What to use for rythmn tracks?

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 2 Dec 2004 5:04 am

What is your choice for a device to generate rythmn tracks for demo recordings? I do not need any lead instruments. I need drums, bass and chords. The "styles" available on my Yamaha keyboard (PSR230) are worthless for my purpose. I will basically use the standard 2/4, 4/4, 3/4 and shuffle.
I have seen BIAB mentioned a lot, but never used it. I need something that I can learn to operate within the normal human lifespan (since I am already 67 it needs to be quick).........JD [This message was edited by John Daugherty on 02 December 2004 at 06:24 AM.]

Darvin Willhoite · Post by **Darvin Willhoite** » 2 Dec 2004 6:00 am

I would recommend Band In A Box. I'm not good at reading manuals, I tend to jump right into a new program, and I was up and running after just an hour or two of playing around with it. I still hit a snag once in a while, then I have to go to the help screens. Its not very expensive, so if it didn't work out for you, you wouldn't be out much. There are lots of song files out there for download, or purchase also.

------------------
Darvin Willhoite
Riva Ridge Recording

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 2 Dec 2004 6:23 am

Thanks, Darvin. I should point out that I will be recording original songs. I will need to sequence my own chord progressions.
I think I saw BIAB available for about $60. From what I could determine, This basic package should do what I want.
I will be recording to a Fostex VF80 digital multitracker. I also have the "Cool Edit 2000" program (which I found much more friendly than cakewalk). I also have a Fostex X-26 analog cassette multitracker but can't locate a manual for it (Fostex can't provide this manual).

ROBERT MYERS · Post by **ROBERT MYERS** » 2 Dec 2004 6:51 am

http://pgmusic.com/bandbox.htm John, PG music has a free download of BIAB that is basic that you can try for 30 days before you buy anything.

------------------
Bob Myers Pedalmaster Classic 8&7
Sho-Bud super pro 8&6 Nashville 400 Digitech RP100

John Daugherty · Post by **John Daugherty** » 2 Dec 2004 7:17 am

Robert, I started to download that demo earlier but even after the download started, there was no indication of the file size. Do you know what the file size is? I don't want to spend a long time downloading something I can't use (the "save" feature and other features are disabled).

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 2 Dec 2004 7:34 am

Band in a Box doesn't care if the songs are original or not. All you do is type in a chord progression, choose a style, and press GO.

I always dump the BiaB composition to Sonar or other sequencer programs for note-by-note editing. Sonar is pretty pricy but there are several other midi editors (sequencers) for much less. Most soundcards come with some version (usually 'Lite') of sequencer software. Let me know by EMail if you want to talk about it further. I've used it for exactly what you describe successfully and would recommend it for any songwriter or producer/arranger to 'rough out' and then refine an arrangement.

------------------
Larry Bell - email: larry@larrybell.org - gigs - Home Page
2003 Fessenden S/D-12 8x8, 1969 Emmons S-12 6x6, 1971 Dobro, Standel and Peavey Amps

David L. Donald · Post by **David L. Donald** » 2 Dec 2004 7:43 am

BiaB is a very good choice I have used it for the basic layout of a very advanced jazz album, and it worked quite well.

Iit will also knock out a straight country song pretty quick too.

If you are looking for finish quality work,
then a good top shelf MIDI sequencer and sound modules that can also record digital audio would also be in order.

If you just want some decent tracks to play at home or in a cafe with BiaB will do fine.