|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Question for those of you who buy the audiophile edition:
Is the juice worth the squeeze? Is the difference in quality noticeable to you?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 2,732 |
Hey Pat, there's at least a dozen or so topic chains over in the BIAB Windows forum regarding that exact topic. Matt's usually been pretty vocal on the subject since he's owned it for several years. Buy what you can afford is my favorite line on the subject.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Hi Pat. And thanks, Steve. "Worth" is a relative concept that's harder to address, but quality is something we can discuss. I wrote an article about this several years ago and to my knowledge, it's still accurate. PG Music commented, too, and made it a sticky. I think it's the most-viewed topic on the forums. So, almost all I can say on the subject is already here: https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=378939#Post378939You'll see your post in there at the top. If I'm misunderstanding what you want to know, by all means write back. I'll give it my best. I almost missed this post because it's in the Off-Topic Forum. I think it's very much worthy of a main BIAB Product Forum topic.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Thanks Steve and Matt for providing a direct link to the info I need!
I waste wayyy too much time trying to find information online. Google is great, but it sends me down other rabbit holes that use up my time; and I value time over money. There are a hundred ways to get more money, but zero ways to get more time. At my age the time I have left on the planet is all the more precious, so I thank you for expediting my quest
Good point about the forum choice. I guess I've been away for so long my head isn't tracking protocol.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,814
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,814 |
Hi Pat, I think the only real answer is that can you hear the difference between a a compressed file and a wav file? You may want to find out what compression PGMusic is using and take a wav file, compress it, then see if you can hear the difference. I would do that with a number of different wavs.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
Hi Pat, I think the only real answer is that can you hear the difference between a a compressed file and a wav file? You may want to find out what compression PGMusic is using and take a wav file, compress it, then see if you can hear the difference. I would do that with a number of different wavs. Thanks for weighing in Mario! Hope you are doing well! What got me thinking about this was Christmas carols. Somewhere along the line my wife ripped all her holiday CDs to mp3, and I was listening to the MP3s. The same songs on the CD sparkle. The MP3s, not so much. When I'm learning cover songs from MP3, then listen to a better quality recording of the same song, I can frequently hear parts that are just not distinguishable in the MP3. I wonder if asking "can *I* hear the difference?" might be the wrong question. I already know my own hearing is impaired. But my audience...? If my end product was a CD, then I'd need WAVs. But more and more, people listen to streamed music, which is compressed. Which leads to the argument about compressing a file that's already compressed. At the end of the logic, unless you are a hobbyist who has no audience, it makes sense to work with wavs, assuming the budget allows. If the song gets compressed later by a streaming service, at least that will be the first and only compression.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Pat, when your wife ripped the CD songs to MP3, she may have had a choice of sample rates and chosen poorly. I won’t even consider anything under 192 and usually encode at 320. 128 would definitely remove enough for me to be very unhappy.
It’s a catch 22 to decide how to prepare music for audiences, particularly younger ones, when your own hearing is compromised. Better to use the best you can.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,814
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 20,814 |
Thanks for weighing in Mario! Hope you are doing well!
What got me thinking about this was Christmas carols. Somewhere along the line my wife ripped all her holiday CDs to mp3, and I was listening to the MP3s. The same songs on the CD sparkle. The MP3s, not so much.
When I'm learning cover songs from MP3, then listen to a better quality recording of the same song, I can frequently hear parts that are just not distinguishable in the MP3.
Thanx Pat, we are all doing well here. Hope you are doing well also.
The real question is at what compression rate were those MP3s made? Many people can't tell the difference between a compression rate of 320kbps and a wav. Anything below that is a gamble.
I wonder if asking "can *I* hear the difference?" might be the wrong question. I already know my own hearing is impaired. But my audience...? If my end product was a CD, then I'd need WAVs. But more and more, people listen to streamed music, which is compressed. Which leads to the argument about compressing a file that's already compressed. At the end of the logic, unless you are a hobbyist who has no audience, it makes sense to work with wavs, assuming the budget allows. If the song gets compressed later by a streaming service, at least that will be the first and only compression.
Me, it's not about how many times you fail, it's about how many times you get back up.
Cop, that's not how field sobriety tests work.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,480
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,480 |
Here is a spectral view of a RT 3063 Vocal Aahs.. the top track is wma and the bottom is wav with the same sections, both are direct from the RT folder on the Audiophile drive without processing using Biab Track Injector that allows you to use any file type compatible with Reaper. You can see the head space difference. Zoom++ 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 9,326 |
With my old ears, I can't really hear the difference between the normal BB compressed files and those of the audiophile version.
I know a few folks who have the audiophile version so when I get a wave from them I know it's a real, full, uncompressed wav file. I can't really hear the difference.
In random tests most folks can't hear the difference between the MP3 @ 320kbs and a wav file..... and what we tend to listen on and with, it really doesn't matter too awful much. If I was in a treated room, and could A/B 320kbs mp3 with wav on a really good speaker system..... perhaps.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,074 |
sometimes when you talk through a topic, the answer becomes obvious. I'm a hobbyist, with no audience and no compelling reason to spend more for capability that would mostly be useful when collaborating with pros. Which I don't. And at my age and circumstances, I don't see that changing. Soooooo... once again, I bought the Ultrapak.
Thanks to everybody who took the time to thoughtfully reply. Y'all are the best!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,867 |
Pat, you are a fine musician. Don’t sell yourself short.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums66
Topics81,622
Posts735,187
Members38,519
| |
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean