OK, lets say I have Halion installed as Default Synth in BIAB 2021. Well, that would be partially correct. Once I found where the VST files were located I was able to get it to appear in BIAB and appear as Default. But no sound at all. Looks like I need to load some GM sound files into Halion? Where do I get those??
Thanks guys. I know this is difficult to keep answering these some standard questions. I wish I didn't have to ask them.
The streamlined VST workstation lets you load and play a plethora of sound content: the SE libraries shipping with Steinberg’s digital audio workstations, VST Sound Instrument Sets for HALion and the custom user libraries created within the HALion 6 sampler and sound creation system
None of the choices listed on the webpage above include sound content that is multi-timbrel or general midi compatible.
If you don't mind using the Soundfont 2 (SF2) player +++ Synthfont 64 +++ or another SF2 multi-trimbrel player, you can use +++ Timbres of Heaven +++ as a general midi, Roland GS or Yamaha XG compatible sound content.
Another choice is to contact forum user Mike Head or visit his website and download his Yamaha XG sound content.
Holy cow! Sonic SE comes free - not only a bear to download and register, BUT there are no sounds!!! No GM to be found and only instruments files and generally NOT Free.
When I try to find SonicSE GM sounds, in Google, I get directed but to our forum about a year ago. Turns out I now have to download a Free scoring app which comes with the GM sounds.
None of the choices listed on the webpage above include sound content that is multi-timbrel or general midi compatible.
Exactly as I am now discovering. Why would anyone use such a toy in BIAB when there is a whole world of midi sounds in your DAW. I have seen this discussed many times in the past, but I paid no attention (sorry).
Now with BIAB 2021, which just needs good GM sounds, they keep killing our options and driving us to download and install this stuff.
sort of a pain but you should get sounds with it Doric SE
then as mentioned to get GM to work in Halion Sonic you go to its "Options" then towards bottom look for a section called Global -> Program Changes - set to GM on
I don't have installed Sonic SE, I have Sonic3 and full Halion - I would think that the Sonic SE menu's or same or very similar
Good Luck Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
OK, but that screen shot is the full version. I have the free SE.
But it does allow me to set GM Mode (thanks). But there are still no sounds. The paperwork with the SE version says NO SOUNDS. Larry pointed out what to do to get the GM sounds. Download some more free stuff. But remember, I don't want this anyway. I want what I have been using for the past year in BIAB 2020. Your earlier post said a fix was coming. I will just wait although I may complain again while I wait.
Ah ! Yep I think that's what I done !, sorry Dan just could not Remember !
Understood and no problem. We we are all being forced down this path, I am just upset that we are dealing with such old stuff when trying to get BIAB2021 up and running. In my DAW world I would never be working with software over 10 years old (well at least I don't think so?).
Keep chasing this , honestly its the best sounds in a vst software (even though limited to one or two guitars etc,)I've ever heard, I compare this to my Roland bk 7 m , no kidding !!,
Thinking of passing the Roland bk 7 on !, and getting the full version of this !
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
Keep chasing this , honestly its the best sounds in a vst software (even though limited to one or two guitars etc,)I've ever heard, I compare this to my Roland bk 7 m , no kidding !!,
Now that sounds like a strong recommendation. I can only assume you are sure of this... . OK, lets see what happens.
Well I have both , and if you are working Midi through Biab they are both very similar (sounds), However the bk 7 has astounding styles in its patterns and styles , well that's another story !!.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
Well I have both , and if you are working Midi through Biab they are both very similar (sounds), However the bk 7 has astounding styles in its patterns and styles , well that's another story !!.
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
not wishing to upset anyone, and a merry xmas to all; but frankly , as ive had probs in the past i dont use fancy instrument plug ins/vsti in biab. ive found often some can consume lots of resources. and thus impact biab sometimes. so i use the kiss concept. i might generate the midi's in biab, but then load into reaper where i can experiment till my hearts content with different vsti/instruments/libs. also i have a midi kbd/no sounds hooked up over usb i do midi traks with in reaper. i mainly use biab for. 1. rt's/bed traks. 2. i like to play along on the pc kbd and see what melodies are genned. if i like one , i send it to the daw. 3. sometimes if i wanna get a song idea down fast in biab. i just use midi. /maybe a drum rt. till i have the chord arrangement matching whats in my silly head. lol.
frankly, and i know some will disagree. BUT i feel the right place for big sample orchestral libs, and fancy vsti's or really anything that needs lots of resources (particularly from a tech perspective if the user has a low power pc) is proper daw multitrack software. (reaps/pt/mixcraft/samp/whatever daw you use.) thus please support my wishlist item, where i mention the need for a feature in both biab and rb thats an early warning system before a pc gets overloaded. ive seen it time and again on low power pc's. it crashes cos of overload. ie the pc is being asked to do too much. intel i9 or threadripper amd matched with ssd's out the ying yangs different story.
IN ADDITION if youve installed your fancy high resource needy plug in libs on the same drive as windows resides on you might run into severe problems. any major eg sample lib i would install on a seperate drive, so one doesnt run into drive contention probs. ive seen this many times too. my rule is keep the OS lonely by itself on its own drive. (particularly non ssd // old style hard drives.) otherwise the OS might say "i dont give a hoot what you want mr user , i reign supreme, my needs come first" lol.
as an example i like the "dune" plug in synth software on certain things. its got some neat sounds. but i use it in the daw. i also have a geetar plug in i like, but i dont use it in biab. i believe its best to use biab to what it does best. generating traks. its ok to use the biab supplied plug ins. they are low resource useage. eg the dx effects etc.
i dont know bout halion. looks neat, but if you load it into a reaper trak, then reaps will tell you its pc resource useage.
best to all. dont eat too much turkey. lol. muso.
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 12/13/2003:30 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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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!
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Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
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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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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
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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!
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