|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010 |
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”.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 23
Enthusiast
|
|
Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 23 |
Hello Rustyspoon, congratulations, we can now use Halion Sonic 7. Thank you for your perseverance in achieving it
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,216 |
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,010 |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 5 |
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...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,045
Posts799,270
Members40,015
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean