Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
F
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
F
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
this was recently posted on the BIAB Mac forum but got no replies. i also have ver 2011 loaded on a pc and i see the same issue there, so it doesn't seem to be just a Mac issue

have Mac ver 2013 EverythingPak i notice some of the styles (that i'd like to use) play only the drum track when you load them. when the style opens, drums is the only track highlighted and the only track that plays. if you click on some of the other tracks (bass piano ), it indicates there is a patch loaded there. examples of tracks that play only drums: ZZBAL12,
ZZCOUN12, WINDS. the style 12ST&BAN does not play at all. you can see notes being played on the piano kbd at the top but no sounds are heard.

what's going on- is this an issue that my pkg didn't include these styles or just a config setting that needs to be changed ? ?

any help app.
tks

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Are you able to tell if the tracks you cannot hear are MIDI or RealTracks?

Just a shot in the dark, but if you don't have a MIDI synth invoked in the case of software MIDI synth, or don't have it connected or invoked properly in case of Hardware MIDI synth, it is possible to load an all-MIDI style and have RealDrums substitution invoked and you won't hear any of the MIDI tracks, but can see the notes highlighting and the keyboards as well. But there is no synth available to play the sounds.


--Mac

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Hi fivestring,

To add to what Mac has said ...

Mac's "shot in the dark" seems to be the answer. I've loaded in the styles (I don't seem to have zzbal12 but the others were there), and they are midi-based styles. To get these to sound, it's necessary to have a midi output driver selected.

I don't know about Mac but on the PC, if you go to "Opt | Preferences | Midi driver" and select "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth", you should get sound. (See "1" on the image below.)



If you want to get a better sound for the midi instruments, activate the boxes shown by "2" and select a VST/DXi softsynth from the dropdown list "3".

Hope this helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Noel, isn't 2 and 3 only for "live" play using the thru function? I did not think it was for the BIAB parts as such?

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Hi Dennis,

Activating the check-boxes I've labeled 2 sets a software synthesizer into action. Which softsynth that will be is determined by the choice of 3. It can be used in live settings or at home. The softsynth is simply an output for midi tracks. It can be used with "Thru" but it also works with the other tracks (Bass, Piano, Strings, etc.) if they contain midi information. I personally prefer to use softsynths rather than the Microsoft Wavetable. The sound is much better.

Regards,
Noel

Last edited by Noel96; 06/05/13 11:47 AM.

MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
ahh okay I think I get it Noel - 2 is ONLY for the thru, whereas 3 is sort of a shortcut to using the VSTi tab on the main tool bar which of course does pretty much the same thing, yes?

I agree vsti's are much better, or even routing it all out via midi to a hardware module wink

I am trying at present to get ST 2 full version to run nicely with the Hi-Q pickers, but no joy yet. All the folders are where they should be, but it seems BIAB Hi-Q is hard-wired to the BIAB ST Lite instrument folders...I will get there though.

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
When you installed the BIAB Hi-Q sounds, you must install it in the same place that SampleTank thinks its instruments are. After you do that, you need to open SampleTank and hit the Rescan button so that it properly sees the instruments.

See if that doesn't help.


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 for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
F
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
F
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
hey guys, you're right. tks to all, issue is resolved. the drums playing was RealDrums, other tracks were MIDI and i had no midi drivers installed.

really do app the help. TKS TKS TKS

5string

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
F
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
F
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
john, wanted to followup on your reply but i didn't understand a couple of terms you used: BIAB HI-Q sounds and what's the sample tank you're referring to ? ?
thanks
5string

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
F
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
F
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 99
hi noel 96 and tks 4 reply.

yes, i do want to get a better midi sound than what you get from the GS WT. have you used or do you know anything about the Cayote Forte that PGMusic sell for around $40. i really need something with a good acoustic piano sound and also some realistic sounding strings.

i have a Roland A30 keyboard (midi controller) that i want to use with the synth sounds. any sugg ?

thanx again for help with the midi driver issue

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Sorry, 5String -

I was responding to Joden's comment right before my comment.


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 for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,360
Fivestring,

As far as I'm aware, you download Coyote Forte and try it out for 30 days to see if you like it or not. The below link will take you to the demo version.

http://www.pgmusic.com/coyotefortedxi.audvid.htm

Once the 30 days are up, you'll find that an annoying, intermittent sound starts to play whenever you use the synth.

Another softsynth that's also sold by PG Music is Cakewalk's TTS-1. This comes with the purchase of Music Creator.

The below link will take you to a PG Music webpage where they compare the different softsynths.

http://www.pgmusic.com/dare-to-compare.htm

Hope this helps,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Originally Posted By: jford
When you installed the BIAB Hi-Q sounds, you must install it in the same place that SampleTank thinks its instruments are. After you do that, you need to open SampleTank and hit the Rescan button so that it properly sees the instruments.

See if that doesn't help.


John I actually do NOT want to use the HI-q sounds, I want to use the ST2L FULL library...but trying to get the HI-Q selector in BIAB to use those folders and not the BIAB ST Instruments is a tricky..

It is easy enough running ST via the standard vsti insert route, but I am trying to access them via the HI-Q drop down box...as I said this setting seems to be hard-wired to ONLY the BIAB Hi-Q folders. It is easy enough to tell BIAB where the folder are and install to the locations as you said, but actually getting BIAB picker to recognise them is another matter, well so far at least. I am still figuring it but I will get there eventually. I can use them with no probs via VSTi inserts smile

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Joden -

I believe the Hi-Q selector is nothing more than a saved SampleTank preset. I don't have my music computer in front of me, but basically you would need to load SampleTank with the instrument of choice, then save that preset in the same place BIAB looks for it's VSTi presets. That way, you can select that same instrument again (I believe via the Hi-Q picker), rather than having to set it up again.


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 for Windows
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Ahh yes that may work - I had not thought of that. I will have a play around with that. Thanks John

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 794
Actually it seems the Hi-Q's are DXi presets, NOT VSTi presets. Uses a different file structure to the stf, stw and stip formats of the ST VSTi.

I suspect they are incompatible. The layout of the Hi-q instruments, while adhering to the same folder hierarchy, is totally different.

I think the only way to assign a sound from the full version of ST, is to load a VSTi version for each part and select sounds that way. I cannot see a way to replace the BIAB DXi free presets with the ST2 factory ones. The preset for ST2 is a .stip whereas for HI-Q it is .tgs accompanied by a text file titling the preset.

It's not an issue, just needed to figure it out to set it all up before I waste too much time on way way or another.

Thanks again for your help John.

Dennis

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,805
Hi, Joden -

I've figured out how to make it work, but it's a little work to get there. Of course, once done, it's done. I can't document it right now, but if I find some time this weekend, I'll write it up.


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 for Windows
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 10
Hi John,

Would be great if you could explain us how to do it.

Additional question you might know:
Is ist possible to make some sort of "Default" so that I don't have to chose the HI-Q instruments everytime I load a new song?

Cheers
Thomas

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,738
Posts795,588
Members39,945
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
LaneWright55, Diddlysquat, pun61, smitoz, Jonnyfartpants
39,945 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 193
Noel96 117
DC Ron 115
DrDan 106
rsdean 102
dcuny 93
Today's Birthdays
brassauditions, EddieV, glauber, Holly, MyZone1958, PLS, Tobin - PG Music Inc.
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5