OK, at first a big thank to all those who try to solve this "mistery", it helps to feel better!
Noel, I have now tried to change the settings according to your instructions, but no change. When I go to the default synth screen, the only possibility I have is Sforzando. Scaning then for new plugins just seem to reset my DXiplugin.init to 0 (meaning it erases the settings I had previously copied from BiaB 2016)(see Photo).
As I already explained before, I have now installed BiaB 2016 on an external drive and have, from begin on, without me setting anything, Forte coyote as the default synth. So I think the problem lies by BiaB 2017, maybe in relation with the new Sforzando... Which file should I look for and try to change? What about the folder DX- settings with files like defaultDXIsynth.tgs? Bernard
Latest news in Bernard against "Forte DXi" as default synth in BiaB 2017;
I did not have much time, up to now, to have a look at Real Band (2017). I have done this now and... surpriise! Forte IS there as default synth... Trying to copy all files in relation with DXi from RB to BiaB fail. It seems that, when I check "scan for new DX", under options, the program produces a new .tg file (DefaultDXiSynth.tgs, under the folder "DX Settings)and does not look for new Synths... Very strange!
You are, have, or tried contacting PG on this? (because this looking 99% like an actual tech issue .)
One last hail Mary (and it's just a hail Mary) - exit BIAB, then DELETE the " DefaultDXiSynth.tgs" in the "x:\ …\bb\DX settings"
Next time your start BIAB, BIAB will rebuild it using the " Factory_DefaultDXiSynth.tgs" and then update with what it sees
some comments:
1. It's a very unlikely Sforzando had anything to do with issues with BIAB and it's ability to see DXi's because SForzando is a VSTi (so it’s as related as apples and rifles)
2. By having Forte DXi show up in RealBand (and it is RB 2017 correct ? not Real 2016?)- PROVES you have Forte DXi installed correctly. There is no reason BIAB can't "see it" so there is nothing you can on that front (Forte DXi ain't broke so you can’t fix it).
3. You can quit copying the " DXiPluginList.ini " file into BIAB's \bb directory because that idea was a "let's try that just for for grins because it's a million to one long shot." Besides, every time you do a "scan" for new DX's, that scan updates that file with what it finds, which appears to always report ZERO Dxi's .
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 have done that already, and it does not work. The program does not find a new dx by scaning and then the .tgs is replaced by a new one with nothing changed. Yes, Forte is the default synth in RB 2017 (without me having done something special) I have contacted the live help and they send me to support, which i will call now. I ll report afterwards. Bernard
I have contacted support yesterday... Unfortunately, the needed senior engineer was on sick leave, so that we have to wait until he comes back. Could be a bug, so they said... Bernard
3. If you have more than a few GB's of RAM than use the SGM-V2.10 sound font, listed further down the first page (it's the best GM sound font package I've ever tired, and I have tried all the free GM SF sets).
4. Next install Virtual MIDI synth during install it will
a. Ask if you want it as your DEFAULT MIDI Out Device I suggest NO (you can configure it in BIAB, or later if you like)
b. Asks (actually it tells you) to add a sound font to work (it won’t make any sounds if you don't install at least one sound font bank) but when you check that box and it just takes you back to Coolsoft site where sound fonts are listed - after downloading other fonts or not and you close your browser windows it will ask to to re-boot PC, just go ahead and re-boot.
c. After re-booting you should find a "CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth" program folder in your Start Programs list.
d. Run "Configure Virtual midi synth" and add your now unzipped SGM-2.01.sf2 (where ever you unzipped it at) and I would not change or worry any of the other defaults right now.
PS this is a technical geek thing (and no you don’t need to worry about it ) so this is just info but the Virtual MIDISynth acts like a DEVICE, actually you can think of it as an EXTERNAL MIDI Device. That being the case it installs like a device and not like a "program" so it does not install to the C:\Programs Files. If you are looking for where it installs to (please DO NOT MOVE IT or muck around with it), "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\VirtualMIDISynth\.."
5. Open BIAB:
a. Remember "Virtual MIDISYNTH" is NOT a VSTi or DXi: so you can treat it, and think of it, as an external GM module. So within BIAB go to
Options -> MIDI/Audio Driver setup
UNCHECK "Use VSTi/DXi synth"
Under MIDI Output Driver select the " CoolSoft VirtualMIDI Synth"
Now exit that menu and the CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth Mixer window will open (remember think of the Virtual synth as a piece of external hardware, so just like a piece of external gear you can set volume on each part as well as over all volume)
Now pick a BIAB song with MIDI parts or a whole GM song it should play just fine (and if the mixer gets lost under BIAB just "Crtl-Alt-M" will pop it back up
Good luck with above and with getting Forte working
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
PS this is a technical geek thing (and no you don’t need to worry about it ) so this is just info but the Virtual MIDISynth acts like a DEVICE, actually you can think of it as an EXTERNAL MIDI Device. That being the case it installs like a device and not like a "program" so it does not install to the C:\Programs Files. If you are looking for where it installs to (please DO NOT MOVE IT or muck around with it), "C:\Windows\SysWOW64\VirtualMIDISynth\.."
Like Larry said, it acts like a MIDI out port, so just be aware that it is not a DXi or VSTi synth and that you can't render directly with it. To render to audio, you would have to "record" it, much like you would do with an external hardware synth.
That being said, I use it in several apps and it works just fine.
My favorite soundfont to use is the 31.9MB Reality soundfont. Not perfect, but pretty close to the sound from the TTS-1 DXi.
If interested, let me know and I can get it to you.
John
Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA
Yes another really good SF is the Reality one - BOTH are at least GM2 - so you have "extensions" of sounds beyond first 128.
Also I have to admit that the Reality SF is probably 3db+ louder for some reason - which is good.
Finally if you try to find & download it yourself realize its SFARK compressed, you WILL need sfArk utility to decompress to it's sf2 format.
So if unfamiliar let John supply direct (only way I have to get it to you is via email).
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
OK, once again, thanks, larry and JFord for looking for solutions with me... I suppose you have already experienced this frustration when you cannot find a solution for a problem and try and try... Anyway, I will try what you suggest with the other synth, need more time and have now to go to bed in Germany to be fit tomorrow for a new trying session. Honestly, I dont think it will work... I already have a second synth available in my system, TTS1 from Cakewalk that some people use. It apears in my list of Plugins (BiaB 2016) together with Forte and does not apear either when scaning for new synth under BiaB 2017. So I expect it will be the same with another synth. But we will see, I'll report tomorrow. But not everything is bad in life (!), I have just downloaded patch 354 and miracle, the custom tabs are now staying when I re open BiaB, which was not the case up to now (That was the subject of an other post of mine). Thank the Lord!!! Bernard
1 PG will get your DXi plugins problem sorted out for both Forte and TTS-1 and any other DX/DXi issues you have, and that
2. the solution I mentioned, and John seconded, is NOT a plugin solution - it is a completely different "thing" and approach. It is NOT a VSTi, it is NOT a DXi, it is a pseudo-hardware DEVICE as far as BIAB is concerned, like your sound card or external MIDI keyboards.
I'm 99.9% certain that no matter what other issues you are having with DXi's this will work - becasue ti is NOT a plugin.
GOOD LUCK!
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
Aaaarrgh! does not work!!! (Bernard you are the "Looser" of the year!). First let me tell you that your instructions for downloading and installing the Cool Synth are PERFECT and I could not do anything wrong... - I have downloaded and installed Cool Synth (Vers 1.7) - I have downloaded the SGM V2 sfonts (I went to another site to download the full file because the zip version would not download). - I have installed the Cool synth and see it apear in my output synth list (yyeess!). - I have chosen it (of course with virtual synth unchecked)and... nothing! the interface does NOT apear and when playing a midi file no sound comes out. - Back to my normal setting: I use the Ketron SD2 via the midi interface (midi to USB) UMG1: works! - Back to the Cool Synth configurator (luck you gave me the path where to find it) checked that the font are checked ok, set the Cool Synth as default synth: still does not show any interface and does not give any sound. OK nice try/next try!!! Bernard (still happy anyway!)
What is your AUDIO setting ASIO or MME - whatever it is try the OTHER ONE
also did you REBOOT PC after Virtual synth INSTALL?
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 12/17/1605:00 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
It was certainly on asio (I only use MME when I have an "asio error" coming up). I will try again with both settings... Yes, I rebooted after the installation of Cool Synth, your instructions were clear! Bernard
Unfortunately it does not work... After setting MME or Asio, choosing "Cool Synth" in the midi output and clicking ok just results in the screen closing and that's it. Bernard
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
IN BIAB do an Options - > "Return to Factory Settings" and use the ALL option
THEN exit BIAB
Next (remember I'm just verifying) run the "Configure VirtualMIDISynth" (its in your start menu items) and verify that the SGM .sf2 or the Reality sound font, if you have it from John or the Web, is LOADED
Then restart BIAB and re-do the steps from above (select Virtual MIDI synth as MIDI output, uncheck use VSTi, etc.)
ALMOST forgot the "interface disappearing" just use "Ctrl-Alt-M" to bring up the Coolsoft mixer
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 12/17/1606:07 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
One other thing to look at (it should already be set like this but if not then set it like this)
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 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.
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean