item: a Lokius by Schiit Audio (a Texas company). It's a small six-band tone control that sits right in front of me, instead of my reaching for the old multiband equalizer over in the rack spaces. When I listen to music, this little device allows me to tune in, or tune out, the bass etc. to help make hearing individual parts much easier to transcribe. https://www.schiit.com/products/lokiusI always suggest having things like that at your fingertips. Years ago I built a studio monitor controller, mostly because I needed switchable inputs and a big volume knob, but I also added in a Mono switch and a Polarity switch, and dang do I use both of those religiously when checking a mix. Good thought about a tone control though, I wonder if I can add that and still keep the design passive... Well, BIAB 2024 of course. The best Goodie out there. Besides BiaB 2024, I've already purchased a few Xtra paks and styles that I need to complete my collection. And BiaB 2024 is on order. Onya mates 
I work here
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338 |
Simon, I now use Beyerdynamic 770s. They are great. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
For mixing long periods, I use Alessandro open headphones. Your Grados were modified by Alessandro. Both are comfortable, neutral and clear.
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.
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
Simon, I now use Beyerdynamic 770s. They are great. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
For mixing long periods, I use Alessandro open headphones. Your Grados were modified by Alessandro. Both are comfortable, neutral and clear. See I've heard a lot of good things about the 770's and practically nothing bad, that's why I'm leaning towards those. And absolutely, these Grados are incredibly comfortable and clear, though like everyone I'd appreciate just a little more bottom end. Anyway, good to have a handful of nice cans in my line of work
I work here
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Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 1,936 |
…. I also have the Sony 7506 which is good to wear when recording.
…
. The MDR 7506 is an industry standard. I can count the number of basses in the section of a well recorded orchestra. If only the cords used a jack instead of being hard wired. I dislike that the ear pads fall apart after a couple years or so. I found some Genuine Sheepskin Leather Earpads over memory foam replacements about six years ago and couldn't be happier. They're a little tricky to install but, if I can do it one-handed, anyone can do it with two. Like any new leather gear, it takes a few hours for the leather to break in and become comfortable. Recently, the lip that fits into the groove became too flexible and the cups fell off my most used pair. A small bead of silicone over the groove fixed that and will be easy to remove if these cup pads ever wear out in my lifetime (still looking good). Anyway, all of my 7506s sport these now. I now do critical mastering with the Steven Slate Audio VSX system and those 'phones are incredibly comfortable but I don't use them for anything else. I have an old pair of Grado open air for casual listening but I rarely do that anymore. Because of my limited mobility, I prefer to crank up the speakers nowadays but certain old recordings including anything with Joe Osborne or Chop Douglas on bass just sound like magic on those Grados.
BIAB 2025 Audiophile Mac
24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia, M1 MBAir, 2012 MBP
Digital Performer11, LogicPro, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScorePro64/Notion6 /Overture5
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Joined: May 2020
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If only the cords used a jack instead of being hard wired. There are a few websites that offer headphone modification service or DIY parts for that sort of thing - not sure if any of them cover the Sony's though. I dislike that the ear pads fall apart after a couple years or so. That happened to my M50's and my HD 380's - just replaced the pads on the 380's actually and they're like new again. I didn't like the stock pads on the M50's that much, so on a recommendation I used a set of Shure pads on them and they feel incredible now and so far have lasted a lot longer. I also may swap the pads on my K7XX's, they're a bit firm for my liking, although they're also easily the most comfortable big headphones I own. I have an old pair of Grado open air for casual listening but I rarely do that anymore. Because of my limited mobility, I prefer to crank up the speakers nowadays but certain old recordings including anything with Joe Osborne or Chop Douglas on bass just sound like magic on those Grados. Similarly I prefer speakers, but yeah dang my Grados are magical like you say. I can hear new things in music I've been listening to for decades! Honestly headphones for me are mostly for fun and for outdoors - I mix through studio monitors whenever possible. For listening at home I've got my original HR824's and my home theatre which consists of a Marantz receiver and a pair of medium size 1970's Technics speakers - both systems sound fantastic.
I work here
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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.
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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®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
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