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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225 |
I just installed BIAB 2013, and haven't yet tried it.
In the printed "New Features Guide", page 9, it is stated: (some words about SampleTank, followed by))....."These Hi-Q sounds make the MIDI tracks sound much better".
Of course the question there is "much better than what"?
I assume ST sounds better than the Microsoft Synth (made by Roland), the default General MIDI softsynth that comes with Windows.
However, if one has another General MIDI softsynth such as Cakewalk TTS-1, Roland Hyoercanvas (I think about the same as TTS-1), Coyote Forte (not referring to Coyote Wavetable), or even Roland VSC-55, would the "Hi-Q" Sampletank that comes with BIAB 2013 sound better than all, some, or none of those?
Thanks in advance.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi maiki,
I have all of the above except VSC-55 (I have Roland VSC), and SampleTank sounds significantly better than all of them. As I understand, SampleTank technology is based on actual instrumental audio recordings (samples) as opposed to a synthesiser such as TTS-1 that aims to reproduce instrumental sounds by electronic processes.
I was so impressed with SampleTank that I went ahead and purchased a number of the packages offered for the software by eSoundz. These packages were substantially reduced for December.
Regards,
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
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Maiki, Sampletank is way better than those basic synths you mentioned even if you just use the new Hi-Q ST patches included with Biab 2013. However, IKMultimedia through eSoundz has a sale going on right now where you can buy Omnisynth 2 and other soundsets for $10 each. Omnisynth 2 is a full GM soundset plus a ton of other higher bank patches. It doesn't work in the easy "nobrainer" way that the basic GM synths you mentioned do but it's still fairly easy to figure out. Read this: http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=390854&an=0&page=1#Post390854Even if you don't understand this yet and think it may not work for you, I would spend the ten bucks and get Omnisynth 2 before the sale runs out, you can figure it out later. 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225
Apprentice
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OP
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 225 |
Hi Noel, Every single one of the softsynths I mentioned, including the default "Microsoft Synth" (by Roland) that comes with Windows, is sample-based, created from actual audio recordings as you describe Sampletank as being. TTS-1, as well as the others mentioned, is definitely based on samples, not just "electronic processes". Of course that doesn't negate the possibility that SampleTank might be better than those others. Have you done the following to test that, for example-- Play the same all-MIDI BIAB song twice in a row, once with TTS-1 as the MIDI synth, then again with Coyote Forte, then again with SampleTank, and compare how they sound? (The best way to do the test would be blind, where you didn't know which was which while listening, comparing selections 1,2, and 3, the same song performed on different synths, without knowing which is which. (That requires at least two people though--one to play the tracks, and the secnd just to listen without knowing which is which.) Quote:
Hi maiki,
I have all of the above except VSC-55 (I have Roland VSC), and SampleTank sounds significantly better than all of them. As I understand, SampleTank technology is based on actual instrumental audio recordings (samples) as opposed to a synthesiser such as TTS-1 that aims to reproduce instrumental sounds by electronic processes.
I was so impressed with SampleTank that I went ahead and purchased a number of the packages offered for the software by eSoundz. These packages were substantially reduced for December.
Regards,
Noel
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
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Expert
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Posts: 886 |
After all the talk about the ST Omnisynth 2 I went ahead & grabbed that & download the Free ST Player...and am impressed with the GM sounds. To ME, they are very "lively" in a way the other synths mentioned above are not....hard do describe the reason ATM. Plus they have some very cool additional sounds that make a nice addition to the sound collection... 
Last edited by jcspro40; 12/30/12 11:42 AM.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Hi maiki, Why not pop over to IKMultimedia and have listen to some audio clips and judge for youself. Below are a couple of links that will help. ...link to Sampletank specifications...link to Sampletank audio clipsAll the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Yes Maiki all the synths mentions are sample based but like everything else in life size matters. Do you think a piano sample that is say 1MB is size will sound as good as one that 100MB in size? Some big name samplers have piano patches that by themselves are over a gig in size. The Wavetable synth that's part of your OS is tiny. Look it up in Explorer. One guitar sample in ST is bigger than that whole soundset. The Omnisynth 2 is a 1.3 GB download. Think it may sound a bit better?
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
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Yup, the OmniSynth2 weighs in at 1.32gb with 996 files, but the OmniSynth GM section is only 285mb with 643 files, so the whole 1.32 gb is not for the GM set.
238mg is a good size GM set, adds almost 100mb over my go-to GM Soundfont one, Fluid Release III GM at 144.8mb. I have been playing around with ST / Omni combo today, comparing it to Fluid, and in almost every instance I like the Omni one better. Compared with the MS, VSC, TTS-1 and Coyote Forte, it is definitely well ahead of the pack.
The surprising thing is that the ST/Omni combo is less of a hit on my CPU than the Fluid/SFZ player or Fluid/Dimension combos.
Well worth the $10, an I wish I had another $40 or so to grab some more of those deals. I think the sounds are totally usable, and not as "old & dated" as a lot of other forums lead you to believe.
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,497
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Like Noel and others here, I have TTS-1, Coyote Forte (the $40 one), and a few you didn't mention. I've been playing with Omnisynth2 all day and drum roll...
Bottom-line the $10 (before midnight today) is a no brainer it is a very good GM set!
(I also picked up almost of the $10 packs just because…)
good luck and Happy New Year!
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 12/31/12 03:56 PM.
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
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just to check it looks like at least for today (as of 0900 MST) the $10 sale is still for Omnisynth2 and most of the other Sampletank add-ons http://www.esoundz.com/details.php?ProductID=4736(standard disclaimer: I have nothing to do personally or financially with IK, or esoundz, etc.) Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Just in case someone still really wanted to try out the Omnnisyth 2 Gm set.
I, and probably most folks here, just got email from eSoundz - they are extending their sale until the 7th - so all the $50 Sampletank "retanks" and libs. are still only $10 including the Omnisynth 2.
Same thing happen to me at Cakewalk - they had given us users a $20 coupon I wasn't paying attention to for holidays and they expanded it so I used it yesterday for a Z3ta+ pack
again just FYI
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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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.
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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!
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-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)
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- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
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- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
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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.
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