For example, after finishing a simple song in BIAB, can I get the Yamaha to play it, using the built-in voices? And then, perhaps I can export the backing track, using the Yamaha voices?
In other words, I won't need to use any sample libraries in my computer?
You should be able to use your Yamaha as an external synth to get its sounds, but you won't be able to drive its accompaniment system. You will need a patch map to access the sounds properly (someone will probably have already prepared one, or you can even convert an exiting one from Sonar to use).
I use my Casio arranger keyboard as an external synth to get to all of its sounds and it works fine, so it should be similar to your Yamaha. I also use a Ketron SD-2 sound module (which has no keyboard, but for sounds, the concept is the same). The question, of course, is whether your keyboard connects via MIDI cables or USB cables. If USB, you can plug directly into your computer, and you should be able to select it as your MIDI output device. If MIDI cables, then you'll need a MIDI to USB adapter to connect it to your computer, and then you would select that adapter as the MIDI output device. I use an EMu XMIDI 2x2 for my keyboard(s) and it works great.
If you want to record those sounds, however, you'll have to reroute the audio sound from your keyboard back into your computer's sound card.
What I do is to send the keyboard audio to my mixer, which feeds into my M-Audio Fast Track Pro, which is connected to my computer.
Below is a picture of my routing configuration, which works well for me. I don't have a lot of high end equipment, but I have a lot of fun with what I do have. Both keyboards are able to create MIDI-In, be used as MIDI-Out, and with the mixer in the mix (so to speak), I can record guitar and vocals, as well.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Actually John you can drive the arranger section by using Biab's chord export function. Someone posted all about that a couple of years ago but it may be older than the 2 year forum memory.
I just did quick search and discovered the forum goes back 5 years and couldn't find it. Maybe it was older than that but there is a chord export function in Biab and the thread was all about how it worked with an arranger keyboard.
Actually John you can drive the arranger section by using Biab's chord export function. Someone posted all about that a couple of years ago but it may be older than the 2 year forum memory.
I just did quick search and discovered the forum goes back 5 years and couldn't find it. Maybe it was older than that but there is a chord export function in Biab and the thread was all about how it worked with an arranger keyboard.
Bob
The following links demonstrate using BIAB's chord export function to a Yamaha keyboard and provides instructions.
The first shows and demonstrates BIAB providing chords to play the Yamaha sounds and styles.
The second video recaps this and delves further into the Yamaha showing how to use the Yamaha vocal harmony and piano accompaniment features.
I have a Korg Pa1XPro and back when I first heard about this I wanted to experiment with it and never did.
So many things to do, so little time.
Bob
The method shown works the same as exporting chords to a TC Helicon Voicelive. I had a Yamaha PSR-950 for a time and it worked flawlessly once it was set up.
Does it mean the BIAB will provide chords to play the Yamaha sounds and styles?
What I initially asked was the other way around. I tried to ask whether the Yamaha will play the BIAB styles, using the Yamaha voices. This way, you will not need the sample libraries in computer to trigger BIAB.
From what everyone have posted, I think the answer to your question is that it will work both ways. BIAB can send out chords to your Yamaha to use the built in Yamaha styles, or you can use it as your hardware synth to play BIAB styles.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Yes, you can use your Yamaha either way. Per the video Biab's chord export can drive the arranger section and use the keyboards own styles or the Yamaha can be a hardware synth to provide the sounds for Biab's midi style tracks.
Remember, this is for midi tracks it's not replacing the Real Tracks. RT's are audio.
Here is a PGMusic tutorial on using a midi keyboard, controller or synthesizer to input chords into BIAB rather than the traditional method of using the computer keyboard.
This method plays the sounds generated by BIAB rather than the midi instrument.
So yes, it works in both directions and one can use either Biab sounds or external sound module sounds or a mixture of RealTracks and Midi as diagramed by Jford.
I used to use a Yamaha Tyros with Biab. I used the Tyros sounds for the Biab midi parts when auditioning a style or making a song.
What worked best for me was to save my Biab song as a Type 0 midi file. then I would upload the midi file into the Tyros and use it's onboard mixer to adjust the instruments, effects and volume for each channel.
Once I had the song the way I wanted it, I would record the song into my digital recorder.
Your 2000 onboard sounds should sound great with Biab.
Hi So i can use export chords in Band In A Box to drive chords in the Genos and then record them into my sequencer as a shell for multitracking to quicken up song building.
This would be nice as i hate the chord looper in the Genos.
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.
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.
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.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean