I've got the TTS-1 synth for default. In the mixer, under the patches tab I do the following:
Left click on an instrument => Select MIDI Instr (patch) => Select GM2 patch... =>
At this point the GM2 patch picker is supposed to pop up. In my install, it only appears one out of several times. And even when it does, the patch I choose may or may not be inserted as desired.
I'm on BB2017.454, but it was happening under 453 as well (but not in 2016). I'm trying to figure if this is a bug or peculiar to my install. Could someone with a higher bank softsynth, like TTS-1, confirm the issue.
Are midi styles loaded? As a doublecheck, the track names will be written in yellow if they are. Should the track names be written in green, this means that a Realtrack is present and, if this is the case, midi patches will have no effect.
The reason I ask the above is because BIAB 2016 and 2017, by default, automatically replace midi tracks with Realtracks. Thre's a setting that needs deactivating for midi styles to load.
Is it possible to include a screen shot of your BIAB with the song loaded? This would help heaps.
Thanks Noel. Yes, a midi style is loaded. One of the original ZZ.... styles in a new song ie. blank chord sheet except for a C on the first beat. (I keep RT style autoreplacement of MIDI styles switched off.)
I just tried it again, the sequence I described above 10 times in a row. It worked properly on the third, fifth, eighth, and ninth tries. On the others, the GM2 patch assignment screen did not pop up. Nothing at all happens. I repeated the expt. and got normal behavior six out of ten times. Seems that it works randomly.
If you use a GM2 softsynth with the 2017.454 update, do you not see this?
Thanks for the added information. I have TTS-1 set as my default softsynth. When I loaded a ZZ style and used the GM2 patch assignment, everything worked properly every time.
The following is worth checking...
1. Make sure that Microsoft GS Wavetable (#2 on the below image) is selected. For some reason that I don't know about, this sometimes affects VSTi/DXi behaviour.
2. Where the image below says "Coyote WT" (#5), change to the Coyote WT softsynth and see if the behaviour is still the same as it was with TTS-1.
Hi Noel, thanks for the suggestion. Just tried testing with the Coyote WT, along with retesting the TTS-1 and the SFZ as well (just for testing this function - I understand SFZ is not multitimbral). I had the GS Wavetable chosen (your Step 2). Now the appearance of the GM2 popup - ie. normal behavior - is more frequent, but for all three synths, there was an occasional string of 3-4 non-appearances before the functionality "reset" itself to normal.
From my (hobby) programming experience, the behavior is reminiscent of failure to trap a timer on some internal process when it exceeds a preset limit. Sorta like a machine trying to cap a bottle when the bottle has been delayed reaching the capping point on the conveyor belt.
Whatever the cause, I'd guess this is not likely to get much attention, because many users nowadays don't seem focused on midi, much less higher banks. Sigh.
I'll notify support if it actually becomes bothersome.
Thx, -Ron
PS. More troubling is the apparent failure of the "thru channel always active" feature, as noted in another thread. Will get to your suggestion there in a day or so. Today is football and gift wrapping. BTW, happy holidays to all!
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.
BTW, happy holidays to all!
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean