|
|
|
|
#653119 - 04/25/21 03:31 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Greetings from lowly beginner
|
|
Registered: 04/25/21
Posts: 2
Newbie
Registered: 04/25/21
Posts: 2
|
I had Power Tracks Pro back in the 90's, and once I'd learned a few things, it became my go-to notebook and synth sequencer/recorder. This was my first digital music application, and I was pretty well thrilled with it at the time.
The versions I used were back 20 years ago or so, and I'm wondering what I'll have to do to get back in the groove with today's PTP. My latest computer doesn't seem to have audio inputs like my old desktops did, and I've been looking over the threads and seen that an interface may be required, for example.
Also, I thought the features were pretty cool; you could use a mode called piano roll to click, drop and drag notes, and modifying individual notes in duration and other dynamic parameters was easy. You could switch screens and both see and print your tracks in musical notation. It had a built in mixer, and I don't remember how many tracks were available. Some basic effects were available, and as I recall, there was a bundle of instruments and synth sounds included.
I bought a software product at the same time called Virtual Sound Canvas (at least that's what I think it was called), which offered better sounding instruments and more of them. Eventually I switched to a Korg X5DR synth but continued to use it with Power Tracks Pro.
Sorry, this is getting a bit long. Mainly I'm asking if the current product can do all the things my old versions could do, and do it simply as I'm not so hot as a computer guy. Any advice for starting up a hobby project would be deeply appreciated.
Tom
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653122 - 04/25/21 03:57 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 7808
Loc: Wauconda, Il.
Veteran
Registered: 12/08/02
Posts: 7808
Loc: Wauconda, Il.
|
_________________________
Dan, BIAB2021, Dell XPS 8920 Intel Core I7-7700 @ 3.60GHz 16GB RAM "...My goal is not to create backing tracks for my music, but rather to get more of me in my music." SoundCloud
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653129 - 04/25/21 04:08 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: MusicStudent]
|
|
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 15493
Loc: Hamlin NY
Veteran
Registered: 12/27/03
Posts: 15493
Loc: Hamlin NY
|
That is good advice if you want to stay with PTP. However things have really changed in 20 years so I suggest that you also look at Band-in-a-Box and RealBand. RealBand is a huge improvement in PTP IMHO. I am assuming that you are on a PC as Mac computers do not have RealBand.
_________________________
I am not going to any more antique stores. The last one I was at they started bidding on me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB and RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software and some hardware.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653177 - 04/26/21 02:23 AM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 09/21/01
Posts: 1299
Loc: UK
Expert
Registered: 09/21/01
Posts: 1299
Loc: UK
|
I upgraded to BIAB after 12 years with BIAB 2008. The learning curve is quite steep with BIAB, but you will get RealBand and you'll recognise the RealBand GUI as PT on steroids. The biggest change in both programs is RealTracks which are amazing. However, if you want to just upgrade to the latest version of PowerTracks things will be quite straightforward. The synth you mention - Roland VSC (virtual sound canvas) is well past its sell by date but you can get its successor the Edirol Hypercanvas in its 64 bit version totally free (by the name of TTS-1) if you download Cakewalk by Bandlab - see Peter Gannon's 'no brainer' post in the BIAB forum) If you knew PT of old, PT 2021 won't be too much of a leap and it does everything you remember and more. If you still have your old PT - or at least registered it when you bought it - you qualify for the upgrade pricing. PT is absurdly cheap even at the full price for what you get. as for interfaces you have a wide choice. i use a behringer which is quite cheap but does everything i need perfectly - long winded link below https://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-U-PHO...;th=1&psc=1and if you have any problems the PT Forum is full of friendly people waiting to help. go for it!
Edited by Bob Calver (04/26/21 10:25 AM)
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653237 - 04/26/21 10:37 AM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7671
Veteran
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7671
|
Yep.... I never used PTP but I can assure you, you are in for a big, pleasant, surprise in what PG has been doing over the past 20 years.
_________________________
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. As the sword chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653272 - 04/26/21 02:25 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 20502
Loc: Mi., USA
Veteran
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 20502
Loc: Mi., USA
|
FWIW I have kept using PTP through the years as well as BiaB and RB. One location we record at, the guy there likes PT since about 2007 or so, and has just kept using it. The amazing part is his old version just kept working through all the new computers and OS he has bought over the years. From W98 thru W10. I am talking to him now about updating it so he can have the new 64 bit version. I think his last update was PT12 or so  It feels so weird when I go over there and sit down in front of his old version. Things have moved around for more efficient workflow since then, so it seems clunky to me now. Once he sees the new version and plays with it for half an hour he'll be right back at home with it. There is lots of new stuff, but the old stuff still works. As mentioned above, if you really want the easy route to making music quick, BiaB is the way to go. You can have a band play the song from start to finish using real recorded musicians and get all kinds of variations. If you go that route, they do throw in Realband, which is basically PTP with the ability to generate these tracks, which means you don't have to actually play everything in (or enter it by hand). It's a bit more $$ though, but from what I understand they don't have to honor the 30 day moneyback guarantee very often. It does what it says. Take a little time and look at the videos for all three products. Then you'll be a little better prepared to decide.
_________________________
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653346 - 04/27/21 02:37 AM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 09/21/01
Posts: 1299
Loc: UK
Expert
Registered: 09/21/01
Posts: 1299
Loc: UK
|
Just a bit of advice. Just about everyone that buys BIAB these days goes for the Ultrapak which includes all the RealTracks and styles (except for Extra Styles discs and other add on packs like the Loops with styles discs.
PG do easy terms to take the sting out of the initial investment. The pro pak is a the basic program but you'll rapidly get frustrated with all the stuff that's missing.
The creative avenues BIAB Ultrapak opens are literally endless and you'll find that RealTracks from genres you'd never think of using can be very useful.
But a simple update to PT2021 might be all you want.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653457 - 04/27/21 04:28 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 04/25/21
Posts: 2
Newbie
Registered: 04/25/21
Posts: 2
|
Thank you, your replies have been both enlightening and encouraging.
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
That's my story and I'm stuck with it. I felt that prior experience would give me a boost in learning the new version. For the price, I'll give it a try.
Thanks again.
Tom
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653465 - 04/27/21 05:04 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 20502
Loc: Mi., USA
Veteran
Registered: 05/30/00
Posts: 20502
Loc: Mi., USA
|
..
I was well satisfied with PTP versions I used, cartoonish as they must be by today's standards. I needed a sequencer, and the sounds were good enough, for the time. The price was right too; I recall I got my first Power Tracks from a bargain bin at a local computer show (remember them?) for around $10.00. Then I bought subsequent versions through PG Music. I think it was possible to mix in live instrument/voice recording, but never got around to trying it. Can it do that?
..
Thanks again.
Tom
Yes you can use PTP to mix in live instrument/voice recordings Just note, your 'MIDI' sounds will have changed. It's really not a big deal, the fixes are there, just depends on how you want to (or can) improve those. The old (free) Roland VSC synth is no longer available, but many other options exist. Well worth the cost to dive back in.
_________________________
Make your sound your own!
.. I do not work here
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
#653592 - 04/28/21 01:51 PM
[Beginners Forum]
Re: Greetings from lowly beginner
[Re: TomR]
|
|
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7671
Veteran
Registered: 04/03/09
Posts: 7671
|
TomR.... Cakewalk Sonar is now totally free.... the big version that used to cost hundreds is free.... Bandlab is giving it away and has been for a number of years now. That's a deal you can not beat.
_________________________
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. As the sword chooses the warrior, so too, the song chooses the writer.
|
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac Bonus PAKs!
Say "hello" to Mac Bonus PAKs!
Purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac during our special (ending June 30th) and you'll receive a FREE BONUS PAK filled with some great new Add-ons!
-"Rediscovered" RealTracks Styles
-Instrumental Studies 15: Minor Jazz Blues Guitar Soloing
-Look Ma! More MIDI 5
-MIDI SuperTracks Set 32: Jazz, New Age and Gospel Keys
-RealCharts for all existing and new RealDrums
Upgrade that to the 2021 49-PAK for just $49 to grab even more AMAZING Add-ons, including MultiStyles PAK 1, 40 additional unreleased RealTracks, and more!
-40 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks
-Instrumental Studies 14: Country Rock Blues Shuffle Soloing
-Look Ma! More MIDI 6
-MIDI SuperTracks Set 33: More Bass
-14 Bonus RealDrums "Singles"
-Artist Performance Set 10: More Celtic Flute with Geoff Kelly
-MultiStyles PAK 1
More info...
Video - Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac® - DAW Plugin 3.0 New Features
The Band-in-a-Box® 2021 DAW Plugin offers great new features including enhanced audio rendering, support for displaying two chord types, the ability to change audio output channels, and we've added table view buttons. Now you can Import MIDI markers and tempo map, export chord markers as a MIDI file, generate all ungenerated tracks, and much more!
Learn all about the new features added to the Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac® DAW Plugin 3.0: Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac® - DAW Plugin 3.0 New Features
Read about the new features.
Video - Band-in-a-Box® 2021: New Features Video - Extended Version!
Video - Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac: Everything you need to know in less than 6 minutes!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 1 for Band-in-a-Box® 2021!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 1 for Band-in-a-Box® 2021!
Great news! We've created a collection of 100 styles that work with the Band-in-a-Box Pro package contents! In fact, these will work with ANY Band-in-a-Box package!
The brand-new XPro Styles PAK 1 greatly expands your Band-in-a-Box® style library with 100 fully-produced arrangements including 25 rock and pop styles, 25 jazz styles, 25 country styles, and 25 folk styles.
AND IT IS ON SALE UNTIL JUNE 30TH! Add XPro Styles PAK 1 to your collection for only $29... that's 40% off our regular price of $49!
Watch our Demos video, or pick and choose the demos you want to listen to when you visit our XPro Styles PAKs page.
Note: XPro Styles PAK 1 requires RealTracks from Band-in-a-Box® 2021 or higher and is compatible with any package, including Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Using Windows? Click here for your XPro Styles PAK 1 page.
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac is Here!
Just released: Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac with over 50 new features, 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, Artist Performances, Bonus RealDrums "Singles," RealDrums transcriptions, MultiStyles PAK 1, Xtra Styles PAK 11, and more!
We're having a SALE on Band-in-a-Box® 2021 Upgrade purchases until June 30, 2021 - save up to 50% when you purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac Upgrade!
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some amazing Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Mac 2021 packages, but for more even more Add-ons (including 40 Unreleased RealTracks and MultiStyles PAK 1) upgrade it to the 2021 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
Check out our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Learn more about all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Mac
Read the Band-in-a-Box® 2021 Upgrade Manual: Online Manual | PDF Download
Read the Band-in-a-Box® 2021 Users Guide: Online Manual | PDF Download
Customers LOVE Xtra Styles PAK 11 for Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Windows!
We've added 200 exciting new RealStyles with the just-released Xtra Styles PAK 11 for Band-in-a-Box® 2021 for Windows - 50 each for Jazz 11, Country 11, Rock & Pop 11, and Half & Double Time 1!
We think you'll love the new RealStyles and MultiStyles added with Xtra Styles PAK 11, which includes new sounds like modern reggaeton, medieval-inspired folk pop, Americana power ballad, speakeasy vocal jazz, R&B and reggae fusion, and more! In fact, here's what people are saying...
I LOVE the double-time comping electric piano!
Everyone should have these!
These are a must have!
Half and double time styles - yes!
Love what I'm hearing! My compliments to the producer that created them.
These are AWESOME!
Nailed it!
Some really great sounding country styles here!
There are some great styles in this XtraPAK.
XTRA STYLES PAKS ARE ON SALE UNTIL MAY 31st!
During our Xtra Styles PAK 11 for Windows special, all our Xtra Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for just $29 each (reg. $49)! Looking for more Xtra Styles PAKs? Until May 31st, you can purchase our complete library of all 1,800+ RealStyles with the Xtra Styles PAK 1-11 Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Learn more and order now.
Interested in a specific genre? These can be purchased for $15 each - pick & choose here.
NOTE: Xtra Styles PAKs require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition version 2020 or 2021. (Xtra Styles PAK 11 requires the 2021 UltraPAK/UltraPAK+/Audiophile Edition.) Xtra Styles PAKs won't work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Learn more & listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 11.
Band-in-a-Box® 2021 users should install the latest patch update, which includes support for Xtra Styles PAK 11.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34512 Members
66 Forums
69635 Topics
600514 Posts
Max Online: 2537 @ 01/19/20 07:09 AM
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Previous Topic
Index
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean