It is my understanding in Realband that in order to add a synth as a vst plugin I use the icon that says VST/Synth. I then can pick an instrument from my synth, assign it to a track and record that track via midi. Is this correct?
Now, in BIAB I only see one icon for vst plugins. I assume I would use that icon to add the synth to BIAB. Now at this point if I want to add a midi track from the synth how would I go about doing this?
Lastly, can I take a BIAB midi track and simply substitue a midi instrument from the synth software? If yes, How do I do that?
Thanks for your help. I am new to this and a bit confused.
FYI- The software synth is Arturia's Analog Lab 3
Last edited by Rich59; 03/14/1803:57 AM.
BIAB 2018 latest build, Window 10 Pro 64 bit operating system X64 based processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU ES-2670 @ 2.60GHz 16 Gigs Ram Tascam 2x2 audio interface. Podxt
Okay , I have done that but when I got to the synth sounds and select a preset nothing changes. I am on the midi piano track and all I get is piano. No other sounds no matter what I choose.
BIAB 2018 latest build, Window 10 Pro 64 bit operating system X64 based processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU ES-2670 @ 2.60GHz 16 Gigs Ram Tascam 2x2 audio interface. Podxt
The track is likely sending a message via MIDI to use patch 1 (patch change) .. or the MIDI channel to Patch routing inside the synth itself are causing the issue.
What synth are you trying it with?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Looks like the MIDI channel to sound assignment is explained on page 33 or so of the manual. The MIDI section talks about assigning sounds to channels and the options.
Still, if BiaB is sending a MIDI message to use the Piano sounds, then you could change it in the synth, only to have BiaB change it when you hit play.
I like the way RB handles this stuff much better.
Edit: you changed your post. If it is a different sound when playing it than when it generates, it may be the Thru Channel settings .. which confuse me in BiaB. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable than I can show up.
Last edited by rharv; 03/14/1801:13 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I only wanted to use it in BIAB to maybe change to a synth preset before moving to real band. Can I change to the synth preset in Realband after opening the seq. file instead?
BIAB 2018 latest build, Window 10 Pro 64 bit operating system X64 based processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU ES-2670 @ 2.60GHz 16 Gigs Ram Tascam 2x2 audio interface. Podxt
That post explains the basic part of assigning different synths to a given track(s).
Once you do that in RB you can: A. send a correct patch change via the Event list for that synth an the assigned MIDI channel B. Assign a different sound to that track via the Patch Select dialogue RB C. Rechannel the track to match whatever the synth is expecting (Edit-MIDI-Rechannel I think) D. Change the MIDI to patch mapping inside the VSTi using the VST FX window and editing the VSTi plugin itself
The C: option changes the channel that is written to the track so the synth receives what it is expecting for it's mappings.
Image 1 = selecting a new port Image 2 shows a selected synth for that Port and assigning a sound to a MIDI channel (crude example). If you can select sounds inside the VSTi and assign them to a MIDI channel, just assign the channel for that track to the desired sound inside the synth assigned to that Port
Image 3 shows the even cruder Rechannel approach (old school). If you have a synth set up and don't want to mess with the assignments inside the synth, you also have the option of changing the MIDI channel on the track itself to send what the synth expects. Edit-MIDI-Rechannel
RB has lots more options/flexibility, for me at least.
Last edited by rharv; 03/14/1801:50 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Thank you I will go over this over the weekend. My brain is fried for the night and I have to re-read my midi controller manual, my software manual and review my TC-Helicon voiceplay live manual which I received last Friday. Not enough time in the day but I love my toys. Thanks again
BIAB 2018 latest build, Window 10 Pro 64 bit operating system X64 based processor Intel(R) Xeon(R) CPU ES-2670 @ 2.60GHz 16 Gigs Ram Tascam 2x2 audio interface. Podxt
Discussions like this Rich, always wind up in the same place. Yes it can be done in Biab but we all use Real Band for this because it's a full DAW and is built for this sort of thing. Some will take it to a third step, they'll use RB to generate all the different tracks they need then move the project to another DAW that they prefer over RB.
Pretty much everyone including me just uses a basic GM synth like the Forte Dxi with Biab, put the song together, then move it to RB.
Now, the thing to understand is RB is NOT simply another version of Biab. Noobies using RB will ask all the time why can't it do something that they've been doing in Biab. It's a separate, discreet DAW that had some Biab functions transplanted into it. Biab/RB are sort of two sides of the same coin but still separate from each other.
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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