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Hi All,

Just updated from BIB WIN 2021 to 2025.

In the 2021 version I could select SampleTank3 (VST2) as my default synth, load up some default patches on the appropriate channels, and then use SampleTank in multitimbral mode as my default synth everytime I start a new song. Worked very nicely.

I'm trying to set up the VST3 versions of SampleTank4/Halion7 to work the same way, but I can't figure out a way to do it.

I can load SampleTank4/Halion7 in BIB as a VST3 plugin. But then I have to select the same VST3 plugin multiple times from the VST3 plugin list for each separate BIB track (e.g. one instance for Piano, one instance for Drums, etc), for each different song.

While I understand the flexibility of being able to use a different VST3 instrument on each BIB track, what if I want to use SampleTank4 for all of my BIB tracks? it seems inefficient to have to use a separate VST3 instance for each BIB track.

So, in BIB 2025, can I setup a VST3 synth as my default synth, and assign it some default patches, the way I used to do with the VST2 version in BIB 2021?

And while I'm still getting familiar with the 2025 version of BIB and it's "quirks," I occasionally lose the individual VST3 instrument settings in my song when I change the A/B style or regenerate. It's inconsistent, and I can't pin it down. Admittedly, that might be user error on my part.

Any help in the above matters would be greatly appreciated.

Danny V.

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if you not run the latest version of BIAB2025, you should update the new rev.
BIAB 2025 latest version

Last edited by Vincente; 01/28/25 09:54 AM.

WIN11 OS build 23H2, 16MB, 1TG SSD.
BIAB2024, build 1113, MegaPaK
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VST3 Plug-ins is a work-in-progress new feature for Band-in-a-Box 2025. As Vincente stated you need to update to +++ BiaB build 1125e +++ since most of the the updates are to get VST3 plug-ins working correctly.

To choose SampleTank4 as the default synth use the mixer and press the <eye> icon. Then enable the "Default Synth Track" so it will be a visible track. Finally, right click on the Default Synth Track and choose vst3 synth. Currently a vst3 isn’t selectable from the options - midi driver dialog, so you must use the mixer.

When you select a vst3 to be used as default synth, the name of the synth won’t be displayed on the mixer. Instead the mixer will display something generic like “vst3 Selected”.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Jim ^ is right. It works, but it's still work in progress. It might barf the first time, but persistency cures it. Just reload second time if something goes south. It should stick on second round.

Tested with Halion 6 / Sonic7 works fine.

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Hello Rustyspoon, congratulations, we can now use Halion Sonic 7. Thank you for your perseverance in achieving it

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I strongly doubt it was just me. There are quite a few of us who use that synth.

In case anyone wonders, you can get a free (not demo) version of Sonic 7 player. The key is GM sound set. You also get it free, by registering Dorico SE (which is also free) that comes with GM sounds that can be used with Sonic. A bit of a loop, but once done, it will stay in your account.

From time to time Steinberg runs good sales on Halion, which is a monster of a synth with huge library of Acoustic, Electric and Electronic instruments for any genres. Sonic can use same libraries and instruments UI.

I've used Halion and Sonic in BIAB for about 6-7 years. In my view it's the best companion for thousands of PGM Midi styles. I am very relieved PGM figured out Program Changes for VST3. Thank you PGM!

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Originally Posted by Rustyspoon#
I strongly doubt it was just me. There are quite a few of us who use that synth.

In case anyone wonders, you can get a free (not demo) version of Sonic 7 player. The key is GM sound set. You also get it free, by registering Dorico SE (which is also free) that comes with GM sounds that can be used with Sonic. A bit of a loop, but once done, it will stay in your account.

From time to time Steinberg runs good sales on Halion, which is a monster of a synth with huge library of Acoustic, Electric and Electronic instruments for any genres. Sonic can use same libraries and instruments UI.

I've used Halion and Sonic in BIAB for about 6-7 years. In my view it's the best companion for thousands of PGM Midi styles. I am very relieved PGM figured out Program Changes for VST3. Thank you PGM!

RustySpoon, lots of great information in your post above. Add some links to Dorico SE and Sonic 7 and this post would make a good Tips & Tricks thread.


Jim Fogle - 2025 BiaB (Build 1128) RB (Build 5) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Laptop: i3 Win 10, 8GB ram 500GB HDD
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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Ddd Vvv Offline OP
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OK. I downloaded the latest rev 1125e. Was able to get Halion7 setup as default VST3 synth as per Jim's comments above.

Strill working my way through the quirks/unexpected behaviors of BIB 2025. But progress...

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Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

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Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins

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