Well, here is an update on my progress: I have managed to make a tune with my mini midi controller. I have had to use the controller's software because I could not find a way in BIAB to make the controller sound when I press the key, not after supper. I then managed to get the midi file onto the melody track in BIAB and used the notation editor to adjust the time and notes and... anyway getting that far took hours! The melody time kept shifting; it seems when you save you have to choose the "save patches....etc. Then I got to a MGU file which I was happy with and, like always, exported to MP3. which is my preferred format for backing tracks and Lo and Behold......there is no melody. Imagine my dismay? Now, please, how can I convince Band in a box that the melody track which contains the midi tune, is part of the backing track?
So, I updated last night to BB2018 build 520. As midi input driver I have LPK25, which is an Akai LPK25 mini midi controller, however, that is out of the BB equation since I created the midi file with its custom software. The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked. I tried exporting the song as audio, but it makes no difference. Exporting the song in track actions > save track as Wav, saves the melody, but with piano, not with Harmonica which it plays correctly in the mgu file. In short, the MGU file is perfect and all I want to do is save it to an audio file, that should not be so difficult.
When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track.
That is a clue. If you check the Use VSTi/DXi synth box, you should be able to hear all tracks .. and render it as such. Do you have the other settings as in the below image? Or did you miss the additional settings?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked.
I'll clarify "synth" here before I start. We are not talking about the Moog-type synthesisers that make the 'synthesiser sounds' we know. We're talking typically about sound engines that use samples of instruments to build a passable-to-good sound of any instrument, traditional or synthesiser.
I think the "Microsoft GS Wavetable synth" is about as 'legacy' as one can get (Win98 I think). I set the output driver to "no MIDI driver", or whatever the words are, and use the VSTi/DXi synth and I'm pretty sure most people would use BIAB that way.
CoyoteWT is the default synth bundled with BIAB, will render OK and sounds OK but not great. There are better synth available, one is even bundled with BIAB but rather hidden away.
I suggest sticking with CoyoteWT whilst you find your way around getting MIDI to work for you, then probably exploring other synths in the future. The one bundled is VSTSynthFont and you'll find instructions in the BIAB manual. It uses a soundfont and there are a number available on the 'Net, mostly free.
Where using a MIDI driver may be useful is if you have a hardware MIDI->audio generator that you would prefer to use, rather than the VSTi/DXi. Then you would set the driver to control that hardware device. Be aware, though, that BIAB itself will then no longer render, the external hardware will, so you would need to record the output from that hardware.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I think I have now learnt what I did, or did not do. It's very difficult to explain to someone something you don't know? The VST box must be checked if I use a VST! and not an output driver. So I set the output driver to no midi output. Then I learnt that using a VST requires that it must not be empty. I must select an instrument from the VST interface. I loaded a midi style and generated a melody. Saved it as an MP3, and, fingers crossed, it sounds the same as the MGU file. Now I am back to my very original problem but at least now I know what to ask. Where do I get decent sounds that work with the VST's I have. The VST's that work at present are szorfando which seems to contain very few instruments, and synktronic, which has many sounds, but all are synths and no traditional instruments it seems. So how do I go about finding a nice mellow cello or glitzy, brassy sax? You guys have been great in guiding me sofar and I am most grateful (or is that greatful?)
vstsynthfont is bundled with BIAB. it will load soundfonts which are availlbe free - a nice one is timbres of heaven.
however read Peter Gannon's sticky post 'no brainer'. It will tell you how to download the TTS1 GM soft synth. lots of people will tell you its old and out of date - yes it is old - but lots of us like it.
according to Dr Gannon it's the synth PG use to test design and balnce their midi styles so it can't be that bad.
try the TTS1 and see if you like the sounds. it might be what you are looking for and its easy to install and use. once you've donwloaded and installed it BIAB will find it automatically and all you have to do is choose it as the default synth. its easy to have a go and see what you think.
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
It may be after 2018, but I thought it was there then. It would be in /bb/Data/libx64
I've just looked in the 2018 manual and it isn't mentioned, so I guess it's a later addition.
It's available +++ here +++ . The one PGM bundles is "VSTSynthFont [3]", but it's a pay-for, though with a free trial. Consider the TTS1 that Bob Calver mentioned. It's old, but popular.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Thank you Gordon. From what I can gather, both are 64-bit. My BB is 32 bit. I'm trying to find out from BB if there is a free upgrade. I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
Sforzando is free and bundled with BIAB. Looking around the 'Net a bit, several "best free..." commend it. I know some users find it rather 'odd', but it's definitely worth exploring.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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