|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 125
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 125 |
Hi folks,
I would be grateful for any info on the following,
1 Is the sampletank that is included in biab 2013 the same sampletank that can be downloaded free from IK multimedia?
2 How easy is it to use as a synth compared to the ones we are used to in biab, do you have to pick a patch manually for each instrument, rather than load it like the TTS or the Forte or vsc dxi in biab?
Thanks
Axey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
In answer to your your questions:
1. Yes it is the same, but PGMusic also includes some of their own instruments which can be played by the SampleTank engine.
2. For the most part, you would use it for individual instruments, not for a whole style. It is not a General MIDI synth. If you use the same instruments for the same tracks, then you can set it up as your default. PGMusic has made it easier to select instruments, however, by providing .TGS files, which basically preload individual instruments and settings. But in general, you would use it more like you use a RealTrack in that you select the sound you want manually.
I hope that made sense.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 125
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 125 |
Thanks a lot John for the very quick reply.  Axey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462 |
I will point out that if you get the OmniSynth expansion, SampleTank is a General MIDI synth. 
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 707
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 707 |
There are enough instruments in ST Free to fill virtually all of the GM "slots", but it still doesn't function like Coyote or TTS-1 or other GM synths in the sense that you have to load the instruments manually. Some of us have been using ST in BAIB for several years (and Kontakt)- but Forte or TTS-1 have always been easier, because you just set the instrument in the BAIB window and off you go.
Brian
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Quote:
I will point out that if you get the OmniSynth expansion, SampleTank is a General MIDI synth.
Tom, can you expand on that a little? My understanding of it is yes the instruments are GM named so if you need the GM bass it's there but it still does not respond to program changes sent by Biab. That means it does not load the instruments automatically like a true GM synth does. Example, you play a song with a style that uses the GM acoustic piano you still have to put the GM acoustic piano in the channel slot inside ST. But, change to a style that uses a Rhodes patch and ST will not automatically change to a Rhodes. Am I wrong about that?
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,161 |
SampleTank uses GM Standards for the basic note descriptions and some Controllers, but does not provide a GM Bank Zero which contains 128 instrument sounds arranged in 16 generalised sections such as "Reed" with 8 instruments in each section, such as Flute, Clarinet etc. The synth does not respond to Program, Bank or LSB settings in BIAB/RealBand. Channel settings in Sample Tank are recognised.
You can set up your own collections of sounds and save them in SampleTank for future use. The settings used in specific BIAB files are saved in the file for future use.
A number of quality synths such as SampleTank, Sonik Synth, Miroslav, Kontact etc work in simular ways. I find that a GM Synth providing the Bank Zero sounds which are responsive to instrument selection from within BIAB most suitable for auditioning styles and song Demos. Plugins like Forte or an external Sound Module such as the Ketron SD2 can be installed rather than rely on the basic Micosoft option.
Once starting on the development stage, a switch to advanced Synths is recommended.
Filkertom - I haven't looked at the OmniSynth expansion for SampleTank, but thanks - it is worth examaining. VSampler bit the bullet some years ago and provided a Bank Zero using the PapelMedia Bank
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,462 |
Here's the specs for OmniSynth 2 (a major update from OmniSynth 1, don't bother looking for it): Quote:
For someone looking for an affordable multi-sampled instrument collection with a full General MIDI set of sounds, OmniSynth 2 delivers that and more! The follow up to Sonic Reality’s OmniSynth 1, this new version features a sound collection that is 4 times the size of the original! With over 1.3 gigabytes of sounds incuding the efficient General MIDI sound set from OmniSynth 1 this newly updated collection is un-matched in value for the money. Complete with a spectrum of beautiful pianos, guitars, basses, strings, pads, leads and more, OmniSynth 2 is a staple piece for any songwriter, composer or producer of any style of music.
Size: 1.32 GB
Number of Sounds: 246 Sample based sounds (parent)
255 Preset sounds (child)
IK Multimedia has it on the Xpansion Tank page of their site. Current price is $29.95.
Bob, LynB, I honestly haven't done enough with ST2 to tell how well it's going to work with BIAB. I know that it's pretty straightforward in both Acid Pro and Reaper -- click on one of the 16 instrument slots, double-click on the instrument in their picker, boom, ya got noise. Not as elegant as Aria, but not too much hassle. I suspect it may end up being a better fit with RealBand.
Best, Tom SmithWin10/64 • i7-8700K • 24 GB RAM BIAB 2026 • Reaper 7.57 • Izotope MPS AKG C1000S • IK iRig I/O Pro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Yes, I understand all that guys I was looking for something new with the Omni Synth 2 and it looks like there isn't. Axey's question #2 is the focus of this thread.
Axey, there's two different things going on with Sampletank and Biab. The first is the regular use of ST. It's as described already, you have to pick each instrument manually inside ST plugin interface screen. You have 16 midi channels in the left pane and the instruments in the right. You can set up multiple default's inside ST to match the same midi channels and instruments being used in Biab. Therefore no, ST is not as simple as a true GM synth like the TTS-1 or the Forte Dxi. I use both of those too. The second way is exclusive to PG Music and Biab. It's the new Hi-Q instruments and it's very clever. First you do not have to have ST set as your default midi synth. You simply right click on any instrument like bass in the main Biab window and select Hi-Q instrument. That opens up a list and you pick the bass and that's it. ST is playing the bass and your default synth plays the other instruments. No need to open and go into the ST plugin window. But and this can be confusing, if you want to use the large pallet of IKM instruments then you do need to open the plugin window and set it all up.
Bob
Biab/RB latest build, Win 11 Pro, Ryzen 5 5600 G, 512 Gig SSD, 16 Gigs Ram, Steinberg UR22 MkII, Roland Sonic Cell, Kurzweil PC3, Hammond SK1, Korg PA3XPro, Garritan JABB, Hypercanvas, Sampletank 3, more.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848 |
And once you go into ST, find and instrument you want, you can save it as a preset, so the next time you want that instrument, just open the .TGS (preset) file you saved and the instrument will be loaded.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,827 |
Hey All, I've been wondering if too install it or not after reading here: KONTAKT vs SampleTank I'm using Kontakt at the moment. Bob...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,976 |
It's not an either/or ... you can use both. No conflict, and you likely already have multiple soft synths installed... (Coyote, Forte, Kontact etc.) this is just another one.
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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
Topics86,438
Posts805,132
Members40,121
| |
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