|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6 |
Hi all -
I play live venues a few times a month, easy listening blues /jazz, mainly at up-scale private events, cocktail parties etc., mostly small gatherings. I create backing tracks using BIAB (latest version), and I play melody (guitar) over the tracks. Most of my music is right out of the RealBook (blues / jazz standards).
I need some information about what equipment others may be using to do gigs similiar to mine. Currently I'm using a Dell laptop with Windows 7, (works great, never any issues), a Randall RX50 amplifier, and a Realistic 6 band equalizer. My guitar & computer both attach to the amp, the computer runs through the equalizer so I can adjust the base and other sounds etc as needed. The sound is ok, but the amp weighs about 60lbs. I'm looking for something lighter and easier to transport. My amp is connected through the headphone jack (not sure if this is the best way to do this). I've tried a few external sound cards but nothing worked well. I create mp3's from BIAB and play the output this way through Media Player.
I'm looking for a new set-up with a budget in mind, so if anyone can provide me with information and pricing, that would be great!.
As always, thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131 |
My wife and I do a similar thing - I play keyboards/sing - my wife is the main vocalist...I use a SONY cd/dvd player to play my MP3 BIAB tracks live - works great - nice sized screen that shows full song titles - so I can scroll to any tune I want...and don't have to worry about a laptop crashing or whatever....just carry a spare CD player in case. Using 2 JBL EON 10s and a Mackie mixer with a BBE sonic mazimizer - and everything runs thu the Mackie... Pretty decent overall sound, although an upgrade from '08 to '10 w/real tracks would make a HUGE improvement in the quality of the tracks.... have a listen to us at www.angelfire.com/ny5/dodi_dennis/sounds.html . Hope this helps....
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
The Bose "pole" can't be beat for those type of gigs. My friend uses one.$$$$$$$$ though
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
I have the Bose L1 Model 2. Works great. I keep seeing them everywhere. Even some small country act at the local woodworking show was parked in a corner playing away on one.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
Old IBM Thinkpad (will upgrade soon) playing BIAB "cold" right through a Yamaha 300W Pa with 12" speakers and a little Roland Cube I use for my monitor. I play my guitar through a little (but still heavy) Vox Tube Amp with a single 12" Speaker. I also use a Digitec Vocalist IV. I have everything but the speakers and guitar amp built into a rolling two tier stand that I set the laptop on. The PA speakers, stands and guitar amp fit nicely on a rolling wagon and re pretty easy to load, unload and pull. I built the PA,monitor/laptop stand my self, it too is on wheels . . . if you are interested in the setup I can send you a photo, just let me know.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616 |
For small venues, I vote for the Bose L1 Compact. Overpriced but lightweight and very easy setup. I don't leave home without it.
R
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 493 |
I think Bose is having a sale this month (November) where everything is 10% off. Helps a bit but they are still spendy. I use a couple of 15" active speakers, a Carvin mixer, BBE Sonic Stomp, a couple of fx pedals and an old fashioned cd player to run the backing tracks. Everything goes thru the mixer. I recently added a Harmony G vocal harmonizer to the list. That is a kick in the pants to play with, but I wouldn't try it live on untested songs. It ain't perfect yet. Maybe the newer XT version is better, but if you know it works on a song it really adds something to the final product.
Good luck and have fun.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
A picture tells a 1000 words: Here is my live-gear setup:  Nothing fancy, but it works.  I continue to play-out with BIAB - no mp3s here. It just works well for me. With the Freeze feature and Jukebox I know what is coming and when. By the way, the picture shows the Headphone out going direcly into a channel on the mixer/PA. This was a problem which was corrected by inputing into the Tape-in RCA jacks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950 |
Quote:
I built the PA,monitor/laptop stand my self, it too is on wheels . . . if you are interested in the setup I can send you a photo, just let me know.
Later,
I showed you mine, now how about yours? Can you post here?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 622 |
Roland Street Cube and an old Toshiba Tablet w/ a Ketron SD4 and my trusty old WX-7 Woodwind controller. Even if I play with a live band, I use the tablet as my "Fakebook" especially if I use acoustic saxes (Bb and Eb.) BIAB + .PDF fakebooks cuts down on the paper books.
Strongly considering a Windows 7 tablet w/ touchscreen to avoid the stylus,
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
32GB DDR4
Win 10 64-bit
Samsung m.2 SSD Boot drive,other SSD internal and USB drives.
MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
Quote:
Quote:
I built the PA,monitor/laptop stand my self, it too is on wheels . . . if you are interested in the setup I can send you a photo, just let me know.
Later,
I showed you mine, now how about yours? Can you post here?
Dan,
I am away from home for a few days but will post a photo of my setup in a day or so.
Later,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
We have deceloped over 300 tunes for live performance in many styles. All files are rendered to 128k WMAs and are played from a Zune or Pocket PC. I use the Zune because as a guitar player I need one handed operation and the Zune has great playlist capability and allows for quickly scrolling thru a long list via a touch pad. We started out usingh CDs but that is way too slow
We play the tracks thru a new Samson 500 watt stereo system with live vocals, piano, guitar and trumpet. We mainly generate bass and drumracks but occasinally lay down extra guitar, piano, brass and strings tracks. The quality is excellent. The music is well received and we make it it a sales point that we generated the tracks in our studio and note that they definitrly are not Karoeke. We take requests by playing them live without tracks. This lets the audience know they are getting real live music by experienced musicians.
In the midwest most of the gigs are now for solos and duos.We would love to book 4-5 pieces but rarely have the budget for larger groups. we struggled for years with key bass and drum machines but BIAB tracks aer way better and a lot more fun. We also used to carry laptops but I don't know why anyone would bother when good pocket MP3 platers are inexpensive. I carry my Zune in a case so UI am always ready to perform. Our entire playback system weighs less than 50 lbs and costs around $600 with a player. This is enough power except for large outside gigs.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
I would disagree with the Bose comments. If you care about stereo sound it takes two systems and they are tricky to set up. I have worked with several musicians who love them but to my ears they are not nearly as good as a standatrd stereo rig at about half the cost. I recently atended a friends concert using two two systems for a bluegrass group. Even with two poles and two subs the sound was very weak twenty feet out. Try before you buy.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 189
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 189 |
I and a couple of friends play standard-jazz live weekly in a restaurant bar. The rig is BIAB on a laptop driving a small Mackie preamp and Mackie SRM350's. Sometimes I wonder if we've become too dependent on "following the bouncing ball" over the changes, but it sure is nice to be able to see where you are and where you're going in a tune. My guitar (classical with pickup) goes direct to the board. Stunningly beautiful and sweet sound from the guitar, great full rich and real sounds from the Real Tracks. One of the guys plays chromatic harmonica. Same excellent results.
I know it borders on herasy to speak negatively in the face of the highly successful Bose marketing machine, but hey folks, listen and compare before you go Bose. Getting that much sound out of the small BOSE drivers creates lots of THD (total harmonic distortion). Psyco-acoustically sounds nice and bright for a little while, but over time makes your ears very tired. If you happen to live near one get the people at Guitar Center (or whatever) to set a comparison before you buy.
By the way, one of the guys in my group has a Bose L1. We've tried substituting it for the Mackie system. Guys, IMHO, the Mackies are a far superior sound system.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 6 |
Thanks to all who provided great feedback to my question. If anyone has photos of their "live" equipment, I would love to see what others are using in a "live" format. Jazzmandan: What is the make / model of your amp head?
Loungeblues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Re: Bose and Marketing
I read a lot of negative stuff about Bose, a lot of it here. It seemed to turn around as the 'group' aged. I was in Toronto and went 2 places to listen to Bose systems. I needed a new system and the parameters were it had to sound good, and it had to be easy to carry and setup.
I've had a lot of gear over the years, and I was tired of speakers on poles. I play the same hall, even now, 3 times a month when I can. It's not a paid gig. I get some help to carry stuff, but I'm usually early so going in it's my job.
I also plan to carry the thing around in an RV so it had to be rugged and compact.
I never saw one until about 3 years ago, and there is no local dealer, despite that, they keep showing up.
As to Stereo, I play keyboard/organ, or horn over backing tracks. Many halls are L shaped, irregular or you end up in a bar with the sound system pointing all kinds of wrong ways. It almost never worked well, and try and setup a stereo system yourself with an audience in the room. It's not happening. If you have a sound guy, or 3 or 4 people who all need to come out of specific speakers and are playing at large venues, sure go for it, get stacks of speakers and cross overs and bass bins, the whole 9 yards. A big mixer about 100 feet in front of the stage is good too. Along with ten grand worth of lighting and a program to run it.
As for myself I can open the back of the Mini, cart in the 2 poles and my keyboard, come back for the base and bass module and I'm done. Setup is 5 minutes. No poles. In a room that seats 300 with theatre plush seats and carpet, a room that made my old system have to push the highs to be heard, I get comments all the time. That from the 'crowd' who wear a lot of hearing aids, and who complained if they were close to the system.
From the back corner to the front of the room it's 90 feet, and the one wireless mic works fine.
An no one has tripped on a cord and almost toppled a speaker.
I still have the system on poles. I sold 2 of the speakers, I still have 2 older ones. And the powered mixer. And cables cables cables.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Bose L-1 or L-1 Compact.
For most venues you will only need one of them.
As to your other question, the Earphone jack output of the laptop can indeed be safely used as Line Out to PA if you get the right kind of stereo adaptor for that job. Make sure that you go into the soundcard's software mixer and turn the output for BiaB and the master fader ALL THE WAY UP for best fidelity. This is because an Audio Line works best when DRIVEN like that. Adjust your Volume at the PA controls.
I don't use nor need an EQ on the live gigs with BiaB. It sounds good as it is, provided you don't start adjusting things for each song and the like.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 188 |
All I am saying is if you are looking to set up a new system see what is available, listen and look at the total cost.
The system I just purchased blows away what I bought three years ago and each system cost about $600. If you haven't heard the latest gear give it a listen. I helped the guys pack up the Bose at a recent concert and I am confident that my new system is much easier and faster and lighter. On an elevated stage stands are not needed. When I do use stands I use the miniature type that are the size of a music stand - I already carry mic stands and a music stand so it goes in the same bag (these speakers weigh about twenty pounds each). My new system interlocks so it is one trip with one hand with just a speaker and ac hookup - way less than 5 minutes. I have been advised that using these long poles with high elevations is typically a mistake in terms of sound quality.
As for stereo most performers run mono systems. I don't get it personally. In my home I have 5 speaker surround sound to watch the news, in my car have half a dozen speakers in stereo for talk radio, at the beach I have stereo earphones for my audio player. I don't see how everything is in stereo except for live professional music? My goal is for the wonderful tracks generated by BIAB to sound as good live as they do in my studio. The benchmark for live sound is now studio monitor quality in a live setting. The JBL Eon was my first really good speaker - we had 2 ten inch models and the Yamaha was also very good. My newest system comes closest to matching the sound in the studio. Last night I heard more solid bass on bottom and detailed percussion highs than I have never heard live with my new $600 system. BIAB sounds great but is only as good live as the speakers you use in the studio or live.
If I thought I needed to spend a couple grand for a sound system I would do it. In my situation it is not neccesary. That leaves a few dollars for the BIAB Xmas upgrade. Mileage may vary.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
There's plenty of good ideas here so I won't add to it. Just a comment about the stereo thing. A few months ago I picked up an EV 200 Sxa 12" powered speaker and it sounds great. I'm now using that with my Barbetta 41c for stereo keyboard stuff. It's not for the crowd it's for me. I know that 10 feet in front of the band in all those different shaped rooms and stuff, any stereo effect is lost but man what a difference to me positioned right in between my two speakers. The B3 leslie effect is much better and even the stereo effects on the acoustic piano and especially the chorused Rhodes patches are just killer. Not that I need it but I now have about 450 stereo watts and my sound is clean and clear as a bell. I have both amps pointed towards me at about a 30-40 degree angle so the pattern crosses right where I'm sitting and the other players say they can now hear me clearly without being too loud. Mac has talked about playing his keys in stereo for years and I've been wanting to do it but I'm cheap so I waited until I found a high quality unit used at a good price. EV's are right in there with JBL and Mackie.
I probably should have paid the extra cash and done this long ago.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 6,724 |
Jazzmandan, As promised here is a photo of my homemade PA, Laptop rack on wheels with Pocket Pod and mic built in. Homemade PA Gig Stand on Wheels Of course not pictured (but stored and transported on a wagon) are the 12" speakers, their stands, guitar, amp and vocalist VI. But these also are all pre-wired into the rack. I stand (or sit on stool depending on gig) behind the rack which is covered on all sides viewed by my audience with a skirt made by the wife. Also the skirts are many and are seasonal and theme specific. PS: I will be taking the image and page down from my site in a day or so, but if anyone wants a copy I will email it to them. Or if there is interest in building one for yourself I will provide more detailed info upon request. Later,
Last edited by Danny C.; 11/04/10 01:41 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 & 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!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,219
Posts802,025
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean