Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Dan,

If you have 2013 installed with SampleTank, all that you need to do is to unzip the file you download and copy the folder that contains the instruments to ...

C:\Program Files\IK Multimedia\Instruments

... no additional registration is necessary.

Next time you start up BIAB and load in SampleTank, all the sounds will then be there. For what it's worth, I've noticed that BIAB now takes about 30 secs to load up rather than 15 secs, but that might be a disk fragmenting thing that I haven't yet checked out. Equally, it could be that there's more information to read in now because of what I've added to SampleTank. At the end of the day, though, 30 seconds is not a big deal for me.

Each of the sale packages are around 1 GB big (some slightly more, some slightly less). In the end, I purchased the following packages. (Since each package is normally $49, I got 5 for the price of 1!)



Hope this helps! Happy New Year
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Thank you Noel - That will do it for me.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
I don't know the details yet but the reason Biab is taking longer to load is ST has to load all the sounds at the same time. I read something about this on the IKM forum and they talked about a way to only have ST see whatever library you want it to use. If it's Omnisynth then you only set up that one and all the others are not seen at start up. In my case I have tons of ST stuff including the Sonic Synth that has over 4000 patches. Right now everything is being seen so it takes maybe a minute for the plugin window to open.

This is the price if we're going to use a full sample based synth like ST instead of a much smaller sampleset in something like Forte. Better sound requires bigger samples unless you're using a modelling synth but that's a whole different story.

Dan you're comment about PG should only include a synth that is fully compatible with Biab sounds nice but there's absolutely nothing available that's free or close to it. Note they have to charge $40 for the Forte and they have others available too at a cost. Sampletank itself is free and PG did a very clever thing in creating the Hi-Q sounds to go with it. They are free with the new 2013 version. If you're just using those sounds and not other ST libraries then you do not have to set up anything. After ST is installed and configured you can then use your Forte as the default synth if you want but you can also right click on any instrument in the Biab menu and select a Hi-Q patch and it plays automatically. Not quite nobrainer simple like a regular GM synth but pretty simple all the same. Most of us think those patches are better than the Forte or other basic GM synths and if you don't want to mess with loading other ST sounds then just stick with those. I don't know for sure but you would think PG will probably come up with more Hi-Q patches later.

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: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,167
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,167
Thanks to all for the info on this. I have just bought the expansion pak for $10, well £6.39 in sterling.

I don't have biab 2013 just the ultra pak 2012 but as I understand will still be able to use it once I install sampletank free and the bought £10 pak.

Thanks to all again for the work you are doing in getting it to work well with biab.

Musiclover


Musiclover

My music https://www.youtube.com/user/donegalprideofall

Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use smile
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Quote:

Dan you're comment about PG should only include a synth that is fully compatible with Biab sounds nice but there's absolutely nothing available that's free or close to it.




That wasn't me, Bob. I think you are referencing maiki. So many posts hard to keep everyone straight.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Oh, sorry. Maybe I'll stop putting a name in there and just post my comment.

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: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Quote:

PG did a very clever thing in creating the Hi-Q sounds to go with it.




I was wondering if the Hi-Q sounds where a PGM creation or just add-on pack, since i did not see any info on this. Is it on the site somewhere and I just missed it?


i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Quote:

Hi Dan,

of what I've added to SampleTank. At the end of the day, though, 30 seconds is not a big deal for me.

Each of the sale packages are around 1 GB big (some slightly more, some slightly less). In the end, I purchased the following packages. (Since each package is normally $49, I got 5 for the price of 1!)



Hope this helps! Happy New Year
Noel




Yea I've been debating pulling trigger (I already have racks, and keyboard stands full of some excellent external synths all fully populated) and a lot of soft synths (I find SS's tedious to use sometimes) but finally decided to pull trigger on four (strings, cinematic, and world) including their GM Omnisynth2 pack - might go back later today and get basses and guitars if I like this $40 worth (price is right)

Larry


Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Noel,

This is the tedious part of soft synths to which I referred.

I've loaded the Omnisynth2 into the ST directory (Sampletank 2 sees it) and I can select instruments and play them (actually pretty good GM set so far) but I can't figure out how to get BIAB to USE this GM set as a GM set?

I still have to select each instrument/patch one at a time (unlike point and click to Forte or an external GM module).

I only ask because I think you may have already figured it out - any hints here appreciated

Larry


Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637
B
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
B
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 637
Quote:

Quote:

PG did a very clever thing in creating the Hi-Q sounds to go with it.




I was wondering if the Hi-Q sounds where a PGM creation or just add-on pack, since i did not see any info on this. Is it on the site somewhere and I just missed it?




Peter said in another thread that Blake from PG Music did the Acoustic Bass patches.
Brian


BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Larry,

Here's a thread that explains what to do.

... how to set up OmniSynth for General Midi

Scroll down to a post from Jim111, he explains it.

It sounds quite a bit more complicated that it actually turns out to be.

Essentially, if you navigate to C:\Program Files\IK Multimedia\Instruments\OmniSynth 2, you'll find a folder called "GM Prog Chng Bank". This folder contains the midi maps for general midi. Jim suggests copying these to x:\bb as it makes them easier to find because one of the maps needs to be loaded each time BIAB is started.

To load a map ...

1. Click on the VSTi button. (If you cannot see this displayed, click on the >> to the right of the yellow cross to view icons that are not on the menu bar.)



2. Click on "Load Default Synth" (1); the dropdown sythn menu (2); select SampleTank (3).



3. When SampleTank loads, click on "Program CH" (1) and then select "Open Map" (2).



4. Now navigate to the map files at C:\Program Files\IK Multimedia\Instruments\OmniSynth 2 and select either one of the STMP files. (It's definitely easier to fine the files if they are copied to x:\bb.)



That's it.

Open one of the midi-only styles in BIAB and double-check that SampleTank is indeed now operating as a GM synth.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
Very helpful. Jimm111 refers to loading 'SRGM KIT O1 DRY' in channel 10 of sample tank. Can't find a file by this name, know what this is? Thx for all!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,587
Hi Ron,

I've just posted these instructions under the "Tips and Tricks" forum. If you go there via the following link ...

... link to article in "Tips and Tricks"

... scroll down to points 5 and 6 and it will tell you how to set-up midi drums.

All the best,
Noel


MY SONGS...
Audiophile BIAB 2026
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
This works great, THANKS! ST is still crashing BiaB for me but that's another post...


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Noel

Thanks! I JUST read that OLDER post but this helps everybody and bumps this info to "top" now.


DC Ron

Just a suggestion after my many hours playing with ST and BIAB today - try loading the actual VSTi and NOT the DXi (wherever the " SampleTank2.x.dll " was placed when you installed Sample Tank (I keep all my VSTi's on a different drive and subdirectory than C:)


Larry

Last edited by Larry Kehl; 12/31/12 04:35 PM.

Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
Veteran
Online Content
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,701
Larry, appreciate the tip on selecting ST as VSTi and not DXi. Don't know how I originally dorked that up but I did. Anyway it's fixed now and perfectly stable. THANKS and happy new year!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,499
DC Ron - Glad I could actually help someone for once.

You didn't dork anything up, the DXi does (and should) work on my machine but isn’t the most stable thing, and I crashed out of BIAB more than a few times playing with ST and Omnisynth until I tired the VSTi version.

Especially problematic when you load the Omnisynth2 GM bank "script."

FYSA to whomever wants to run down this rabbit hole the "script or patch list" (whatever you want to call the STMP file) is just a simple but complete 001-128 listing of 128 OmniSynth GM .stip files but mapped so that patch select 1 maps to ST 0; patch 2 to ST 1, … 128 to 127 (looks like zero based patch select) .

So if the script (STMP) is loaded then as soon as you hit play, and BIAB tries to send the initial patch list to ST, the whole thing freezes (BIAB, ST). Again ONLY the DXi does this (on both a WIN 7 64 bit and Win XP 32 bit machine).

The error is "Access violation in Sampletank2.x.vpa …." And since the VSTi works and I'm done chasing this DXi down its particular rabbit hole.


Larry


Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Quote:

Crap, I need more midi sounds like I need a hole in the head. When do you have too many? Answer: When you no longer know how many you have! Thats where I am at. When it comes to BIAB Coyote Forte is completely satifactory. The sounds have always been the best available and it works seamlessly in BIAB - no adjustments needed.

So now this comes along. And for days I stare at it. And I see all the problems folks are having (it needs to be configured each time?). But even still I am drawn like a Mouth to the flame. What is it about these things? I know it will only cause me distress but wait, you say it sounds good? better than Coyote Forte? and it only costs $10? and the sale is over tomorrow? Here I go again. But tell me one more bit of info to push me over the edge.

Will I be able to run it on my laptop and desktop? or will the registration and security prevent this? Becareful how you answer, as my fate is in your hands.

Dan




Dan I feel for you. I have this real issue with BIAB I always end up playing the piano instead of tweaking.

I would say more but I would not want to put my foot in my Moth .


Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,950
Got me there.
But it is up and running and it does not appear to need to be configured each time. Once I set the Default Synth to ST and load the Midi map. Then close program and reopen, it is still there - thats a good thing.

Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
R
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
R
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 507
Quote:

......You didn't dork anything up, the DXi does (and should) work on my machine but isn’t the most stable thing, and I crashed out of BIAB more than a few times playing with ST and Omnisynth until I tired the VSTi version.

Especially problematic when you load the Omnisynth2 GM bank "script."

FYSA to whomever wants to run down this rabbit hole the "script or patch list" (whatever you want to call the STMP file) is just a simple but complete 001-128 listing of 128 OmniSynth GM .stip files but mapped so that patch select 1 maps to ST 0; patch 2 to ST 1, … 128 to 127 (looks like zero based patch select) .

So if the script (STMP) is loaded then as soon as you hit play, and BIAB tries to send the initial patch list to ST, the whole thing freezes (BIAB, ST). Again ONLY the DXi does this (on both a WIN 7 64 bit and Win XP 32 bit machine).

The error is "Access violation in Sampletank2.x.vpa …." And since the VSTi works and I'm done chasing this DXi down its particular rabbit hole.........


Exactly my experience!! DXi unstable here in same way, but the VSTi is stable. I chose to have both the DXi and the VSTi installed during initial setup, and assume the BB installer automatically put the DXi into the VST interface dropdown. I certainly didn't. Anyone know if it's safe to "unregister" the DXi from the BB interface?

BTW, many thanks to Noel or whoever posted about the Omnisynth deal. Much appreciated.

FWIW, some additional observations. You can set up a combo in the ST interface, including one of the Omnisynth drum kits, and save as preset. The combo can be comprised of patches from all ST libraries, regardless of which patch map, if any, is loaded. But the preset won't save the patch map. Also, in the BB midi options, there's no harm in enabling GM2 (as opposed to GM). Since there's no bank select in ST, choosing a higher bank sound simply sends the program change for the GM bank - ie. no error or freezeup.

I notice that selecting a HiQ for a BB voice places that patch in the corresponding ST slot for that voice (not the default), but without benefit of a patch map being loaded. It's as if there's a separate instance of ST loaded for the track, and BB somehow knows how to get the patch loaded without needing the .stmp map. So there may be some untapped power in the BB presets (.tgs files) in terms of flexibility on choosing ST instruments even without a map.

Happy New Year to all -Ron

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 3 1 2 3

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
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!

All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!

It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.

What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?

XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!

Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!

The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.

The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

Note: 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.

The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos

With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.

Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.

Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.

Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.

2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.

Holiday Weekend Hours

As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:

April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours

Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!

— Team PG

Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!

If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

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.

Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!

Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,218
Posts802,022
Members40,070
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Orchestr8, dimtass, Quamido Pirendo, Allan63, isledge
40,070 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 126
zedd 110
DC Ron 92
rsdean 86
Noel96 76
Today's Birthdays
flashlarue, gary133, kirbonite
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5