Hey this sounds cool and I used to play this tune and have experience with playing this tune in a band even and that even went well (maybe the only thing in that band time that went well) , but still I wonder: would it be an option to join muted? :-)

I certainly welcome you to join.

I was thinking this, initially as more like an informal jam with friends and neighbors...for fun encourage participation, to be part of the music. Like those, inclusive with folks of different levels; doesn't have to be in forefront "lead" can just blend in with the whole. Volume of each can be adjusted to balance the roles. I could put a fiddle track on, for others to play under, if would help. To initiate this though I just thought that I wanted to leave that space, encourage others to fill, so I didn't dominate; I'd like to hear the many others on FHO contribute that. Should point out, like many informal jams... it's initially setup as private (not public); that the only very few folks that will hear you are just the others in the jam. Typically the it's a very few participants that are not highly critical, kind and encouraging to each other; with that can also opportunity for bit more private sharing comments and positive suggestions. Of course eventually, if all participants are okay with outcome, can share it, post it publicly like on FHO.

As far as joining muted, my goal was to hear others... that said, this can be set up to give you your own personal access version. They call it a fork... which gives access to individual tracks, parts... and you can add whatever want... it doesn't affect the original at all.. nor does it have to be shared with anyone but yourself (you can keep that fork version entirely private). 

I think I finally have bandlab figured out. Not as hard as I was making it. But there's the app within the browser and then the app without. I've figured this out. My tool is an Android tablet. It's chore time. It's -35 with a 45mph wind. Joy of joys! Maybe I'll play with it tomorrow.

Forgot to mention... part of what I had in mind, trying to incorporate for virtual jam... that might make less intimidating?

What I like about informal jams... is the sort ephemeral nature to it. For most part don't typically worry about how it would sound as some final recorded product of jam; not meant to be preserved, published/distributed as a keeper; just enjoyed for more in moment, overall experience. Play it, do your best can at the moment, that tune that day, but then it's done and move on to next tune. Can come back to the tune again, in the future; fresh start see what come up with that day; maybe different players, instruments or different tempo, groove, feel. Largely forget about what did (and mistakes) in past, 3 months ago.

Listening back to jam recordings can also start to get a little over critical of your playing... it doesn't really convey the experience; that for most folks (including other players) overall whole sounded pretty good; and that was enjoyable experience participating.

Argh Geo, I had to give up!

So, first I tried Bandlab but the delay was horrible...I tried dragging the track back and forth, but I could not get it to sync. I realized that I was playing a hair slower than you, due to the Wifi streaming delay + wireless airpods (wireless worsens the delay but I don't have wired airpods anymore)...

So then I tried Garage Band but it no longer works on my mac (system too old) and I tried downloading a newer version of Garage Band but it hung up and crashed.

So then I gave up! I just played your track on my Mac and recorded it with Voice Memos on my phone...apparently Voice Memos is the limit of my tech recording skills...

Total time spent dealing with tech: 95%
Total time spent fiddling: 5%

Anyway here's what I did, it was very fun to play along, and right where I stopped, is where I imagined the singer coming in...:-)

For those of you with the home recording studios that work, I admire you more than ever!

Wait, I think I finally got it!
Finally got GarageBand working and here is the collab sample - and the fiddle MP3, do what you like with it!

Anybody else want to record an MP3 to add in??
Will be fun to hear what we do together! :-)
Anybody want to sing??

(Fiddle track has the long silence at beginning because I just muted Geo's guitar track, dunno how to trim tracks yet)

And how cool is it that we can collab with one of us in Alaska and one of us in North Carolina...
one of us is a lot colder than the other...

Thanks , Sounds great, so far, but need more. 

Sorry to hear issues. I was able to just import your fiddletrack file in fine, seemed to import in sync. I am not overly worried about perfect sync, (as most jams); so long as can get reasonable close. Brings up good point though about latency, and one of 2 problems, and some tips.  

As far as mointor/headphones. There is a "monitor" button to hear your mic with the mix. Don't use that. Unless have really good set up it you will hear that after routed thru computer processed and back; delayed, as reverb to echo; and probably best to leave off.  Many usb mics and interfaces have zero latency monitoring, and should use that instead. If not an option, try just using one ear, and listen to instrument acoustic.

For just recorded tracks aligning after you recorded, that's slightly different issue. But easier to address. One is, once have the project open in the studio, there is a latency test under "tools". It calculates your computer slowness and moves the track after recording to compensate. This should help keep tracks aligned. However, it should be performed for each session; can change from day to day, or morning to evening... has to deal with network traffic; like having other streaming or such going on in background or others in house. It helps to not have other computer stuff running in background. (FWIW, I found it can be possible to use some bluetooth headphones with this)

One doing old school trick... I did a count in to the metronome; and tried to tap guitar on beat. You can see the spikes in first 2 measures that should line to the grid. There's a setting for the metronome (a little arrow) that can control volume of metronome; but as well allows to play a preroll for one or two bars, that is clicks before starts recording. For those that don't like a metronome, if metronome is not selected the click will only sound during preroll count in. it will go silent after. If you add a track, you can have metronome tap 2 measures of preroll and tap along to my taps, thus showing spikes that can then be visually  lined up.

Of course if all else fails, your method can work. If folks don't have Garageband could also use Audacity and the export the single track. (the count in tap trick helps here too) You yourself can just import, or drag that audio file into BandLab project as new track. 

quote:

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Originally posted by farmerjones

I think I finally have bandlab figured out. Not as hard as I was making it. But there's the app within the browser and then the app without. I've figured this out. My tool is an Android tablet. It's chore time. It's -35 with a 45mph wind. Joy of joys! Maybe I'll play with it tomorrow.

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Not sure how well suited some tablets would be if older, similar folks had issues with older Chomebooks. For trying out, might try your phone. Esp if 5G. It seems to be bit faster for many. While not ideal for sound, its not bad if set up well, in not bad room... IMO we can handle a bit of low background noise. Might be able to clean it up in post a bit. Worth giving a shot anyway, nothing to lose, won't know until try it.

I'm sure you sparling lead vocal will come thorugh just fine... 

This is sucha cool idea...I wish I had the technical stuff to try, but don't have the stuff or time or knowledge or time to get the knowledge...but I think it's cool...I hope more people can join in...great thing for horrible weather all around!

LOL I got bandlab now at least I understand the invitation now hahaha omg I am so blonde sometimes :-D

OK I am trying to do vocals here and having fun but I am shy a bit and need to get the right feeling (also here rhythmic hesitations as with fiddle) ...I MIGHT give it a shot for real after practise !

quote:

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Originally posted by alaskafiddler

I certainly welcome you to join.

I was thinking this, initially as more like an informal jam with friends and neighbors...for fun encourage participation, to be part of the music. Like those, inclusive with folks of different levels; doesn't have to be in forefront "lead" can just blend in with the whole. Volume of each can be adjusted to balance the roles. I could put a fiddle track on, for others to play under, if would help. To initiate this though I just thought that I wanted to leave that space, encourage others to fill, so I didn't dominate; I'd like to hear the many others on FHO contribute that. Should point out, like many informal jams... it's initially setup as private (not public); that the only very few folks that will hear you are just the others in the jam. Typically the it's a very few participants that are not highly critical, kind and encouraging to each other; with that can also opportunity for bit more private sharing comments and positive suggestions. Of course eventually, if all participants are okay with outcome, can share it, post it publicly like on FHO.

As far as joining muted, my goal was to hear others... that said, this can be set up to give you your own personal access version. They call it a fork... which gives access to individual tracks, parts... and you can add whatever want... it doesn't affect the original at all.. nor does it have to be shared with anyone but yourself (you can keep that fork version entirely private). 

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How do I record myself on bandlab and relisten it without adding it to the composition yet? I used easy voice recorder now on my smartphone , I am getting the feeling of it a bit this is great fun!

This is just for fun. Not signing a recording contract,, making gold record, getting streams, making work of art, winning Grammy. I have no expectations that it will come close to any of that. Just regular folks wanting to have fun like informal jam, see what we come up with.

If it sounds like fun to participate, those who want to... not really much technical stuff involved nor knowledge needed for this basic project, jam like this. Just using either a web browser, or can even use a smart phone app. (I chose this app because it's a good intro, needs the least prerequisites, least techy way there is (perhaps easier than Audacity, Garageband, Studio One). But rather than get over skis, worrying about what won't work, I suggest just try this:

1. Click the link in OP.  It will direct you log in or create an account. Creating an account it easy, make user name, password and email link (takes like a minute?). Once logged in will open the project. 

2. Hit add a track (+ sign); select vocal as type of track.

3. Need to have a mic source to select. If nothing else or at least initially can try whatever default built in mic on computer or laptop; or a smart phone, it's built in mic. Might work fine, not sound too bad.  If have a USB mic or device; something like say a Presonus set up, that would work great, and would select that device as source. Like any recording program, to work out make sure the recording level is not too loud or too quiet; and that you can hear the other tracks. Varies depending on setup, but pretty easy to find settings (an others can help).

4. Hit record. Hit stop Stop when song is over. Play it back. Redo if want. When done then Save and Exit.

If all goes well should have taken little time, and now others can hear what you've added. There are other stuff, basic stuff like adjust the balance... but others can do that after. The advantage of multitrack is non-destructively change things; or change back. There are more options, like editing, trimming, effect like reverb and such...  and few other features; those are optional generally not necessary for this.

That's the place to start... just try it out is pretty easy see how goes. For many regular folks it works fine and not any big issue; but if they do come up; then can try and resolve them; might be an easy fix... don't know until try it. 

Just trying to produce a solo test project, I can see the problem with the tablet. It's the Bluetooth headphones. Too much latency. Tablet has a fine local mike. But I recall another earlier attempt at multitrack recording, was thwarted by this.

One of these days, if my mr8 breaks down, I suppose I'll get a Presonus, and dedicate a laptop.

quote:

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Originally posted by Quincy

How do I record myself on bandlab and relisten it without adding it to the composition yet? I used easy voice recorder now on my smartphone , I am getting the feeling of it a bit this is great fun!

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There are a few options. If you have been invited or joined the project or band, I think you should be able just play the file on your bandlab home page; no need to open it up in studio.

You can also download a copy of the mix onto your computer/device. If want to play with own recording privately, can also open it in studio in upper left under projects can individual download tracks, or mix; saved on your computer. Then exit, and open a new project and import the mix, or as tracks you want in. That won't affect the the FHO project at all. Then If you have something you recorded into that,again will have to download your individual track; then open the FHO project and import a new track audio file.

I did make the project forkable... which is kind of streamlining that; not sure if I can easy explain with text where that FORK button is. IIRC there is some video explains that.

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That said... the easier option is just go ahead and record in the project, and tell few others in project not to use it, you are still working on it; make sure to hit the M mute button before you save and exit. 

A couple of people mentioned the delay/latency with wireless headphones. I bought a nice pair of JBL Bluetooth phones at a Black Friday sale 2022. Awhile back on here I was saying how much I liked them, and George pointed out the delay problem, which is not an issue for me, but I looked into it a bit. These phones have a "video" setting that's supposed to be lower latency, but its still 120 ms, and that's still way too long for this. Fortunately they also have a stereo mini jack for direct connection, and my tablets, and even my phone still have mini jack outputs. Don't know how they sound that way, but it might be something to look for (I doubt earbuds have anything like that).
As far as participating, I already have more audio software than I know how to use and am trying to work on some other projects, but I wish you all well in this endeavor - it seems like a neat idea.

quote:

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Originally posted by farmerjones

Just trying to produce a solo test project, I can see the problem with the tablet. It's the Bluetooth headphones. Too much latency. Tablet has a fine local mike. But I recall another earlier attempt at multitrack recording, was thwarted by this.

One of these days, if my mr8 breaks down, I suppose I'll get a Presonus, and dedicate a laptop.

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As I mentioned there is kind of 2 different latencies.

1. has to do with trying to listen to what the live mic is hear thru the headphones. 
2. other has to do with the program "writing" the file in alignment 

The quick answer to #1 is don't monitor the live mic.  The only thing hear in headphone/monitor is the mix of other tracks. This might make difficult to hear your instrument, the simple solution is just take head phone off left ear so can hear instrument acoustically in left, and the other tracks are in the right ear headphone (some prefer that anyway). Another solution is to try is to just not use headphones at all; however probably won't work tablet speaker and mic. But if you have external speakers, and optimally external mic (even a $20 USB) you can set it up so mic doesn't pick up the much bleed from speakers, much like playing on stage with monitors (aim null quiet side to speaker). Some bleed but might not be that bad. (again don't need studio quality) Still need to turn live mic monitor off.

If the problem was rather #2 just about the track lining up, that's fairly easy; I mentioned in doing a latency test. Possible to even use Bluetooth headphone, just put the ear piece right up to the mic, turn volume up and start test, and the app should take care of rest. As well can later manually move track to line up. 

My internal laptop mic is ruining it when I record in Bandlab, but just for fun and with my girl scout voice and in the name of girl scout spirit here I am , trying to be in sync. It does give an idea of vocals on this track though not a very brilliant idea.
What counts to me : I learned a lot from it (stay in tune , in sync and see where the lyrics should fit in) and most of all I had a lovely time this afternoon!

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Originally posted by NCnotes

And how cool is it that we can collab with one of us in Alaska and one of us in North Carolina...
one of us is a lot colder than the other...

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Your fiddling on this track is so touching and beautiful!! I am  a fan  <3

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Originally posted by DougD

A couple of people mentioned the delay/latency with wireless headphones. I bought a nice pair of JBL Bluetooth phones at a Black Friday sale 2022. Awhile back on here I was saying how much I liked them, and George pointed out the delay problem, which is not an issue for me, but I looked into it a bit. These phones have a "video" setting that's supposed to be lower latency, but its still 120 ms, and that's still way too long for this. Fortunately they also have a stereo mini jack for direct connection, and my tablets, and even my phone still have mini jack outputs. Don't know how they sound that way, but it might be something to look for (I doubt earbuds have anything like that).
As far as participating, I already have more audio software than I know how to use and am trying to work on some other projects, but I wish you all well in this endeavor - it seems like a neat idea.

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This isn't really like installing other audio software. Essentially it's browser based; the program is loaded and running within the browser, nothing on your computer. (or as simple phone app). Keep in mind this no ProTools, any serious professional studio DAW. But it's not meant to for that use; not even compared to Studio One or Garageband; way limited. doesn't have lot's bells and whistles, tools, instruments, plugins and tweakability. OTOH it is simple easy, and for simple stuff works okay, good for regular folks just do simple recording projects. It's certainly quite a step up from VoiceMemo. It has some other features though, one is ease way for basic participation on collaborative projects remotely with folks; like this virtual jam, or bouncing creative idea with others; without needing to be an engineer. 

Because of this browser or app based, latency live mic monitoring through the computer/app will typically be much worse, and if not impossible for many. If you really need to hear the sound of your instrument or voice through the mic and then to headphones... you need a zero latency set-up. Most inexpensive home USB mics and interfaces have essentially sends the analog preamp signal dry direct to headphones, not via A/D and D/A conversion; bypassing computer latency issue; however that will be a dry signal, no effects, compression, EQ, reverb. 

quote:

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Originally posted by Quincy

My internal laptop mic is ruining it when I record in Bandlab, but just for fun and with my girl scout voice and in the name of girl scout spirit here I am , trying to be in sync. It does give an idea of vocals on this track though not a very brilliant idea.
What counts to me : I learned a lot from it (stay in tune , in sync and see where the lyrics should fit in) and most of all I had a lovely time this afternoon!

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You did just fine. 

I probably need to turn down the guitar a little. 

We'll see if others add.

Now we have collab from overseas! 
yay Anja!, Sounds good! Nice to "play" with you!

 Bandlab latency (sound delay) is a hurdle...(for some of us, using recording/mixing software is a hurdle already)...

...but thanks for the tip about looking under TOOLS to fix the latency! That is a game-changer! I will check it out later. 
 

soudin good, guys!

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Originally posted by groundhogpeggy

soudin good, guys!

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We could use a lead singer though :-D 

Musical interplay is fully restoring my trust in human communication <3