NCnotes - Maybe I confused the situation. Farmerjones posted that Bandlab reported a latency of 147ms and you asked if that was a lot. I told you it was, based on the results of long ago latency tests when I set up my systems. Also, it happens that I've encountered about that much delay in other situations and know what it sounds like.
I don't know what effect that has in this situation, or even how this is all supposed to work. So if you're not having problems don't worry about it, and if you are, listen to Geo's advice.
All those other programs you mentioned are very resource intensive, and its certainly a good idea to close them before attempting multitrack audio recording, which really needs the undivided attention of a quick computer.

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Originally posted by alaskafiddler

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Originally posted by NCnotes

As for the tech, I had no luck with fixing Bandlab latency (error message) and Google seemed to suggest that they don't support that for mac OS or something?! Sheesh.
GarageBand works if I use the download/upload process...am probably stuck with that for now! 

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Not sure what exatly latency problem trying to solve or why, issues.

I've used BandLab on iphone, and it seems to work just fine. I've used older iMacs  (like vintage 2007?) seem to work fine. 

So decided to do a quick test using
1.  iphone for 2 tracks, one on a few years old iphone SE using built in mic and Bluetooth Headphones; another on older iphone6, using built in mic and wred earbud. There is not latency test option or needed AFAIK. Didnt do anything special, tracks just synced up.

2. a track running on c2015 not great powered ASUS i5 computer w/8 gig ram; Windows 10 and Edge browser; going thru a Focusrite Scarlet gen2 for mic in, using computer built in sound card and some desktop speakers out as monitor.  got some bleed but not much.

3. a track using same computer but running AVL Linux; and Firefox browser; through an old Lexicon Omega (USB 1.1) for mic in... using built in sound card but with wired headphones. 

4. a track running on old iMac c2007? w/4gig ram; El Capitain OS (is as much as can update) with sons pretty inexpensive gaming USB mic (IIRC $35) and cheap wired earbud, for one, the other using Bluetooth headphone. One track using Chrome browser, another with Safari.

In all those others the tracks seem to synced up just fine pretty much just plug and play out of box.  Latency tests on different desktop setups came up around 88ms to 120ms, I didn't take pay much attention as it's unimportant. Even forgot to do it on a one. For checking, put in extra tapping before and after and can see spikes lined up okay to each other and grid (granted I am not millisecond perfect in tapping, nor in my playing). I didn't feel need move any after. But here's how it worked - Ignore the rough draft playing, micing it was quick, not taking time to set up for great sound, or playing.

 

 

Certainly can use Garageband, or other if prefer and want to do all the copy and pasting. I just think it probably shouldn't be necessary. Or maybe is trying do something else??

 

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So you're saying, use your phone and headphones and record right to the app with a phone?

I'm also well aware of latency. So, with only skimming through the posts, are people trying to play virtually?

Yet In Studio part of bandlab, I go to Tools and click Latency and get an error message…

Forgot to mention this in previous post.

The fails are possibly just the mic can't hear the speaker enough to figure it out. You need to put the mic right up to the speaker or headphone and turn up the volume. You should hear discernible clicks out of speaker. The web browser then picks up sound of that in the mic, (should see the image blink) and calculates the delay over entire system, (including wireless). Some small quiet earbuds might struggle.

BandLab is not an application/program/software that resides on your computer; rather it's the Web Browser is the application... your computer should be more than capable to using a Web browser. You are simply using an online app thought the web; (whether Mac, PC, Linux); OS should have no effect on latency test fail; as that's calculated online. Only other possibility is perhaps the browser or some setting with that, noise canceling? 

I think there is still some confusion about latency... leading to over focus or worry about it; and trying to achieve some smallest amount. For this application/project using acoustic recording; it is unimportant, don't need to worry about it, whether it's 101ms, or 120ms (as my one setup registered; or 44ms (as had on my old iMac) doesn't make on better (nor address issue having).

The Latency test works on my iPad…101ms! But on iPad I can’t connect my mic or wired headphones 

Point out they make adapters to plug in 3.5mm to USB-C, (as well lightening) like $5 to $10, maybe little more if want +charging. Not sure what mic or interface using... but is often possible to connect those to an ipad (or iphone) with an adapter. However some mics/interfaces will need power; which the ipad/phone itself might not be able to supply; but they also make adapter adds ability to get power from wall wort.

Ok.

I get that band lab isn't an app per say.

My question is, do you or others use your phone to record the audio? lol

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Originally posted by Erockin

So you're saying, use your phone and headphones and record right to the app with a phone?

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Yep. The guitar and mando track was just phone. Of course not like a U87, or KSM184 or even AT202, or SM57; but the MEMS mics are not horrible, for just doing this type of collaboration/jam, or just drafting ideas for songwriting, band arrangement (esp when not at home). As Doug pointed out they are omni-directional, so are more sensitive other sounds/noise in the room. Helps to put it reasonably close, on a stand in front of source like reg mic placement.

FWIW, ther are other similar DAW phone apps, including free Garageband for iphone/ipad, will store it on your iCloud; to which can easily go back and forth on projects between phone/pad and desktop Garageband/Logic. I believe you said that what you use, so might check that out. Studio One and Cubase have mobile app versions as well.

However, I chose BandLab for this, because it's easier to collaborate with others; and works on all OS systems and mobile; and is a pretty simple GUI for beginners. Garageband mobile is also pretty easy to understand, but is only for folks with Apple devices. Cubase is PC based, and the app is not free. 

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Originally posted by Erockin

Ok.

I get that band lab isn't an app per say.

My question is, do you or others use your phone to record the audio? lol

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I encourage to give it a try. Now that you have an account, you can just start (create) a new project to mess with rather than the Blackest Crow project. Or try Garageband Mobile. For a singer, just do a simple vocal, then add new track to do a harmony. Maybe another.

I didn't do any post editing (other than adjust volumes/balance a bit) but these apps can do some limited, trim, fade, cut, automatio. Can also add effects, while can't load your own preferred plugins, are also some a bit of effects, like EQ, compression, reverb and more can play with. (there are also sections to do MIDI instruments, samples, loops)

quote:

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Originally posted by Erockin

Ok.

I get that band lab isn't an app per say.

My question is, do you or others use your phone to record the audio? lol

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OK, last post, I'm lieing. 

I went to the phone for my Blackest Crow entry. I took the skin/protector off the phone. Closed all other apps. Insured the mike wasn't covered up (it's but a pinhole) . I ordered a USB mike, but hasn't arrived yet.

Okay, disclosure: There's 2 faces of Bandlab according to FJ. Yes, there's a web-based app, that runs through the browser shell. When I listen to anything with this "app" it sounds like poop on my Samsung tablet. If I use the Bandlab app. download through google play, everything sounds fine. Again, not through a browser shell. My phone also has the Bandlab app. unencumbered by the browser.  Lastly: Act like FJ has never heard of Apple, or Apple products. Nor will I purchase or use aforementioned. Not discouraging others. It's just how I was brought up. 

Yes use the app on mobile device. Mobile devices phones/tablets have different, lighter version of browser than desktop version, often why need separate app.

Mic should give better control for quality. What mic did you get? Was going to mention that they make some USB dynamics now, with dual purpose XLR out, so can use in other gear or live.

Hopefully will help get your headphone/earbud/monitor worked out as well... hope to hear your tracks soon.

I haven't purchased an Apple device for over 20 years, I have and use some simply because they were older and handed down to me. iMac and MacBook are no longer supported, but still work fine esp with a Linux OS.

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Originally posted by bees

 

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Thanks! Fiddle part was brief because in my head I heard singer then coming in, and I was leaving space for breaks by others (banjo? Dobro? And other fiddlers!)  At least that's what I hear in my overly-ambitious minds ear, hahaha...

NCnotes, I agree with DougD, play through the whole thing.  I did, with the expectation that Geo can edit to his heart's content, highlighting different parts or just letting it all blend together like a normal chaotic jam, LOL.

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I just started the project... but consider it more community, that each person has input in how might play it, make suggestions and such. That includes editing. I wasn't really planning on doing much editing other than to watch the overall balance if someone is too loud, or too quiet and often have to change levels as more folks join.

Brings up good point. One of the things didn't really initially discuss about this thought is idea of arrangement or direction I kind of left it open. Part of the problem is, don't know who is gong to show up later, or what they will play is some one going to sing, or take a fiddle break???  I was kind of thinking at least to start to just be more like old-time, plan to play all the way thru, (it's a fine fiddle tune on it's own), if some  one does sing, or play a more forefront part... it's over top of others, maybe just adjust the level of others down a bit. Of course if we do more of these, maybe we'll have more an idea who and what, we can discuss before we start tracks.  Note that parts can be rerecorded after hear how it's shaping up, and might want to change to something fits better. Keep in mind it's all for fun and inspiration. 

Hmm I don’t feel right editing other people’s audio!

I guess it depends on if we are thinking more bluegrass/country (with breaks, solos, difference in verse and chorus) vs old time (In unison), hehehe! I dunno!

Geo,
My headphones are standard studio grade headphones (heavy isolation) plugged into the smartphone directly. The newly ordered mike is a cheap Chinese laveleer type. I intend to clip it to a boom.
Question: how did you boost my levels? Is that on the paid version?

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Originally posted by farmerjones

Geo,
My headphones are standard studio grade headphones (heavy isolation) plugged into the smartphone directly. The newly ordered mike is a cheap Chinese laveleer type. I intend to clip it to a boom.
Question: how did you boost my levels? Is that on the paid version?

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There is no paid version.

It's the "Gain" in clip editor. On the desktop browser version, in the lower left are tabs for input/fx/editor, it's the latter. On phone you just tap on the individual clip, and a little menu pops up with a few icons... Gain will be the speaker icon or under the the 3 dots. You can also time stretch/change the speed/tempo of the clip; and can transpose the pitch up or down by semitone increments; and nudge the clip forward or back in milliseconds, and other editing tools. 

quote:

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Originally posted by NCnotes

Hmm I don’t feel right editing other people’s audio!

I guess it depends on if we are thinking more bluegrass/country (with breaks, solos, difference in verse and chorus) vs old time (In unison), hehehe! I dunno!

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Yep, as a group project you need to discuss any serious editing.

Yeah, I was thinking more just community OT fiddle jam tune; just play more or less straight melody; as thought might be less intimidating, or having to worry about arrangement much; and allows others to easily join in later;  not worry about standing out or break. With that can still can adjust volume later, lower volume of other fiddler to make room for another to be in foreground, kind of like a lead. 

That I mentioned vocal and maybe others would think "song"  like Erics song, where he did rhythm guitar and vocal first and then left spaces. But it's hard to figure when to your break, or fills if don't know what singer or others are doing when.

It can still work this way, but as notice many others there is bit of hesitation and confusion or tech issues about this. My thought to INITIALLY make something easier for folks to see how works, work out issues, and get the basic concepts; thus a simple tune, just do more unison, no post editing kind of like showing up at some of these jams. Once folks work it out, that can delve into other projects. (I have some thoughts)

quote:

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Originally posted by farmerjones

Geo,
My headphones are standard studio grade headphones (heavy isolation) plugged into the smartphone directly. The newly ordered mike is a cheap Chinese laveleer type. I intend to clip it to a boom.
Question: how did you boost my levels? Is that on the paid version?

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Looks like you found it; I see that have been playing with app.

Good luck.

I was trying to remember how to have discussions, comments within BL, in private mode. I do see can open up chat window in Studio mode. That is useful when working with another in real time.

alaskafiddler - Making progress! It's been a lot of work for you but it's starting to come together. Congrats.
I assume the new track - FJ - is Farmerjones? Nice going there FJ!
Geo - you can do whatever you want to my track!! Turn it down, block out sections of it, whatever. If you need me to do that, just let me know. I don't know bandlab but I'm pretty handy with Studio One and can upload an edited track...

bees - You are part of the project... and also have equal say in what what to turn down, block out, or do whatever... maybe more so as  "I'm just the guitar player", whose opinion is only merits slightly more than a bass. . Can even ask me to do something different with guitar or other suggestions about parts to add or delete. So what do you think, suggestions in how you might want it to sound?

The BandLab part  really hasn't been much work...  I just hit create, recorded a quick guitar track; didn't think much about arrangement and such. Then copy/paste link for collaboration. Other than adjust balance a little; wasn't thinking about doing editing.

Most of what seems like a lot of time, is just discussion; including trying to explain some issues, aspects and concerns; mostly not to overthink or over worry about some aspects. Including that probably don't need to use Studio One method, should be able to record straight in BL. Of course you can, it's your choice, might be reasons like using favorite plugins or such.

Alaskafiddler - how about putting up a post on the "other fiddle related" and/or "playing advice" sections to see if you can attract some more attention. I don't recall how I found this thread but I don't usually look in the "sound-off" section on any regular basis.

FJ and Bees,
Cool! I've been off in WorkLand but I'm gonna go look in Bandlab again! :-D
It would help if I could remember my password...sigh...need to add it to LastPass...