..........Just now I had a song playing. I tried to stop it but no methods worked: the stop icon, right clicking on the icon on the task bar & selecting close window, opening a new song, nothing worked. All menus and toolbars were locked. The tune just kept playing and playing.
Finally I had to run Windows Task Manager to force BIAB to close. All other programs worked fine.Have any of you experienced this issue?
It happened again!
This time was unique, in that it is a fresh installation, from a new BIAB hard drive.
The program is running in administrator mode. The audio drivers are set to MME, per Noel's detailed instructions.
The song playing was created and saved long ago. I had said yes to upgrading from MIDI to Real Tracks, as prompted by BIAB.
A conflict with another driver or program on my PC seems likely. I know I was running Google Chrome and possibly Microsoft Outlook at that time. The first time I might have had Spotify running at the same time, but am not certain. Spotify has had trouble sharing the volume with Ableton Live 10 Intro, before BIAB was installed. Ableton was not open this time though.
Any thoughts as to possible conflicts, on my Windows 10 PC?
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
Hi Videotrack,
I agree, there must be a primary culprit other than BIAB.
Frustrating indeed. I'll consider your advice about PGM tracking my PC, but I'm always careful about protecting my privacy. I'll have to think about that.
They can only access with your consent, and you can see everything they do, including immediately halting the access at any time.
Only you can decide, but there has never been a known documented issue with PGM assisting by remote access. Alternatively, there are scores of people who had had their problems resolved through this method.
BIAB & RB2025 Win.(Audiophile), Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors, AKG K271 Studio H'phones
When I asked, earlier in the thread, if the songs were MIDI-based or Realtracks, you replied with the following:-
Quote:
The songs I'm playing are almost all from Internet downloads. The downloads are older files, and are all MIDI. I previously played (or downloaded and not played previously) the songs through BIAB version 2010.
When I open these files in my 2018 version, BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them.
I have a handful of songs that I created with 2018, and a couple with BIAB 2010. Most are downloads though.
Was it a downloaded file that caused the issue?
Downloading and running internet MIDI files in BIAB can sometimes cause freezes or even a sound that plays and drones on non-stop. This is why BIAB has a "PANIC!" button (see the image below -- if you need to switch screen views to access this option use CTRL+T; the shortcut is F12). This sometimes fixes the problems, sometimes not.
Also, when you mention that...
"BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them."
...it is possible that you are not hearing those Realtrack generations. When one loads a MIDI into BIAB, all the tracks are loaded onto either the Melody track or the Soloist track as a mulitrack MIDI file. The other tracks in BIAB are reserved by BIAB for creating backings; they have nothing to do with loading MIDI files. When an external MIDI is loaded, though, by default, BIAB automatically disables styles. So unless you have enabled Styles after loading the MIDI file, you will not hear BIAB's accompaniment play.
I learnt along time ago that MIDI files on the 'net are hit and miss because I have no idea if the person who assembled the file was a MIDI expert or a MIDI novice. While these files can provide excellent starting places for songs, some MIDI files are definitely problematic and seem to be created by people who have no understanding of the ins and outs of MIDI.
Thanks for writing. Well I'm still learning about program features, and nuances of song files. I am only starting to understand some of the file attributes. I have very little experience with MIDI files. In the past I've relied on song downloads for my BIAB music.
A lot of those files have BIAB file extensions, but they are older songs. When I open these older song files in BIAB 2018, I get this type of message (copied from the LogText file in BIAB, under help / utilities):
"_PBALADM.STY is a RealTracks style that is available to sub for this MIDI style, with better sounds. Click here to load the style (or Press RealTracks button- Find Replacement to load it in or change options)."
I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file. Reading the log in BIAB I now see that the message refers to the style. However after I say yes to the Real Track, and I finish with the song, I am then asked if I want to save the change. I've been saying yes, to save the files.
I have some .MID songs but most of them have BIAB file extensions, and apparently MIDI styles. Here is a very small sample from my song picker list. Be gentle, I'm still learning
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Hi Mike and Noel,
Thank you both for posting. I'm slowly getting over my knowledge gap, and am grateful for your help.
Joel: yes. BIAB is very memory-intensive. It might cause a problem other programs would not, and it could seem repeatable or random. You can rule that out.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Nicely clear article. Do it in order. The first test is quick.
If you then run Memtest, let it run overnight. It runs until you stop it.
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
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Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 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.
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Check out all the new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® here:
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Upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and add 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and 20 RealStyles, FLAC Files for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks, Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster, MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster, Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8, and RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe.
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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!
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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!
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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
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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:
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-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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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