Author Topic: Band in a Box, Real Band, Powertracks Pro Audio (Read 4404 times)

JoeJazz2000 · « **on:** April 27, 2011, 08:07:49 AM »

I am a long-time user of the three PG Music software products listed in the subject line. Band in a Box is the venerable tool for (among other things) generating backing tracks in a wide variety of styles. Real Band all but replaces Powertracks as the recording software (DAW) allowing drag and drop connectivity with BIAB. All of these are well-supported, have an active wish list for solutions to musical and technical problems, and have active, knowledgeable user forums, both at the PG Music site and in the Yahoo discussion pages.

Those of you who tried BIAB years ago and didn't like the MIDI sounds you heard should listen again. In the past few years PG has added real instruments to replace the MIDI and re-done many of its styles with real instruments. The tempo- and pitch-stretching technology is phenominal. The tracks sound real because theu are real. Although I've used the products a long time, I don't consider myself a really advanced user and I'm sure others here are. It's the only recording-type software I've ever used, but I have looked at a good bit of it. I'd like to see a discussion of it, especially among those who've used it or other software like it.

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #1 on:** April 27, 2011, 08:20:37 AM »

I still use BIAB when I need it . . .
But I am using it for MIDI, and export to Sonar.
I haven't upgraded for the past couple of years, just because I don't use the Real Instruments function.
Gary

Danny G · « **Reply #2 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:54:46 AM »

I'm still running 2008.5 but I have every intention of getting the audiophile upgrade

JoeJazz2000 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:46:17 PM »

Danny, the Audiophile (uncompressed WAV files for Real Tracks) upgrade may be a superior listening experience, but I'm not sure I'd hear it on my system. In any case, those considering a BIAB upgrade to the RealTracks instruments and styles should be aware that it is not necessary to get Audiophile in order to get RealTracks. The price difference is substantial and those looking at an initial purchase or upgrade shouldn't be deterred by the higher price of the full Audiophile edition.

A first time buyer can get the basic edition (including the RealBand DAW)with 20 (out of 121) RealTracks, 1 (out of 21) Real Drums tracks, 3 (out of 77) styles for $129 ($69 or $79 for upgrades, subject to the version being upgraded) . This compares to $669 for a first time buyer of Audiophile (upgrades: $479 and $499). The RealTracks and Real Drums are also combined into 6 "combos," ready to accompany the user. By sampling the real tracks and styles at the PG site one could then choose which additional ones to buy, if any. I have all of them, more than I'll ever use, primarily because of musical interest. I've upgraded every year and kept up with all real tracks and drums as well as styles. In the future I'll only upgrade the program itself and buy selected real tracks and styles as needed. I don't expect to need or want any others.

Danny G · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2011, 02:43:45 PM »

Joe,
I hadn't been back to the PG Music site since I got all of the hype they send you when the upgrades come out.
You made me take a second look.
I decided to go with the Ultra Plus PaK (upgrade $299) , I don't need the lessons or videos (upgrade $399) that are bundled with the Audiophile Edition (upgrade $499)
I'm willing to spend an extra $100 for the uncompressed files but I'm not buying $100 worth of something I don't want just to get them.

drfrancov · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2011, 09:57:10 PM »

Well, so I read this post. And decided to check BIAB. Very nice but very expensive (for me at least). So I looked for an alternative. And I found iReal b (former iReal book): http://www.irealb.com/. I have to say it is awesome!

I basically wanted to have a backing track and play melodies on my harmonicas. It works on my iPad without any flaw. It took me 20 minutes to figure it out and I have been playing with it for the last 3 hours. 1 word: magnificent!

I actually bought 2 of the 3 additional style packs and I am very satisfied. So far I spent less than 20 bucks only.

It allows to print, e-mail, post in the forums (they have tons of music) and export a a sound file. And it also allows to transpose the chord progression to any key!

And it does what I want. No extra stuff that I will never use!

Here is one of the many videos you can find on youtube demonstrating how it sounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIXLMs2Qams&feature=related

He is playing the improv and the "band" is iReal b playing!

Hope it help someone.

Danny G · « **Reply #6 on:** April 28, 2011, 06:02:18 AM »

If all you want to do is play along with pre-recorded background music, you don't need Band in a Box.

JoeJazz2000 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 28, 2011, 08:08:06 AM »

Quote from: Danny G on April 27, 2011, 02:43:45 PM

Joe,
I hadn't been back to the PG Music site since I got all of the hype they send you when the upgrades come out.
You made me take a second look.
I decided to go with the Ultra Plus PaK (upgrade $299) , I don't need the lessons or videos (upgrade $399) that are bundled with the Audiophile Edition (upgrade $499)
I'm willing to spend an extra $100 for the uncompressed files but I'm not buying $100 worth of something I don't want just to get them.

Good call, I'd say. I have the Ultra Plus Pak, and so except for music lessons and uncompressed WAV files, I have the works. The value trick is to carefully navigate upgrades at the end of the year. As I said above, I'm going to be very selective in acquiring new RealTracks. The program itself (alone) is worth an upgrade every year to get the new features, almost all of which offer tech and user-friendly improvements. But once you have all the RealTracks, you have them. Adding new ones should be a matter of musical preference. I believe I have bought the same thing more than once. So, I'll be selective when new ones are announced.

Danny G · « **Reply #8 on:** April 28, 2011, 10:36:49 AM »

I started with BIAB version 9 and bought all of the upgrades every year up to the 2008.5 version
I really liked the idea of it being on its own hard drive but the first year it was available the money to buy it was not.
After transferring song data between my desktop and the laptop for all of these years, I've created a monster.

JoeJazz2000 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2011, 12:53:51 PM »

Quote from: Danny G on April 28, 2011, 10:36:49 AM

I started with BIAB version 9 and bought all of the upgrades every year up to the 2008.5 version
I really liked the idea of it being on its own hard drive but the first year it was available the money to buy it was not.
After transferring song data between my desktop and the laptop for all of these years, I've created a monster.

Yes, a monster. But without the external hard drive option, it would take 30 DVDs, or so I was told, to deliver all the Real Tracks, as come with the more complete Pak options. Since I was having trouble with USB drives and some other USB devices occasionally dropping off my system, requiring a reboot to reactivate, I got a powered USB hub for around $30 to handle devices. Nothing drops out now. The USB drive that delivers the Ultra Paks come with 2 USB cables to ensure that the drive gets adequate power. With the powered hub, I don't use the second plug.

Danny G · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2011, 07:56:41 PM »

I haven't found anything that makes my desktop drop out so I doubt the powered USB hub would be necessary but the laptop is several years old.
If it won't handle it I'll just have to get another laptop.
By the way, the 2008.5 program by itself is 26.1 Gig

llumagsara · « **Reply #11 on:** April 29, 2011, 02:45:16 AM »

hello All

i found this page http://www.hispasonic.com/foros/alternativas-band-in-box/363854 of BBX alternatives, cheaper and some free, the page is in spanish (you can translate) but the links, all are in english...

good health

Agustin

keithfre · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2011, 04:37:15 AM »

I stopped using an old (midi only) version of BiaB a few years ago because I felt it killed the music stone dead. It was as a result of hearing a tune recorded by a guitarist with an organ RealTrack that I decided to try out the new RealTracks. I find them to be a vast improvement and am enjoying using them (especially since I no longer have a regular trio to play with).

I initially tried to save money by just buying individual tracks, but found this left me with incomplete styles that I wanted to use. So I upgraded again to the UltraPlusPak and haven't regretted it.

JoeJazz2000 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 29, 2011, 07:55:58 AM »

Quote from: Danny G on April 28, 2011, 07:56:41 PM

I haven't found anything that makes my desktop drop out so I doubt the powered USB hub would be necessary but the laptop is several years old.
If it won't handle it I'll just have to get another laptop.
By the way, the 2008.5 program by itself is 26.1 Gig

I use a USB audio interface, the M-Audio Fast Track, that still occasionally drops off despite the powered USB hub. I have two USB hard drives connected, one of which constantly dropped off before I got the powered hub. The Fast Track functions as my sound card and so it's a pain to reboot when it drops off. Last night I paused an iTunes track and when I restarted, no audio.

keithfre · « **Reply #14 on:** April 29, 2011, 08:02:39 AM »

Quote from: Danny G on April 28, 2011, 07:56:41 PM

If it won't handle it I'll just have to get another laptop.

I discovered the other day that my new Samsung netbook (the cheapest I could find) which I bought to use mainly for BiaB is unable to play a RealTrack accompaniment on battery, even with all the background applications (wireless Internet etc.) shut down, it needs the mains power adapter.

Danny G · « **Reply #15 on:** April 29, 2011, 09:18:48 PM »

My old laptop uses XP with 4G RAM 300G Hard drive, if it won't run off of the external drive, I'll do a full install, I should be ok

10. What are the recommended system requirements for Band-in-a-Box?
Band-in-a-Box runs on Windows 98/ME/NT/2000/XP/Vista/7 (32bit or 64bit), and requires a minimum of 256MB available RAM. Basic MIDI features require a less powerful computer than the latest RealTracks features. For best performance, we recommend a fairly up-to-date computer with Windows XP or higher, a fast processor, and at least 1GB RAM. Without RealDrums or RealTracks, you need a minimum of about 500MB of free hard disk space. More hard disk space is required for the RealTracks and RealDrums, about 100 MB for each RealDrums Set and 1 GB for each RealTracks Set. A full install of the PRO version (including RealTracs/Drums) requires about 4 GB. A full install of the MEGAPAK version requires about 13 GB. The UltraPlus and EverythingPAK are about 80 GB total and are therefore usually shipped "pre-installed" on a USB hard drive. You can run the program directly from the hard drive or install on your computer.

A MIDI sound source is required. This could be a sound card, a MIDI keyboard, MIDI sound module, or software synthesizer. We include a software synthesizer (Roland VSC-DXi) with Band-in-a-Box that is compatible with 32-bit operating systems. There are other software synths available that are compatible with 64-bit operating systems, such as the ForteDXi and TTS-1.

Sander · « **Reply #16 on:** April 30, 2011, 10:34:02 AM »

Quote from: JoeJazz2000 on April 29, 2011, 07:55:58 AM

Quote from: Danny G on April 28, 2011, 07:56:41 PM
<snip>
I use a USB audio interface, the M-Audio Fast Track, that still occasionally drops off despite the powered USB hub. I have two USB hard drives connected, one of which constantly dropped off before I got the powered hub. The Fast Track functions as my sound card and so it's a pain to reboot when it drops off. Last night I paused an iTunes track and when I restarted, no audio.

Your audio interface isn't connected through the USB hub is it? If it is, try connecting directly to your computer. Audio interfaces are usually a bit jealous about sharing their connectivity...

JoeJazz2000 · « **Reply #17 on:** May 02, 2011, 08:47:10 AM »

Quote from: Sander on April 30, 2011, 10:34:02 AM

Quote from: JoeJazz2000 on April 29, 2011, 07:55:58 AM
Quote from: Danny G on April 28, 2011, 07:56:41 PM
<snip>
I use a USB audio interface, the M-Audio Fast Track, that still occasionally drops off despite the powered USB hub. I have two USB hard drives connected, one of which constantly dropped off before I got the powered hub. The Fast Track functions as my sound card and so it's a pain to reboot when it drops off. Last night I paused an iTunes track and when I restarted, no audio.
Your audio interface isn't connected through the USB hub is it? If it is, try connecting directly to your computer. Audio interfaces are usually a bit jealous about sharing their connectivity...

Thanks for the tip. I thought my performance had improved with the hub, but I'll try a direct connection. Windows has an option for keeping USB ports constantly under power and I had it check NOT to ever power down a USB port.

Danny G · « **Reply #18 on:** December 26, 2011, 11:02:56 PM »

I just ordered Band In A Box 2012 Everything Pak with the Bonus 20 Pak option
Discount pricing is available until 12/31/2011 www.pgmusic.com

thebaron · « **Reply #19 on:** December 27, 2011, 01:10:22 PM »

I use ChordPulse which is very cheap and works well for me. Ideal for beginners and has a 14 day freetrial, though I bought after 3 days, I was so impressed.

Danny G · « **Reply #20 on:** December 27, 2011, 01:23:41 PM »

I've used BIAB for years but haven't upgraded since ver. 2008.5
I know that it's going to take some time to just look at all of the improvements but what I'm really excited to hear is all of the new Real Band and Real Drum additions.

Gnarly He Man · « **Reply #21 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:06:08 PM »

I would upgrade if I used the Real stuff--I use BIAB for MIDI mostly.
G

Danny G · « **Reply #22 on:** December 27, 2011, 02:37:17 PM »

I rarely import midi files into BIAB but then I can't accompany myself with Real Guitar like you do.
Another big reason on my list is that I need to update the material I present at BIAB seminars.

Danny G · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2011, 05:09:07 PM »

Got the new BIAB hard drive today, you can use it off of the new hard drive or install it on your computer.
I'm loading it onto the computer and it should be done being installed in about an hour.

Danny G · « **Reply #24 on:** December 29, 2011, 06:12:51 PM »

Install is done, the few demos I've listened to are next to awesome.
I have a thousand or so new syles to listen to and lots of new stuff to learn about ... see y'all later

walanvincent · « **Reply #25 on:** July 06, 2012, 10:12:18 PM »

I've been using BIAB for the last 6 months or so. I had a trio, but my drummer went back to the U.S. then had a heart attack. Now it's just me, my bass player,and BIAB filling in the rest. Not playing harp yet when gigging ... can't play a chromatic harp in a neck rack while singing and playing guitar .... not enough hands .. LOL

David T · « **Reply #26 on:** July 06, 2012, 10:39:10 PM »

I have BIAB 2011.5 which I purchased late last year. It came with Real Band (which I have yet to figure out?). But I love BIAB & use it all the time. I simply look on the net for the chords and accompanying score & place the chords into BIAB & pick a style, tempo & key plus add or delete instruments until I get what I like. It's a great piece of software.

Personally I dislike using Karaoke tracks or Midis or purchased professional tracks. The ability to make simple tracks on BIAB suits me as I think with the harmonica the simpler the better.

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Author Topic: Band in a Box, Real Band, Powertracks Pro Audio (Read 4404 times)