ML94 Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 I'm looking for some kind of software which is like band in a box where you can add in chords, type of feel(swing, latin) and your basic stuff to practice along with on a Mac. There are loads of apps on iphones and android but im specifically looking for Mac software. Any heads up would be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 I just tend to use Logic. There are some ok drum loops in there, and I just play in II/V/I's or whatever and practice over them. There's iReal for iPhones and iPads, that's supposed to be very good. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted April 28, 2014 Share Posted April 28, 2014 What's wrong with Band in the Box for Mac ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesparky Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 I'm glad this topic came up, I was thinking this just yesterday. I use the iReal on my laptop & iPad a lot, it's great but I was looking for something else too. I'll keep an eye on this thread, thanks, and I'll check out the band in a box too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ML94 Posted April 29, 2014 Author Share Posted April 29, 2014 Band in a box has some 'cheesy' sounds which dosen't cut it for me. I also have Ireal Pro which is great for lead sheets and some quick practice with the accompaniment but I'm searching for something that has some great sounds and dosen't sound like its from the 80's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 [quote name='ambient' timestamp='1398708306' post='2436825'] I just tend to use Logic. There are some ok drum loops in there, and I just play in II/V/I's or whatever and practice over them. There's iReal for iPhones and iPads, that's supposed to be very good. [/quote] Hey Ambient..... Not sure you know this site, but there are tons of trio backing tracks (all real book standards - mp3). They are all free no charge to download. There is Bass on the tracks, but they are great for playing/practising the heads and soloing. http://www.ralphpatt.com/Backing.html How are you getting on with Spitfire ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 Can you not save the output from Band In A Box as a MIDI file and then use something like Logic the replace the sounds with ones you find more pleasing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad3353 Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 [quote name='ML94' timestamp='1398748244' post='2437128'] Band in a box has some 'cheesy' sounds which dosen't cut it for me. I also have Ireal Pro which is great for lead sheets and some quick practice with the accompaniment but I'm searching for something that has some great sounds and dosen't sound like its from the 80's. [/quote] I have used BIAB (Windows...) both decades ago (remember Atari..?) and more recently. There is a world of difference between the generations of BIAB; the 2013 version has RealSongs and sampled playing which can fool anyone into thinking it's a live band. The downside (there's always a downside... ) is, imo, the cost, as one has to accumulate a whole host of add-ons if one wishes to have a wide variety of styles to choose from. From a performance quality point of view, I find it has matured immensely, but at a cost. Have you heard the current version..? You could be surprised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lowdown Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 [quote name='Dad3353' timestamp='1398759327' post='2437209'] I find it has matured immensely, but at a cost. [/quote] Indeed...... Also the notation application within has been greatly improved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambient Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 [quote name='lowdown' timestamp='1398752736' post='2437141'] Hey Ambient..... Not sure you know this site, but there are tons of trio backing tracks (all real book standards - mp3). They are all free no charge to download. There is Bass on the tracks, but they are great for playing/practising the heads and soloing. http://www.ralphpatt.com/Backing.html How are you getting on with Spitfire ? [/quote] Thanks for that. The spitfire sounds are amazing I'm using them on my college stuff at the moment. The string sounds are incredible and vastly superior to logics. I'll put some on my soundcloud page in a day or 2 😊 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Woodcock Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 [quote name='ML94' timestamp='1398748244' post='2437128'] Band in a box has some 'cheesy' sounds which dosen't cut it for me. I also have Ireal Pro which is great for lead sheets and some quick practice with the accompaniment but I'm searching for something that has some great sounds and dosen't sound like its from the 80's. [/quote] I haven't used BIAB for years but when I did I would port it through a software sampler to give me better sounds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ML94 Posted May 2, 2014 Author Share Posted May 2, 2014 I've just got the latest BIAB and wow oh wow. The sounds are much better than the original version I had which i think was the 2007 model ? All I have to do now is learn how to use the damn thing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the boy Posted May 2, 2014 Share Posted May 2, 2014 Haven't used it but a singer/songwriter I know uses mainstage and it sounds awesome. Might be worth checking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesparky Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Slightly off topic here, I've bought a few of these: http://www.coffeebreakgrooves.com/ I find them great for general practice and also for preparing for an exam (e.g. RGT or Trinity Rock 'n Pop etc). They're not cheap and I'm sure it's not TOO hard to for one to produce something of a similar ilk, but I sadly don't have the time to do that and they're just what I need. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ML94 Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 [quote name='bluesparky' timestamp='1400636746' post='2455720'] Slightly off topic here, I've bought a few of these: [url="http://www.coffeebreakgrooves.com/"]http://www.coffeebreakgrooves.com/[/url] I find them great for general practice and also for preparing for an exam (e.g. RGT or Trinity Rock 'n Pop etc). They're not cheap and I'm sure it's not TOO hard to for one to produce something of a similar ilk, but I sadly don't have the time to do that and they're just what I need. [/quote] I saw this recently after jamming along to some on Youtube. What I've noticed is, they give the chord charts for every album for free ! What this means is someone who's broke like me can actually programme it into Logic or BIAB and create my own 15 minute backing tracks without having to purchase all the albums ! Brilliant ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damonjames Posted May 21, 2014 Share Posted May 21, 2014 Surely as a community we could produce some to share amongst ourselves? I am in a similar situation where I COULD do it, but don't have the time. Maybe it could be a way to raise some much needed funds for this site? For a small fee you could have access, and contributors could get free access to classifieds??? Just saying... If anyone feels generous enough to share some with me they could PM me :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ML94 Posted May 21, 2014 Author Share Posted May 21, 2014 (edited) I'd be happy to start creating/sharing them once my exams are done and dusted ! Edited May 21, 2014 by ML94 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesparky Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 We could be on to something here (although knowing me, it's already been thought of and fallen through!!) the idea of contributing to basschat coffers sounds like a great idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allie Posted May 22, 2014 Share Posted May 22, 2014 [quote name='Damonjames' timestamp='1400688242' post='2456131'] Surely as a community we could produce some to share amongst ourselves? If anyone feels generous enough to share some with me they could PM me :-) [/quote] PM'd you James. Al Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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