With Halion Sonic 2, probably 64bit too, loaded from "C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTPlugins\HALion Sonic", you can set it to GM here, and it seems to load default in these settings when you start BIAB. (picture below no 1). I'll give a try if i like it. Curious if version 3 works too ....
For the past couple of years i preferred Hypersonic 2 over Coyote and other GM VSTs, as it is easy to install and loads quite fast and sounds OK. Some years ago i bought Sampletank's Omnisynth, but that's a real drag to install and keep rolling, though it sounds OK too.
BTW I have Halion 5; the 64bit dll i think, stored in "C:\Program Files\Steinberg\VSTPlugins\HALion 5", loaded OK and it works, but i could not find how to set it to GM. BTW you cannot load the interface page properly though since BIAB doesn't allow it due space needed for it's own plugin pages' settings, maybe a redesign needed? See picture 2 below. -F
Quite better LoL, but it's more guite expensive too IMO. Halion Sonic SE comes free with cubase versions above 6 i think, but i don't know if it's embedded in the cheaper versions. Hypersonic 2 is one i'd prefer over most "cheap" other GM synths, for sound and ease of use mainly, alas only avail in 32bit, and you'll have to find a used license. F
I don't know about SampleTank 3, as i have ST 2.5: the sounds from 2.5 are OK, also bought the Omnisynth expansion for GM, but i abandoned ST 2.5 since it's a drag to keep working properly; every time you have to reset and address the sounds again. Others might have a different opinion though ... F
I don't have Halion Sonic 3 (but I do have Sonic 2 and the full Halion 4 - waiting for a sale to go to Halion 6); to my ears, Halion in general sounds better than what I find in Sampletank, but that's truly subjective. Steinberg products also require a dongle (their own proprietary dongle, so even if you have an iLok, it won't work with it).
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Start your 30-day HALion 6 trial today. It’s free.
It’s your chance to find out what HALion 6 has to offer. Start off with your free 30-day trial period for HALion 6 today and get the full feature set for a tryout. The HALion 6 trial also includes the HALion Sonic 3 trial.
HALion 6 is compatible with all VST 3, VST 2, AU and AAX host applications and does not require an USB-eLicenser.
If you are using HALion 5, please consider that by installing the HALion 6 trial version, your existing plugin will be replaced. At the end of the trial period you will either have to reinstall HALion 5 or purchase a permanent HALion 6 license.
In looking more closely, I believe they have a soft eLicenser where you can license it to a particular computer (although I don't know if all products support the eLicenser). However, I believe if you do that and your hard drive crashes, you have to pay to re-authorize the software. The advantage of the dongle, however, is that you can install the software on multiple computers, but you can only run it on one at a time (based on inserting the dongle).
I've not had any problems using the dongle or switching back and forth between my three computers, but it's just a pain. Granted, if the dongle dies, it costs to get back your licenses then too.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
Demos & trials come with a soft elicenser, and all data including elicenser hardware numbers itself are registered, and you can release all licenses to another dongle if needed. No, a dead dongle will be acknowledged by steinberg, all will be transferred; their help desk can tell you more. For pro users they will even give you temporary licenses in case of exchange problems, that if you have your stuff registered with your "my steinberg" account. F
Yep, all my stuff is registered (Halion 4 and Cubase Artist). That being said, I've never had a problem with the dongle. it's just a pain sometimes if I launch a DAW that scans VST's but forget to put in the Dongle, even if I'm not going to use the Steinberg VST's, as the scan process hangs until I insert the dongle.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA
In the first post in the thread you talk about HALion Sonic 3 and BIAB 2017 and now you mention BIAB 2015 in the above post.
Does this mean it runs in 2017 but not 2015? Also, did you try the HALion Sonic 3 SE (free version) to see if that worked before you got the full version?
From what I can see, Sonic 3 is a 64 bit plugin and Steinberg's site doesn't seem to make reference to a 32 bit version (which BIAB needs to use). I may have missed something though so I could be incorrect. If it turns out that I'm right, you will need to get JBridge ($10 for the version that works with BIAB from PG Music) to interface with the VST plugin.
Noel96, The first post I mentioned BiaB2017 and Halion sonic3, if Bias2017 works fine without Jbridge I'll update my BiaB2015. I tested on my Biab2015, it doesn't work. I do have Jbridge but it does not work properly
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.