Hi, is anyone using the BIAB DAW plugin with Ableton Live ?
I watched the video showing how your supposed to be able to use the plugin but as of the latest update version of the plugin it doesn't look the same as in the video, it also doesn't work when using the "All" blue button to drag the generated tracks into Ableton. I either get just the Bass part or all tracks as a master track in the DAW.
If I try dragging the tracks in one at time they don't align up so playing the arrangement just sounds a mess.
Anyone figured out how to use BIAB with Ableton and is willing to share, please reply.
Thanks.
As a side note, it works in Cubase just not in AL.
I tested Ableton Live (11) on Windows 10. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to use the VST3 plugin. This is the default so it should not normally be an issue, but you should remove the "VST3 FX" file from your VST3 folder if you happen to have installed it there. In Ableton's browser window the VST3 plugin shows up here: "Plugins --> PG Music Inc --> Band-in-a-Box DAW VST3 Plugin"
- In Ableton Options | Preferences | Plug-Ins, you might want to switch "Auto-hide plugin" to OFF. "Use VST3 system folders" should be ON.
- ** If you are trying to drag and drop multiple wave or MIDI files from Explorer, by default they all go on to the same track. To change this behavior, you can hold down the control key. This ALSO works from the BIAB plugin (holding down the control key). The instruments will each go to a separate track. **
When dragging individual tracks, I didn't find it difficult to align them, because the files snap to the grid lines. Perhaps there is a setting I'm not aware of that toggles snapping, not sure.
Hi Andrew, sorry for the late reply. Yes I'm using Windows 10 and Ableton Live 11 Intro with VST3 version of the BIAB plugin. I found out today that as you say, holding down CTRL while dragging "all" from the plugin works as it should.
I'm having another problem now. I cannot seem to generate a song in BIAB plugin or main program without the 2 bar count in. I've tried unticking it in the plugin settings option but it still gives a 2 bar count in.
I would like to have the tracks play back from bar 1 so that I can drag different versions/styles of the song into Live and have the clips play back correctly. As it is when I change from one clip/track to another track there is a 2 bar count in before it plays.
"When dragging individual tracks, I didn't find it difficult to align them, because the files snap to the grid lines. Perhaps there is a setting I'm not aware of that toggles snapping, not sure."
This is a problem I have, aligning individual tracks but that's an Ableton feature not a BIAB one. Guess I need to learn more about Live to accomplish it.
I cannot seem to generate a song in BIAB plugin or main program without the 2 bar count in. I've tried unticking it in the plugin settings option but it still gives a 2 bar count in.
Where did you uncheck it? The setting is "Lead-in" and is on the main screen of the plugin just below the Band-in-a-Box logo. You do need to re-generate after unchecking it.
BTW the snap to grid setting is 'hiding in plain site' under the Options menu in Ableton, or press Ctrl+4 to toggle.
Last edited by Andrew - PG Music; 01/20/2301:49 PM.
I don't remember where I unchecked it now. I did manage at one time to create a song without the lead in but the next day I wasn't able to put the lead in back ;o(
I don't see the Setting Lead In on the main page, I'm attaching a screen shot.
Thanks for the Ableton tip.
Jsst added another screen shot showing where I unchecked the 2 bar count in.
Andrew is referencing the BIAB-VST for how to set the "lead-in" and the OP is showing the BIAB GUI. For the BIAB standalone, you need to go into preferences.
Ahh ok, I'll check out the plugin later but in the main BIAB program I set this up and regenerated the tracks but no intro/lead in drums. It goes straight into the song.
Ahh ok, I'll check out the plugin later but in the main BIAB program I set this up and regenerated the tracks but no intro/lead in drums. It goes straight into the song.
I know there are a lot of options there, but what you have gotten is exactly what I would expect based on not putting a check in the box for "allow leadin...". Try something different and experiment.
I've just been trying out the DAW plugin in Live again and now it won't load songs saved from the main program. Frustrating to say the least....
I closed everything down and started fresh, now it's loading as normal. After unchecking the "Lead in" in the DAW plugin the song played without the lead in so things are looking up ;o)
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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