Recording backing tracks for live playback

[teleboli]

I'm getting ready to put a duo together and would need to record bass and drum tracks(at least)to play over live. What software do you recommend to do this, something simple you know, not overly time consuming, but with realistic playback results. I've been recommended Band in a Box. What do you think? I've heard clips here of guys demoing gear with backing tracks. What's best for live playback to play guitars over? Sorry about the 'newbie thing' Thanks as always

[woodman]

Band in a Box will get you by, but it sounds pretty generic. ideally, with enough time and gear, you would write your own tracks using MIDI or real instruments, but sounds like you want to get into it with a minimum of time and expense. you might consider using loops on a computer program, but you'd need to let us know more about your existing gear, platform (PC? MAC?) and level of expertise computer-wise to give any substantial suggestions.

[teleboli]

The thing is I know what I want but I'm just beginning to look at the whole software thing as a way to have backing tracks to play guitar and sing over live. I've been playing for 30 plus years but never really applied myself in this area. So, I have two teles, one strat, a PRRI, a laptop running Vista and a big ol' jar of piss and vinegar. I'd like to start relatively easy because I don't want to frustrate myself and get discouraged.But ,as you say, I don't want something that is going to sound generic. That would be discouraging to. My computer savy is limited but that's not to say it couldn't improve as long as the software isn't too much. It won't be for lack of wanting to do this. Anyway, thanks for responding. What do you think?

[Papa Joe]

The new 2009 BIAB has LIVE drums and bass.You can program them easily and use them as back up.I do it..It sounds MUCH better than midi..JMHO....PJ....

[HOBBSTER01]

I use a Digitech Jamman for my drums and bass parts.
It works pretty well IMO.
PM me if you need details.

[vikki]

Easy drummer is great for the drum tracks, you can get a reasonable track down in minutes really. Playing and recording the bass part is no doubt the best, and you can buy bass loops....you need a prog like like reaper which is very good and cheapish but there's a steepish learning curve.
Vikki(uk)

[tboy]

Might want to try making your own. If you have a MAC, Garage Band is perfect, and this opens up every possibility (I'm sure there's something similar for PC). You're not locked to what other people decide is good, and the arrangements go how you want them. There's a learning curve, but not too bad, and the payback is gigantic.

I then drop everything to an iPod, and I have the ultimate on-demand band in a pocket. This system has worked flawlessly for me for 8 years.

[ce24]

Our trio uses band in a box and we just got rave reviews from our last gig. A local rock station DJ loved our sound and here's the trick we use. find a good midi version of your song selection. import it into power tracks pro that comes with BIAB....there you can eliminate all the cheesy tracks and keep the stuff you want..adjust volume levels and even change instruments say a better bass sound....edit it for turnarounds by copy and pasting sections to lengthen them from their 3 minute versions to a more fun jam style version then import midi into BIAB and voila there you have it, a sound that is yours cause you've changed it and its better for gigs.....listen to the songs on our web site they are all BIAB and our three guitars. PM me and I'll send you a few of our biab songs


Cheers
ce24

[timmer]

After that wonderful MIDI thread which opened my eyes to the possibilities, I found a link that describes how to get a drum track down via MIDI using free software.

[teleboli]

I went on u-tube today and was listening to some demo tracks of BIAB with real drums and real everything they offer now(not the midi samples like it used to be) and I have to say it sounded pretty darn good. I think I may be able to accept the realism of the playback here. Is this to good to be true and the real deal. As far as I can tell you just punch in the chord names you want and set up number of bars and changes and pick your style and insrtuments and it writes and spits it out for you. Is it that simple?

[ce24]

yep it's still midi tho, for the most part..but if you use my method then you can get the signature keyboard stuff or rhythm like for I shot the sheriff or no woman no cry where you really need specific beats and rhythm or bass style parts....believe me good midi that you can get free online or even good karaoke sites will give you signature stuff...then edit like i mentioned for your personal arrangement and it's absolutely fine and gig worthy.

Cheers ce24

[teleboli]

ce24 you said you are still using BIAB. Are you using BIAB plus augmenting it with a midi version of a song from an external source and using the best parts from both BIAB and the external song,edited and mixed together,for your final playback tune? Sorry, just trying to understand.

[Papa Joe]

BIAB still has midi yes,but there are enough Real Tracks to make a recording with NO midi.I do it all the time and seldom use any midi..
There is a learning curve but it's not very difficult to use..
And yes you select a style, type in the chords,select insturments,key,tempo and away ya go.Once you have a song written it will burn to CD as wave,MP3,or wma.
I always move a completed project to Sonar and add my live parts, then mix down there.
If you realy want to learn more about it,go to the PG music site and click on the BIAB forum..Some sharp dudes on there that are willing to help....PJ....

[teleboli]

Wow. You guys are great with the help. You know that feeling when your trying to get your head around a concept and the light suddenly goes on? That happened the last few replies. I wish I could buy yus a beer to say thanks.......or a milk......or whatever really helpful music recording software guys are drinkin these days.