|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791
PG Music Staff
|
OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791 |
RAX 2.1.2 (demo version) can be downloaded from: http://www.versiontracker.com/php/dlpage...2FRax_v1254.dmgGet some free VSTi’s: http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/freeware/mac/------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Here are some basic steps. Note that these instructions may vary if you are using different versions of Band-in-a-Box and RAX. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1. Open Band-in-a-Box 2. Click on MIDI | ** Select MIDI Driver or Apple DLS Synth… 3. Select ‘MasOS X CoreMIDI’ and click [OK] 4. Set the Bass output to ‘Rax 1’ and click [<-- Set all ports to this] 5. Click [ok] --------------------------- Now you can set up RAX --------------------------- 1. Open RAX. 2. In the ‘Instruments’ section at the bottom, click on ‘add instrument’ 3. You can go to ‘Apple’ and choose ‘DLSMusicDevice’ or a different section to add a VSTi(any installed VSTi’s should be listed under the name of the company that makes them) 4. For each instrument, set the channel number on the far right below ‘MIDI’ (the channel to receive MIDI from – set it to ‘Any’ if you want it to receive from more than one channel) 5. If you need to change which channels Band-in-a-Box outputs on, click on MIDI | MIDI Settings…
Blake
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 404
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 404 |
Just wanted to add that with the above procedure it's necessary to open RAX *before* BiaB. Otherwise BiaB wouldn't see the 'Rax 1' port. Generally I'd suggest using IAC as virtual MIDI port to avoid any launch order dependency.
PS. I believe that RAX supports only AU (Audio Unit) plugins, not VST.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5 |
Hi, The previous discussion: How do you set up a Software Synth for Biab in Mac OS Leopard? Has moved here. If you want to get some of the background for this, check out the URL posted here - How do you set up a Software Synth for Biab in Mac OS Leopard? Basically there's one answer. Until PG Music develops a way, there is a program called RAX. But have you ever read all the demands people are making on the PG Music crew? Ouch! So I'm not going to ask for it. Blake sent instructions in his previous post in the OP - Thanks Blake! I followed the instructions, and noticed only one thing missing. If you're starting from scratch, you have to start RAX first. Like Fred B said. Although the manual - such as it is - is full of talk about AU, I believe, for the short time I had it 'half working' it was reading a VST file. I knew I was connecting Biab to RAX, and was hearing a heavily distorted UVI Workstation (software synth). So, I was on the right track. I started making sure the channels agreed in all 3 programs, but Rax crashed. It had to be force quit, but left the rest of the computer running. I saved the changes in Rax, and, shut down my computer, and opened from the file with those changes, and it crashed immediately. I decided to go back to a blank Rax interface, and build again, but it crashed. Every time I saved changes, and it crashed, they were unusable. It has been a long long time since I encountered a program that crashed as much as RAX, and, unfortunately, they're the only game in town to do what I want to do. Now this one is really strange - I trashed every file that had anything to do with Rax, emptied my trash, restarted, downloaded Rax again from the developer's website. I installed it, and restarted my computer, and, Voila there was a whole new interface. I think it just went online in the last couple days. Now, it didn't seem to want to work the same way the old one did, and there may be things in the demo mode that aren't possible in licensed mode, but I couldn't browse for UVI Workstation, and have the samples show up in the main interface of RAX. I spent nearly all day working on this, and sent crash reports to the developers when it seemed appropriate. If they have anything to add, I'll let you know about it. In the meantime, I'm going to dismantle the hard drive, figure where Biab is stored, and solder a wire there, and run it to RAX, and another to my soft synth. I think that will work, don't you? My hands are a little shaky when soldering, maybe one of you would like to try first? Thanks - JB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791
PG Music Staff
|
|
OP
PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791 |
I assume you mean 'soldering' metaphorically.
"all 3 programs" - which is the third program? If it is a software synth, it may be possible to load this in another slot in RAX. Then you would just have 2 programs running.
Blake
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,166
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,166 |
RAX was purchased by Audiofile Engineering in 2007, which makes an excellent editing program called Wave Editor. Version 2 of RAX is on the VersionTracker link that Blake provided. If you go to the AE website support page you can download a release candidate beta for version 3. The have revamped the interface, so that is probably why things looked different and why some features are not supported yet.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 5 |
Quote:
I assume you mean 'soldering' metaphorically.
Well, it's not technically a metaphor. I just wanted to give you a ridiculous picture of someone soldering wires between the sectors on the hard drive so the programs could communicate with each other. Because they certainly are not communicating now. But no big deal really. Band in a Box would be a much faster way for me to hear the sounds in MachFive, UVIWorkstation, etc., than playing them myself as I don't play keyboards well. I have a Midi guitar, but actually use it rarely.
Quote:
"all 3 programs" - which is the third program? If it is a software synth, it may be possible to load this in another slot in RAX. Then you would just have 2 programs running.
Three meaning, Biab to Rax to UVIWorkstation. The only way I know of getting Biab to access better sounds than AppleDLS. During my many failed attempts I tried to see if Rax could see the libraries directly, but it couldn't as they were grayed out. The few seconds I got it working the UVIWorkstation program was selected in Rax, then from there I could browse the file.
Because I sent them a bug report I received an email from Rax - Audiofile Engineering, (In summary) they said,
"... there are known issues regarding Rax 3 Release Candidate 6 and Band-in-a-Box.
We'll be working with PG Music to resolve these issues prior to Rax 3's release.
Furthermore, we'll only be working on resolving issues open in Rax 3. Rax 2 is end-of-life software, and we will not issue any bug fix updates."
"... I've already exchanged NFRs with PG Music, and the next step is to work with them to resolve this issue."
So, I think, for the time being, if I want to hear better quality sounds I won't be using Rax and any softsynths. Fortunately, Biab already sounds much better since the Biab 2009 release, and anything I really care about working on I can import into Digital Performer, and access the softsynths from there.
So, thanks for all the help. I guess for now it's a dead issue until Rax creates a working version 3.
Thanks - JB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics85,741
Posts795,651
Members39,946
| |
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