Hi Mike I thought the only restrictions were the amount of Mike positions and articulations This compares all three but I dont know why that is not working for you .So you are NOT dumb nor is their a restriction lol H https://www.spitfireaudio.com/bbcso/#compare
Last edited by Hugh2; 06/05/2002:31 AM. Reason: miised a word
Re BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover, I can't get the velocity to make a difference to the sound. Whether the velocity is at 127 or 0 the volume is the same. Is this a restriction of the free version or I am being dumb? Mike
Mike - I think you need to use Modulation to change the volume (at least that is what I had to do...)
Thanks Floyd. I used the volume nodes (under each on track in RealBand) to change the volume in the BBC Discover, but with other instruments,I can adjust the power/impact of the notes by adjusting the velocities. Cheers, Mike
Thanks Floyd. I used the volume nodes (under each on track in RealBand) to change the volume in the BBC Discover, but with other instruments,I can adjust the power/impact of the notes by adjusting the velocities. Cheers, Mike
I'm not very "MIDI-fluent"... but I think it is a matter of what a VST designates as the properties of the available CC control. In the video of Guy M demonstrating Discover, he mentions that the Mod wheel (or CC 7 ) controls volume (I don't know what CC7 usually does??). I found that the velocity did me no good either...
Thanks Floyd. I just drew some rises and falls in CC1 (the mod wheel) and it seems to work better (not as abruptly) as the volume nodes (CC7). There are some velocity settings when you click on the three dots on the Discover interface but they don't seem to make any obvious difference. I'll keep experimenting. Thanks again for your help. Stay well, Mike
Many brass, woodwinds, and orchestral VSTis us the Mod wheel (CC1) for expression. Expression changes the volume setting based on the main volume (CC7). If CC7 is set to 127, the loudest setting, then the expression (it can be either a Mod wheel, foot pedal, or and other assignable MIDI like a slider or knob) range is from 0 - 127, i.e. no volume to max volume.
But if CC7 is set to say 90 then although the expression range is still from 0 - 127 the volume at 127 is set by the CC7 volume. In other words in this example an expression value of 127 is equal to the CC7 value of 90.
The reason for expression. If you need to raise the track volume and you used CC7 to change the volume you would need to raise each and every volume node. If you used expression for volume changes then all you need to do is to raise the CC7 volume, which should be a straight line through out the track, and the expression nodes will follow proportionally. Much easier and faster.
Apparently BBC Symphony Orchestra Free Version is not influenced by velocity; I don't know for sure as I am still waiting for mine. I do know that the sounds are one layer each so no matter what the velocity is the sound will be the same. In multi layer sounds one will get a slightly different tonal quality with each velocity range. For instance a velocity range of 0-50 may yield a soft sound with soft transients and a 100-127 range would yield a louder sound with many hard transients. This of a trumpet played softly then very loudly.
I hope this makes some sense.
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64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Thanks Mario. I must admit I haven't used expression much. I tend to use the volume controller CC7 or the volume nodes underneath each track (CC87). And velocity of course. I think you will enjoy the Discover when it arrives. It has great sounds and so many instruments. Cheers, Mike
Re BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover, I can't get the velocity to make a difference to the sound. Whether the velocity is at 127 or 0 the volume is the same. Is this a restriction of the free version or I am being dumb? Mike
The velocity is NOT restricted in the free version. It appears to be fully functional as needed. Here is illustration of my "velocity sensitive" keyboard for a section of soft and hard keystrokes. But has been mentioned, there is no impact to what you hear from velocity since there is only a single level. I guess that may be considered a limitation. Therefore if you want loader or softer you need to use the mod wheel which does impact volume?
Re BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover, I can't get the velocity to make a difference to the sound. Whether the velocity is at 127 or 0 the volume is the same. Is this a restriction of the free version or I am being dumb? Mike
The velocity is NOT restricted in the free version. It appears to be fully functional as needed. Here is illustration of my "velocity sensitive" keyboard for a section of soft and hard keystrokes. But has been mentioned, there is no impact to what you hear from velocity since there is only a single level. I guess that may be considered a limitation. Therefore if you want loader or softer you need to use the mod wheel which does impact volume?
I think the guys have covered this pretty well.
Dan is correct. Velocity not only does not change volume it also does not change timbre,i.e. it is the same sound regardless of velocity or volume. The mod wheel will slightly adjust the volume via expression, CC11. Note this is generally the rule for all free or entry level sound sources.
If one is looking for large volume changes, crescendos, or diminuendos using a DAW is the best option.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I got my download email today. Upon downloading the installer Windows Defender came up with a message window strongly suggesting to not run the installer??? It says it is malicious.
Has anyone experienced this? Flipped me out for sure.
Mike
Last edited by mbsmike; 07/08/2007:39 PM.
Focusrite 2i2 2nd Gen Windows 10 pro 1709 16299.125 Intel core i7 6700k CPU @ 4.00GHz 4.01 GHz 16 gig memory BIAB UltraPak version is 2025 (Latest) Cubase pro 9
Here's a video describing the template written for Reaper. There are templates for several DAWs. They're all on the Spitfire site. The Reaper one is listed in the video.
I got my download email today. Upon downloading the installer Windows Defender came up with a message window strongly suggesting to not run the installer??? It says it is malicious.
Has anyone experienced this? Flipped me out for sure.
Mike
Installed several weeks ago and can't say I remember this happening. If it did happen I would have scanned the file with another AV app. Or I would have downloaded a second time and then double scanned. Good luck.
I got my download email today. Upon downloading the installer Windows Defender came up with a message window strongly suggesting to not run the installer??? It says it is malicious.
Has anyone experienced this? Flipped me out for sure.
Mike
I did not get that message. I would contact Spitfire Audio and tell them what happened. It may be a false positive or their server got infected.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
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-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
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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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
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Note: 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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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