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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 15
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 15 |
I do not like at all the way in which VSTi parameters are stored for projects which use the Default VSTi.
For example: Create a MIDI BIAB project that uses SampleTank 4 from IK Multimedia as the default VSTi/DXi. For each track choose an instrument from the vast library. Bass is on MIDI channel 2 by default, so choose a bass instrument for channel 2 in SampleTank 4. Continue for other tracks.
Save the project. I usually use Save/Special with Patches and Harmony.
Create another new MIDI BIAB project that also uses SampleTank 4. Note that the instruments from the previous project are assigned to the same channels as before, so again, for each track, assign an intrument. Be sure to have at least one instrument different from the previous project. Save this project.
Now open the previous project.
Note that the instruments are those from the second, most recent project, not the first one.
The parameters for the VSTi are not being stored with the project as they are with Samplitude (Cubase, Mixcraft, Reaper, etc.). Instead, the parameters are being stored with the settings for the "Default VSTi," in other words with the BIAB application.
Please change this as soon as possible so that the (Default) VSTi of choice and the related VSTi parameters are stored with the project. I would suggest that, when a project is loaded, posting a warning that the Default VSTi is going to be changed because the Default VSTi/DXi now needs to be changed through an Option choice, so long-term users won't be expecting a change.
The way the Default VSTi works now is a huge inconvenience for users who use a complex VSTi.
To mimic the preferred situation, users can, for example, save the VSTi parameters *inside the VSTi* as a preset for a particular project, then load both the project and the project-related preset *inside the VSTi*, but only if they remembered to save a preset *inside the VSTi* for every project. If they didn't do that, they not only have to try and recall from memory all of the instruments and which track was which, but the also have to recall all of the tweaks that they did when they set the instruments up. For a complex VSTi like SampleTank 4, this may include all of the potentially dozens of settings of the various FX that were used for each instrument, plus any Master FX and the related settings. They also have to remember to change the Default VSTi if they use various ones.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
Dave Clark,
You've presented a great overview of how VSTi works with Band-in-a-Box 2025. Thank you for that as your overview is one of the better descriptions I've read.
Part of the issue you described is BiaB expects the default VSTi to be multi timbral. That is, a single instance of the VSTi can play multiple instrument patches simultaneously. Unfortunately multi timbral VSTi has become the exception rather than the rule. The one I use is Cakewalk's TTS-1. PG Music provides two more. I'm not at my computer so I can't list them right now.
SampleTank and most other VSTi are not multi timbral by default but can be configured to work that way.
In my opinion as you stated the issue is BiaB remembers the last used VSTi configuration. I believe the better answer is to save the custom VSTi configuration with the song project.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 15
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OP
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 15 |
Hi Jim Fogle,
Thanks very much for your reply.
Although somewhat nitpicking for which I apologize, I would describe SampleTank 4 as multi-timbral by default, but with no instruments initially assigned. As I'm sure you know, SampleTank 4 initially comes up in a DAW with 16 empty channels, ready to be filled in. So I would describe BIAB as set up for some multi-timbral VSTi plugins, but very poorly for one which allows instruments to be re-assigned. BIAB acts as if the user has only one setup that they will ever be using, which I find to be an absurd assumption for more recent VSTi plugins and more complex user situations.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
The "Default Synth" in Band-in-a-Box is supposed to be set up as a default or baseline synth for all songs, such that if you open any song it's expected to "just work". If you change settings in the plugin, BIAB expects that you want those settings changed for all songs. This works much the same way as if you had an external hardware synth like a Sound Canvas, which is what the MIDI implementation in BIAB was built for. I think it's a good idea to be able to save the default synth settings per song, so I've put in a feature request under id# 5081. The better thing to do for now would be to change the plugin for each individual track, as individual track plugins and settings are saved into each song file. PG Music provides two more. On Windows we provide CoyoteWT as the default synth, plus VSTSynthFont is included in the BB\Data\Libx64 folder and can be added like any other plugin. It's also possible to use the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth, which is built into Windows. For macOS we use the Apple DLSMusicDevice plugin which is built into macOS.
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 15
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OP
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Posts: 15 |
Hi Simon,
Thanks for creating this task! That's great news.
On the theory of "just works," I myself have found, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one, that switching between Styles but being stuck with the same set of instruments for every song, gives a really inaccurate representation of most Styles. I almost always have to switch several instruments to determine whether or not a Style will work. Long gone are the days in which composers are stuck with a fixed set of instruments to be used for compositions. Thank goodness!
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Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
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Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
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Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766 |
On the theory of "just works," I myself have found, and I'm sure that I'm not the only one, that switching between Styles but being stuck with the same set of instruments for every song, gives a really inaccurate representation of most Styles. I almost always have to switch several instruments to determine whether or not a Style will work. This happens because SampleTank 4 is not capable of functioning as a General MIDI synth, which is required for use as the default synth in BIAB. I tested this in multiple applications - SampleTank does not seem to respond to Program Change messages, either in BB or other apps (I tested with Reaper and Digital Performer). This is why we include CoyoteWT and VSTSynthFont64, as they both have the capabilities needed by BIAB.
I work here
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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.
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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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
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