Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Sancho's Perspective V2
UPDaTED - Terry sent me his wav file of the draft vocal so was able to swpa out the split.
I've addressed, I hope, the telephone vocal section issue raised by BD. Terry had sent me the FX printed to his vocal so I've reduced them to match my own version, (1st & third parts), & blended my untreated vox across the section.
BIAB components:
RealDrums popjazzfast
Right hand guitar 4162
Organ 3993
My parts:
Squire Mustang - guitars Left
Vantage Bass
Midi piano - piano roll written
Some chorus harmonies
TERRY BERMAN - Main vocals & generated Harmonies
This one has been waiting for vocals since July. Terry provided a draft version with backing & I had to use the stem splitter in BIAB to get the vocal.
The splitter did quite well.
It's been a month since this vocal arrived and Terry's unable, because of life as usual, to do a full version anytime soon so I decided to finish it with what I had on hand.
Terry changed a few words and did some renovation rescue of the melody.
I think it's close to being ready to master but would love your input as to what needs tweaking.
LYRICS:
V1
Upstairs, downstairs
Too, too twain
Top floor, closed door
Same refrain.
New tears, old fears
Still unchanged.
Fraught night, blurred sight,
Rearranged.
C1
Striding up the stairs
To tilt at windmills
No, no dragon slain
So, walk, walk down again.
Though I've lost the plot
Of who is who and what's what
No, not what I am
But what I am not.
V2
Spoken unheard
Utterance
Written unread
Happenstance
New thought old ways
Open closed
Restart reject
Now deposed
C2
Climbing up the stairs
To tilt at windmills
No, no dragon slain
So, stumble down again.
Though I've lost the plot
Of who is who and what's what
No, not what I am
But what I am not.
SOLO
V3
Upstairs, downstairs
Two, too insane
Top floor,red door
We trained in vain.
New tears, pain sears
Still deranged.
Fraught night, old blight,
Now estranged.
C3
Stagger up the stairs
To tilt at windmills
No, no dragon slain
Tumble, tumble down again.
Though I've lost the plot
Of who is who and what what
No, not what I am
But this misbegot.

Last edited by rayc; 11/27/25 07:50 PM.

Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,747
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,747
Hi, Ray. The splitter did do a nice job based on what I can hear. Very impressive.

Everything in the mix sounds well-balanced. Especially like the stereo splitting of the harmonies and the prominent bass. Lots of cool harmonic and dynamic shifts to keep it interesting. That's a neat ending, too. smile

Also like the vocal FX that start the last 1/3 of the track, but I might have dialed them back a smidge as they sound a bit TOO fuzzy to my ears. But that's an artistic choice for sure.

Nicely done!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 805
I like it. It's got a good dance-y rhythm and seems like a fun one to sing too, with lots of room for perhaps some ooos and aahs down the line. The organ fits very nicely and then just blooms in the solo.

User Showcase
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,076
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 3,076
That's pretty far for a WIP.
And in pretty good state, I must say.

Things you might consider or ignore:
  • The hi-hat(?) fills in the first minute or so are a bit too dominant. I'd either turn it down a bit or reduce the brightness.
  • In some places, there are conflicts between the vocals and the organ. I would duck the organ with the vocals via sidechain. I seem to remember that you have the Trackspacer plugin?
  • The processed vocals are really hard to understand for someone without the written lyrics. Maybe you could fade in the unprocessed vocals (just a little bit, maybe even just on one side) to improve the result without compromising the desired effect.


That being said, even in its current form, it's already a pretty cool song, and your results with the stem splitter are really good.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,284
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 2,284
Great song and choice of instrumentation, plus like Beth I love the drive. It's also great to hear the words you're singing! wink laugh


Some favourite Waoist Adages:
#1: Play on the Way.
#13: Ask not for whom the flower blooms, it blooms for you.
#58: Bring consciousness to it.
#63: On the road to effortlessness, effort must be made.
#92: Be Love Now, the rest will come on its own.
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Hi, Ray. The splitter did do a nice job based on what I can hear. Very impressive.
Everything in the mix sounds well-balanced. Especially like the stereo splitting of the harmonies and the prominent bass. Lots of cool harmonic and dynamic shifts to keep it interesting. That's a neat ending, too. smile
Also like the vocal FX that start the last 1/3 of the track, but I might have dialed them back a smidge as they sound a bit TOO fuzzy to my ears. But that's an artistic choice for sure.
Nicely done!
CD,
Thanks & YES the splitter did an ace job - particularly as it was an MP3.
After BD chiming in I've tweaked the 3rd verse.
THANKS


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by BYOBand
I like it. It's got a good dance-y rhythm and seems like a fun one to sing too, with lots of room for perhaps some ooos and aahs down the line. The organ fits very nicely and then just blooms in the solo.
Thanks Beth,
I don't know if it's dance-y - for me it'd be jerky but I get what you mean.
I've had great luck with BIAB organs - it's cool.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by B.D.Thomas
That's pretty far for a WIP.
And in pretty good state, I must say.
Things you might consider or ignore:
  • The hi-hat(?) fills in the first minute or so are a bit too dominant. I'd either turn it down a bit or reduce the brightness.
  • In some places, there are conflicts between the vocals and the organ. I would duck the organ with the vocals via sidechain. I seem to remember that you have the Trackspacer plugin?
  • The processed vocals are really hard to understand for someone without the written lyrics. Maybe you could fade in the unprocessed vocals (just a little bit, maybe even just on one side) to improve the result without compromising the desired effect.


That being said, even in its current form, it's already a pretty cool song, and your results with the stem splitter are really good.
Thanks BD,
It's only a stereo kit and any attempt to EQ or MB Comp the hihat lead to a dull sound so it's something I'm stuck with.
I hope this new vocal mix solves the clash.
Telephone vox retweaked.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by WaoBand
Great song and choice of instrumentation, plus like Beth I love the drive. It's also great to hear the words you're singing! wink laugh
Thanks Wao,
The vocals are easier because it's not my voice - you'll find that is a common trait in my stuff.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,043
Expert
Online Content
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,043
This is a concept way above my pay-grade, so I'm not really qualified to offer a critique on the music. Nice keys happening around the 2:28 min mark.
As for the lyrics, Don Quixote wasn't required reading in any of the English classes I bothered to attend, so I'm out of my depth there too.
Looking forward to hearing this project when complete.


ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by Ghostgum
This is a concept way above my pay-grade, so I'm not really qualified to offer a critique on the music. Nice keys happening around the 2:28 min mark.
As for the lyrics, Don Quixote wasn't required reading in any of the English classes I bothered to attend, so I'm out of my depth there too.
Looking forward to hearing this project when complete.
Thanks GG,
If you recognized the Don via Sancho, then you've the gist of the narrative - futility.
The "not what I am but what I am not" bit is there simply because it looked good written down though it does blend with the Quixote story a little.
Don wasn't in the curriculum when I was at high school during the 1st half of the 70s...we did fab stuff like Hamlet & 1984 though, and I loved every book from 1st to 6th form.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 587
Journeyman
Online Content
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 587
Reminds of the so called new wave bands from 1980s, even some psychedelic sounds of the 1970s. Interesting and different.

User Showcase
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,101
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 5,101
Yes, indeed, A is a fun key. Man, so glad Terry showed up --and with such a good feel for the song. Definitely worth the wait. I love that bass, Ray. You say this is a WIP, but I like it as is. Is that you singing in the middle part? Cool harmonies, excellent choice of instruments and the perfect mix. Stick around Terry.


Enjoy whatever happens!
marty

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@babumusic51
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/marty-straub
Band in a Box, Reaper, Cakewalk, Ozone 12, EZDrummer
User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,778
Ray, super bass and groove. I really liked the vocals and the effects you used on them. You did a great job on the rhythm guitar and MIDI piano. Super ending.
IMHO this is one of your best to date.


Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.

When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by Brno
Reminds of the so called new wave bands from 1980s, even some psychedelic sounds of the 1970s. Interesting and different.
Thanks Brno,
The main influence on this one comes, quite literally, from 77.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
rayc Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,281
Originally Posted by MarioD
Ray, super bass and groove. I really liked the vocals and the effects you used on them. You did a great job on the rhythm guitar and MIDI piano. Super ending.
IMHO this is one of your best to date.
Ta Mario,
The vocal FX are a free VST called Televox PLUS another freebee called Iron Oxide classic Airwindows.
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/3753/
https://www.airwindows.com/iron-oxide-classic/
The latter is GREAT for helping vocals and bass poke through a mix.


Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
User Showcase
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,269
It sounds to me like you did something pretty major to the vocals on V2, and the result made the whole song much better! Much more musical now. I like it. The telephone effect on the penultimate verse is okay - I could take it or leave it. Nice track, worth the revision for sure.


Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,511
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,511
Hey this is the great little number.

Love the bass intro. Kind of reminds me of Tom Verlaine and Television a little bit if you remember those cats.

Both with the bass and the guitar parts.

Some great retro sounding stuff going on here.

Awesome work Ray and happy holidays.

User Showcase
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,029
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9,029
Ray,

This came out great. I love the drive of the organ and your mustang. Excellent mix. One of your best!

Bob

User Showcase
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 16,163
We agree that it is ready for Fran’s mastering!
That is one creative arrangement and mixed to perfection.
As others have mentioned good work with the splitter.
MP3? No problem. They are vastly underrated IMHO.

Terry sounds great and has such an expressive voice.
Janice said that she could hear him narrating an audio book as his voice is full of emotion.

Love the lyric and band.
“not what I am but what I am not”
We rarely use the word evocative but think it works well for this.

You and Terry always hit a home run!

J&B


Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more.
If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks!
Our Videos
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!

Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!

Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.

Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.

If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!

202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!

With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!

Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!

Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.

Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.

The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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 PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: 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.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,309
Posts803,143
Members40,090
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
sergiop, John Stubering, JohnDoe4u, MarkGMusic, Thekesslerboy
40,090 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 131
rsdean 95
vicarn 85
DC Ron 84
WaoBand 65
Noel96 56
Today's Birthdays
larryfarr, Va Russ, woofer
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5