anywon here use the program band in a box?

Vacume · #1 03-08-2009, 01:28 PM

do u need some kind of device to plug into youre computer or do u simply have ur amp and play along to the audio?

**Pacman** · #2 03-08-2009, 03:16 PM

I do both - on my desktop computer, I run the output of the soundcard into a board and little PA and play along.

On my laptop, I use an M-Audio USB powered interface and run my bass through that, so I get the computer output and my bass mixed into headphones.

BIAB is one of the best practice tools ever invented - I consider it the ultimate practice tool, in fact.

paul_wolfe · #3 03-09-2009, 04:04 AM

Jon is right.

BIAB is indispensable as a practice tool. There are sooooo many things you can do with it....

For example:

1) Set up 'standard' chord progressions (eg ii-V-I, ii-VI-V-I, I-V-5 etc etc) and play along in different styles. Also a good ear training exercise for hearing chord progressions and quickly classifying them.

2) Working on your time - set up a new style with snare drum set to hit on beats 2 and 4 only - set the tempo to the tempo of a groove you know and just play along for 5 mins.

3) Set up a diff style with snare drum on beat 2 or beat 4 only, and play along...

4) Set up a new style that clicks like a metronome but has beats taht randomly drop out. Make variations of this style with beats that drop out more frequently. Goal is to keep the time solid and consistent even when the beats drop.

In terms of outputting BIAB, I do similar to Jon. Either I output direct to my Tascam Bass Trainer, plug the bass in and playalong with headphones.

Or i sent the BIAB to a midi sound module which goes to a 4 track mixer (with bass in as well) and then routed to either headphones or PA.

Cheers

Paul

erix · #4 03-09-2009, 08:11 AM

I've just installed it few days ago. It seems there is an incredible number of options. Anyone knows where to find good tutorials (not the ones in the product)?

froglips · #5 03-09-2009, 11:35 AM

I use it.

I could not stand the MIDI sounds that come out of it though.
... So I purchased a MOTIF to pump BIAB through, then into an EMU-4040 card and out of some powered 10" studio speakers.

This IS my virtual back up band until I finally get around to step recording some stuff into "Reason" for this purpose instead.

paul_wolfe · #6 03-09-2009, 12:53 PM

Erix

IF you're ever stuck on BIAB there's a great forum at the PG Music band site where you can ask whatever questions you want on BIAB and someone will answer and point you in the right direction...

dvh · #7 12-13-2009, 01:52 PM

The thing I like about BIAB is that you can loop through a song over and over, loop only through different parts, easily transpose to different keys, print out sheets, turn the bass off for playback (or listen to it for ideas), choose different rythyms, change tempos.... it's a very powerful tool.

I'm quite new to upright and needed to learn about 20 standards for a recent show. I found a website with BIAB-ready files. Just download the zip files, open up the folders, and double click on the song... instant BIAB playback. I found this absolutely invaluable.

http://www.midistudio.com/BIAB/List.htm

Lady Kayri · #8 12-13-2009, 03:56 PM

Yep, input a lot of my practice tunes into BIAB and use it to practice with; usually thru computer via speakers or headphone, but have also burned off CDs to take along to practice with at work / on the road with either my TASCAM Bass Trainer or a plain old CD player...

Mharris · #9 07-29-2011, 12:26 PM

Bump.

I'd like to reinvigorate this discussion about using BIAB for practicing. I just purchased it two days ago so I have nothing to add... yet. But I'll be back.

Maybe someone else can chime in here?

dvh · #10 07-29-2011, 12:37 PM

There are some built-in practices and exercises files within the program. Excellent tools!

Snarf · #11 07-29-2011, 02:57 PM

BIAB has its uses. If you don't have a rhythm section and you don't want to shell out the money for Abersold's discs, it's a pretty good piece of software. It's nice for shedding your comping/blowing.

BUT . . .

It can be used as a bit of a crutch as well. I've heard students who use BIAB non stop, and then if they're playing with live musicians, they totally fall apart. The key is to use it half the time, then the other half, just play by yourself. That forces you to really get the harmony right.

That's if you're doing jazz though.