Is the only viable one "band in a box" and how does that compare to the MOTL/TOTL arrangers?

I would be very interested in a bit of software that I could connect my controller keyboard up to and have a plethora of various styles (with fills) that I could play "on the fly".

Thanks for any comments or recommendations

Here are some others to have a look at

http://www.live-styler.de/home/?Welcome

http://www.1manband.nl/omb/index.htm

http://www.livearranger.com/

http://www.varranger.fr/

Bill

Thanks a million mate, I'll have a look through them

Just had a quick look as I'm in work but any consensus on what is regarded as the best software? Also (silly question alert) - obviously the software wouldn't have the sonic capabilities of the likes of the Tyros 4 but how does the sound quality stand up within the backing tracks?

Sorry for the multitude of questions but would find this useful as a quick sketch pad for new song ideas and for just jamming. Cheers.

Stein67,
I have been using vArranger for almost a year now and can attest to it's quality and ease of use. The creator, Dan, is a stand up guy who provides us with outstanding support. I use the software with a Ketron SD2 unit which really makes the software shine. I can play just about all the Ketron styles up to but not including the Audya styles, and all the Yamaha styles up to the Tyros 4. If you go out to the varranger website I have sample songs posted along with a video of a gig I did with it. I use it on about half my gigs these days.
Here is the forum link:

http://www.varranger.fr/vforum

Deane

Both Varranger and livearranger require a Ketron SD2 as their external soundsource to perform well.

Live-styler has currently the best soundsource available if you want to use Yamaha and Ketron styles without using a Ketron SD2.

Is there a link to this demo Deane...I cant find it?.

Hello Stein67,

I am Dan, the creator of the vArranger software.
vArranger sounds amazing with the Ketron SD2.
I am also working on a 100% virtual solution.
If you have any questions, let me know.

Hi,
Band in a Box, a different concept. It's not for Realtime Arranger playing, you basically type in a chord progression, it generates style based backing for you to playing along with.
Some of the REAL audio tracks are amazing, strumming guitars, piano, bass & drumtracks. there's more variety than in a 2 or 4 bar arranger loop. But, as I said , if you want realtime arranger playing, then no.

I have 3 of the realtime arranger software mentioned.
One Man Band I've had for years. It plays yamaha style files. Onboard style editor, which is handy. Has a feature similiar to BIAB ie type in chord progression, instant backing track.

Livestyler I bought more recently. Bought it for a particular project & haven't used it yet.

Varranger is the only one that will play Ketron styles. Also plays yamaha styles. Been busy with other things so haven't as yet used it to any great extent. Brilliant having access to Ketron styles again.

Hi Dan,
sorry haven't been around at all really.

Just interested to know what your virtual solution might be?
Are you incorporating something like being able to load a vsti or incorporating some sort of a soundfont player?

Basically at the moment I can link to a virtual sample player thru a virtual midi cable, sounds are still the issue.