Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Dear Keyboard Players (and related experts) --

How can I play synth sounds with my digital piano?

Here are the details...

-- I have a digital piano, the Casio PX-130...

Amazon.com: Casio Privia PX-130 88-Key Digital Stage Piano: Musical Instruments

-- The piano has one MIDI connector and two 1/8" stereo mini output connectors.

-- From my basic research, it appears that I can go more or less one of two ways...

...(a) get a synth sound module and run the stereo-output or MIDI through that and then it will output synth sounds...

...OR...

...(b) run the MIDI output from the piano to a computer and run it through a software-based sound module and then output sounds from there.

My requirements are the I need to get a small but decent range of spacey synth sounds, along the lines of Jordan Rudess and Jan Hammer sounds (though not that many), plus I need a few organ sounds along the lines of the B3, plus I need some nice acoustic Grand Piano sounds.

Budget is a major factor and I need to keep the numbers low on this-- Under200=Good, Under100=Better, Free=Best.

So, my questions are...

I would prefer to use a computer and a software-based sound module so is that advisable?

To use a computer for this, do I just plug in the MIDI to the piano and the USB to the computer and then the output come from my computers headphones jack?

What software do I need?

Since I already have Band In A Box which has tons of sound patches, can I use those?

Is there any freeware available?

Also, if I went the external synth module route, what is a good starting point for an entry level sound module?

What do you recommend in general?

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
M
Mac Offline
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Connecting the MIDI Out of your piano to a MIDI In on your computer with a single MIDI cable will allow you to play any of the DXi or VSTi MIDI synths that Band in a Box, Realband or other DAW programs can use. (you may need to get a USB MIDI connect device if your soundcard does not feature MIDI Inputs and outputs) You also should be using ASIO sound drivers for lowest latency.


--Mac

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
There are tons of VSTi for Rudess-ish sounds, Jan Hammer sounds, etc. Best of all - they are FREE!

For Moog lead stuff, Minimogue VA is a great Minimoog emulation. http://home.no/gunnare/downloads.htm

Start there. It's a simple VSTi, but has tons of depth. It is mono.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
You can buy a MIDI to USB cable at ebay for very cheap - less than £5 UK. They plug in anmd simply work on my system. So one end to the keyboard (turn down Audio) and the other end into your Computer via usb.

There are two kinds of synths avaiable - those that need a Sequencer to handle them these are called VSTs (there are other types too but they are less common). These programs require the sequencer to have the 'dll' extension file in their plugin folders. I beleive this can be done with Real Band but I never use it. Others may advise.

Then there are 'standalone' applications which run without a sequencer. There are less of these so you confine your choice by going this route.

The Good news is that there are thousands of free synths. Lots of them produce these 'spacey' sounds. KVR is a huge source - google.

If your bewildered by choice (and who would not be) 'Crystal' by Eric Persing (who also Designed Omnisphere one of the worlds best synths) is free, its pretty easy to use and sounds great. This is a VST if I recall.

Others are better to advise about how to load into Real Band

If thats too much try googling 'free standalone synth'


Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
Off-Topic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 897
I have a number of midi keyboard workstations/arrangers/modules, and even had a couple of Oasys PCI Card synths that were spectacular...and expensive.

As they've said, lots of ways to comminicate with midi only, equipped digital boards.


Yamaha...Motif ES-8, Motif Rack, CS6X
Korg...Karma,Triton Classic, PA-80, M-1+
AkaiSampler-S5000, Roland.. X5080 Rack/G-1000 Arranger
Various Guitars/Basses Amps Pedals Rec.Equip.


Plus, BIAB 2015 and Sonar Platinum 2015 Upgrade from Cakewalk's Sonar X-3
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Quote:

...If thats too much try googling 'free standalone synth'




Well, I do have a MIDI to USB connection cable, so that is done.

I am still bewildered about how to load a VST (non-standalone) into a Sequencer (a separate program? RealBand?)

So I followed your excellent advice to look for "free standalone synth software" and I found this one...

http://www.synthtopia.com/content/2009/10/05/free-arp-2600-software-synthesizer-for-windows/

...which I installed and am no up-and-running.

So, that is a good starting point for me (unless someone can suggest a link to a better free standalone software synth).

Now, the issue of latency-- it is minor but it is there, I think.

So I guess that I have to make sure (somehow?) that I am using the ASIO drivers, right?

And, I guess that if I were using an external hardware-based synth module then latency would not be an issue?

Thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Dear All --

FYI, there is another nice, free, stand-alone, software, synthesizer here...

http://www.audio-simulation.com/

...and it is called "DreamStation 1.0" and it is dirt simple to setup and sounds really nice (IMHO).

I just thought to mention it, in case anyone else is wondering.

It seems like this has very little, or no latency, at first check-- which may be due to its design, or the fact that I installed ASIO-4-All or something else, but it performs very nice, whatever the reason.

I may still go the hardware route, with something like the "PianoBox II" or similar.

HTH.

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
What do you want for sound? I have a short list of favorite plugins and each fits a particular sound fancy. The minimogue VA is good for lead synths. For old school electric piano and organ sounds go to Soundfonts.it and pick up the donationware pack.

Off-Topic
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,869
the latency issue is more related to your sound card on your laptop. Try decreasing the buffer size, if you go too far then you may get clicks and stutters. Try 256 - ish.

If the buffer is large then you get more latency.

Last edited by ZeroZero; 03/31/13 12:14 PM.

Win 11 64, Asus Rog Strix z390 mobo, 64 gig RAM, 8700k
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,848
Hi, ZeroZero (and all) -

Actually, you can use almost any VSTi as a standalone by loading it with SAVi-Host. It turns host-only-based VSTi's into a standalone VSTi.


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)
Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Great tip there John, didn't know about that...thanks for posting.

Jeff


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
All --

FYI, I found 2 more nice, free, easy-to-setup, easy-to-use, standalone software synth apps...

Oxe FM Synth

http://www.OxeSoft.com

ZynAddSubFx

http://zynaddsubfx.sourceforge.net/


Regarding hardware-based synthesizers, my search continues.

My front-runner right now for a hardware-based synthesizers is the "PianoBox II" which can be found here...

http://www.miditech.de/219-produkte-pianobox_II

http://kellysmusicandcomputers.com/ProductInfo.asp?id=1482693219&TB=1#.UVmhApPCaSo

...which seems to be a simple blackbox hardward-based synthesizer for about $120.


So my question is...

What alternatives to the PianoBox II would you recommend, in the same price-range, and in the same functionality-class, for a hardware-based synthesizer?

Please advise.


HTH.

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Off-Topic
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,510
Mark, I'm really not familiar with PianoBox but as its a general midi synth I'm not sure it will meet your original spec of having a "decent range of spacey synth sounds" and "a few organ sounds along the lines of the B3, plus I need some nice acoustic Grand Piano sounds". While it may have some of these, I'm not sure you would find better pianos than what's already on your Casio.

A route that you might want to investigate is SampleTank 2 XL. This is a software based sampler in your price range. Here's a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHIqLVnTHvM


Win11, Intel i7 7700K 4.2Ghz, 32Gb RAM, 2x1Tb HD, 500Gb NVMe, BIAB/RB 2026, MOTU 828MK3 audio, MOTU Midi Express, Yamaha Montage 7, DX7II, TX802, Motif XS Rack, Roland Fantom XR Rack, Oberheim Matrix 1000, VoiceLive3 Extreme, Kontakt 6, SampleTank 4.3
Off-Topic
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
.

>>>...Since I already have Band In A Box which has tons of sound patches, can I use those?...>>>

Actually Band in a Box does not come with any sounds of its own. It has to be provided with a synth to talk to, either hardware or software.

The latest version of Band-in-a-Box comes with a free version of Sampletank ready to be added on. I installed the add-on Sampletank, loaded all free sounds that IK Multimedia makes available for Sampletank, and then upgraded to Sampletank 2.5 XL for under 200US. Now I have more synth sounds than I will ever use. (Perhaps I should add that I use more acoustic-instrument sounds than electronic-instrument sounds).


Flatfoot sez: Call me when 'Talent-in-a-Box' is ready to ship! -- [8{>

Got some tunes on You Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/user/flatfoot50
.
My BiaB lesson site:
http://jdwolfe0.wixsite.com/learnbiab
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
mkamoski,

You are making some assumptions that could end up costing you alot of money.

1. BIAB does not have sound patches included. See Flatfoot's response above

2. You don't need to limit yourself to standalone soft-synths. BIAB is designed to use soft-synths, you just haven't figured out how to configure it correctly yet.

In fact, with all due respect to zero zero, I would suggest simply laying that suggestion aside for now, since what you really want to do, so it seems, is to use the sounds while using BIAB. Utilizing a standalone synth in that case makes things quite a bit more complicated.

But, perhaps you are looking to simply 'perform' using the digital piano as what would be called a 'controller' and the synth inside the computer responding in-kind. In this case, either looking for standalone versions of synths works, as does jford's suggestion of using SAVIhost from Hermann Seib, which simply 'wraps' the .dll of the VSTi into an executable miniature 'host' program.

There are loads of free VSTi that do what you are looking for. Some are better than others.

In my 'go to' list of soft synth providers are the following developers and downloads:

Minimouge VA - great lead mono synth emulation of a minimoog: http://home.no/gunnare/downloads.htm
Genuine Soundware's Donationware bundle - Organized Trio is a great B3 emulation, the various electric piano emulations are also great: http://www.genuinesoundware.com/?a=showproduct&b=37
Feldspar - great virtual analog synth with tons of modulation capability and FM between oscillators as well as ring modulation: http://www.contralogic.com/vst-plugins/feldspar/
sfz soundfont player - good for general midi and other acoustic sample based sounds: http://www.cakewalk.com/Download/sfz.aspx

With these alone, you can cover most of your needs. Cost: Free (with some mental elbow grease to get them loaded properly into BIAB)

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Dear Folks --

Thank you all so much for the excellent replies.

I should have specified more clearly that the my intended synth use is mainly for a performance setting (practice jam sessions and on-stage and etc).

I am using a few of the soft synths mentioned above and they work great.

So I take output from my keyboard via USB MIDI and connect to the laptop's soft synth, and as for the latency issue, I have eliminated concern by (1) turning off all other USB port activity, (2) and by tweaking the buffers, (3) and by using Asio4All, and so I output the synth sound from the headphone jack on my laptop to the mixer, and that gives me almost zero latency but not quite zero-- SO-- my final step was (4) to simply send the other stereo output from my keyboard to a local mixer which sends the on-board keyboard sounds (not soft synth sounds) to the mix, so I just pick one of the nice built-in tones (Piano or Organ or Strings or E-Piano or any combo of 2 of these) and send that sound to the mix-- which is never a latent sound-- so the initial attack that fills the latency gap is from the keyboard directly and the synth blends in milliseconds later, so this layering makes latency a non-issue for me, which makes playability a joy, and the sound is awesome IMHO.

If I go the hardware-synth route, then I would probably jump up to something full-blown, like the Casio Privia PX-5s or the Yamaha MM8.

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Off-Topic
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
JV 1010. Roland. It has a knob that lets you set the patch. You simply play through the box. Lots of patches there. Check on line for a demo.

I have one but don't really want to part with it. Don't know why, "there's no sun up in the sky, stormy....." (Oh never mind)


John Conley
Musica est vita
Off-Topic
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,648
Being in the same general area I see why that tune comes to mind.
I started watching TV again so I could see what a sunny day looks like.


I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
Off-Topic
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
R
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
R
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
To riff on John's recommendation a bit - Roland have a new synth hardware module out that got pretty high marks from Keyboard magazine - basically all of their synth engines in one box - but limited to 128 note polyphony. It's called the Integra 7. http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1245/462 Price is a steep 2k$ street.

You should be able to get latency down to under 5 or 6 mS, which would be very hard to detect, however perhaps not with the laptop built-in sound card.

Off-Topic
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 100
All --

I ended up trading in my old keyboard for one with more sounds.

I now have a Casio Privia PX 5S, which a ton of control and sound and zero latency, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Casio-PX5S-Privia-...io+privia+px+5s

Really nice touch, 256-note polyphony, plenty of support for layering, splits, custom patches, etc, etc. It is really fun to play. It is a great board and the price is excellent. IMHO. There are plenty of YouTube and other reviews out there, Keyboard Mag said good things about it, etc.

So, I have set aside soft-synths. Even though my solution noted above in this thread (to use a built-in patch to cover the latency) did work quite well even in live performance, a soft-syth is nothing like having a full-blown synth with weighted keys all in one, etc.

Thanks.

-- Mark Kamoski

Last edited by mkamoski; 07/29/13 08:18 PM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 1 of 2 1 2

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
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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,447
Posts805,183
Members40,121
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Jerry Gerber, Fjane, vieumotar, dpckeys, Bloc
40,121 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 124
DC Ron 93
rsdean 91
WaoBand 67
Today's Birthdays
paulgermana
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5