|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 75
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 75 |
Any substitute or replacement for Microsoft GW synthesier?. can it be replaced?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,333 |
Band in a box ships with a VSC syth which is about 100 times better, and with a Dxi version of Virtual sound canvas which is even better. Then there's Coyote Forte. Lots of other options too.
John Conley
Musica est vita
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,486 |
Hi Asian Sun,
The Microsoft GS wavetable soft synth is a lite version of Rolands VSC and as John says the VSC DXi which ships also is way better than the basic VSC
I have tried Coyote Forte but the sounds are not to my liking - there are many other soft synths costing lots of money but give a good try to VSC DXi first
Try the "Dare to Compare" feature on the BIAB site and you can hear the difference
jazzman
BIAB - RealBand - 2022
Windows 10 64
Zoo computer with 7i processor- SSD 1TB -2TB HDD
Roland keyboards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 812 |
Hey,
I´m very picky about sound accuracy/quality. I´ve probably bought just about every Softsynth/ROMpler/Hardware setup you can get. Real Tracks makes it even more important that you use high quality sounds. So we all pretty much know there are many ways to accomplish this.
Mac recommends the Ketron SD-2 Hardware synth which has gotten many rave reviews and the price seems right too. I have been using Kontakt 3 from Native Instruments, which is a soft sampler that lets you use many different sample collections. I´ve also been using Synthogy Ivory for Grand Piano, Spectrasonics Trilogy for Bass, and FxPansion BFD Drums and Percussion. I also use Chris Hein Guitars, which goes a long way in helping your midi guitar tracks sound real. If you use Cakewalk Sonar, they have a really great GM Softsynth called the TTS-1, which is a high quality copy of the Roland Sound Canvas. I like it because it responds to midi patch changes. Although some like the Coyote Forte Softsynth, I´m not fond of it. I know lots of people like using the Garritan Jazz and Big Band PLug in, but I think you can do better ( I own and used the Garritan J&BB for about a year, but I´v e since outgrown it)
My advice: Find a vedor who will take your return, then try some different Plugins and the Ketron, as well as Yamaha, Korg & Roland stuff. Be careful about ¨Restocking Fees¨, its easy to get ripped off if you don´t read the fine print. Also, don´t look past Physically Modeled plugins, they are starting to sound better than Samples!
Hope this helps you!
Ed
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
The old *original* Edirol VSC, known as the VSC3, which is NON-DXi, can be installed on any PC as long as the OS is NOT Vista.
The VSC3 can be selected as the default MIDI synth via Control Panel -> Sounds
instead of the micro$oft synth.
Slightly richer sounding default MIDI playback from browser, etc. when using that method.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 791 |
"The old *original* Edirol VSC, known as the VSC3, which is NON-DXi, can be installed on any PC as long as the OS is NOT Vista."
- The Roland VSC stand alone application is not compatible with Windows Vista, at least that is Roland's official claim. I did, however, get it to install (and function) in Windows Vista. I wouldn't guarantee it to work on any computer, but its worth a try if you really want to use the Roland VSC:
1. Change the compatibility mode of the Roland VSC installer to 'Windows XP Service Pack 2'.
2. Startup the computer in Selective Startup mode, and run the installer.
If it doesn't work, you can just use 'Programs and Features' in your Windows Control Panel to uninstall the 'Virtual Sound Canvas 3.2'.
Blake
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 10,199 |
Asian Sun,
Many replies, many options. What exactly do you want to do? Are you just looking to replace the basic sounds of your computer, or do you want to do recording? Is this going to be a laptop, desktop, etc.
If we have a bit more understand of your requirements, it makes it a little easier to give you a good solution. Hardware may be the answer, the Ketron SD2 was mentioned as one alternative, but that's kind of a 'stay in one place, or set up for a gig' type of answer.
The more specifics you can give us, the better we can provide you with the best answer.
Gary
I'm blessed watching God do what He does best. I've had a few rough years, and I'm still not back to where I want to be, but I'm on the way and things are looking far better now than what they were!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,805
Posts796,410
Members39,960
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean