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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I last used BIAB in 2000 and was impressed with how the internal Sound Blaster Live card (with the EMU chip),rendered audio. Especially the drums and strings. I cant seem to come close to the sound I rendered back then. (Now using BIAB 2013). Short of getting another old SB Live card, can someone recommend an external sound card for BIAB? Thanks
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Welcome to the forum. I would be surprised if your older SB card would install now, at least in Windows 8.1. There are certainly some great choices now for external sound cards. I happen to be using the Focusrite Scarlett units (two computers; one has a 18i8 and the other has a 6i6). They do the job well and sound great. Check the software that comes with different brands; you may make your decision more by that than by the hardware. Also make sure the unit has ASIO drivers.
Playback of audio is not all that critical; any sound card will do, even the relatively awful Realtec unit in a laptop. The main questions start when you want to record audio. What will you be doing? How many inputs?
As you know, in 2000 BIAB was all MIDI and you needed a software or hardware synth. Now, with RealTracks (which are audio), this is less critical. The newest versions of BIAB come with some VSTi software instruments. Tell us more about what's important to you, and we can make more recommendations if needed. By your comments, I'm guessing you may be using the default Microsoft sounds for MIDI, which are horrible. Tell us as much as you can about your system, especially whether or not you are using a software synth (VSTi or DXi). Also tell us what your Preferences, MIDI Driver, Output says.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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The SoundBlaster Live card used soundfonts to create its sounds. By default, it loaded with a 2MB soundfont, but it had a 4MB and an 8MB soundfont available. Most folks I know immediately substituted the 2MB for the 8MB, since it sounded that much better.
You might want to try using a soundfont enabled VSTi (such as SynthFont) and get a copy of the Creative SoundBlaster soundfonts, although there are other better non-Creative GM soundfonts I like better). Then see if maybe it renders closer to what you remember.
The issue isn't the version of BIAB you are using, it's the sound source you are using. The sound you are hearing is probably just the Microsoft WAVTable soundset, which will make sounds, but doesn't sound very good.
Around 2000, BIAB also implemented the VSC Sound Canvas, which may also be what you remember. The VSC doesn't work on 64-bit operating systems. So, alternately, you might just want to consider a completely new softsynth sound source. For example, there is the TTS-1 that comes with Cakewalk products - you could buy Cakewalk Music Creator ($39), another DAW, and get the TTS-1 along with it). It isn't exactly like the old Roland VSC, but it is very similar.
There is also the Coyote Forte DX ($40), which gives much better sounds than the default Windows soundset.
Both Music Creator and Coyote Forte are available from the PGMusic website store.
Just some thoughts.
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)
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Creative no longer advertises the inclusion of any built-in midi sound sources with any of their sound cards.
PC based gaming, not audio production, used to be the big reason for development of midi sound sources. Increased memory and storage space provides the room needed to replace midi files with audio files. Game designers use expensive external sound modules or VST instruments to create audio files instead of relying on built-in soundcard midi sound sources.
The most recent Creative soundcard I found with the built-in midi sounds is an Audigy 2 LE. The Creative website has a downloadable app that detects your pc operating system and creative device then automatically selects, or lets you manually select, the drivers and software that matches your system.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thank you for the good info. I'm currently using XP on a desktop with a Sound blaster Live 24 bit card. I'll look into what you have suggested.
john
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I am a huge fan of Ketron for the quality of their samples (especially acoustic instruments like saxes.) I have an SD4 which is a little large, but basically combines two SD2 modules. I can program in full chords that I trigger with my woodwind controller to simulate a horn section. PG used to sell the SD2 but they can still be found on eBay for $200 or so.
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
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One of the pieces of kit in my arsenal is a Ketron SD2. Like Phillyjazz mentioned, it has some reasonable sounds - but, you must remember that it is MIDI, it's not a sound card.
Best
Trevor
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
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I see that Ketron just released an updated successor to the SD2 - The SD1000 - Retails for about $450 (I never see them discounted.) Amazon is sold out. You can check it out here. Apparently the sounds have been updated, and it stores loops and MIDI sequences. I still like the SD4 as it can stand alone (and has actual buttons to change patches.) On the other hand, I'd probably never do anything without my Surface Pro 3, so it's not as big a deal as it used to be. http://www.ajamsonic.com/ajsd1000.html
Jan - 12 Core AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
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MOTO 2
Ketron SD90
Aerophone AE-30, Yamaha WX-7
Yamaha RX-v381amp
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Several of us on here use Focusrite. They offer both USB and Firewire external interfaces. Firewire probably has a speed advantage but I haven't had a problem on my USB interface. FOCUSRITE InterfacesThe benefit of these devices is that they have good preamps and the drivers work well in most all applications.
 Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I notice that the lower end Focusrite models don't have midi ports. What's the preferred way to accommodate those with an older external midi controller that doesn't have usb? I see there are midi to USB adapters. Are there sync issues when using them with an external USB audio interface?
-Ron
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I used to use one of these before I got the Focusrite. It never had a problem working with my old soundcard. M-Audio Midisport-1x1 USB MIDI InterfaceThe Focusrite 6i6 that I have has midi and it's not terribly more priced than the lower models.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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JBarb, as you can see from these replies, "external sound card" can mean a lot of things. I think before we comment further, we would need to hear more from you about what you are looking for.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Are you looking for better GM sound set (VST, Soundfont, etc) or an actual external sound card? Most of the suggestions deal with the former. I'm running W8.1 and switch between the VSC (which I actually prefer) and the TTS-1 for sound sources for generic GM2 playback. The VSC is discontinued and no longer installable or supported on x64 as noted, but offers SC88 sound sets and there are some work arounds for it. Spending ~$300 on a SampleTank just to do GM/GS stuff is not wise. Both work for just simple audition/midi rec/play needs.
Now, if you're actually asking about an external sound card (ie. digital to audio interface, for both inputs and outputs), then that's a different question entirely. For those using mostly Real and/or User Tracks, that is an important distinction.
For the second option, I use a UA4-FX which is a USB device with a raft of I/O options and even pretty nice (and easy to use) effects. It doesn't have 'fancy' mic preamp stuff, but records from line and XLR inputs (quite nicely thank you) upto 24b/96Khz as needed. I seldom even venture into video (24b/48K) myself however since I'm happy with CD audio. It is also pretty much legacy gear now though as well, but did get x64 driver updates.
You really need to define your connectivity needs. Mine included a MIDI I/O to USB and RCA I/O's which are really handy for attaching my external Spirit HW mixer to the PC via the UA4.
Actually, it sounds like you're just looking for a better sounding GM/GS PnP sound set option. Most of those are legacy SW items now, though very handy to have some around. There's another recent thread on this same topic.
Last edited by GravityWave; 02/12/15 08:15 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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I notice that the lower end Focusrite models don't have midi ports. What's the preferred way to accommodate those with an older external midi controller that doesn't have usb? I see there are midi to USB adapters. Are there sync issues when using them with an external USB audio interface?
-Ron Depends on your needs. You only need the midi ports if you use midi and if the midi keyboard doesn't connect via USB. Most of the newer keyboards do connect with USB so there's no need to have midi ports on the interface.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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....... You only need the midi ports if you use midi and if the midi keyboard doesn't connect via USB. ......
Thanks Herb, I sometimes use an old Kurzweil PC2X for sounds and as controller. No usb, that's why I was asking. Come next desktop upgrade, doubt I'll be able to transfer my MAudio 2496 (requires extra PCIe slot, not common now on stock motherboards). So separate midi and audio usb interfaces don't create timing glitches? No big deal, will probably go with single unit that has both - as suggested above. Thx guys. -Ron
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Doubt I'll be able to transfer my MAudio 2496 (requires extra PCIe slot, not common now on stock motherboards). Nice Ron. That's why I upgraded to Focusrite. I had on old GadgetLabs Wave 8*24 interface that also had the PCI card. It's great that the newer interfaces are completely external. I'm actually thinking about upgrading my 6i6 to a 18i20 to get more inputs. PM me if you want a deal on a 6i6. I've had mine new less than a year.
Steve BIAB/RB 2022, Pro Tools 2020, Korg N5, JBL LSR 4328 Powered Monitors, AKG/Shure Mics.
PC: Win11 PRO, 4 TB M2 SSD, 2 TB HD, 128 GB Memory
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....... You only need the midi ports if you use midi and if the midi keyboard doesn't connect via USB. ......
Thanks Herb, I sometimes use an old Kurzweil PC2X for sounds and as controller. No usb, that's why I was asking. Come next desktop upgrade, doubt I'll be able to transfer my MAudio 2496 (requires extra PCIe slot, not common now on stock motherboards). So separate midi and audio usb interfaces don't create timing glitches? No big deal, will probably go with single unit that has both - as suggested above. Thx guys. -Ron There will be no timing problems when using separate midi and audio interfaces. But there is another solution. That would be a 5 pin MIDI to an USB converter This may save you a bit of money. I hope this helps.
Dad, how will I know when I've become an adult.
When your day is ruined because they rearranged the grocery store.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Thx Mario, the converter is what I meant by separate midi interface. (Is there another kind?). Good to hear no timing conflict with usb audio (just in case I go that route.)
Thx Steve, no plans to reconfigure til Win 10 is fully released later this year.
-Ron
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[quote=GravityWave]Spending ~$300 on a SampleTank just to do GM/GS stuff is not wise.quote]
The Sampletank program by itself is free and IKM even includes some free sounds, that's why Biab includes it. The full ST including 33 gigs of sound libraries is what costs $300. Omnisynth is the GM soundset and full price is $39 and IKM will put it on sale a couple of times a year for $10. So you already have ST free and you can buy Omnisynth for $10-39 and you have a decent GM synth.
There's a thread in the Tips & Tricks forum that explains how to set it 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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Expert
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I had Sound Blaster 2 Audigy ZS PCI card with breakout box perfectly working with windows 7 64bit and adapted 64bit drivers i got via-via from some one called Daniel. The big plus of this breakout box is a mic in and headphone out with each a volume potmeter plus optical SPDIF in-out. IMO though old still one of the best systems for GM and soundfont use, and audio quality, though 48kHz only, is very good. If you need a hardware GM synth instead of a VST one f.i. to save processor speed or memory maybe a wise choice?
Alas since i bought an focusrite unit for multitracking, i took it out even when i had it working side by side for a while, but i needed the PCI slot for something else. Pity i have to use the BIAB wavetable coyote plugin now for General MIDI .... If some one needs the drivers mail me. BTW i have the SB2 and breakout for sale if someone is interested; make me an offer. - F
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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
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