SampleTank 2.5 or 3? In either case doesn’t really matter- the DEFAULT MIDI channel in ST for each part is the same as the part number. However, within ST you can change the channel assigned to a part to be on (respond) to any of the 16 MIDI channels. (Click on the little (microscopic) "ch" number and drag mouse up/down to change) see pics (ST 3 is the same - just a different GUI)
I had another post that summarized how to save song using the VSTi/DXi Default Synth slot to keep settings or using/creating a .tgs file but can't find it now so if you SUFFER through my long winded journey of "self-discovery" you should be able to see how to keep synth settings for instruments
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
Hmm...OK I understand more now. So, I'd actually I think like to configure the Default synth to be ST2.5 free and then assign Parts/Channels in the ST2.5 to MATCH the numbers of the Piano, Drums, Guitar...but I noticed that some songs have different names for the track.
How to always ensure that the tracks "point" to the right sounds in ST? It's only annoying because everytime I open a song, it's SILENT and I have to do SOMETHING to hear it.
Also, ST2.5 is silent unless I pick something other than NONE for the Forced channel.
Why is this?
So, every time I open a song, I go unto the options for the slots, and put in a ST2.5 into EACH instrument's synth slot, and then go down to that Slot's ST2.5 "instance" and put in an instrument to match the name of the track I'm on and then pick the forced ch to something. This is frustrating.
Let's stay with "Default Synth" slot only for now (more below)
If you put ST in the DEFAULT slot (only) then ALL instruments can be set (are set) in that one instantiation of ST.
Setting the "Forced MIDI Chan" to NONE means ALL BIAB channels will be sent to ST (expect MAYBE the MIDI thru channel - that depends on settings elsewhere in BIAB)
If you set the "Default Synth" slot to anything OTHER than "NONE" like MIDI channel X - then ONLY BIAB data on MIDI channel X will make it to ST. Think of "NONE forced" being like MIDI "OMNI" (at least with respect to BIAB SENDING data to the softsynth in that slot).
Make sense?
As to your question
"How to always ensure that the tracks "point" to the right sounds in ST?"
I'm not sure EXACTLY what you mean BUT
if you go to "Opt. -> Preferences - > Channels" you will get this menu to set channels for each BIAB part. Unless you change them they are ALWAYS set as seen in this pic.
- BIAB BASS part will always be on ch. 2 (even if you PUT a TRUMPET on the BASS part)
- BIAB PIANO will always be on channel 3 (even if you put DRUMS there) etc.
Up to you to control your instruments beyond the defaults.
When you start putting individual synths in the OTHER slots of the VSTi/DXi Plugins pull down - it is SIMILAR to the Default Synth with respect to MIDI channels. Expect that ONLY ONE BIAB MIDI part/channel is sent to each individual SLOT in the picture, only the "Default Synth" slot gets all BIBA channels (unless you set it to only one of the 16 available) .
In those individual synth slots - you can (probably should) let the defaulted "Forced MIDI channel = NONE" - because BIAB KNOWS that the PIANO will be on ch 3, etc. for bass, drums, guitar, etc. and will send PIANO part data (even if it's drum set) to that pictured SLOT on that CHANNEL (3 in this case)
You can change this channel if you want but then you need to remember it and keep track of it.
Note BIAB was and is, at least with respect to MIDI, more General MIDI (GM) centric than a general DAW so if you were using a GM sound set in ST (like the "Omni Synth 2" add-on), or just using a GM external module like a Ketron SD 2, a Roland Sound Canvas, the GM bank of your external board (if you have one) life would get simpler for you for INITIAL song settings.
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
I tried to construct patch maps before, but with the older ST 2.2. versions it was crashy with BIAB, and it also takes up quite a bit of time to get it working. Please see my post on Omnisynth 2 for those who are only GM interested .... - F
So, I see now that the only thing I'm "missing" is that by using ST...it's not GM so songs that have sort of different instruments just will always be using whatever I've assigned in the ST channels...
Sax = soloist = trumpet = soloist = whatever I've picked in ST for ch8. i.e. it wont' change to match the intended instrument (sax, trumpet, flute, etc) as GM would.
But, that's the tradeoff if I like STs sounds more than typical MIDI instrument sounds, right?
DO NOT USE THE DXi of ST 2 - force/use the VSTi - a whole lot less issues.
there is an old thread from a few years ago (somewhere) on this
However, note that the HI-Q BIAB provided ST sounds call up the DXi version of ST. that much seems to work fine (there is a way, I think?, to make even the HI-Q sounds use the VSTi BUT that's for another post)
This is very tricky. Biab has midi styles that will change instruments in the middle of a song, like some substyles for example. If you have a certain channel set to one instrument, what happens when Biab changes the patch? Wrong instrument. With the advent of Real Tracks this isn't as a big a problem as it used to be. This is one primary reason why PGM made Biab default to the GM patches. GM is very limited but all GM synths work exactly the same, hence the name "general midi". ST is not a GM synth, Onmisynth is a collection of GM patches but it's just another library of sounds, ST itself is not a GM synth so you have to jump through all these hoops to get it close to what your looking for as far as simple plug and play is concerned.
If someone want's to be able to use the best sounds in their synth arsenal, it's best to use a basic GM synth while in Biab (like the Forte DXi) to get the arrangement the way you want it then you export the whole project to your favorite DAW like Real Band. It's in a DAW that you have much more flexibility in changing synths and patches. Why? Because the instruments are already set, there's no patch changes in the file to mess you up. That means track 5 might have an acoustic guitar strumming but the Forte patch sounds crappy but a ST patch sounds much better. You just plug in ST into that track and find a good acoustic guitar to play the part. Remember, at that point Biab has already created the part, you're just changing synths. IOW, Biab is not the finishing tool, it's what you use to initially put the song together, that's it.
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!
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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.
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:
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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)
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!
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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)!
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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.
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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.
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
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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.
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