|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28 |
I'm a little confused with the importance of the sound card in BiaB and in general with home audio stuff. My XP desktop uses the default, cheap integrated internal soundcard (Soundmax) and the output synth is simply the "Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth" in BiaB. The 2 PCI slots (I know, already dated technology) are currently in use, so if I purchased a new sound card, it would need to be external. Should I consider an audio interface like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro/Tascam, etc. so I can record my instrument into BiaB? I notice that the Fast Track Pro is also a "sound card". But what about the GM sounds that are attributes of the card - does an interface like the M-Audio come with that? If I am using an audio interface like the Fast Track Pro, does then the quality of the sound card still matter?If I did have a PCI slot available, it seems the "traditional" internal M-Audio 2496 soundcard would also function as both an interface (2 audio and midi inputs) and a sound card at the same time. As you can read I am confused just trying to sort this out, especially the relationship between "audio interfaces" and "sound cards"! 
WinXP Pro / BiaB 2010 / Fast Track Pro / Ketron SD2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 238 |
Once you use an external Audio Interface (AI) such as TASCAM 144 MKII, then you just bypass the PC soundcard altoghether... You'll have to connect the speakers to the TASCAM and let Windows know in the Sound Setting to use TASCAM as the output speakers.
2008 Gibson ES-339 Custom & 2010 Les Paul Traditional. Fender SCXD Amp
BIAB/RB 2015 UltraPAK + Ketron SD2
Windows 7/64 Intel i5 3550 PC, Tascam USB144MKII
Behringer X1204 Mixer
Bose Companion 3 and/or L1 II w/T1 + SM58 MIC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,654
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,654 |
However, your synth will sound pretty much the same (GS wavetable)
An external soundcard may improve your audio recording (actual sounds) andthe quality of the sound at playback.. but your MIDI sounds will sound the same pretty much. Same sounds played thru better convertors..
Example- realtracks are audio, they may sound a 'little' better with new external soundcard.
A lot of BiaB tracks are midi, which is just instructional data. Those tracks play thru a synth to generate the actual sound (which is then sent to the soundcard output so you can hear it). WIth an external USB device you'll most likely be using the same synth to generate those sounds. SO, again, you may hear a 'little' difference in the sound at playback because of the better convertors, but it will still be the same cheesy (sorry) wavetable synth generating the sound.
External devices like the M-Audio do not usually come with the midi synth sounds (the GM part of your question).
Actually a LOT of internal soundcards don't come with sounds either, which is why there is the MSwavetable synth to begin with. They just use that one for free.
You should try the VSC synth that came with BiaB or maybe try the Forte synth for 30 days free trial (downloadable from this site) I think THAT will make a bigger difference for less $$ 'specially when the VSC is already owned, so free, and there are others out there with much better sounds.
Audio interfaces and soundcards are terms often used interchangably but the midi/audio definitions are most often misunderstood.
An audio interface is usually a step up from a basic soundcard in that it has better convertors (to change the sound from analog to digital and back) and also more convenient connections and inputs. Some include preamps that are much better than a 'soundcard' usually.
What instrument you trying to connect?
Maybe an audio interface will help you with those connections and recordings. But if you are using wavetable as the synth I just wanted to point out you can improve that part right away before investing in a soundcard.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28 |
Thanks for the info, that is very helpful.. I will be eventually connecting/recording an accordion. I have an FR7 which is an electronic accordion which I can use as a MIDI Controller or input it directly since it is also a sound module. I also have an acoustic accordion which is mic'd internally or I can use external mics on it. I'm thinking an AI like the TASCAM or Fast Track Pro might be the best bet here, since I can use MIDI, Line, or MICS to record the instrument.
I take your point with the built-in VSC synth. So I went to "MIDI/Audio Drivers setup" in BiaB, and selected "Roland VSC Dxi". However, it seems the sounds are the same as when I select the Microsoft wavetable synth.
I have a USB M-Audio KeyRig 49 Key keyboard hooked and set as the MIDI Input Driver, but it just puts out a generic (piano) sound on the onscreen keyboard and speakers when I play it, it does not respond to any changes I make in the Instrument selection.
Another odd thing, for fun I was able to check the "Use VST/DXi Synth" box and pull up the free Kore2 player, from which I liked the acoustic bass. However when I went back to the selected track in BiaB, it would play the acoustic bass fine, but I could not change it to anything else, the drop-down GM Sounds on the upper-left hand side of BiaB would have no effect. Learning, learning, learning...
WinXP Pro / BiaB 2010 / Fast Track Pro / Ketron SD2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
The microsoft synth is a poor cousin of the Vsc / or Dxi version. I think the sounds are very similar. Many of us have acquired a Ketron SD2 which PG music sells on this site. It's external, has zero latency, and has lots of extra sounds.
There is a huge learning curve. Once everything is setup and working the real fun begins! You have lots of options then. Recording is a new skill set. I suggest that if you can, defer learning that until you are done with the other stuff...
That said, if you find a good piece, master it, and want to do more than shoot a DVD with a camera, prepare for that part of the learning/fun. Then you can make a CD of your music and make your family buy it!
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Go with the "Use DXi" button and the VSC DXi synth for now.
Some of the GM bank sounds are indeed the same as the ones in the microsoft software synth, although the VSC has deeper layers. Edirol did the samples for the microsoft synth and that's the reason for the similar sounds, they share the same sample "heritage".
BUT -- the DXi synth also supports Upper Banks and many more patches in either GM/GS and GM2 modes.
After you get going for a while and better understand the care and feeding of BiaB, you can try your hand at switching to one of the physical MIDI outputs and send the BiaB MIDI data to that MIDI accordian if it has a GM compat soundbank in it, see if it sounds any better to your ears or not.
Once you really get into the swing of things you may find that for certain tasks you will like hooking up the MIDI accordian to make quick work of entering notes on the Melody or Soloist track as MIDI by just simply Recording as MIDI what you play. Then you might want to switch to the real acoustic accordian to add your final playing to the accompaniment you created by recording the Acoustic to the Audio Track.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28 |
Right, I see maybe why the acoustic Bass in the Microsoft synth sounds identical to the bass in the VSC DXi synth, Thanks. I'll stick with the VSC DXi synth and get the upper banks too. The Roland TTS 1 GM synth that comes with Cakewalk Music Creator 5 sounds good too, for $35. Actually sending output to the FR7 (Roland MIDI accordion) is possible but not recommended by Roland, it does not have GM compatible sounds and is meant to be more of an "input" instrument. So in my case I would record the audio output of the accordion as I am playing it live over a BiaB background. If I am step-entering or real-time entering a bass line or such into BiaB, I prefer to use the Keyrig Midi keyboard for that purpose. Not because I can't do it with the accordion, but because it is so much easier and quicker. Using the FR7, along with its attendant external expander box that is necessary for MIDI, is like donning an astronaut suit to enter MIDI data. I'm sure the folks at NASA would never, ever consider entering MIDI data without first putting on an astronaut suit, but I like to do it the easy way.  Here's my latest learning frustration: When I have the MIDI controller keyboard selected as an input device in BiaB, I would expect that with whatever part I have selected, then it's associated instrument, weather it is GM or VSTi sound (not RT of course), would be heard when I play, or hit any key on the keyboard. But this doesn't happen. (with BiaB playing back or not). It doesn't matter what I have selected as an instrument, the generic (piano or computer-speaker like) sound is output when I play on the keyboard. However during playback the correct patch will be assigned. Is this normal or can I fix that?
WinXP Pro / BiaB 2010 / Fast Track Pro / Ketron SD2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey Squeezbox,
If you put all the good information on this thread, you could make a great eBook from it! The problem is sorting everything out so that you understand how signal flow, Midi, Digital Audio, Interfaces, GM, etc work and apply to your situation. To keep this post short, try the following>
1. It does look as though you need a Digital Audio interface to handle signal flow into your computer. These range from very cheap (M-Audio Transit USB $80) to the extreme (Prizm Sound Orpheus $5000). The big differences......the QUALITY of both the Mic Preamps and AD/DA converters. If you are just starting out, you should be fine with either the M-audio Fastrack USB, or Lexicon Alpha, both under $150, the reviews of both of these units have been very good. If you plan on big projects with lots of Audio tracks and Softsynths, you should look into a pro level Firewire interface, such as the RME Fireface 400, or MOTU Ultralite/828 II, etc.
2. As far as your BIAB issue with your played part, you are using the THRU channel, not the melody track. When you record a midi track, it does become the melody track. So, to change the sound you HEAR as you are playing, make sure you highlight the THRU channel, and then change the PATCH to what you want to hear using the dropdown menu.
3. Your internal soundcard is in most cases a very cheap variety meant for basic sound functions, it does not provide ASIO drivers or Mic recording ability. Many users disable the internal soundcard after installing a Digital Audio interface.
Yes, this is a deep learning curve if you are just starting out, but with some manual reading as well as visiting Pro audio forums on the net, you will be fine, and of course we are always here to help.
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 28 |
Thanks for the info Ed - I will try your suggestions for getting the playback to work. I had already read through some of your recent posts and they have contributed to my knowledge building especially with interfaces. Thanks!
From what I gather, once I have the AI (Maybe the Fast Track Pro - 2 front-panel mic/line) I will disable the internal sound card and then route my computer speakers through the back of the interface.
WinXP Pro / BiaB 2010 / Fast Track Pro / Ketron SD2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
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!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,504
Posts805,785
Members40,138
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean