Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
K
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
K
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
I suspect there's a long thread somewhere... Please feel free to point.

Are there any collections of PAT files available for VSTis? I'm running in to the problem of a VSTi (in this case SONIVOX EightyEight 2.5) selecting the nth 1-based patch in its list in response to the GM program change sent by BiaB on any playback start presumably from the style definition.

I seem to be able to confirm this result by watching the MIDI monitor filtering for program changes on MIDI ch 2 output and playing from different MIDI styles. Seems to me this is what a PAT file is for (yay me!).

Any PAT file pointers? Because I really want to remove this continual trip-up in my workflow, for each of my VSTis. It's been driving me crazy for over two years and it's time I fixed it. I'd be happy to share my PAT files too if I have to make them myself.

Using the same technique I'm also seeing a forced Main Volume Control change on playback that removes my ability to alter the BiaB mixer level: it just resets to 90 (CC value 80) on each playback.

I presume the PAT file format would let me map the appropriate CC events for a given VSTi as well. Hoping someone can just point me to a collection of ten zillion .PAT FILE MEGAHITZ!


kevinfraser
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412
Welcome to the forum.

A .PAT file in the context of BIAB is like an .INI file to Cakewalk by BandLab and, I suspect, other DAWs. Its function is to translate the output of a program to the correct patch (sound) in a hardware MIDI synth. I’ve written several. But this doesn’t seem at all what you are describing.


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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
K
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
K
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Hey Matt I appreciate the reply thanks! (one-time brass player too btw). I started using MIDI in 1986 but it was a lot simpler then and I guess I need to study up.

As an immediate workaround, do you (or perhaps anyone reading) know if there's a settings checkbox somewhere to make a channel stop outputting a CC program change, CC volume change, etc... at the start of playback?

I mean I can always just edit the MIDI afterwards, but I'm trying to pull the slide of my workflow towards me, not push it away... if you get my drift... Which obviously, you would.


kevinfraser
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,429
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,429
https://www.pgmusic.com/support_miscellaneous.htm

I don't think it will solve your problem but that's a link to the PAT file collection.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,412
Now I think you may be describing a SYSEX file. To my knowledge, BIAB doesn’t support that. There is a pull-down in the Preferences, MIDI Driver dialog box to select a specific protocol like General MIDI, Roland, Yamaha etc. but again, I don’t think this is what you want.

Perhaps send an email to support@pgmusic.com If no one else answers satisfactorily.


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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,478
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,478
Good morning Kevin and welcome to our forum!

A couple of thoughts as I use MIDI quite a bit as you can imagine from my sig below. The way I look at things PAT (or INI) files and CC commands are quite different from each other.

With PAT files, you can select the patch you want from a listing of patches that your VSTi or "hard" synth supports while still in BIAB / RB or other DAW that you might be using. In other words, the PAT file allows you to select a patch...that's it...no regards to sound levels, reverb, modulation, etc.

The world of MIDI really opens up when you start using CC's (change controls or continuous controllers). There are up to 127 of these with values from 0 to 127, although your synth or VSTi might not support all of them....many don't and some synths and VSti's support these in non-traditional or synth/VSti specific ways depending on the manufacturer. These can control volume, modulation, panning, reverb patch changes and many other parameters of the sound.

They don't change the patch as the items in the PAT do, but they modify what you hear. You can find many lists of standard CC commands on the internet, but keep in mind your specific synth or VSTi may use these in non-standard ways or use "undefined" CC's in a particular way.

From my experience, in using and modifying these, its difficult to do in BIAB. While you can see these scroll by using BIAB's midi monitor, its difficult to modify or change them in BIAB. This is where RB or your DAW come in. In these its easy to modify, change, add or delete the CC's to any parameter you need.

The best part, if your working in BIAB and want to change the CC's, is to open the BIAB file in Realband (RB) which opens "native" BIAB files.

Go to the "Event List" in RB (up there on the top row to the left) and you can see the CC's on each track and modify, add or delete these as needed. Then do a "save as" and save the modified file as a BIAB file (either MGU or SGU). Just don't save it as a RB SEQ file, if you do that BIAB won't be able to open the SEQ file again.

The go back into BIAB and open the file as normal and your CC's will be changed.

Another way of going about this is to open the file in RB and using the Event List...strip out (delete) the CC's for say volume, reverb or panning, then save the file, again in BIAB format. Go back into BIAB. Since you stripped these out in RB, now you can control and change these levels in BIAB using the BIAB mixer. Doing this, when you re-save the BIAB file the Mixer settings will also be saved. Big tip here, this will only work if you have gone into BIAB, click on "FILE' go down to "SAVE SPECIAL, click on "SAVE SONG WITH PATCHES AND HARMONIES" and then click the check mark "SAVE ALL SETTINGS WITH SONGS". This is a global command for all songs you save with BIAB so once its set your go to go with all future songs you chnange.

Again welcome to the forum. Have questions? Ask away, us users are more than happy to help.

Jeff


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
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.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,591
Posts793,725
Members39,918
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
SinghKhan, FREDERRY, Smithin, Gjsmal, JacksGuitar
39,918 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 162
DC Ron 105
Noel96 94
rsdean 73
dcuny 73
DrDan 70
Today's Birthdays
heinzb, Railfan, RobC, Tommi, what_now
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5