Hi,
for any BIAB users, BIAB2011 has been released. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.htm

Luv the audio loops that now come with BIAB & RealBand sequencer.

Early Xmas present for me.
Along with the big sale from Native In struments last week (50% off) & some of the Cakewalk products ( 80% off ) I've had a great time shopping for myself haahaa.

best wishes
Rikki

Rikki - thanks so much for posting this! I knew that PGMusic usually ships a "new delivery" right in time for Xmas. I just checked the site a few days ago and was wondering why they hadn't made any announcements yet.

The "Real Tracks" are amazing! Love them things! For a hobbyist or a semi-pro who uses tracks these are great assets! You can gen up some great sounds w/the new software and "Real Tracks" with minimum effort!

I have BIAB 2010.5 and I put together a version of "My Favorite Things" yesterday in about 20 minutes w/BIAB. For anyone curious about BIAB or if you like Xmas Sax, here's a link to the recording I made yesterday using the BIAB "Real Tracks" for that song:

http://www.soundclick.com/player/single_player.cfm?songid=9958718&q=hi

Santa will be hearing from me (re) the new BIAB! Thanks again Rikki!

Randy

Hey Randy "Coltrane" great job on that tune. Your usual fine work

Hi Rikki (and Randy too),

Biab 2011 Version Package Options

Thanks for the heads up about BIAB 2011. Are "audio loops" included in 'all' versions of BIAB now? When I purchased BIAB 2010 last year, to get the audio loops, I had to purchase the more expense UltraPlus PAK version (which came pre-installed on a USB hard drive. The other more inexpensive versions of Biab only included midi backing.

Though I'm impressed with the significantly improved 'live' sound of the audio loops (compared to midi loops), it should be noted that unless you're willing to fork out a lot more money ($699US vs $399US) for the 'Audiofile' version of Biab (of which includes 'uncompressed' WAV loops), that the other version(s?) of Biab's audio loops are merely 32kbps .wma files. For live/casual 'backing track' projects this sounds quite fine, but for making a pro level recording, it may not sound good enough. That said, I'm debating whether to shell out an additional $300 for the Audiofile version. I'm interested in getting feedback from others about this. Thanks. - Scott

Thanks Steve for checking out the tune! It was fun and educational.

Scott - if you were contemplating CD production the wave versions would definitely be the way to go. But for me whether I'm on the beach with my Crate battery amp or in a restaurant with the Bose Compact the audience is too busy clinking their forks and drinks to hear any difference so I'm quite happy with the standard non-wave edition. And since I've been a BIAB die-hard I will get my annual Xmas upgrade for $99. Too much fun and great technology to pass up for a guy in my shoes.

And to all a great (musical) night!
Randy

Hi Randy,
that was brilliant.

I've still got a bit of a learning curve in front of me with the Real Tracks.
I only got involved with them 2 to 3 months ago, even though I've had BIAB for 20 years or so, I never really used it much.
I've never been involved with recording before, but these have given me the incentive to give it a go.


You'll be pleasantly surprised, there's a heap of new Real Tracks. Some of the new functions in BIAB sound interesting too.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by saxxman:
[B]

Hi Scott,
for me as a hobbyist, the version on the Ultra plus pak is good enough.
Any files I record would only be in mp3 format, anyway.

If you don't get much feedback here, maybe ask the guys on the PG Forums.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scottyee:
[B]Hi Rikki (and Randy too),

hi Rikki. good point about good enough, especially when used simply in a supportive role as backing tracks. I've always been curious though just 'how much' more fabulous it will sound in uncompressed WAV, but haven't got quite the motivation to spend another $300 just to find out. Unfortunately the holiday discount special doesn't apply to the Audiophile version of Biab.

Hi Scott,
might be of interest to you.
http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=297374&an=0&page=0&gonew=1#UNREAD

I think initially the Real Drums may have been wav files, and possibly the first of the Real Tracks ( going back a couple of years or more). My laptop at that stage didn't run them too well, so I gave up. From memory, the files were huge.

best wishes
Rikki
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scottyee:
[B]

Hi Rikki, thanks for posting that enlightening thread link and your informative comment. I think I'll save the $300, at least for now.

Rikki - Thanks again! I will order the new upgrade set - I love the stff they've added! Have a great and safe holiday!

Randy

Hi Randy,
I actually managed to download mine. Just over 5gigs.

I only had to buy the $99 version as my last upgrade was the BIAB 2010.5 usb drive Ultra pak version, so I was pretty much up to date.

Hi Scott & Randy,
got a question, do either of you use Real Band, or do you just use BIAB?
best wishes
Rikki

Hi Rikki - I am not experienced with "Real Band as BIAB meets most of my needs. I will order the $99 upgrade as well - I have the 2010.5 UltraPak too. Can't wait! Have fun and I'll keep you posted after I get the package - I'll do some experimenting with Real Band too.

Randy

Hi Rikki. so far, just Biab, and mainly for Jamey Ambersold style play-along rehearsing of RealBook tunes. Haven't much explored Real Band though. Riki, it would be great if you could share what sorts of projects you utilize Biab & Real Band for

Hi Scott,
basically Real Band is a sequencer. What sets it apart though, is that it also utilizes BIAB style tracks , midi & audio.

Just say you have a midifile. You're not overly impressed with the drum track. You can " generate" a brand new drum track using one of the BIAB Real Drum audio tracks ( if there's one suitable) or you could use one of the drum tracks from any of the BIAB styles.
Not only that, but you can also replace the bass, or the guitar, piano etc. again with Real tracks or with BIAB midi track styles.

It uses the Chord Track as reference for transposing the notes in these tracks (like BIAB).
If your midifile doesn't have chords, Real Band comes up with it's own chords.

You can record a complete song in Real Band using either All BIAB style tracks or you can record your own tracks as well.

It generates these style tracks just the same way as BIAB does. You actually have more control than you do in BIAB, because you can choose which bars get regenerated.
Just say your bass track sounds ok except for bars 3 & 4. You just hilight bars 3 to 4, choose generate, & only those 2 bars get regenerated.

Anyway , enough prattling. If you get a chance, check Real Band out. It's got some new functions also. Just keeps getting better.

best wishes
Rikki

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scottyee:
[B]

[This message has been edited by rikkisbears (edited 12-06-2010).]

rikkisbears. Thanks for the reminder of version 2011. I'm running BIAB 2010.5 at the moment.

Hi Graham,
they've supposedly got a special price running till end of Dec.

best wishes
Rikki

Rikki, thanks for explaining the benefits of Real Band. Definitely sounds like some very useful cool features. Can't wait to check them out, but not until after I take delivery of Tyros4 and get it setup & tweaked first.



[This message has been edited by Scottyee (edited 12-06-2010).]

Hi Scott,
yeh, a T4 would take precedence for me too, haahaa.

For me I'm hoping it will come in handy with my One Man Band software. I used to use
it instead of a Yammie Keyboard.

What I've sort of got in mind is, record a midifile using OMB, import it into Real Band, & where possible replace drum track with a Real Track, maybe replace a guitar track , whatever. Aught to give me a better quality backing track than just using my old soundfonts, especially some of those jazz brush tracks

Scott, there are those of us who have been selling recordings made with the "standard" .wma version of the Realtracks since their inception.

To date, not one of my clients has complained about a lack of audio fidelity or anything like that. (Now, there have been some complaints about MY playing... heh.)


--Mac

Don't know what to say about your playing (I haven't heard it yet), but regarding the standard .wma version which I already now have, appreciate your assurance about that. That said, I'm holding on to that $300 now and applying it instead to help cover the cost of Tyros4.

Hi,
for anyone that may be interested, there's a video on some of the new BIAB functions. http://www.pgmusic.com/bbwin.new.htm

best wishes
Rikki

p.s. Scott, they're going to eventually do one on Real Band also.