To be honest the coyote-windows and DLS-synths mac sound like s***. This could be a paid add-on and would be a great addition to BIAB. Sibelius sounds is a good example on how it could be done.
The decent (at the time) Roland VSC synth that PG Music used to use was 32-bit only.
Note that the Coyote that ships with BIAB now is not the Coyote Forte, which was acceptable sound at the time, but instead (as I understand it) is just a wrapper to give you the built-in Microsoft sounds. And yes, those are truly terrible for BIAB.
Peter Gannon a few years ago was recommending people get the free Cakewalk by Bandlab because it came with the TTS MIDI synth.
And I do understand the value of good sound. I changed music notation program last year mostly because the current one came with a sound set of the London Symphony Orchestra. This made anything I did in my old notation sound like a tin can by comparison.
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.
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
For Windows, I suggest trying CoolSoft's free VirtualMIDISynth, an excellent replacement for the POS Mickeysoft GM Wavetable Synth that comes with Windows. Their website lists a bunch of free SoundFonts and some paid ones, too. I use the free Arachno soundfont and the free JJazzLab soundfont.
VSTsynthfont $15. Takes any GM SF2 banks, there are many free ones that sounds OK, or you can build your own. It will do GM program change and is very flexible. It was included in some versions of BIAB, so you might have it already.
The best paid option is Halion Sonic for GM + Program change. Free would work too, but is limited. A good way to try it.
I have not found anything better than two above tat do GM + Program changes. If you are not looking for Program changes, there are more choices.
I use the VSTsynthfont64 mentioned above. This is an older version. Not sure how this was loaded as i never paid for it, but as Rusty mentioned it may have come in a BIAB install at some time in the past. It works great.
CoolSoft's free VirtualMIDISynth looks to be very similar to VSTSynthfont64 in that it uses soundfonts. This is freeware. Installs on PC fine, but I have not been able to install in BIAB! This may be worth figureing out.
TTS MIDI synth was a total bust. The free version has little to no sounds.
Halion Sonic - never tried this one.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
While there certainly are worthwhile third party solutions in my judgement the best solution is to have PG Music create a MIDI soft synth that is integrated and built-in.
Jim, I think the issue is... it is complicated to make something decent and more or less future proof. Meaning PG can update their HQ set, and solder it in. But then it would still be very basic as far as "tweaking" go. Even something simple as to change octave of a single instrument could be tricky.
If Peter G. recommended TT1 himself that was not a coincidence. Couple of years ago I reached out to Cakewalk developer asking for a possibility to change TT1 in some way to accept user SF2. I was told it is not possible because of licensing.
I have not found anything better than Halion (Sonic) as far as quality of sound, and a budget, but highly user flexible solution VSTsynthfont that would do GM program changes.
Bottom line, I think it would be hard for PG to reinvent the wheel. However, I think they could tweak HQ set, add instruments and make it work seamlessly with VSTsynthfont Or... have their own internal synth that can accept a user SF2 banks, that way users will not be "stuck" if they decide they do not like particular instrument.
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
Yes I know there’s a lot of alternatives around. Back in the day I used NI Bandstand on my mac.. Realtracks are amazing, but I think the midi recordings that you make also deserve quality sounds without having to search for SoundFonts etc. Especially if you are a new user of BIAB
Svenne, I do know some weak spots of BIAB, but I do not consider specifically this as one. PG gives a basic set of sounds, even with the cheapest tier of BIAB....
Consider that Sonic by itself cost $250 (when not on sale) BIAB or NOT BIAB Sonic IS the best GM (software) synth that would do program changes out of the box with possibility to swap instruments from internal library, which has decent soundest and highly tweakable. Unless you can prove me wrong.
Question is this. Would you pay even half of the Sonic price extra to get similar in BIAB? I doubt 90% of users will....So if you are looking for advanced software GM module, I believe there are no alternatives to Sonic / Halion. Get the free Sonic, and try it. Think of it as a next generation of Bandstand... but much better.
P.S. If you decide to try it and run into issues, I am sure there are enough people here who have it, to help you setting it up. Once you set it up, you are golden
PG Music includes VSTSynthFont64. As I remember the version of VSTSynthFont64 PG Music provides is modified so it automatically loads as GM compatible. But a user still must install the application so it's still not built-in.
It's high time (read: long overdue!) that PG itself updates their decades old choice of built-in sounds. People are vastly underrating the midi styles as it is, just because those sound sources (which is what newcomers hear in their demos!) make them sound so crappy.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
It's high time (read: long overdue!) that PG itself updates their decades old choice of built-in sounds. People are vastly underrating the midi styles as it is, just because those sound sources (which is what newcomers hear in their demos!) make them sound so crappy.
I agree!
+1
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
++++a million. Svenne..in the interim as your in europe check out computer music magazine instrument plug ins on you tube. its well the worth buying once a year for 20 pounds to get a slew of free plug ins you can plug into different traks...in a daw like realband or reaper or whatever. google "you tube computer music mag plug ins". slew of demos on you tube.
happiness. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/26/2204:57 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.)
As Jim Fogle says, PGM include VSTSynthFont64 in their package, though they include only the default sound font, which seems a shame. They also don't use it by default, which also seems a shame. There are several good free soundfonts available.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
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!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
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
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
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:
The 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-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!
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.
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!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
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!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
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!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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