It's beginning to feel like I'm spending more time trying to get stuff to work than I am making music. Very frustrating to be sure.
Here's the latest head scratcher:
I've done a song in BIAB made up of 4 MIDI instruments and 1 audio instrument. (realdrums) Everything is sounding great.
My next move is to bring the song into my DAW - Reaper - with the PG plugin. It all goes in where it should. However, I can't hear any of the MIDI tracks - only the audio track (realdrums) The meters are all moving in the MIDI tracks, I can record in the MIDI tracks but I just can't hear anything. This problem is the same in Cakewalk and RealBand. I can bring Sample Tank 4 into Reaper and Cakewalk and it records and sounds as it should, and I can hear and edit the MIDI notes I have created.
The plugin can playback MIDI so that is why you see the meters move. However, by default the plugin MIDI soft synth is disabled so the sounds the plugin generates will not conflict with the sounds the DAW MIDI soft synth generates.
Go to File > Preferences > DAW Settings then scroll down. Enable the Embedded Synth.
It seems that my BIAB plugin doesn't have the option you show me in your picture... the "enable the Embedded Synth" option isn't showing in my version of the BIAB plugin.
Hi bobbyt9999, what version of the plugin are you running? In the new versions it is written at the bottom left of the plugin. Alternatively you could go to File | About, and the version number will also display there.
Bobby, version 4 is part of the 2022 release and is not available separately.
I understand not wanting to upgrade since you have 2021.
Perhaps the 2022 program only upgrade will work for you. I asked Sales early exactly what is in the program only upgrade and was told it is Band-in-a-Box, RealBand and the Plugin. However, I would verify that before agreeing to purchase.
Traditionally the program only upgrade is available only during the release sale.
I understand what your saying Bobby. However, in PG Music's defense, the plugin relies on Band-in-a-Box running as a background task to perform many of it's functions. RealBand also relies on Band-in-a-Box running as a background task to perform it's functions related to Band-in-a-Box features. That's why Band-in-a-Box, RealBand and the plugin are all released at the same time.
Opps... Sorry, Jim... I posted before I read your last post.
I'm going to check out the upgrade options. But I still don't think it's very fair to have to pay for the plugin.
Thanks for all your help regarding this matter. So much appreciated!!!
/Bobby
I'm not trying to start a war but other companies do the same thing. When Kontakt upgrades you must buy it to get the VST. Kontakt's free updates include VST's updates, just like PGM does with their free updates.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Hi Mario... No fear, there's not gonna be any wars starting. I'm usually a pretty easy going old fella
If you noticed, I took down the rant that I posted because at the time I was understanding that I was going to need to pay $179USD in order to get the newer plugin. Thankfully Jim pointed out that I could just upgrade the program, plugin included, for $49USD - $56CAD. So, my bad for jumping the gun too quickly.
It saddens me to say that the newer plugin hasn't cleared up my problem of not hearing my BIAB midi tracks in Reaper or Cakewalk. The sounds are there but just can't be heard. There's just one audio track in my song (drums) and that can be heard. Obviously I'm still not getting some setting right. I'll post another screen shot in a bit.
I hope you will discover some of the features introduced this year like motifs and micro-chords help make the program upgrade a worthy purchase. I'm glad to see the program upgrade includes RealBand and the plugin.
Hi Jim... yeah, I'm sure there's a lot of stuff in the 2022 version that I'm going to love. To be honest, I really don't mind the $49 charge to upgrade at all. I'm sure that it's well worth it.
BIAB-VST 3.0 was working in Reaper, but has been broken with V4.0. We are waiting on a fix. I pointed that out earlier today in this tread. So you were warned.
I can now see that a fix to version 4 is needed and I take comfort in knowing that it's in the process of being fixed. Now, when I bring my BIAB song into Reaper or Cakewalk, I open the BIAB file in the plugin, and then generate the song within the plugin, it just abruptly shuts down either Reaper or Cakewalk.
And yes, you were very correct when you say that I you forewarned me that version 4 has a few bugs. I can be a very impulsive buyer sometimes. I see something and I just HAVE to have it without doing even any basic researching on it.
Bobby, is it after dragging the MIDI into Reaper that the audio didn't play? If so, that is normal. Reaper doesn't automatically assign an instrument or plugin to a track, so the MIDI has nothing to play through. You mentioned that adding Sampletank caused it to work, right? That's what you'd need to do for each track.
As for version 4.0.0 not working in Reaper, the developers are aware of the issues and are looking into them.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean