BiaB or RealBand do not transmit song tempo information. Applications like Addictive Drums 2 requires tempo and similiar information to properly interact with the host program.
You can use any VST for drums, if Band-in-a-Box is providing the MIDI note patterns. So you hook up Addictive drums like a VST and can use it.
))) "I am a Jazz snob" You can be a jazz snob and still get the UlltraPak
There are 800 hours of JAZZ Realtracks in the UltraPak, including the Jazz greats like Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Pat Martino, Phil Woods. Not sure why a "Jazz snob" wouldn't be interested in that. You currently have 80 hours of Jazz RealTracks, one tenth of the UltraPak. Also, you mentioned you play Jazz fusion guitar, on the UltraPak you also get Jon Herington RealTracks. As Steely Dans guitarist for the last 10 years or so, he's considered one of the best in the world - should be of interest to a Jazz fusion player.
I managed to load Addictive Drums 2 but the user interface of AD2 was cut short on the right side so I couldn't access all the features of AD2.
Is this a bug or am I missing something ?
Short question: If I have MIDI files for AD2 can I load them into BIAB ?
PS
I am NOT a Jazz snob but sometimes I sound like one
DS
Originally Posted By: PeterGannon
You can use any VST for drums, if Band-in-a-Box is providing the MIDI note patterns. So you hook up Addictive drums like a VST and can use it.
))) "I am a Jazz snob" You can be a jazz snob and still get the UlltraPak
There are 800 hours of JAZZ Realtracks in the UltraPak, including the Jazz greats like Ron Carter, Kenny Barron, Pat Martino, Phil Woods. Not sure why a "Jazz snob" wouldn't be interested in that. You currently have 80 hours of Jazz RealTracks, one tenth of the UltraPak. Also, you mentioned you play Jazz fusion guitar, on the UltraPak you also get Jon Herington RealTracks. As Steely Dans guitarist for the last 10 years or so, he's considered one of the best in the world - should be of interest to a Jazz fusion player.
))) Short question: If I have MIDI files for AD2 can I load them into BIAB ?
Any MIDI file can be loaded onto then played back, so the answer is yes to your question. But I expect that you'd want to be able to do more than that, such as edit the MIDI file etc. so I don't recommend doing that.
Because that is what a DAW is for. And we include RealBand which is a DAW that would allow you to load MIDI files, edit the, etc. and play them back through a VST.
I just want to be able to play MIDI files with VSTi's like Addictive Drums 2. The rest I'll do with RealTracks/Usertracks
I do all my MIDI editing in Cubase
Any info on why I can't see the whole GUI of Addictive Drums 2 ???
Cheers
Originally Posted By: PeterGannon
))) Short question: If I have MIDI files for AD2 can I load them into BIAB ?
Any MIDI file can be loaded onto then played back, so the answer is yes to your question. But I expect that you'd want to be able to do more than that, such as edit the MIDI file etc. so I don't recommend doing that.
Because that is what a DAW is for. And we include RealBand which is a DAW that would allow you to load MIDI files, edit the, etc. and play them back through a VST.
))) I just want to be able to play MIDI files with VSTi's like Addictive Drums 2. The rest I'll do with RealTracks/Usertracks
Is there some reason that right out of the gate you've decided to not use Band-in-a-Box MIDI drum styles or RealDrums, in favor of playing premade MIDI files. I thought from your messages above that you get bored if you hear the same part played even a few choruses apart. Why would listening to the same MIDI file drum part appeal to you, and do you expect a premade midi file to match every song you're creating?
Lots of Band-in-a-Box users use many tools to make the finished product, including other VSTs and DAW. But they usually switch to the DAW (eg. Cubase) rather than try to import the files into Band-in-a-Box to work with. So they use BIAB to create the files, and then move to the DaW to add their custom files.
))) I just want to be able to play MIDI files with VSTi's like Addictive Drums 2. The rest I'll do with RealTracks/Usertracks
Is there some reason that right out of the gate you've decided to not use Band-in-a-Box MIDI drum styles or RealDrums, in favor of playing premade MIDI files. I thought from your messages above that you get bored if you hear the same part played even a few choruses apart. Why would listening to the same MIDI file drum part appeal to you, and do you expect a premade midi file to match every song you're creating?
Lots of Band-in-a-Box users use many tools to make the finished product, including other VSTs and DAW. But they usually switch to the DAW (eg. Cubase) rather than try to import the files into Band-in-a-Box to work with. So they use BIAB to create the files, and then move to the DaW to add their custom files.
Screen resolution is fine 1280X1024 and works great in Cubase. If I increase it 1920X1080 everything will become too small.
I use the Band-in-a-Box MIDI drum styles and RealDrums and they sound great.
I just want to see if it's possible and how it works with AD2 !
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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