Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
Can I Take an Existing MIDI Style and Create a Custom midi style which has my chosen VSTI plugins pre-installed?
I don't like to have to add vst plugins to improve the sound of the strings or piano over and over again on new songs. It would be so nice to save and use a MIDI style that has my preferred VST instrument plugins already attached! If this is doable can anybody tell me how to do this?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
I know PG Music can associate plugins with MIDI SuperTracks but I'm not aware of a way to associate a plugin on a track and then have the set up saved as a style.

What should work though is to create a blank (?) song (SGU) file with plugins installed.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1217) RB (Build 4) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 176
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 176
Originally Posted By: Jim Fogle
I know PG Music can associate plugins with MIDI SuperTracks but I'm not aware of a way to associate a plugin on a track and then have the set up saved as a style.

What should work though is to create a blank (?) song (SGU) file with plugins installed.


This is correct. You currently cannot save plugins to a custom Style. If in the future you would like to see this added as a feature to Band-in-a-Box, we suggest posting your ideas in our Wishlist forum because the more people who agree with the ideas, the more likely they are to be included in future releases. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=cfrm&c=3

Creating a blank song and using it as a "template" would be a great way of streamline the process of having to add plugins each time. Great suggestion!

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,340
Jerry, thanks for confirming this tip, and welcome to the forum.


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; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
P
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
P
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
If you set VstSynthFont as the default Midi Device you can set each channel to a soundfont or a VST instrument as default. Don't know if the latest PG version has this or you need to get the one from the website http://www.synthfont.com/Downloads.html
Updating VSTSynthfont

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
BB22-VstSynthFont-VST-Instrument.png (109.93 KB, 140 downloads)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
Jim that is an excellent idea! How would it work in this sense. Say I use a certain plugins to enhance the strings and piano and whatever. Let say this style has 2 string tracks. If I use my default file and change styles to a style that has 1 string or even no strings will the strings tracks be replaced with whatever the new style calls for?
Can I create MULTPLE blank (?) song (SGU) file with plugins installed with different names for the ability to choose which plugins I want on the song or am I limited to only 1 song file? (As a starter I would like to improve the sound of the St-Elmop midi style. But I have other styles that I would also like to enhance.)

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653
Originally Posted By: Peter K. Hewer
... if I use my default file and change styles to a style that has 1 string or even no strings wins to enhance the strings and piano and whatever... will the strings tracks be replaced with whatever the new style calls for?


It will replace any of the legacy tracks except for Soloist and Melody. I honestly don't know what it would do with the utility tracks. But if it does not touch them when you change, that may be the place to use you VST tracks. Give it a try.


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,605
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,605
Originally Posted By: Peter K. Hewer
Can I create MULTPLE blank (?) song (SGU) file with plugins installed with different names for the ability to choose which plugins I want on the song or am I limited to only 1 song file?

I think multiple template songs are a good way to go, particularly if, for example, you have a "standard" band line-up or similar.

A template song really can be any .SGU you want.

My setup is that I have all my/our regular songs in directories A, B, C, etc. under my name under bb/Songs. Also under Songs, I have music from other band members that we don't presently play, I have "WIP" (work in progress) and "MyTemplates".

I often take a copy of an existing song that I propose to develop into something else, so I'd copy, say, Songs/Gordon/C/Carrioca.SGU to Songs/WIP/MyNewSong.SGU and start work from that.

As I'm in the middle of changing from practice/accompaniment to songwriting, I personally have done only some of this ... I'm think one may have to do File->Save Special->Save Song with Patches and Harmony to save VSTs. Someone more experienced with that than me will hopefully elaborate or correct me if I'm mistaken.


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
.
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
Thanks Gorden for your tip. Thanks to all who have replied to my question. I have a new suggestion/solution based on Gorden's helpful post. Take a look at it it is the last paragraph surrounded with four asterisrks. This may help some BIAB users.

**A Solution and a Spin-off from Gorden's Input**

I see I can take an existing song, which has the style I want plus the VST plugin instruments that I want to attach. I can use "Save as" and then just edit or delete the chords and put the new chords in. This is much less trouble than attaching and setting the sound patch and the midi channel numbers for 3 or more tracks!

Please consider this idea developed from Gorden's Tip:

****I could also create a Template directory and copy songs that I want to use as templates into that directory, also within that directory of template I could have sub-directories named by the Style that the template uses.****

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
P
Enthusiast
OP Offline
Enthusiast
P
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
Thanks Jerry for your template idea. Does this mean I could have a newfile that always has a VSTI piano pre-installed and VSTi strings too?

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,653
Yes. Once you save a song with a style and settings (including NI VST) you can always open that and use it as your template with it's saved settings.


BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!

Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.

Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!

Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!

Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!

Special offers until December 31st, 2025!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,301
Posts790,745
Members39,854
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo, Minstrel, Deb D
39,854 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 322
MarioD 222
DrDan 211
Noel96 161
DC Ron 146
Rob Helms 127
Today's Birthdays
Country Fever, EddieP.Morrison, Mariothegreat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5