|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
I believe that we would all buy one, if it were at least as good as an SD2 or similar. Maybe PG Music could even approach someone who could make it for ethem. I think it would be a very noteworthy addition to BB. We are all tired of these half-assed sounds from these other various GM soft synths. The SD2 is great but a similar device in software format would be more convenient, I think....less cables and stuff to get entangled with 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 716 |
Maybe but the big attraction of BIAB is its pricing. I don't think they'd be able to do it any cheaper than a dedicated synth vendor could just now. i'd prefer it if they concentrated on their 'core competence' as the say in 'management speak'. (Yeeeugh!)
Likely as not the best idea would be another tie-in with an existing company on a try- before- you -buy basis as it is with Coyote Forte with a special reduction for BIAB users once the trial period was over. Only this time a high-end synth manufacturer. The question is whether such companies need the patronage of BIAB to shift their products. With BIAB going full tilt into 'Real' this and 'Real' that, the link with midi becomes ever more tenuous.
Regards
Alan
Last edited by alan S.; 04/07/10 05:26 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
from my point of view, GM is there to stay.....BB is still a GM program with a vast array of midi libraries in his arsenal, the Realtracks are just another option . For studying and analyzing parts, GM is still the one I use, and I suppose it is so for other people too....let's not forget that BB is also an instructional product, and I am not going to throw away it's incredible MIDI library of tunes, lessons, etc. If people spend almost 500 dollars on a Ketron SD2 , they will spend half as much on a soft GM synth too, providing that it really sounds killer. If a product is good, price becomes relative to it's quality.... I am not saying that a soft GM module should cost 500 dollars, but if it's a really killer one I would spend up to half as much for it. The Forte DX, etc......been there, done that. I am talking killer GM sounds, not just decent ones. Only the latter type is abundant. If anyone else would be interested in such a product, please write in this post. 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700 |
I would bet the problem is that to make a
'killer" GM set would require HUGE samples to get that better than what is out there sound, and that would be lage and a very big resource drag. There is a reason why the biggies like sampletank, and Kontact do not have GM sets. They would be very expensive. One could couple the best Sonic Implant set with Synthfont and it would be pretty good for around $100
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hi,
I've been asking for this for YEARS!!!! We need an awesome sounding GM softsynth. A perfect example would be the Cakewalk TTS-1. It has good functionality, good GM support, but the sounds are very dated. If Roland/Cakewalk/Native Instruments/Sonic Implants could just come out with a new version, I'm sure ton's of people would buy it. Heck, make it an optional add on for the next purchase of BIAB! Vir2 has a product called "One, which I thought was going to be great, but was a big dissapointment.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
I would bet the problem is that to make a
'killer" GM set would require HUGE samples to get that better than what is out there sound, and that would be lage and a very big resource drag.
not bigger than any other sample based synth. They invented disk-streaming for exactly these reasons
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
Hi,
I've been asking for this for YEARS!!!! We need an awesome sounding GM softsynth. A perfect example would be the Cakewalk TTS-1. It has good functionality, good GM support, but the sounds are very dated. If Roland/Cakewalk/Native Instruments/Sonic Implants could just come out with a new version, I'm sure ton's of people would buy it. Heck, make it an optional add on for the next purchase of BIAB! Vir2 has a product called "One, which I thought was going to be great, but was a big dissapointment.
Ed
that's interesting , I was just thinking to buy Vir2 
I am sure it's great value for money, but it's about it's GM sounds that I was interested about.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353 |
I understand that the SD2 is THE GM module to get so why should PG Music reinvent the wheel?
I would rather PG Music spend their resources improving their current products, like they have been doing thus far.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
Quote:
I understand that the SD2 is THE GM module to get so why should PG Music reinvent the wheel?
I would rather PG Music spend their resources improving their current products, like they have been doing thus far.
The SD is an hardware module, I am talking about software. Few people are going to spend 450 bucks on an hardware GM module. People are willing to pay for a great product priced realistically. The SD isn't, and everything that Ketron sells isn't exactly great value for money. Their products sounds great but are -overpriced-.
How many people are going to spend 200 dollars on a great soft GM module, and how many are going to spend 450 on an hardware GM module ?
My point is simply this: wouldn't the soft version of the SD cost less and sell more than the hardware version?
There is no wheel, sorry.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
on the other hand, with the Realtracks now I understand why PG wouldn't really invest in a MIDI module......but still, I see the sort of GM soft synth as a described before, as a missing product in the market, that's all.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353 |
Quote:
How many people are going to spend 200 dollars on a great soft GM module, and how many are going to spend 450 on an hardware GM module ?
My point is simply this: wouldn't the soft version of the SD cost less and sell more than the hardware version?
There is no wheel, sorry.
I will RESPECTFULLY disagree with you. Great sounding hardware costs between $400 - $4000 USD. Great sounding software costs start at $400 (Kontakt, Reason, etc) with additional sounds costing more. A good sax (Mr Sax T for example) sound for Kontakt will cost $150 more and that’s just for one sound. A great sounding GM module, either hardware or software, will cost a lot of money. There are a lot of great sounding hard/software units out there now, but they cost money. IMHO if your looking for an all encompassing great sounding GM VSTi for $100 it ain’t going to happen.
I will stand by my initial statement. That is PG Music should continue to improve their three major programs, BiaB, RB and PTPA.
Peace - MarioD
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
OP
Journeyman
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 303 |
I have never said that I expect a killer GM module for 100 dollars, please read my previous posts again.
I have been a musician for almost 20 years and have bought expensive hardware back in the day when it costed a fortune....kurzweil keyboards for example. So what's the point in telling me that hardware prices range from $ 400 to 4000 ?
The Ketron SD, as good as it sounds, it's overpriced compared to what we can get on computers nowadays. That was my main point. For the same money for an SD , I have bought myself two of the best sampling libraries available on the market from Eastwest. Let me see, I am trying to compare here over 100 gb of professional sampling libraries , used on film scores by pro composers, with a GM module.
It just doesn't motivate me in buying the SD any easier, sorry. My point was just for someone to come up with a soft version of the SD for about 200 dollars, it doesn't matter if PG Music or someone else does it. I just thought that PG Music would be better suited than someone like Native Instruments, because obviously I think that PG Music specializes in the 'soft-arranger' market a lot better than NI does...
Anyways, this is proving to be a waste of time for both of us....no one is forcing anybody to do a GM module based on my specs. This is a wishlist.
So I wrote a wish.
Good day.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,353 |
Quote:
My point was just for someone to come up with a soft version of the SD for about 200 dollars, it doesn't matter if PG Music or someone else does it.
OK I'm with you 100% on this one!
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700 |
There does need to be something in the line of TTS or a tad better coyote synth (not the WT one) for biab users to enjoy. Cakewalk adds the TTS something like that would be nice.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,823
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,823 |
Quote:
My point was just for someone to come up with a soft version of the SD for about 200 dollars, it doesn't matter if PG Music or someone else does it.
Why not get on the Ketron site and request that from them? The sounds are theirs, so it would probably have to be them to do it, anyway. I would bet that PGMusic could re-market it (just like the SD), if it were available. I would want something like that sold separately from BIAB, however, so as not to jack up the price for something I don't need (but may one day want).
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
Quote:
I would bet the problem is that to make a
'killer" GM set would require HUGE samples to get that better than what is out there sound, and that would be lage and a very big resource drag.
not bigger than any other sample based synth. They invented disk-streaming for exactly these reasons
You're forgetting just how Biab works. It has patch changes in the middle of a song, it will use different patches in certain style subsets which could also occur in the middle of a song. Now, think this through. A big sample set that uses disk streaming needs some time to load the samples. A GM soundset has 128 patches. No way can you load a killer GM soundset that could be multi gigs in size into ram so it's all accessable instantly. Biab is a real time song generator. The first time there's a patch change that requires even a split second to load, the program will lock up because the tempo is still going. That's the reason why all the GM soundsets are relatively small and as a result wimpy sounding. Hardware like the SD2 is not dependant on your pc for memory storage. This problem does not come up when you're using a standard DAW like Sonar or Reaper. Those programs are not generating new material every time you hit play, you're dealing with prerecorded material so it doesn't matter if Kontackt or Sampletank takes up to 30 seconds (and they do) to load that killer 800mb grand piano sample.
You have to give Peter and his people some credit, they're pros, they know all about disc streaming and such but there's a reason for the way things are.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,700 |
That is a great point Bob, but for me i am talking about RB more than just BiaB. RB could certain take advantage of a better GM mod. Kontact or Sampletank are great but they are not GM. TTS is nice but not there. A better Gm set could work great with the new freeze feature anyway.
What i have begun to do is use sampletank, jamstix, and a few others and mix the songs down to wave files and with the RTs and stuff it is getting to sound better. I can then run PTPA for my play along and it is smooth and easy. Still a far better GM set would be super.
This is the true value of the forum, you get to benefit from so many great thoughts from folks, and get things straight in your own mind.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,826
Posts796,663
Members39,968
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean