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Originally Posted by Janice & Bud
Hard to say much after reading all the accolades.
We have oft marveled at your all BiaB productions.
And this is no exception.

The first thing we noted was that the track was full of nice dynamics.
Many folks squash the life out of rock tunes -- in our humble opinion.

Every track has its place yet all is so cohesive.
The soundstage is great on our Kalis.
Kinda like the middle seats on the third row. smile

We enjoyed it and hope your music journey continues to offer you some peace and diversion.

J&B


Hi, Folks,

First, to respond to your last line: BIAB, and music in general, have been a major influence on my coping journey. They divert, but yet, give me a soft and safe place to fall when I get overwhelmed, which happens less and less as the weeks pass. In all those years together, we had but one significant argument. Not too bad!

I'm glad you brought up the notion of dynamics. I've been meaning to address that in one of my posts, but I keep forgetting to do so. Thanks for the reminder! Two things come into play for me in that regard: 1. I use as little compression as possible, often none at all. There's is none on this song. 2. With very rare exceptions, I use BIAB's indigenous PG Dynamics vst2 and almost every instrument all the time.

Each individual track seems to have only a tiny bit of difference when the Dynamics tool is applied, but it's just enough. When all instruments have it, the cumulative effect is more noticeable. It's particularly helpful on drums, strings and most lead instruments. That particular vst is much like a loudness (rather than volume) control on a good component stereo system. It very slightly enhances the lower EQs and applies a slight bit more on the upper mids. and presence frequencies. It's my number one go to tool when I mix.

When necessary, I use BIAB's included five-bar EQ tool. That can make a huge difference. It's especially effective on drum kits as using frequency adjustment, each component of the drum kit (kick, snare, cymbals, etc.) can be altered to taste. I use it a lot.

The other thing I do that seems to work well for my compositions is, in addition to the drums and bass, I mix my backing tracks a little more forward in the mic than many people do. It usually brightens and widens the soundstage.

That's probably more than you wanted to read, so ignore at will.

Many thanks for the kindness you've always shown our music.

Take care,

Alan


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Originally Posted by TuneMonger
Alan, thanks so much for your detailed response, I really appreciate it! I've never heard of focal dystonia, but I have essential hand tremor and can no longer play guitar. I can (barely) strum chords for writing songs, but that's about it. I like what you wrote about seeking perfection, that was very helpful. I'm so far from perfection it's laughable, but I do waste a lot of time with plugins and sliders hoping to attain something greater than my skill set, as you would put it. I end up relying on forum feedback to fix my mixes. Thanks again for taking the time to explain your process!


Hi, Bob,

You're welcome. My grandfather, deceased in 1967, gave me four pieces of advice that I have employed throughout my life. I was 18 years old at the time. They have served me well:

1. Don't beat yourself up. There are at least a dozen other people who will do it for you.
2. As long as you walk upon this Earth, remember: Every day's a holiday and every meal's a picnic. Make damn sure you enjoy it.
3. Anywhere you go, you will always find 2 things - good and bad. The one you look for is the one you are most likely to find. Look for the good; you'll have a better life.
4. Most other people know you better than you know yourself. Learn who you really are, and you'll be a wiser man and achieve better success.

So, that's why I said much of what I did. I try to know who I am, not what my hopes and wishes would suggest I am. I approach my music and novel writing as such. It's worked out pretty good for me.

Wishing you everything good.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

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rayc #861657 09/05/25 04:18 AM
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Originally Posted by rayc
Good one Alan, really good.
Definitely a "shred" session in some parts.
If I were to suggest anything it'd be to change the classic BIAB tag ending for something more you. There's noting wrong with it - it's just that I've begun to notice it i my own stuff and am trying to get away from it.


Hi, Ray,

Thanks, Ray. I'm more than delighted you enjoyed it. I accidentally ended up in that arena and decided to go with it. It started out as something Huey Lewis and the News might have done. Definitely didn't end up that way! They are one of my all-time favorite rock groups. I might revisit that effort sometime soon.

I would have no idea how to create my own endings. If you have suggestions, remember - I don't use a DAW. So, it would have to be a solution indigenous to BIAB. But I'm very open to ideas!

Thanks again, Ray.

Alan


BIAB 2024 Ultra Plus-all StylePaks*Win11*32GB DDR5*Rhyzen 9745x*AT 2035 Mic*Peavey Nashville 112 Amp*Ibanez ART120* Acoustic/Electric/Washburn D200S Acoustic*Stromberg Monterey Jazz Guitar

Loops: https://aldavidmusic.wixsite.com/bestmusicloops

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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.

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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.

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