|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,075
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,075 |
OK, since we seem to be on multiple threads about guitar players, computers and various things from the past... here's another one:
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
What year/version was it?
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
was it a successful experience right away??
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
any other observations not listed here?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,224
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,224 |
I learned of BiaB long ago when I purchased Powertracks ver 2.3
It was back in Windows 3.1 days and came on a floppy disk.
I was so excited when Win95 came out and I got the old RAP-10 card.
I can not remember the oldest version of BiaB I got. I was more into using PT for programming songs at the time.
BiaB, for me, is a 'fun' tool. I use it to tinker around with chords and styles.
Most of my songs are written with multiple people, so BiaB isn't involved much. But it IS fun.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,075
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,075 |
Quote:
OK, since we seem to be on multiple threads about guitar players, computers and various things from the past... here's another one:
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
a guy at work asked me if I had ever heard of it (I hadn't). Next day he brought several 3.5" disks and told me to load it and check it out. he said "you're gonna want to buy this software once you hear it"
He was right. I would bet that in the early days when the software was contained on a few disks or a single CD that a lot of people were introduced to it by receiving a pirated copy, and they liked it so much they bought it. It's a variant of the shareware concept. Regardless of the legality, it is consistent with the principles of human motivation.
Quote:
What year/version was it?
I don't remember. But it came with an app called THE JAZZ GUITARIST which was later discontinued for legal reasons (it was populated with jazz standards, the rights to which were not held by PGMusic, which is why I figure the current rule about linking to covers on the forum is an issue)
Quote:
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
a stripped-down bargain basement 286
Quote:
was it a successful experience right away??
my son and I had been trying to find software that we could use for recording, but everything we found was so complicated we spent all of our time playing with the software and very little time playing with the music. For me, BIAB was the first software that was intuitive enough to sit down, plug up and play along without enduring a loing technical setup first.
Quote:
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
when I got married I sold all my gear to buy furniture. For years I didn't have anything. I had resigned myself to the idea that music was something I USED to do. BIAB rekindled the spark, and I started buying gear again... but this time mostly gear for recording, not for performing. With the advent of Real Tracks, I bought a mandolin, banjo and dobro so I can add specific melodies that blend in with the acoustic real tracks. And without BIAB I probably would never have bought a hardware synth.
Quote:
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
without BIAB I wouldn't be playing music at all. I would just be working 14 hour days and falling into bed exhausted every night. Time constraints like that make it impossible to find other musicians who have the same window of opportunity for music. With BIAB, if there is a 15 minute opportunity, I can use it effectively. Otherwise, that time would get wasted.
Quote:
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
mostly for musical exploration and capturing ideas for later development
Quote:
any other observations not listed here?
just thanks to PGMusic for creating a product that has given more musical opportunity to more people
Last edited by Pat Marr; 10/16/10 07:53 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,608 |
A keyboard tech in Norfolk turned me on to BIAB in 1995. Started using it on a restaurant piano bar gig six nights a week right away. It's been great to see the program evolve over the years. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
I helped out a broke Computer Science grad student by purchasing some of his junk.
A Yamaha DX-11 keyboard and a box of computer disks, the old large floppies as well as the newer small plastic cased single density floppies.
In the box was a very early version of BiaB along with some disks in which the student had already stored some created songs.
There was BiaB for that weird version of Windows that came first before Win95 and there was also a set of disks that were an even older version that I think ran on Atari but never used.
Once I installed BB and figured out how to get it running, I do remember that I spent the rest of the evening, about three or four hours, just jamming along with some of the Jazz offerings of the time...
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,115
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,115 |
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
A salesman in Sam Ash recommended it. I had been using a hardware unit, the Yamaha QY10, and was looking to upgrade. He convinced me that software was the better way to go (he was right).
What year/version was it?
About 1993. BIAB Version 4.
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
PCs that I built (then as now).
Was it a successful experience right away??
Absolutely. I was used to programming songs from the Yamaha. This was similar, but better. I also already knew music theory and was an experienced computer programmer (and comp sci professor).
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Yes. I build my computers and select all peripherals based on their performance with BIAB and SONAR.
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
Yes, dramatically. It gave my composing a large boost.
Have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
All of these. My CD, "Brazilian Wish", has nine songs composed in BIAB that I took into a major studio with only minor arranging alterations. I recently recorded another CD with my percussionist (his album) and we did eight more of my songs, again all composed in BIAB. We first worked together with BIAB to fit my chords and melodies to his ideas for Latin percussion, which I could audition in RealDrums. By the time we hit the studio, we knew the sounds we wanted. I am often hired to do horn arrangements for other people's CDs, and I use BIAB to transcribe their songs, then experiment writing hooks and horn lines before I record them.
Any other observations not listed here?
I can play almost any wind instrument, but almost no rhythm instruments. BIAB immediately gave me what I was missing to be able to compose and hear my songs without having to find a keyboard player or guitarist. It's a life and career-changing program.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 7,258 |
Mac wasn't it windows 3.1 before '95 came out ?
I was doing a google for music software and was lead here. I downloaded the trial version & the rest is history.
I've learnt sooooooo much from biab
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
somehow i received an old pg music flyer that had been stashed in my computer desk for months. in cleaning up one day i chanced to open it. it featured version 8 (by this time it had evolved to v10) and i was impressed with its many features. i remember thinking it was a difficult read due to its lack of white space but i read the unconditional 30-day money back guarantee and decided to order, what could i lose? within a few days the package came and, within ten minutes of installing, i had created my first original composition. needless to say, i was sold. a stroke left me mute and paralyzed but band-in-a-box has made it possible for me to continue to make music for which i am eternally grateful to peter gannon and the entire staff at pg music.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,396
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,396 |
I saw a small ad in either Electronics Musician or Keyboard magazine. This was for version 1 and it was on the PC. I had an Atari 1040/ST at the time. I got the first version available for Atari, and started writing styles as soon as that option was introduced. Peter Gannon called and offered to help me convert the styles to IBM (that's what we called the PC in those days). By then BiaB was still a DOS program on the PC, and I bought a 386 PC and the DOS version of BiaB. Because I hated DOS, I would write styles on the Atari and put them on a disk formatted on the PC to transfer them. As soon as version 1 for Windows arrived, I started writing styles on the PC instead of the Atari. A year or so later I bought a Mac (OS6) and BiaB/Mac so I could sell to the Mac people. I already had a few synth modules and keyboards so I used the MIDI port. I primarily use BiaB to do the 'mule work' of writing backing tracks for my duo (I had been doing all the work on Master Tracks Pro since about 1985), exporting as a MIDI file and then adding the song specific parts in MTPro. I also write aftermarket styles for BiaB, check out the mp3 demos at http://www.nortonmusic.com/styledemo.htmlI wrote the original styles on version 4 (3 instrument) because I wanted something that PG Music didn't offer. And I'm still writing styles for the program. How has it changed my life? I started a second "moonlighting" business, I learned how to run a mail-order business, when the internet came along, I learned how to write HTML to make web sites, and writing styles for BiaB gave me a practical application for the music arranging that I took in school. I've also made a lot of BiaB friends, many of whom are also my customers. Thanks Peter Gannon for enriching my life. Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,058 |
I this it was about 2007 I got the program but put it aside for a year or so. I was totally bewildered on how it worked but knew it did something great.
We use it now for backing track of both PD gospels and our own work.
I'm learning slowly. Every now and then I'll search for a midi file, many of which are either piano or organ and not that well done.
BIAB makes a real difference in a song.
Wyndham
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,110 |
Quote:
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
My introduction to BIAB actually came about because Cakewalk included a copy of Jammer with one of my DAW updates. I ended up purchasing Jammer Pro and then became pretty frustrated with both the cost and the limited availability of styles to go with the program. I stumbled across PG Music one day when I was googling for Jammer styles, and was impressed with the number of styles and the values for the dollar. Demoed BIAB and haven't looked at Jammer since.
Quote:
What year/version was it?
BIAB 11. uh, 2002 or 2003 maybe? I don't remember the year, just the version I started with.
Quote:
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
A Toshiba satelitte running Windows 98.
Quote:
was it a successful experience right away??
Pretty much. It was easy to learn. Despite all of the crabbing and complaining that you hear from some quarters about the GUI, I felt like everything made sense. Comparing it to Jammer, it was much easier for me to learn and operate.
Quote:
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
No, not specifically to accomodate BIAB. I made changes to accomodate MIDI playback in general, mainly in the addition of outboard sound modules.
Quote:
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
Its made some changes in how I RECORD music. In the MIDI only era, I used BIAB to generate some instrumentation that I subsequently exported and edited in SONAR and incorporated into my recordings after using the edited MIDI files to drive drum machines and sound modules. The biggest change came post REAL TRACKs. BIAB produced real tracks has replaced probably 90% of my use of audio samples and acid loops in my recordings.
Quote:
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
I use BIAB 15% for practice, 60% recording, 25% indirectly for production of backing for live performances.
Keith
2025 Audiophile Windows 11 RYZEN THREADRIPPER 3960X 4.5GHZ 128 GB RAM 2 Nvidia RTX 3090s, Vegas,Acid,SoundForge,Izotope Production,Melodyne Studio,SONAR,3 Raven Mtis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I saw it in a store. I bought it along with a keyboard. Never looked back. Use it for a while everyday most of the time. Well except for recently, but it was hard to stay awake in the hospital and they would let me bring in the Bose and the keyboard and computer. (Just kidding, like I wanted to even turn over.....) Well I'm back at it.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,013
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,013 |
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
A friend had it and as I was looking into starting up as a 'One Man Band' it seemed to fit the bill for backings
What year/version was it?
Must have been Version 1.0 for DOS in 1988/89. Came on a 360kb floppy. In fact I've still got it somewhere but it won't run on quad-cores and the like as it needed the Roland MPU 401 ISA card and breakout box.
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
I had an IBM PC clone at the time with two 1,2Mb floppies and a 30Mb hard disk. A Roland MPU 401 sufficed for midi control.
was it a successful experience right away??
I would have to say yes. In those early days you only got Drums and bass, but it was better than nothing.
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Not especially for BIAB. Upgrades came to support other software with more extensive power needs.
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
Not at all. As BIAB has grown it now does more of what I wished for years ago!
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
All of those.
any other observations not listed here?
BIAB is one of the most invaluable programs I own. I upgrade every time there is a new version - couldn't be with out it.
Kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,508
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,508 |
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
I started recording years ago with a Cassette based 4 track from Clarion, then bought a floppy disk version of Cakewalk home studio. It was a lot of work just to get a couple tracks down right. I bought an early version of Cakewalk Music creator 1.0 , and also N-Trackstudio. Cakewalk seemed to struggle with my built in sound card, and N-Ttrack crashed my system constantly. I stumbled on BiaB on the internet while searching for DAW programs that did not cost a bunch, it was more than i wanted to spend at the time. I registered over at Audiominds and I kept hearing mac talk about Powertracks, and BiaB, so I looked it up again. I ended up buying PT version 10, but really did not use it much, even though it was stable, it did not have VSTi support yet. So i struggled onward with a new version of cakewalk MC 2003. One day i bought BiaB on a whim, and at first did not use it much, but really did like it. I just did not understand it fully.
What year/version was it?
I originally bought version 2007
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
A home built PC I still use it today, it has been a workhorse! The biggest upgrade came in a M-Audio card 24/96 delta from guitar center.
was it a successful experience right away??
Not really, i did not like the basic GM sounds, and adding a number of synths was not a part of it. But when i finally got a DAW working flawlessly i began to see the advantage using of BiaB as a creation tool to feed that DAW.
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
No not really. I have really began to use RB more these days, but BiaB remains a valuable tool.
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
When i started it was to make original songs and also to redo a few covers for my enjoyment, But now i am making full sets of music and playing for others, something i did not think i would ever really do again since my youth. I could do that without RB, and BiaB, but they make it simple and easy. Something very valuable as Pat said above, with life's time restraints.
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
All the above, BiaB, and therefore RB as well are invaluable to me, and I thank PG for continuing to supply a tool that so many love. I have suggested it to a few online music friends, and now they own and use it.
any other observations not listed here?
I want to thank the folks again at PG, for the great programs, but also the people here on the forum. You guys and Gals are really very decent, kind and helpful folks. It is nice to come to a place where you can help, and be helped without a hassle. Rharv, Pat Marr, Silvertones, Macster, John Conley, Matt, Noel, and on and on with the solid people. Thanks again, and Keep it up! I gotta say especially a big thanks to Mac, i almost gave up on this process, but he has helped me beyond words, both in his technical knowledge, and his big hearted desire to help you solve a problem, but mostly for just good solid advice that points you in the right direction. PT, RB, BiaB, and MTS are my softwares of choice, and everyone of them were a Mac suggestion at some point. Finding the right tools took the fight out of the process, and put the joy back in. Thanks friend, Rob
Last edited by Robh; 10/19/10 09:27 AM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,706 |
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
After many many searches for backing tracks on the internet one search brought me to this very forum. I asked a couple of questions and I believe it was Mac (go figure) who said he thought BIAB just might be just what I was looking for. Thanks again Mac!
After a long spell of just getting away from playing music I had the urge to get back in
What year/version was it?
I am thinking it was in 2004 and of course the current version at that time.
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
Old HP laptop that the company let me keep when I retired that same year. Hardly any memory and of course very slow processor.
Was it a successful experience right away?
A resounding yes! I downloaded the free trial version, worked out a few tunes as was thinking this is just what I am looking for, but didn't that Mac guy tell me that only a day or so ago. Of course I could not save my first arrangements using the trial version but I was hooked from day one.
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Yes but just because of the software requiring more memory and speed.
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
Yes it enabled me to do just what I wanted to do and that is work solo gigs.
Have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
In the order of use . . .
#1. Performance
#2. Arranging/Practice
#3. Recording although very little as I only record samples for my website.
Any other observations not listed here?
Only wished I had met BIAB earlier in my life as not only is the product just what I was looking for but it has even made me a better all-round musician.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
How did you get introduced to BIAB?
It must have been through ads in Keyboard magazine or one of the other Guitar Player pubs. I don't even recall whether I got it in a store or by mail order. I do recall having an e-mail exchange with Dr. G. afterwards.
Quote:
What year/version was it?
It was version 7, which came on two 3-1/2" floppies and came with v. 1.0 of Power Tracks, also on two diskettes. This would have been in the mid 1990s(?).
Quote:
What kind of computer did you have at the time?
A 386 running Win 3.1 with 8 Mb RAM and 30 Mb HD.
Quote:
was it a successful experience right away??
Not exactly. I was intimidated by the program's depth for a long time (which doesn't mean that I am not today). I played demos, entered covers, and pushed buttons for years before getting creative with it.
Quote:
Have you changed your gear to accommodate BIAB in any way?
Once I got serious about it, I built a dedicated DAW, which I have continued to upgrade since 2003 or so. It's really time for a completely new machine.
Quote:
Has BIAB influenced how/why you play music?
It has utterly transformed the process and the rationale. I have gone from covering songs with backing tracks to an almost completely original repertoire, using BIAB as a co-composer, as I have described elsewhere. It also took me out of the acoustic guitar/singer category and placed me square into full-on electronic compositions with electric guitar overtop.
The change came when I finally entered an original piece into BIAB, clicking "Play," and having my jaw drop when it did something totally unexpected (and brilliant) on a turnaround.
Quote:
have you used it mostly for practice, performance, recording, instruction, other?
I primarily use it for the initial stages of creation. I nearly always port compositions into Reason, if only for revoicing, and possibly into another sequencer after that either as MIDI tracks or via Rewire.
It is important to note, though, that my guitar playing has gotten a lot better since getting BIAB. Can anyone explain this?  It's the band I always needed to jam over to work out my inner visions.
Quote:
any other observations not listed here?
What comes to mind are Wishlist kinds of things. I wish there was a way to customize the dropdown menus in order to remove or gray out commands I will never use. I whelm easily.
The other thing is to mention that I am incredibly grateful to PG et Cie. for this unique tool.
R.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
I first learned of BIAB in a music mag of some sort. My first version was either 7 or 8, (or maybe even 6). Up until that time I’d been using a “rhythm machine” of some sort, Boss or Yamaha, for practice. It sucked pretty bad.
My first computer was a Dell with a whopping 266MHZ processor and really big 2GB hard drive running Win 95. Top of the line at the time. I think I bought one more after that, and I’ve been building my own since then, with the exception of one other one which was a gift. I taught my son how to build them and he built the one I’m currently using as a Christmas gift last year. It’s pretty sweet.
I really liked BIAB right off the bat. It was far more advanced than what I’d been using, but it was very limited for bluegrass music because of the incorrect time values in the bluegrass styles. It treated bluegrass as a 16th note based music, when virtually ALL of the sheet music for bluegrass and fiddle tunes are written in 8th notes. I’m running BIAB 2009.5 and it still treats them the same way. According to the upgrade list for BIAB 2010, they have tried to address that, but I can’t afford the upgrade since I lost my job, so I’m not sure.
I've tried to recruit friends into using BIAB over the years, but once they saw the incorrect time values for fiddle tunes and bluegrass, they weren’t interested.
I haven’t changed my setup or “gear” to accommodate BIAB. I use it almost strictly for practice, with the exception of using it to program chord progressions for songs I’ve written so I’ll remember them.
It’s a powerful tool, and I’d highly recommend it to any musician, even though the verdict is still out for me concerning fiddle tunes, bluegrass, traditional, New Acoustic, Dawg music, “Jazzgrass” and any other up tempo acoustic music. 8th notes are 8th notes, regardless of the tempo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 3,926 |
Quote:
Up until that time I’d been using a “rhythm machine” of some sort, Boss or Yamaha, for practice. It sucked pretty bad.
A point which might well have been raised in the original post. What were we doing before BIAB?
I play enough guitar, bass, and keys to get by. I got BIAB primarily to take the effort out of drums/drummers. Until BIAB I had been using:
- Nothing. My acoustic guitar and voice should be enough to carry the lot. The audience can imagine the rest, right?
- Drummers, when I could get them, which wasn't often. I didn't want to move my four-track reel-to-reel and they didn't want to move their drums, and one or the other of us always seemed to live in an apartment.
- "Drum Drops" records (you know, those black vinyl thingies?), with 3:07 of professionally produced drum tracks in various styles. These actually worked pretty well if your song fit the AABAB structure they gave you. I never used "Music Minus One," but some of you will remember that. Same deal with structure.
- Boss Dr. Rhythm. I think I recorded one tune with it.
- Korg DDM-110 Super Drums with 2 count them 2 dynamic levels. Never recorded anything with it, but I still have it.
"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,224
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,224 |
A good drummer can make/break a lot of songs IMHO.
We go through the trouble here. Actually bought a drum set, even though neither Barry or I would call ourselves a drummer. We like the convenience of having it mic'd and ready to go, just need a drummer to show up (usually late) to record them.
And who cares if they take up 6-8 channels? We work with 32 channel mixer and 48 track DAW! That's the beauty of having that equipment; no worries on track count (so far anyway).
Some songs do call for electronic drums, some don't. They are all tools in the box.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, 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, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!
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
Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)
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!
The 2025 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2025 49-PAK!
Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Mac!
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
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums58
Topics84,637
Posts782,145
Members39,710
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean