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Hi All. I have just registered for the forums and as a newbie would like some information on using BIAB
I play acoustic guitar as a hobby and have done for a good few years off and on, what I would like to do
is record myself along with my guitar into my computer and then maybe add a few touches to the song and see what develops
I intend to purchase a usb audio interface along with additional microphones. one to record the guitar and one to record the vocal.
would I be able to record directly into BIAB and then work on the song.
Looking at various packages on the internet for recording/ mixing and producing they all seem a little complicated and BIAB
came across as easier to use than the others.
I would just like to be able to put together a simple song with me strumming my guitar and doing the vocal then using the
computer to tidy it a bit more interesting.
I have'nt bought any packages yet hence the question here, is it simple enough to use.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Liamster
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If you just want to record yourself and then perhaps EQ, reverb, etc., then one of the free tools may be a good choice, e.g., Audacity, Ardour, others. Where BiaB really score like nothing else is in adding backing, other virtual soloists and helping to manage the structure of the song. It can be very powerful and effective for that, but sometimes it can also be a bit frustrating. It has some quite individual quirks. Quite few people will record themselves and use BiaB like that, though some work mostly in BiaB, some build the structure and move to a DAW for mix and mastering. There are various tutorials around. PG Music's can be a lot to wade through, so I usually suggest Henry Clarke on YouTube. He has some really good, approachable and easy to understand stuff, and some good workflow ideas. Try ** Here ** for beginners, or ** Here ** for his full BiaB list.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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Thanks a lot for the speedy reply,
i have had a quick look at the youtube videos and they would certainly be very useful
Just one question if you don't mind. If I did just record the the guitar and vocal does this program then allow me to then add bass guitar or drums etc to make it more than just a solo acoustic number without having to start installing other programs etc and start learning how to use them etc.
Hope this doesnt sound silly but from what i can see theses music programs can do an awful lot of stuff in the right hands
I just want what you would get from a 4 piece and i already have 2.
Thanks again
Liamster
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Liamster, here is what I would do if I were you:
1-since you are playing guitar you know what chord progression you are going to use and how many bars each chord lasts, right?
2- if so input those chords in the correct measures in BiaB
3- pick a style that best suits your song
4- mute the instruments you do not want to hear
5- record your guitar while listening to BiaB - turn off your speakers/near field monitors and listen via headphones
6- record your vocal
This is very close to my workflow with the only difference is I input the chords in BiaB, select a style, then export the BiaB files to my DAW and record there.
YMMV
{edit} another thing to try and have fun with is to just input some chords and pick a style in BiaB and play along and write some lyrics.
Last edited by MarioD; 12/27/24 04:35 PM.
When you are at the checkout line and they ask if you found everything say "Why, are you hiding stuff?"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Now I can see a little bit about this package what you have said makes it look relatively easy to do ?? to get started and i can take it from there
Unfortunately I'm the type that prefers to sit and play the guitar than fiddle around with computer software
Thanks a lot for replying guys I appreciate it.
I might invest in the pro version and see how it goes
Again. thanks a lot
Liamster
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To add to the other excellent advice, my recommendation is to not start by recording your guitar and then trying to match other instruments to make a backing track, as I think you will have issues with timing.
As suggested, choose a style and let that play as you record your instrument, even if you mute everything except the drum track while you record. That way, your performance will be in sync with the other instruments.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
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What AudioTrack said; just having a consistent tempo is key.
You can add the chords and other tracks later as desired.
The drum track keeps you on tempo so everything else is open to using later
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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never
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I might invest in the pro version and see how it goes. A good idea as you'll learn how it works and actually, an upgrade to a bigger version is quite often a little cheaper than buying the bigger versiuon initially. It's worth mentioning that BiaB comes with some additional applications that can be useful. One of those is a small DAW called RealBand that quite a few users very much like and it's said to be simpler to use than many DAWs and could be a good option for recording.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
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So, if you want to do this as a hobby and not just as a passing whim......
I recommend the following.
Audio interface that uses ASIO drivers and has phantom power and audio preamps. Avoid the proprietary stuff.
One halfway decent condenser mic. One mic will do the guitar as well as the vocals easily.
Either a set of 5" monitors or a set of the Sony MDR 7506 headphones. You will need the headphones to record with mics anyway. The Sonys are decent enough to mix with.
A copy of Band in a Box that gets you started. I always recommend buying as far up the list as you can afford. But you can get started on the basic version and upgrade later.
A DAW. Band in a Box (BB) comes with Real Band ( the Windows version) which is a free DAW packaged with BB. Or any other DAW that you want.
Obviously, a modern computer running a Windows 64bit OS.
That gets you started. All of that is easily obtained for under $1000. Depending on where you shop and if you buy new or working used gear, that price can be significantly lower.
When you get started, there's a lot of knowledgeable people here willing to help and answer your questions.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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Audio interface that uses ASIO drivers and has phantom power and audio preamps That's fairly important, IMHO. The on-board audio in most PCs works 'OK', but has a number of significant downsides ... poorer noise, flimsy connector, wrong sensitivites and output levels to an amp if you use one, no phantom power. Most condensor mics need phantom power. I think all of the instrument/equipment distributors sell good interfaces ... Sweetwater, Thomann, Gear4Music et al. Small USB modules by the likes Focusrite, Presonus, are the kind of thing you'll want. It'll save all sorts of hassles. Condensor mics are excellent for recording, but you may also want a pop-shield as they can be sensitive to the plosives in in speech, i.e., P and B particularly. Band in a Box (BB) comes with Real Band ( the Windows version) which is a free DAW packaged with BB. Strictly RealBand isn't a free DAW, it's proprietary, but it comes included with BiaB, so it's no additional cost.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
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Beginners Forum
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Joined: Dec 2024
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Audio interface that uses ASIO drivers and has phantom power and audio preamps That's fairly important, IMHO. The on-board audio in most PCs works 'OK', but has a number of significant downsides ... poorer noise, flimsy connector, wrong sensitivites and output levels to an amp if you use one, no phantom power. Most condensor mics need phantom power. I think all of the instrument/equipment distributors sell good interfaces ... Sweetwater, Thomann, Gear4Music et al. Small USB modules by the likes Focusrite, Presonus, are the kind of thing you'll want. It'll save all sorts of hassles. Condensor mics are excellent for recording, but you may also want a pop-shield as they can be sensitive to the plosives in in speech, i.e., P and B particularly. Band in a Box (BB) comes with Real Band ( the Windows version) which is a free DAW packaged with BB. Strictly RealBand isn't a free DAW, it's proprietary, but it comes included with BiaB, so it's no additional cost. Thats great advice. I have been looking at various interfaces and in some cases the deal advertised includes the software but when you read the whole blob its only licenced for six months and then its Pay up or you cant use it so if it comes with the package thats great to get started. thanks liamster
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Newbie
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If you just want to record yourself and then perhaps EQ, reverb, etc., then one of the free tools may be a good choice, e.g., Audacity, Ardour, others. Where BiaB really score like nothing else is in adding backing, other virtual soloists and helping to manage the structure of the song. It can be very powerful and effective for that, but sometimes it can also be a bit frustrating. It has some quite individual quirks. Quite few people will record themselves and use BiaB like that, though some work mostly in BiaB, some build the structure and move to a DAW for mix and mastering. There are various tutorials around. PG Music's can be a lot to wade through, so I usually suggest Henry Clarke on YouTube. He has some really good, approachable and easy to understand stuff, and some good workflow ideas. Try ** Here ** for beginners, or ** Here ** for his full BiaB list. Thanks for that Liamster
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Thats great advice. I have been looking at various interfaces and in some cases the deal advertised includes the software but when you read the whole blob its only licenced for six months and then its Pay up or you cant use it so if it comes with the package thats great to get started. thanks
liamster A proper interface should not be licensed like that. 212 UMC202 18i20
Last edited by rharv; 12/29/24 07:32 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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<< I play acoustic guitar as a hobby and have done for a good few years off and on, what I would like to do
is record myself along with my guitar into my computer and then maybe add a few touches to the song and see what develops
I intend to purchase a usb audio interface along with additional microphones. one to record the guitar and one to record the vocal.
would I be able to record directly into BIAB and then work on the song.>>As has been noted, users can record into BIAB. Another option you may consider provides high quality recordings, has everything in a single package to record through an audio interface directly into your PC and BIAB, but also allows you to record guitar and vocals remotely anywhere onto an SD card that can transfer tracks directly from the card into the PC, Band in a Box, or DAW. There are many options available that should be at less cost than buying a stand alone interface and microphones. I've posted a screenshot of a high quality device costing $100 and a link to a YouTube video of an artist who did all of his early recordings on the Zoom's predecessor model to the model listed for years. All of BIAB's resources will still be available to use as well as any DAW and it resources. Zoom H1essential Portable Recorder Folsom Prison Blues
BIAB 2025:RB 2025, Latest builds: Dell Optiplex 7040 Desktop; Windows-10-64 bit, Intel Core i7-6700 3.4GHz CPU and 16 GB Ram Memory.
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A proper interface should not be licensed like that. I suspect he means the often bundled DAW software, not the interface itself.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful.
AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11
BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software.
Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts
.
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Thats great advice. I have been looking at various interfaces and in some cases the deal advertised includes the software but when you read the whole blob its only licenced for six months and then its Pay up or you cant use it so if it comes with the package thats great to get started. thanks
liamster A proper interface should not be licensed like that. I think perhaps he's referring to the software and not the interface itself. A lot of interfaces used to, and probably still do, come with the LE or "Lite" versions of the software to get you started and as an inducement to buy the full version or as a time limited full function demo. Again to get you to buy in on the product.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
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OK then!
Don't buy an interface based on the thrown in freebies, that's a terrible way to select an interface.
Budget is understandable, but "they threw in a free trial of X", when X usually has a free trial available anyway ??
Do NOT select an interface based on that, you'll be starting off on the wrong hoof.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
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Looked at a few interfaces, the internet is full of brands i've never heard of that I would'nt touch if they gave it away
and going through the ones I do know i'm looking at this one the UMC204HD it looks as if it will work for me.
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One thing is for sure after the terrific response and advise I have got from you guys I am going to purchase the package
I will just wait a few days, as everytime I go to the site they keep pushing me to buy before the 31st special offer you see
I switch off then as I hate that.
I even went on there live chat and asked them what package should i buy as a beginner and they recommended the top package ......????
So its not the company that convinced me to buy it but you guys who responded so quick to my querys.
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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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Holiday Weekend Hours
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Band-in-a-Box 2025 French Version is Here!
Bonjour à tous,
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 pour Windows est disponible en Français.
Le téléchargement se fait à partir du site PG Music
Pour ceux qui auraient déjà acheté la version 2025 de Band-in-a-Box (et qui donc ont une version anglaise), il est possible de "franciser" cette version avec les patchs suivants:
BIAB 2025 - francisation
RealBand 2025 - francisation
Voilà, enjoy!
Band-in-a-Box 2025 German Version is Here!
Update Your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 to Build 1128 for Windows Today!
Already using Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows®? Download Build 1128 now from our Support Page to enjoy the latest enhancements and improvements from our team.
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PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks Pro Audio 2025 is here! This new version introduces many features, including VST3 support, the ability to load or import a .FLAC file, a reset option for track height in the Tracks window, a taller Timeline on the Notation window toolbar, new freeze buttons in the Tracks window, three toolbar modes (two rows, single row, and none), the improved Select Patch dialog with text-based search and numeric patch display, a new button in the DirectX/VST window to copy an effects group, and more!
First-time packages start at only $49. Already a PowerTracks Pro Audio user? Upgrade for as little as $29!
www.pgmusic.com/powertracks.htm
Video: Summary of the New Band-in-a-Box® App for iOS®
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new Band-in-a-Box® app for iOS®! Designed for musicians, singer-songwriters, and educators, this powerful tool lets you create, play, and transfer songs effortlessly on your iPhone® or iPad®—anytime, anywhere.
Band-in-a-Box® for iOS® :Summary video.
Check out the forum post for more information.
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