|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27 |
Just getting back to BIAB after a few years hiatus and have some questions for you all. Thanks in advance.
I have a Casio ep-20 digital piano that I use as midi controller with BIAB and a Alesis Quadrasynth for sounds.
The Quad died a painless death last week and before I run out to buy a used Alesis QSR, which has essentially the same sounds as teh
Quad I want to see what all this talk is about software syntesizers that I might be able to run from my laptop.
If someone could point me to a clear reference on the internet that would be great.
Also I have licensed the Alesis Forte DXI plugins and want to be sure that I am using them. How can I confirm that
in BIAB. I have the box checked for "Use VST/DXiSynth" and when I click on the box below labeled "VST/DXi Synth Setting
ForteDXi Plug-in" I see the screen with "CH PROG BANK VOICES" across but only channel 10 has the description "Standard Kit".
Neither "Load Preset" or "Load Group" load anything that I can see. When I do Load Group I can see 3 entries that I must have
created back when I had a clue what I was doing with this.
Also....when you license Coyote plug-in is it only a license for one pc? I have it on one and not the other.
If I can put it on more than one how would I do that? Can I re download it from somewhere and hopefully it
will remember my payment from way back when?
Thanks very much,
Jim Lee
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,890
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,890 |
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,530
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,530 |
In my experience, Coyote Forte will run from multiple machines with a single license key (sent with your confirmation email and PGMusic will have it for you if you bought it through them).
I'm not sure what "Alesis Forte DXI plugins" are, but you have my ears perked.
Does Alesis now support the Forte in some way?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498 |
You should have gotten an email from PG (or Coyote) with a Registration number (that's how you authorized it) it does not connect to web to verify. You just type it in when it asks for it. If you lost that registration info try contacting PG (or look for email for from "sales@pgmusic" at around that time) - plus make sure you get v 1.6 if it's been awhile you might have 1.3. (looking at EULA below ANYONE can give you a copy of the install) I know this has been asked before (and answered but I cannot find it) I am fairly certain you can install it on at LEAST your desktop and your laptop, but can only use one at a time. You might be able to install in more but again I just don’t know for certain. I have it on both but could not find anything in their license agreement/ EULA (that pops up during install) about it one way or other, here it is verbatim : " ForteDXi is a DirectX (DXi) plugin that may be used with DXi-compatible host programs to give them the ability to play using the sounds of real instruments, rather than using your system's default synth. You may evaluate ForteDXi for 30 days, with no restrictions, but after that period of time you must either purchase it or delete it (and all of its sound bank files) from your system. See Coyote's webpage www.coyotes.bc.ca for further registration information. License Agreement ================= ForteDXi 1.6 Copyright (c) 2007 Coyote Electronics Inc. All Rights Reserved. END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR FORTE DXI IMPORTANT-READ CAREFULLY: This End-User License Agreement ("EULA") is a legal agreement between you (either an individual or a single entity) and Coyote Electronics Inc. ("COYOTE") for the ForteDXi software product identified above which may include associated media, printed materials, and "online" or electronic documentation ("SOFTWARE PRODUCT"). By installing, copying, or otherwise using the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, you agree to be bound by the terms of this EULA. If you do not agree to the terms of this EULA, do not install or use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is protected by copyright laws and international copyright treaties, as well as other intellectual property laws and treaties. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed, not sold. GRANT OF LICENSE. The SOFTWARE PRODUCT is licensed as follows: * Installation and Use. COYOTE grants you the right to install and evaluate the SOFTWARE PRODUCT free of charge for up to 30 days without a registration key. To use it beyond this time period you must register and pay for the product. DESCRIPTION OF OTHER RIGHTS AND LIMITATIONS. * Transfer. You may permanently transfer all of your rights under this EULA, provided the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA. * Maintenance of Copyright Notices. You must not remove or alter any copyright notices on all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. * Prohibition on Reverse Engineering, Decompilation, and Disassembly. You may not reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, except and only to the extent that such activity is expressly permitted by applicable law notwithstanding this limitation. REDISTRIBUTION. You are hereby licensed to make as many copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT; give exact copies of the original version to anyone; and distribute the SOFTWARE PRODUCT in its unmodified form via electronic means. There is no charge for any of the above. You are specifically prohibited from distributing or disclosing to any 3rd party the REGISTRATION KEY(S) supplied to you by COYOTE for use with the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. TERMINATION. Without prejudice to any other rights, COYOTE may terminate this EULA if you fail to comply with the terms and conditions of this EULA. In such event, you must destroy all copies of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT. COPYRIGHT. All title, including but not limited to copyrights, in and to the SOFTWARE PRODUCT and any copies thereof are owned by COYOTE or its suppliers. All title and intellectual property rights in and to the content which may be accessed through use of the SOFTWARE PRODUCT is the property of the respective content owner and may be protected by applicable copyright or other intellectual property laws and treaties. This EULA grants you no rights to use such content. All rights not expressly granted are reserved by COYOTE. DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY. THE SOFTWARE PRODUCT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES AS TO PERFORMANCE OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. THE USER MUST ASSUME THE ENTIRE RISK OF USING THIS PROGRAM. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, in no event shall COYOTE or its suppliers be liable for any special, incidental, indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or any other pecuniary loss) arising out of the use of or inability to use the SOFTWARE PRODUCT, even if COYOTE has been advised of the possibility of such damages. " 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: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,787
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,787 |
I have not used hardware synth sounds in ...like forever.
Softsynths are so much nicer...IMHO. Tons of sound choices that are simply impossible to cram into the chips and software in a keyboard.
I use my keyboards now only for the midi data I need to play the notes. Software synths provide the sounds.
As long as you have a good sound card/interface and run ASIO drivers, you should be good on the latency.... that is the one down side to using soft-synths..... the latency, from using sub-par drivers like MME.
Coyote and TTS are more or less beginner synths.... they are good for what they do. I suggest playing around with them to learn. But once you have learned how to use them, you will likely start yearning for more authentic sounds and easier ways to do things..... that's when you can start looking into the drum synths and some of the offerings from companies such as Native Instruments and East West..... cost is higher but the quality is top drawer. The violins in EW & Kontakt actually sound like violins and not a synth imitation of a violin.
Software synths open a whole new world of sound. Happy hunting.....
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,730 |
I would add to Herb's Native instruments, which is very good, Sampletank You can download Sampletank 3 free right now and it comes with a pack of basic sounds that will get you started. Also there is a free Sampletank 2.5 with BiaB now that has a really good library.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498 |
to Guitarhacker I guess a friendly disagreement on this one is in order, and not to get too far off OP's topic - while I have all the usual suspect softsynths, and yes I DO USE THEM, however, more often than not I use external HW. Why? - you turn them on and they work: No install issues, no license/registration issues, no boot issues, no must be connected to the internet issues, no where did the fracking VSTi install?, no "forgot to turn this on first and have to shut down and restart," no "this (new) or (old) x-bit OS" needs a new version to work," no "why is that patch wrong? " or "what the H*ll was that?" … And yes, I like the HW sounds (patches) I have crafted on those HW synths over the years. Another plus of HW is that with my MIDI keyboards those synths are already turned on anyway (as is my rack) I have no "just controller" keyboards except a small iRig Keys Pro I keep next to PC. to use my GK equipped guitars I also have the HW synths and racks turned on, the only controllers that I have must have the PC turned-on are again the iRig Keys, my Fishman TriplePlay equipped guitars, as well as using my MIDI Guitar by Jam Origins SW. Best of all: sometimes I don’t even turn my PC on!  But I do use Softsynths - I even drop my sliderules (for REAL!) and use a calculator once in a while. BACK TO OP: I agree Forte Dxi and TTS-1 are basic, but even in lieu of any other softsynths between just Forte and TTS-1 you could produce a pretty decent tune, I just wouldn't try to score your next historic Opus with them! Plus there are MANY free softsynths (including drum SW). As Robh explained Sampletank 2 and 3 have free versions. There is a free soundfont (SF) player SfZ from Cakewalk, as well as the free Plogue sforzand (Google it) allows you to use some good free SF's files from across the web. Then other free tools allow you to construct your OWN GM banks of soundfonts. Then there are free analog synths, etc. start at Kvr http://www.kvraudio.com/developer/kvr-audioFrankly, you could in just a few weeks or months building a really great set of FREE softsynth sounds and make them your goto's! It's just a matter of time, web connection speed, and do you want to spend no money, very little money, a modest amount, a lot of money, or like some of us "OMG HOW MUCH DID I JUST SPEND!"  Have fun, make music, enjoy life Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 01/02/15 06:09 AM.
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
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!
Order now!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,011
Posts798,925
Members40,010
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean