I am not sure about the use for different models of Tyros, but it is useful if you want to use those sounds and make it so you can just pick them from a dialog. I will say I had some ups and downs with my use of patch maps in BIAB but seemed to have more success in Real Band.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
Patches are the sounds generated by different instruments. When a file is General MIDI compatible that means the file uses instrument patch names specified in the MIDI 1.0 specification. +++ HERE +++ is a list of the 128 General MIDI instrument patch names.
Note for example that instrument patch number 2 is "bright piano". What does a bright piano sound like? Nobody knows because the midi standard does not describe the instrument sound, the standard just provides the instrument name. So every time a midi file specifies midi instrument number 2 you will hear a piano playing the midi data. But whoever created the number 2 instrument patch gets to decide how their "bright piano" sounds.
Not everyone wants to limit themselves to 128 instrument patches; especially when patches 97 to 128 are either synth effects, ethnic instruments, percussion or sound effects that rarely get used. So there are other well accepted standards like Roland's GS, Yamaha's XG and General MIDI 2 in addition to the General MIDI 1.0 standard. Each of these standards include more then 128 instrument patch names.
The keyboards you mention have more than a thousand instrument patches built-in and ready for playback. So how do you get the correct instrument patch name to display? You create a patch map that "teaches" the software program (Band-in-a-Box in this instance) all the instrument names the keyboard can playback.
Normally the manual for each keyboard model will specify the Control 0 (MSB Bank) number, Control 32 (LSB Bank) number and the patch number for each instrument patch name. All that information is stored in a patch (PAT) file. The Patch file contents is displayed whenever you choose "Select MIDI Instrument (Patch)" > "Select Higher Bank Patch (from .PAT File)" and then select a PAT file.
PG Music includes many PAT files with Band-in-a-Box including one for the Tyros keyboard. New to PG Music PAT files are available +++ HERE +++.
If you don't find a PAT file for a specific keyboard you can edit, modify and rename an existing file, find a PAT file on the internet or create a new PAT file. +++ HERE +++ is a tutorial PG Music made for creating a patch map in Band-in-a-Box for Windows and +++ HERE +++ is the tutorial for Band-in-a-Box for Macintosh.
A patch map is definitely useful to find or make, if you want to hear the upper bank patches of your MIDI synth. I've written several, and modified several more. It requires either manually entering the information from the user manual, or if you are lucky, finding a .INS patch map from Cakewalk SONAR and converting it (PG Music has a utility to do that).
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.
I've just tried this, following Jim's advice. I selected a .pat file that already existed. But all I get is grand piano, ie, Piano 1. The patch shows up in the Mixer as being loaded. Do I have to have the synth on and active in order for these sounds to be heard?
A PAT file is a list of instrument names along with other data that tells a program like Band-in-a-Box what midi data to transmit once a user selects a patch, otherwise known as an instrument name. Once a patch is selected the patch midi data is transmitted from the computer to the keyboard or sound module through a midi or USB cable. Then the keyboard or sound module will be able to play audio based on the Band-in-a-Box midi data.
Your keyboard manual should describe the settings you need to make so the keyboard can receive midi data.
Jim, I know how it works. Thanks for answering my question, though. I just wasn't sure if BiaB had internal instrument sounds set up for these patches or not. I guess "not." I would prefer to use a software synth rather than a keyboard, however.
Wait, what? A patch map is used only with an external hardware MIDI synth. For example, I have a Roland Integra-7. For BIAB to select the ‘good’ sounds the Roland is capable of, I have to load the patch map and then select my MIDI sound using the higher banks.
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.
Not true Matt. For example I've attached a screen shot of the PG Music Patch Map webpage with the entry for Roland's VSC soft synth highlighted.
A patch map can be created for any soft synth or sound module that has documented higher patch banks.
Cooltouch, Band-in-a-Box does not have a built-in soft synth. You can select a soft synth in preferences (Ctrl+E MIDI Driver). However for some tasks Band-in-a-Box uses the computer's operating system midi patches. Both Windows and Macintosh have built-in midi patches that are GM compatible so a patch map is not needed when they are used.
Notice there are many keyboards listed in the drop down list along with soft synths. Again if you select a keyboard from the list it would need to be connected to hear any midi playback.
I knew, that I would learn something asking this question. :-) Thanks Jim and all for shedding more light, also through additional questions, into this topic.
Cheers Stefan
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I hope you noticed the screen shot I used in my first response is shows instrument patch names of a Tyros keyboard.
PG Music includes the Tyros Patch Map and MANY other patch maps with the Band-in-a-Box program. If you select Tyros in the midi settings, have the Tyros midi settings set up for external input and have the Tyros keyboard midi port connected to the computer all the midi instrument audio should originate from the Tyros.
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)
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
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