I enjoy creating music with RealBand but I can never get an acoustic snare drum sound that I like. In terms of plug-ins I have Forte Dxi, CoyotoWT, VSC Dxi (I suspect that I am not using the correct terminology when describing the plug-ins... my apologies). Of the three, I like the Forte sound the best.
I am trying to get a sound that has that ring that you hear with a snare. After the snare has been hit there is that little high pitched ring as the drum kind of “pops.” Hopefully you understand what I’m trying to say.
Currently, I’m getting too much of the snare sound (Shhzz). If I add reverb, I just get more Shhzz. Basically, although I can tell that the sound is an acoustic snare, the sounds don’t sound life-like. It's as if there is no presence to the sound.
I am wondering if you have any tips. Is it a case of trying to tweak the sound or is it a case of trying to find different plug-ins?
Also, sometimes I think I am getting close to a good snare sound with a nice decay and ring but as soon as I add another drum sound such as a hi hat, the snare sound loses it’s ring and decay. I am not sure what I am doing wrong.
To get a good snare sound you need to start with a good snare sound. And I know the ring you're talking about.
As sweet as BB & RB are, the drums are all on one track and that makes it a difficult job to pull one part of the kit out of the mix. Personally I'd love to be able to pull the kick and snare out a bit. Maybe even the hats. Using a multiband compressor and some judicious EQ, you can get close, but still not with the freedom you have having everything on it's own track.
Using a general midi synth like you mentioned is also just slightly better IMHO if only because of the control over the track levels, certainly not in the quality of the sound to any great degree. You would also need to be a drummer or think like one and take the time to program the midi to get a realistic sounding drum track.
Some of the sample based synths and ones with loops are going to be your best bet. Addictive Drums, Battery, Slate Drums, BFD, or Jamstix have GREAT sounding kits and some of them are automated and will create a fairly decent and believable drum track, and are drag & drop simple to use. Of course, to get the better sounds, you have to pay the price to get in the door.
I have a few sample based VST's for drums. Jamstix is one of them. You can tweek every part of the kit and even change damping and head size among the many other variables. I still tend to use RB drums because it's easier.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.com Add 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.
Jally, here's your problem. The Forte Dxi is $40. The VSC is 25 years old. The Coyote Wavetable is nothing more than the freebie software synth that comes with every Windows PC.
You're not going to get good sound out of any of those for drums or anything else for that matter.
Jally, that ring was sometimes achieved by having a metal folding chair next to the snare that rang when the snare was hit hard enough.
Some small snares have that ring to them if you get the head good and tight and tuned, but normally it isn't an effect you can add later.
If you want to try, 2-4k on EQ can help define it, but if it isn't there to begin with it's hard make it sound like it is. If you have a Reverb with EQ built into it you can 'emulate' the ring, but still, it isn't going to be the same. Again, cut lows and push 2k or so .. maybe a combination of EQ and Reverb
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Rally, I just remembered something from years ago. We had a forum member named Mac who was our absolute top dog tech guru. For whatever reason he stopped posting a couple of years ago.
The Forte DXi came out maybe 8 years ago. Mac discovered the samples used were in Gigasample format. At the time Gigasampler was a sensation with great sounding samples. Their samples were also huge like I remember the Bosendorfer piano by itself was over a gig in size. Mac replaced the entire Forte GM soundbank with Gigasamples and wrote about exactly how he did it. Don't ask me how now, it's been years and even with what I know, it's above my pay grade.
You sound like you don't know a whole lot about this (if I'm wrong, I apologize). This stuff is tricky. Just one example, to use a GM soundbank in real time all of the samples have to be loaded into your RAM. If the samples only take 500mb, no problem but what if the entire soundbank is 8 gigs? Far easier to learn how to use a dedicated drum plugin for the drum track.
Finally to state the obvious, good sounds cost real money. When it comes to midi, Biab has no sounds of it's own, all PG gives you is the bit of software that converts your basic Windows synth into the Coyote Wavetable that Biab can use. The quality of midi sounds is dependent on what midi synth you have. The costs can go from $40 for the Forte to literally thousands. Right now I use Sample Tank 3, others use hardware, some use more expensive software like Kontakt, some can't stand the hassle of midi and just use the Real Tracks.
Bob just jogged my memory with his last post. BiaB comes with a SFZ player so why not search the Internet for drum kits? Maybe there is a kit that has that snare sound.
Waitress "How did you find your steak sir"?
Me "I just looked next to the potatoes and there it was"!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Where was this info when I was buying AD1 and 2, eZDrummer, ... LOL
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Was there anywhere in there that he said if he is or is not talking about Realdrums where everything is on one track? If so, if he is boosting and cutting the an EQ he is boosting and cutting ALL the drums. It would be SO GREAT if RB could put kick, hat and snare on discrete tracks and all the toms and fills and cymbals could go on an aggregate track. Then we could EQ and reverb up the snare all by it's lonesome.
I posted, promoted, and literally gave away the DR-005 many years ago (and for many years after), mainly because you could use wave, mp3, SF2, and many other sampled sounds with it quite easily. The developers gave me clearance to post both the ZIP/Install and the key here on these forums (specifically). Any Sample Player can theoretically do this if you put in a little effort.
Sample the sound you want for the snare, shove it into DR-005 (or 008 or any other sample player) and you can have 'that sound', controlled by MIDI.
To get 'that sound' from a generic GM synth is much more of a challenge though. It can be emulated, but it ain't easy .. and YMMV. I'd rather try to re-sample it than create it from a generic synth.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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!
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:
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)
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!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
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)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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!
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