I just bought Garritan JABB3 and I can't install it (via Options, MIDI/Driver Setup, ...) :
- If I want to associate the ARIA Player VST_x86.dll file (according to PG Music instructions: https://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_garritan.htm), I have the following error message: "Not a valid VST Plugin. C:\Program Files(x86)\Common Files\VST2\Garritan\Aria Player VST_x86.dll is not a valid VST plugin. If it is a 32-bit VST plugin use the 32 bit version of Band-in-a-Box, or install jbridge ..." [img]https://1drv.ms/i/s!AlZhnWjETQollIkqbrJ9tz6vMKhTuw?e=DE3dMn[/img]
You should use the 64bit version with 64bit Band-in-a-Box 2019 or higher (bbw64.exe).
Quote:
If I try to associate the ARIA Player VST_x64.dll file, I get the following error message: "Band-in-a-Box Sounds. Your copy of PG Music Inc Band-in-a-Box Sounds is not activated. Saving instruments from this bank is disabled"
This is a bit strange. There is a 'Band-in-a-Box Sounds' (HiQ instruments) bank included with Band-in-a-Box that is used with Sforzando, and there isn't any activation required for this. Sforzando also uses the Aria audio engine (as does JABB) to play samples, so there must be some link there. Perhaps the Aria build that ships with JABB has detected the Band-in-a-Box sounds bank and expects all banks to be licensed in a specific way. Since you won't be using the Band-in-a-Box Sounds bank with JABB this is probably not an issue - does the message pop up more than once or otherwise cause any problem?
If it does cause a problem, as a test you could try uninstalling the HiQ Instrument (search for 'HiQ' or 'sforzando' in the Apps / Add/remove programs area of the Windows control panel.
I haven't yet tried to remove the Band-in-a-Box HiQ instruments to see if I can associate the ARIA Player after that, but for information I can already use the sounds of JABB ... via Sforzando!
And there may be another problem with the ARIA player or its installation because, apparently, it works less well than Sforzando: when I use JABB from a MIDI keyboard via the ARIA player in standalone mode, I have a high latency, whereas when I use JABB from the same MIDI keyboard via the Sforzando standalone mode, I have very low latency.
Maybe I should read the 65-page ARIA player manual first ;-)
P.S. : If I understand you correctly, the instructions on the page https://www.pgmusic.com/tutorial_garritan.htm are partly outdated : with BiaB 2020, I can, and even I must, use the ARIA Player VST_x64.dll file and not any more the ARIA Player VST_x86.dll file ?
Right, you don't HAVE to, you can use the 32bit plugin with bbw.exe if you want - bbw.exe (32-bit) is there in the bb folder if you need it. But I would recommend using the 64bit version, bbw64.exe.
Today I was able to associate the ARIA Player VST_x64.dll file with Band-in-a-Box without getting the error message "...Your copy of PG Music Inc Band-in-a-Box Sounds is not activated..." Don't ask me how ;-)
But I still have a problem with ARIA Player:
- When I choose ARIA Player as VSTi for Band-in-a-Box, and I choose an instrument via ARIA Player, I have no sound: neither with the JABB instruments, nor with the other VST instruments I have. While I still get the sounds of JABB if I choose Sforzando as VSTi for Band-in-a-Box. And I even get the sounds of JABB and others with ARIA Player open in Band-in-a-Box but used in standalone via the keyboard displayed on the screen !
- I uninstalled the HiQ Instruments delivered with Band-in-a-Box, and restarted my PC but the problem is still there: no sound from JABB or other instruments !
IIRC Garritan's JABB3 uses the mod wheel for volume so if your mod wheel is a zero then you will get no sound. Move the mod wheel and let us know it that is the solution to your problem.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
IIRC Garritan's JABB3 uses the mod wheel for volume so if your mod wheel is a zero then you will get no sound. Move the mod wheel and let us know it that is the solution to your problem.
Yes, exactly as Mario indicates. That is the way I remember it. But that has to go back a decade or more.
It's been a while since I've tried JABB with BiaB, but I believe you need to load in the sounds in JABB on specific channels. In other words, you can't just press Play in Band-in-a-Box and expect it to work automatically. Find out which channels BiaB is using for the various instruments in Options | Preferences | Channels. For example by default the Bass track is on channel 2. In JABB, load a bass on channel 2 and then play a Band-in-a-Box MIDI style and see if you hear it...
What a sum of experience and knowledge are brought together in this forum!
Mario D, thank you for the idea of using the mod wheel: I didn't know it allows to change the volume of the ARIA Player! But here, this is not the solution to my problem.
For my case, the winner is Andrew! Indeed, to have the sound of an instrument via the ARIA Player, you must not only, in the Band in a Box mixer, select the ARIA Player as plugin for the chosen track, but then, in the window of the ARIA Player, indicate to which MIDI channel the selected instrument should be directed.
And this is not obvious, because the MIDI channel choice zone is not clearly indicated in the ARIA Player: it is in fact the small gray number on the far right of the line under the name of the instrument and you have to click on it to bring up the list of MIDI channels...
I just figured out that if you right-click on the SWAM instrument in the mixer, you get a MIDI event editor. You can insert a Control message (Expression) at the beginning of the tune (it has to have a value.) And save the song... This saves you from "jogging" the Expression slider in the SWAM interface.
One issue with using JABB in BIAB is how it deals with dynamics.
Instead of using note velocity, it uses CC1 or CC11 events.
I'm really new to biab, but so far I've been using bidule to 'snoop' all MIDI events coming into ARIA and insert a CC1 event in real time that is equal to the the note's on velocity (value 2).
Another perk to setting bidule as the default vsti synth, is that I can easily get my VST3 plugins into the game too.
Yet another bonus is the ability to manipulate the velocity curves of drum kits before they hit their respective plugin(s). I.E. Garritan JABB drum kits need more 'velocity' to cut through the mix. Cranking up the 'volume' for the kit isn't always enough.
As far as BIAB knows, it's talking to a single instance of the Bidule plugin. Inside bidule, I have a party going on, where I can mix and match sounds from any plugin I like.
Here I've got an instance hosting: Synthfont64 (VST2), Roland Sound Canvas Plugin (VST2), Two instances of HALion 7 (VST3), Groove Agent 5 (VST3), MIDI output to a hardware Fantom XR (MIDI output), Garritan/Plogue ARIA (For JABB3) with Velcoity to CC1 injection (VST2), Roland Zynology (VST3), East West Play (VST3)
I can easily route any channel to the plugin/channel of my choice using a special matrix, that can also save remote controllable presets.
One issue with using JABB in BIAB is how it deals with dynamics.
Instead of using note velocity, it uses CC1 or CC11 events.
I'm really new to biab, but so far I've been using bidule to 'snoop' all MIDI events coming into ARIA and insert a CC1 event in real time that is equal to the the note's on velocity (value 2).
Another perk to setting bidule as the default vsti synth, is that I can easily get my VST3 plugins into the game too.
Yet another bonus is the ability to manipulate the velocity curves of drum kits before they hit their respective plugin(s). I.E. Garritan JABB drum kits need more 'velocity' to cut through the mix. Cranking up the 'volume' for the kit isn't always enough.
As far as BIAB knows, it's talking to a single instance of the Bidule plugin. Inside bidule, I have a party going on, where I can mix and match sounds from any plugin I like.
Here I've got an instance hosting: Synthfont64 (VST2), Roland Sound Canvas Plugin (VST2), Two instances of HALion 7 (VST3), Groove Agent 5 (VST3), MIDI output to a hardware Fantom XR (MIDI output), Garritan/Plogue ARIA (For JABB3) with Velcoity to CC1 injection (VST2), Roland Zynology (VST3), East West Play (VST3)
I can easily route any channel to the plugin/channel of my choice using a special matrix, that can also save remote controllable presets.
At first glance it seemed very complicated, but as I dug into it some I see how it could be very helpful. I may have to give this a try.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Since posting to this thread, I did find an issue with bidule in BIAB that I had not noticed before. I'm pretty new to BIAB so I'm still much learning.
For some reason things I host in bidule will not 'render' or export tracks/songs into wav/mp3/etc.
I'm not sure why this isn't working with BIAB, as instant rendering/audio export/etc, does fine in bidule (both VST2 or VST3) with all my other DAWs. Might be something "I" am doing wrong. Could be a problem with bidule, or it might be with BIAB.
Until I can sort it out, my 'sidestep' for now is to just render tracks or songs in realtime with a recorder inside bidule itself. Costs some extra time but during exploratory stages of trying songs/styles with an endless pallet of sounds to choose from easily, I suppose the trade off is worth it.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean