I found these comments really helpful in telling me what's what. That is the kind of perspective and knowledge I didn't have. It's all beginning to come into focus. And I am honing in on what I want with the program. Thanks so much.
If I can help you in any way feel free to ask. I will do my best I can to answer any questions that you may have.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I have been using VirtualMidiSynth for years now in BIAB. Here is how I do it and it works 100% of the time for me in both 32bit and 64bit. I also use VirtualMidySynth for my midi sound output in TablEdit. In fact, it will drive both BIAB and TablEdit at the same time.
1. Download VMS and install it. 2. In BIAB go to your midi drive setup and chose VMS. Make sure that you don't check the Use VSTi/DXi Synth box 3. I had to set my latency to around 200 MS
VMS is not a VSTI device at all. VirtualMIDISynth is a software MIDI synthesizer implemented as a Windows multimedia user driver, accessible as a standard MIDI Out device. You can set it up to use 4 audio output devices. I have BIAB using #1 and TablEdit using #2. That way they do not conflict at all.
I think what confuses most people is that they think it is a VSTI device. It is not.
BIAB2026 Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!) WA6NCB
I have been using VirtualMidiSynth for years now in BIAB. Here is how I do it and it works 100% of the time for me in both 32bit and 64bit. I also use VirtualMidySynth for my midi sound output in TablEdit. In fact, it will drive both BIAB and TablEdit at the same time.
1. Download VMS and install it. 2. In BIAB go to your midi drive setup and chose VMS. Make sure that you don't check the Use VSTi/DXi Synth box 3. I had to set my latency to around 200 MS
VMS is not a VSTI device at all. VirtualMIDISynth is a software MIDI synthesizer implemented as a Windows multimedia user driver, accessible as a standard MIDI Out device. You can set it up to use 4 audio output devices. I have BIAB using #1 and TablEdit using #2. That way they do not conflict at all.
I think what confuses most people is that they think it is a VSTI device. It is not.
Thank you for pointing this out. I've been using VMS for many years, but was unaware of this configuration option. I just set VMS to allow the max (4 devices).
A big mug of Christmas cheer to you!
To repeat what I mentioned in a different thread on this subject, I use the Arachno soundfont (download link on the VMS download page). I also use the JJazzLab soundfont available on the JJazzLab download page.
I just set JJazzLab to use the VMS #2 device. Never thought of running BiaB and JJazzLab at the same time, but I can now. Since JJazzLab does not use an audio driver, there will be no conflict with BiaB using my ASIO driver.
QUESTION: How did you arrive at 200 mS of latency?
Last edited by TheMaartian; 12/20/2107:49 PM.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
To get the most out of them you have to add some continuous controller (CC) data. In other words you have to emulate the sound you are after via CCs, pitch bends, and the mod wheel. For example take a MIDI track sax. To make it more realistic you must add pitch bends, vibrato, volume, etc and play it like a sax, i.e. no polyphony, stay within the sax's range, etc. You will either need a MIDI controller of some kind or add them via manual input. A MIDI controller keyboard with sliders and knobs is the best option IMHO.
Is there a guide somewhere of how best to do this?
I presume one can "overdub" MIDI CCs onto the Melody and Soloist tracks, though I have yet to try that.
AFAICS, the "all tracks are equal" doesn't yet have them equal enough to do that on other tracks.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I arrived at the figure of 200ms by watching the onscreen metronome in BIAB as it counted 1,2 1,2,3,4 and listening to the midi drum count-in. It was obviously off so I adjusted the latency so they matched. I guess you could also by clicking on the Latency Adjust... in BIAB under MIDI/Audio Driver Setup.
That figure of 200ms applied to my particular setup. Don't be surprised if yours is either different or does not even need to be changed at all.
Also, BIAB has a habit of periodically letting me know that VMS is a software synth and the latency should be set to Zero. I just ignore that and I wish it would mind it's own business about how I set things up.
BIAB2026 Windows 10 Pro (Never Windows 11!) WA6NCB
Note that some are universal like volume, pan, etc. But all the others are left up to the software program you are using. They can be assigned to a variety of different controls in your synthesizer/sampler/effects units. Common mappings include adding vibrato, or adjusting filter cutoff.
I can not answer your other questions as I do all of my MIDI editing in my DAW, Studio One Pro 5. My workflow is to sketch out a chord progression and style(s) in BiaB then immediately drag and drop them into Studio One.
I hope this helps.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I can not answer your other questions as I do all of my MIDI editing in my DAW .... I hope this helps.
With hindsight, it was perhaps a bit dumb of me to presume you did it in BiaB. DAWs are already set up to handle it and are probably the best place for it.
Yes it helps. Thanks.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I can not answer your other questions as I do all of my MIDI editing in my DAW .... I hope this helps.
With hindsight, it was perhaps a bit dumb of me to presume you did it in BiaB. DAWs are already set up to handle it and are probably the best place for it.
Yes it helps. Thanks.
No you were not a bit dumb. You had no idea what my workflow was. Others can help with those questions because they do a lot more intensive work in BiaB than I do.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Roland Sound Canvas VA VST2 64 what I usually use for midi listening on BIAB 2022 64bits. little cpu consumption, multitimbric, sound customization, 63 drum kits, 1600 sounds, 16 racks for instruments and 64 notes of polyphony. lifetime license and 5 activations. If you are looking for something like Coyote Forte Dxi, this is better it costs about the same. Install and I forgot to look for someone else. No complaints.
Greetings
To the one who gets up early, nobody makes him breakfast.
I arrived at the figure of 200ms by watching the onscreen metronome in BIAB as it counted 1,2 1,2,3,4 and listening to the midi drum count-in. It was obviously off so I adjusted the latency so they matched. I guess you could also by clicking on the Latency Adjust... in BIAB under MIDI/Audio Driver Setup.
That figure of 200ms applied to my particular setup. Don't be surprised if yours is either different or does not even need to be changed at all.
Also, BIAB has a habit of periodically letting me know that VMS is a software synth and the latency should be set to Zero. I just ignore that and I wish it would mind it's own business about how I set things up.
Thank you for the explanation.
ThinkPad i9 32GB RAM 7TB SSD; Win11 Pro; RME Fireface UCX II; BiaB 2026 Ultra Studio Pro 8; Tonalic Studio 1; Reaper v7; Bitwig Studio 6; Melodyne Studio 5 Gig Performer 5; NI S61 MK3; Focal Shape 65; Beyerdynamic DT 880 & 770
I agree with MarioD and others who say MIDI will still sound like MIDI without some data massaging and controller information added to emulate the dynamics and articulations of the instruments. So I use TTS1 for my default MIDI source just to get decent, quick previewing for a lot of instruments, but wouldn't use it for a final product at least for most instruments. Most of my music (jazz/bossa nova influenced) uses a specific set of instruments - acoustic piano, nylon guitar, vibes especially - and I've invested in some dedicated VST plugins for those. I play most piano stuff myself, but have found that the MIDI generated from many of the acoustic guitar real tracks sounds very good going thru my Ample Sound classical guitar VST. I also find the piano RealTrack audio often sounds too compressed and choppy. (In general I don't find RealTracks of polyphonic instruments with a lot of sustain render all that well.) But sending that MIDI to my Pianoteq 7 plugin sounds great and gives more control. I've just started going down this path, and find that the RealTrack MIDI sounds much better and less mechanical than a MIDI-only track coming from a MIDI style. Quality of transcription may influence this.
Your experience may vary, especially depending upon what musical styles you are working with.
Chuck Wiggins
BIAB 2023 Win UltraPak, Cakewalk, Windows 10 Pro Custom AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core, Focusrite Scarlett 4x4 interface
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
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.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
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)
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.