Hi, to create my backing tracks I start with BIAB for Windows. I then export .wav files so I can open them in Cakewalk. When I play my bass tracks inside of BIAB, they sound fine, however when I export to my DAW (Cakewalk) they are usually WAY TOO LOW. I have added fx, compressors, etc., but that is not enough. They grumble and rumble. This usually leads me resorting to a MIDI track for bass, not real tracks. Can someone help? What am I doing wrong here? Thanks!
I am using Band-in-a-Box for Windows Version 2023 (1013) / 64 bit.
I do pretty much the same as you. Because the BIAB volumes are not always what I'd prefer, I always normalize the files when they are in my DAW (Reaper) and then I adjust volumes to suit. Normalizing means adjust the volume of a track so that the maximum peak is set to some preset value. In Cakewalk, "Nomalize" is found under "Process | Apply effect". If you select the track and then run Normalize set to 0dB (100%), you will see the waveform grow larger. The volume relationships from note-to-note remain the same, it's just that everything is raised. I usually normalize all my audio files to -3dB.
Thanks so much, Noel --- I know this is a BIAB forum, not Cakewalk but I would like to ask. I do see the option to add Process > Apply Effect > Normalize, but I was not sure which option you were suggesting? Can you help?
I can't answer the Cakewalk question, but you can normalize tracks when exporting from BIAB. This is done in the main BIAB app by going to the Audio menu then Export Song As Audio File - there are checkboxes to normalize the entire mix or individual tracks there. If you're using the BIAB plugin, go to Preferences then the Rendering tab - there's a checkbox for normalizing renders there.
Simon's approach is a good one, too. If you want to do the normalizing in Cakewalk, then it's possible to either choose from the list or to type in a value in the box I've highlighted below. Keep in mind that the maximum value is 0 (positive number larger than 0 will start creating distortion in the sound). Any negative value is fine. I usually use -3.0. That's just a personal choice.
Some of the BB tracks are a little on the weak side.
You should always check the box to Normalize the files being exported. If they arrive in Cakewalk and are still wimpy, you can use the Normalize function there. If you do that, always have a solo listen to the entire track to be sure it's playing and sounding right without artifacts and other noisy garbage in there.
Another option is that you are able to change the Real Track in BB before you ever get to the export file stage. Click on the track in the mixer display and select real tracks and audition others...OR... simply mute it and use one of the 16 utility tracks to audition a better bass real track. I do this quite a bit to get a bass that sounds better, fatter, deeper, than the one that is default to the style.... Or simply has a different playing style.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.
The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
You should always check the box to Normalize the files being exported. If they arrive in Cakewalk and are still wimpy, you can use the Normalize function there.
I would avoid normalizing a track twice. When normalizing exports from BB, they're normalized to the "peak", meaning that the volume is increased so that the loudest peak of the track is at 0dbfs. If you normalize the track again using a "peak" reference, it would do nothing - however, if you normalize again using an "average" or "RMS" reference, there's the possibility of clipping or distorting the output. At best you'd end up with the exact same volume.
If the tracks exported from BB are still too quiet even when normalized, it's better to turn down the other tracks to compensate. I personally mix my songs so that the peaks are around -12dbfs, which allows for a good bit of headroom before the master limiter to prevent distortion.
If you really need to increase the volume of a track that's been normalized, and you can't turn other tracks down, use a compressor or limiter plugin on the track in question.
I don’t like to normalize. I find the behavior inconsistent especially between biab and different DAW’s.
I sometimes get BIAB tracks .wav files that are too low volume. My DAW (Logic Pro) has a gain plug in I use in front of the signal chain. I merely punch it up till it’s hitting the meters like any other track. Then I forget about it Seems to clean up the problem quite nicely without any clipping worries.
Your DAW may have such a thing…
Last edited by mrgeeze; 09/17/2411:48 AM.
biab2024(Mac) Latest Build Mac OS Sequoia 15.0.1 Apple M2 pro 32GB Ram Logic Pro 11
I don’t like to normalize. I find the behavior inconsistent especially between biab and different DAW’s.
That's likely because some programs normalize using an average or RMS reference instead of a peak reference. Any DAW using a peak reference should end up with identical results to each other and to BB, given that it's simple addition, whereas using an average or RMS reference depends on how the average is calculated.
Originally Posted by mrgeeze
I sometimes get BIAB tracks .wav files that are too low volume. My DAW (Logic Pro) has a gain plug in I use in front of the signal chain. I merely punch it up till it’s hitting the meters like any other track. Then I forget about it Seems to clean up the problem quite nicely without any clipping worries.
Your DAW may have such a thing…
Logic's Gain plugin is a unique inclusion with DAWs, such that in all the ones I have I've only ever seen it in Logic. There are some freely available gain plugins though, such as the one included in the Kilohearts free plugins bundle (which is an excellent bundle btw).
Without downloading more plugins, adding gain can be done using some EQ plugins (some have a master level control), or a compressor/limiter set to a ratio of 1:1 with the output turned up. Of course, those might alter the sound slightly, but the difference might not be noticeable.
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