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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 28 |
Hi again!
WOW!!! I was completely blown away by the response I got to my first post where I asked "What's my best choice?" I was expecting to wait many days for a response, and even then, I expected only one or two replies. What can I say, except to thank everyone: <Greg64(Greg), Ryszard, Mac, MarioD, Danny C, av84fun(Jim), eddie1261, ZerZero, dcuny, TommyC, MikeK, jford, jazzmammal(Bob), flatfoot, and Matt Finley for your wonderful and most welcome replies ... and also a thank you in advance to any other members who may reply after I have posted this.
I included all the names of those above because I wanted to thank you ALL individually, not just for the knowledge you shared with me and the guidance you offered, but for the amount of time you set aside from your busy schedules to help me. Words can't express my gratitude. THANK YOU ALL, VERY MUCH! (Does this sound like an acceptance speech for an Academy Award? I hope not! LOL.
Okay, after hearing what you all had to say and the absolute enthusiasm you all share for this unique program, I am now pretty much darn sold on the whole concept of BiaB and a purchase in the very near future ... (After I mortgage the house and sell the kids, of course! <Hmmm! Tempting idea ... the kids, that is.>)
I have listened to many of the demos on the PG home page and I like what I hear. I actually found myself putting lyrics to some of the demos and my thought processes and creative juices began flowing like melted butter. Very inspiring! And my gut instinct, and that little voice inside me was screaming out ... "Just buy the damn thing, will ya, and start making music!" I will be checking out the user demos over the weekend. I recently located my old version of Kontakt 2 (bought in 2007) that I have never used simply because of other commitments over the years and the need to build a more powerful system than that of my old Apple computer. Owning Kontakt 2 makes me eligible for an inexpensive upgrade to Kontakt 5 if I choose. My new computer systems' OS is Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit, so I'm not sure if my version of Kontakt 2 will work on my system though. I hope it does. If it doesn't, then I will consider the inexpensive upgrade path to Kontak 5.
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price. I would hope one day PG Music DOES decide to incorporate something in its program to accommodate the more classical / orchestral styles of compositions.
I do have a few more questions regarding certain hardware and audio/MID interfaces, but I will leave these for another time to post.
Thank you all again, and have a wonderful weekend,
Kindest regards
Dome
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860
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Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,860 |
--> Like.
Reaper is excellent for the money. Just to make sure it's clear, when some of us referred to a sequencer software, we were referring to a DAW. Examples include RealBand, SONAR, Reaper, Logic, ProTools, etc. There is one major advantage of RealBand (besides it being free with BIAB) that is the reason I recommend you start with that first, and the reason is that it reads the BIAB files directly. With any other DAW, you will need to export tracks or do what BIAB calls Drag 'n Drop to get tracks into the DAW, and you will lose the chord symbols. The BIAB song format is proprietary, but since PG Music also makes RealBand, it alone can read this format. There are a few other minor subtleties about this, but for now, until Music XML is fully supported, RealBand is your best bet starting out.
BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 98 |
Dome,
You have just gone through a similar situation as my own, just about a week ago. I was blown away by the warm, receptive responses by many folks on here and their sage advice with helping make my purchase decision. They continue to be an invaluable resource and I'm confident you'll have similar experiences. I have to say, one week in, I have no regrets whatsoever. Once you get started, I'm sure you'll find your creativity opening up like you never imagined!
Welcome and congrats on your forthcoming purchase. Now let the good times roll!
Living in The Music City
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,862
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 18,862 |
Hi Dome, Quote:
I know BiaB / Real Band comes with a DAW of some kind, but I have read exceptional things about Reaper. I would like to give this a try. It only cost $60 but apparently is still up there with the bigger names like Cubase, Logic etc. but at a much cheaper price.
The DAW in the BIAB/RB partnership is Realband. It's unique in that it works exclusively with BIAB-created files and offers a nearly seamless integration with BIAB.
The above being said, I'm a Reaper user, too. My workflow practice is
- Create the song in BIAB.
- Find the best assortment of tracks to use in RB.
- Add instrumental fill-ins in RB.
- Finish off in Reaper (I love the ease of cutting / pasting as well as the extensive envelope control of just about every function that Reaper offers).
While Reaper is $60, you do not need to buy it up-front to use it. It comes as a trial and will still work even when the trial period is up. What it does is to remind you that you are past the trial date; it doesn't stop working or lose any functionality.
Just thought I'd share the above with you for what it's worth.
All the best,
Noel
P.S. My personal favorite is the UltraPlusPAK. I've found that this package provides just about everything one can get for BIAB/RB (i.e. Realdrums, Realtracks, Styles). I keep upgrading to this level and it does me just right.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I just loaded Kontakt 2 on my Granddaughter's Win 7 laptop and it worked just fine.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 8,021 |
Maybe you know this but in case you don't.
The DAW program you use has no influence on the quality of the sound you get. The sound card is what provides the sound.I guarantee, and so does PG,that unless you're doing all sorts of automation etc. RealBand will do everything you need and more. Some of these other progs can be very convoluted.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739 |
Ok .. be sure to check out KVR if you are going to get a sequencer - lots of freebie stuff and much of pro quality. It even has free sequencers http://www.kvraudio.com/q.phpCheck out crystal for a free synth and and and.... there are hudreds , even thousands... take care to keep focussed in your new |Virtual Dimension
Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,454
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,454 |
BIAB and Reaper are the two main programs I use in my own projects. BIAB is unique and Reaper is, in my opinion, absolutely the best DAW you can find today for the money. It's very intuitive, pretty easy to learn (it comes with a great manual), includes a bunch of great plugins and it's so powerful (and even more) than much more expensive DAWs.
I absolutely recommend both of them.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,342
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,342 |
Welcome, and, yeah, Reaper's pretty darn cool. I should use RealBand more than I do, but I use BIAB all the time. Amazing stuff.
Definitely follow ZeroZero's advice -- KVR is a treasure trove, and a lot of the best stuff is free or inexpensive. As he mentioned, Crystal is way cool. I'm also very fond of the Alchemy Player, AAS Player, synths by HG Fortune, plugins by Variety of Sound, and the free synth Tyrell N6 by u-he. And don't forget Audacity, which is all you'll likely ever need for audio processing.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2024 • Reaper 7 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
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>>>.... Words can't express my gratitude....>>>
Actually you do a real good job of expressing gratitude.
-jdw
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,739 |
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks? 
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Quote:
Now how about lenfing me a hundred bucks?
Um, gave it up for Lenf?
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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