In RealBand, when I attempt to load a VST3 to a track, the name of the VST (e.g Kontakt) or the instrument selected doesn’t show on the track, even though the VST3 Kontakt 7 seems to be loaded and working ok. This is how I am loading VSTs: 1. In Tracks Window, change track to midi 2. Right click on track 3. Select “Port”, then select any port from PORT 17 on (click DXi/VSTi ) 4. Click in the first box of the DirectX/VST window 5. Select “<VST3i> - Select VST3i plugin” 6. In VST3 MIDI INSTRUMENT SELECTOR, click “Kontakt 7” and click on Choose. Kontakt 7 is loaded, and I can choose a Kontakt instrument, and it works, but on the track in the Tracks Window, under “Untitled”, it says “MIDI >>Select VST3 Plugin<<”. The selected port in the Ports list also says “MIDI >>Select VST3 Plugin<<”. When I go through the same procedure but load a VST2 instead, under “Untitled”, it says “MIDI >> Kontakt<<”.
Last year when Native Instruments went exclusively VST3, they provided a workaround so that those of us without VST3 compatibility (e,g. RealBand) could use a VST2 version of Komplete Kontrol to act as a shell for Kontakt instruments until they did away with VST2 completely. I wonder if this is causing any problems with VST3 even though I don’t use Komplete Kontrol at all now that RealBand is VST3 compatible. Here is the workaround: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/fr/articles/14394517675677-How-to-Keep-Komplete-Kontrol-2-9-and-Komplete-Kontrol-3-on-Your-System
And another thing: whenever I right click on my Realband shortcut to run as administrator, the computer hangs and I have to restart. I downloaded and installed BIAB2025 from the PG Music website to my 1TB C drive. Thanks in advance for any help or advice (and Merry Christmas to all Forum members and PG Music staff.. Cheers, Mike
If it still says "Select VST3 plugin" for the port name, and you move the tracks window slightly, the port name should update to whatever VST3 you had selected.
I don't have kontact but i was able to add Halion on DX/VST 1 but it sized wrong and when i tried to change it to synthmaster it crashed.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Mike, I had thought moving the window slightly would help, but even if it's still saying "select VST3 Plugin" then it's still just a display issue with the Tracks Window. There will be an update that fixes that display issue, but, until that's available as long as you loaded the VST3i plugin, then it should still work regardless of the Tracks Win display issue. (at least that's the case with other plugins I've tried) Thanks.
Thanks Jeff and Moultipass. I'm glad it's only a display issue and can be fixed. Any thoughts on why I can't right click on Biab and RealBand shortcuts on the desktop, or some BIAB/RealBand files in Explorer? Whenever I right click on these icons, the computer hangs and I have to restart. The BIAB/RB shortcuts on my desktop have small blue and yellow shields on the icons. Does this mean I'm already running bothy program as administrator? I downloaded and installed BIAB2025 from the PG Music website to my 1TB C drive. Thanks again. Mike
That shield can imply 'Run ad administrator' as you suspected. Try going to your \Realband\ folder and look for Raelband64.exe fie. Right click it and go to Compatibility tab. Do you see a checkbox for Run as administrator? Is it enabled? Try unchecking it. If it won't let you then you are not logged in as an administrator and may be the source of that problem.
Last edited by rharv; 12/21/2408:32 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
That shield can imply 'Run ad administrator' as you suspected. Try going to your \Realband\ folder and look for Raelband64.exe fie. Right click it and go to Compatibility tab. Do you see a checkbox for Run as administrator? Is it enabled? Try unchecking it. If it won't let you then you are not logged in as an administrator and may be the source of that problem.
Thanks rharv. When I right-click on realband64.exe, Windows Explorer hangs (the hourglass goes round and round). I can use other apps on the computer but I can't close or use Explorer. I have to restart the computer. The same thing happens if I try to right-click on Biab and RealBand shortcuts on the desktop. Perplexing. The same thing was happening before I installed BIAB2025.
A bit of history: My old Acer Predator computer (with two drives) recently failed but a tech was able to copy/clone my data to a new computer which has a 1TB C drive. From the old Acer he removed the D drive, which I now use as an external D drive on my new computer. On the Acer I had BIAB 2022 and RealTracks and RealDrums installed on this D drive. Realband was on my C drive. When I told the tech about not being able to right click on RealBand and BIAB icons/files he suggested reinstalling the programs - which is effectively what I have done by downloading and installing BIAB2025, RealBand2025 and RealTracks and RealDrums on my C drive. Thanks again. Hopefully we get to the bottom of this issue soon.
Mike. (i'm a pomme...lol....love australia.) check out my pc tips sometime in pg tips section to save a ton of typing for me.
have you tried just hanging the pg content/drive off a usb port and doing a minimal install ? works like a charm for me. then i just have icons in win task bar i clik on to bring up bb or rb. both boot in a few secs.
i used to have all on c drive. but now with fast usb and m.2 drives i'm getting practically blink of an eye generating of pg content in bb.
i know some comment about potential probs with usb but ive been doing this for several years with nary a hiccup. works very well for static pc installations. also frees up my c drive.
hth/ymmv/merry x .
om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Mike, If you see the shield, it is most likely set to Run As Administrator. That probably happened back on the old computer and when it got cloned it carried that setting over, maybe with a different administrative user ... so when you re-install it carries it over again. I'm sure there is a way to disable that flag, but unless you are comfortable with running scripts, it may be a daunting task, and even then you'd need to be an Administrator to do so.
Can you log into the computer as Administrator (user)? Or does that user not exist as far as you know?
Is your normal user an Administrator?
You can find out by opening a command prompt (cmd) and type the below, then hit Enter It shows your user and at the bottom will show if that user is an Administrator:
net user "%username%"
In my image it shows this account is in both Administrator and User groups.
Last edited by rharv; 12/22/2406:14 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Mike, If you see the shield, it is most likely set to Run As Administrator. That probably happened back on the old computer and when it got cloned it carried that setting over, maybe with a different administrative user ... so when you re-install it carries it over again. I'm sure there is a way to disable that flag, but unless you are comfortable with running scripts, it may be a daunting task, and even then you'd need to be an Administrator to do so.
Can you log into the computer as Administrator (user)? Or does that user not exist as far as you know?
Is your normal user an Administrator?
You can find out by opening a command prompt (cmd) and type the below, then hit Enter It shows your user and at the bottom will show if that user is an Administrator:
net user "%username%"
In my image it shows this account is in both Administrator and User groups.
Thanks rharv. Attached is my info but I'm not really sure what it means.
That says you are an administrator and *should be able to go to Realband64.exe, right-click and remove the 'Run As Administrator option mentioned above. Since you are an administrator the actual shortcut shouldn't hang .. are you sure there isn't a pop up asking if you want to allow RB to make changes somewhere? That would explain why it waits for a response from you at that point.
Maybe minimize every other open window to find it (?)
Last edited by rharv; 12/23/2403:19 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
That says you are an administrator and *should be able to go to Realband64.exe, right-click and remove the 'Run As Administrator option mentioned above. Since you are an administrator the actual shortcut shouldn't hang .. are you sure there isn't a pop up asking if you want to allow RB to make changes somewhere? That would explain why it waits for a response from you at that point.
Maybe minimize every other open window to find it (?)
I minimised/closed everything rharv but Explorer still hangs. Thanks, Mike
Did that system have two screens previously and only one now? That's another weird issue I've seen, where a pop up occurs on a (now) non-existent screen .. I know, I know, it's an extremely long shot.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
Purchase your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac during our special to save up to 50% off your upgrade purchase and receive a FREE BONUS PAK of amazing new Add-ons. These include the 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK, Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana, Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes, MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano, Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7, Playable RealTracks Set 4, RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark, and more!
Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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