and thanks to all the advice I've been given I've realised I need to take things way back to basics, so I'll ask about one topic at a time and try and get it straight in my mind (and on my pc)
I have setup my MIDI/Audio as shown in the attached screenshot.
On the "Synthesizer/Sound Card" drop-down I have approx 100 items listed. The first 17 of these are separated from the others by a line - what is the significance of this?
And, more importantly, what are the implications of me changing this from it's current setting? How does the new setting manifest itself - what I mean is, do I "Select MIDI instrument patch" and choose General MIDI, GM2 patch, or what?
Try to think of it like this. Your current setting is correct as the coyote wave table matches the dxi that you are using, and will therefore give you the correct appropriate names for the midi voices
If you was to chose another sound card then the names would reflect that sound card or module . However as you are using coyote wave table as your dxi you could use any sound card setting that had a generic GM voice set at it would be the same names. but not something way off like a Korg or similar . But would be important if using a korg key board or module so the names more closely match those. Also any selection of msb and lsb reqired by the keyboard would be taken care of. As I say you are only using a generic name gm set so in this case the lsb and msb will always be zero and require no further work.
When we get round to specific models of keyboards or VSTi we will talk about pat files see my post in your other thread. Post 2 and visit my web site link. And look through some of my other articles on midi and msb lsb etc. Mike
I'm not sure if this is still needed but in older versions of BIAB, it was necessary to select "Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth" in the output driver box even when using a VST plugin synth. This may well have changed on the present version (I haven't yet tested it).
Also, you should activate "Route midi through to MIDI driver" -- just above the "Coyote WT" synth.
Lastly, I recommend that you click on Audio settings and change the audio driver to MME. This is a stable BIAB driver and is a good starting place when trying to get the system up and running.
Where MME is limited is that it's latency is large if you choose to play a MIDI input keyboard or use BIAB to record vocals. For the moment, though, it's probably the best choice.
I hope you don’t mind Noel far be it from me to question your Knowledge on these matters, but I have observed the following behaviour.
“Also, you should activate "Route midi through to MIDI driver" -- just above the "Coyote WT" synth.”
You only need to do this if sending the midi to an external synth, ( has always been my understanding) so that it doesn’t go to the vst/ dxi if ticked. And it is for the thru voice / track only, anyway so if not using a keyboard to play along or enter melody it will have no effect. I also note that this setting is ignored if using Asio drivers which i do so that may explain why it does not matter, in my case. You do get a pop up to warn you of this. That’s my understanding but if it is not so I would love to know.
Thanks again everyone - firstly for the advice and secondly for your patience. I'll read, learn, implement, then post some follow-ups.
At the moment I'm working completely on the computer, nothing external till all my kit is out of storage, which will not be till the second half of this year
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean