Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
#37737 09/27/09 11:05 AM
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
J
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
J
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
I'm currently singing/ playing guitar for a living mostly to nursing/convalescent homes. I'd love to have accompanyment and after seeing and hearing BIAB 2009.5 demo I'm drooling to get it but I need to check first to see how "easy" it is to really use and can it simply play with me by adding a laptop to my mixer. I am a guitar player with limited computer point and click skills...i don't even have a usb port on my yamaha mixer for a computer. I don't have a laptop either so I'd need to find out if windows or mac makes a difference other than personal preference. I currently have windows xp simple home computer.
welcome all replys
thanks

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,407
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,407
Welcome, We have a number of players here who travel the Retirement Village circuit.

Ask yourself this, will you performance be enhanced with the addition of drums, piano and bass. If the answer is yes then you should begin the process. Your connection between tlhe laptop and your mixer will be simple audio cables from the headpone out jack of the laptop to the board. If you have a home PC then you will want a laptop PC. The home PC will be where you lay out all your arrangements. I use a single portabee USB 500 G external dirve so I just move the drive between my laptop and home PC. Teh external drive has the entire BIAB application and all your arrangements in one place.

Is it easy? Well it does require some apptitude with software based music applications. And the learning curve can be steep, but given how much it can add, it can be worth the effort.

Good Luck,
Dan


Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 311
Of course you could record your backings using BIAB and then put them on a CD - either wave files or high quality mp3s. This way you would not need to take a computer round and it might even be more secure as your computer could crash and need a reboot! Never a good feature during a performance! If you have a minidisc player or ipod then that's another method too.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,104
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,104
I have an entire page explaining how I do it, from the creation of the songs to using them on stage:

http://www.nortonmusic.com/backing_tracks.html

Feel free to take what you want and leave the rest.

Notes


Bob "Notes" Norton smile 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
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,574
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,574
in addition to Notes Norton's input user mac on these forums has great proven ideas on biab's use in live performance including the benefits of using the Conductor feature


Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit 16GB RAM\2018 13” MacBook Air casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2023 everything pk both with Current builds
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 537
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 537
A Mididisc player is the way to go. you can set a Mididisc player to pause. CD's, MP3's Ipod's that I have used you have to hit the stop button between songs. Not good if you are a distance from the player. A foot switch is the key to pause and play. I also have a remote that I can type in any number song I want from a distance. Great for request.


Harold Buckelew WB2CGG Visit my Web Site www.theimperialmusiccenter.com HP Pavilion a6110n PC. BIAB 2011. In God We Trust
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 559
J
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
J
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 559
To me, the advantage of using a laptop live with BIAB is that you can edit on the fly, especially when my horn player shows up and prefers different keys to play in. I change them on the spot and the number of choruses, if needed. And for vocals, with the scrolling lyrics, that eliminates a book, stand, light, etc... That's worth a lot. But I wonder, too, what happens if the computer crashes? I'm waiting for the solid state drives to come down in price so I can make it the primary laptop with the other as a backup. I've tried CDs and mp3s, but still prefer the laptop. By the way, my laptop has two audio outputs. Didn't realize that when I got it. I run both outputs through a mixer then into two sets of powered speakers. Talk about a big sound!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 537
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 537
Another good thing. With a Mini-disc player-recorder you can also change keys. But I agree, a computer is the way to go. Maybe having a mini-disc in line as a backup would not hurt.


Harold Buckelew WB2CGG Visit my Web Site www.theimperialmusiccenter.com HP Pavilion a6110n PC. BIAB 2011. In God We Trust
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Productor Musical
Offline
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Yes, you right. Decision on laptop running BIAB or players (mini disk, mp3/mp4 players, iPOD, etc) depend of type of live performance and even of music styles. Some live shows or gigs don´t let you much room for change anything, if you must stick to scheduled time, you have go song after song, for example, radio or TV, band competition or even a live recording that is ideal scenario for backing tracks playing from a mini disk or any player of your choice. "Band in a Laptop" is great if you need to change keys, styles,lyrics, tempo, number of chorus (jazz soloists with modal attitude ) or even to select songs on fly, the ideal way for take adventage of outstanding BIAB live features, specially the Conductor useful tool. I would think of both things, BIAB running live in my laptop and my show songs backup "canned" in my iPOD or CD.


Gabriel Arellano,
Nucleox Music
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
R
Expert
Offline
Expert
R
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
My .02

Using BIAB live has many advantages such as being able to change the key, tempo, style, choruses, etc. Being able to switch drums from sticks to brushes 'on the fly' has been a lifesaver for me on many occasions. I still bring a MP3 player with my songs in case of a computer failure but have not needed it yet (Knock on wood). One time, BIAB lost it ability to play audio so I had to switch from RealDrums to Midi. I was not happy but got through. A System Restore after the gig brought the audio back.

A disadvantage is when using RealTracks. They take about 8 - 10 seconds per RT to generate. If you use several in a song, you can do the math. To speed up the process you can 'Freeze' the song, which makes an audio file. The song will load and play instantly, regardless of the number of RTs. However, once frozen, the advantages mentioned above don't apply.

R

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,574
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,574
rachel
Quote:

Being able to switch drums from sticks to brushes 'on the fly' has been a lifesaver for me on many occasions.




how do you switch drums from sticks to brushes 'on the fly'


Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit 16GB RAM\2018 13” MacBook Air casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2023 everything pk both with Current builds
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
R
Expert
Offline
Expert
R
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,616
I just have several arrangements of the same song - sticks or brushes or both. I use my own customized styles that have a/b as brushes and c/d as sticks. Depending on the audience and noise level, I choose the one that fits best.

R

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Quote:

I just have several arrangements of the same song - sticks or brushes or both. I use my own customized styles that have a/b as brushes and c/d as sticks. Depending on the audience and noise level, I choose the one that fits best.

R




That's what I do also. I keep both songs in the same folder for a set, but mark one by including a "-br" for brushkit at the end of the songtitle.

In this case, "on the fly" doesn't mean in the middle of a song that's already playing...


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
Productor Musical
Offline
Productor Musical
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,055
I can note "on the fly" is the right wording acceptance instead "on fly" I was using. Thanks. Despite I have many years trying to improve my english, always there is something new to learn and fix, therefore, and please! any advise or correction is always welcome.


Gabriel Arellano,
Nucleox Music
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
You are doing it well, mi amigo.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
User Video: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box®

The Bob Doyle Media YouTube channel is known for demonstrating how you can creatively incorporate AI into your projects - from your song projects to avatar building to face swapping, and more!

His latest video, Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box, he explains in detail how you can use the Melodist feature in Band-in-a-Box with ACE Studio. Follow along as he goes from "nothing" to "something" with his Band-in-a-Box MIDI Melodist track, using ACE Studio to turn it into a vocal track (or tracks, you'll see) by adding lyrics for those notes that will trigger some amazing AI vocals!

Watch: Next-Level AI Music Editing with ACE Studio and Band-in-a-Box


Band-in-a-Box® 2024 German for Windows is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2024 für Windows Deutsch ist verfügbar!

Wir waren fleißig und haben über 50 neue Funktionen und eine erstaunliche Sammlung neuer Inhalte hinzugefügt, darunter 222 RealTracks, neue RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, "Songs with Vocals" Artist Performance Sets, abspielbare RealTracks Set 3, abspielbare RealDrums Set 2, zwei neue Sets von "RealDrums Stems", XPro Styles PAK 6, Xtra Styles PAK 17 und mehr!

Paket | Was ist Neu

Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

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."

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,645
Posts735,409
Members38,526
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
theyearofjess, OlvaJownDay, Tranner Track, Ely Bass, Barking
38,525 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 183
DC Ron 101
dcuny 89
rsdean 71
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5