|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
The VST plugin feature in RB/BIAB has a long history of either not being available (early 2000's) or not being able to sync (until recently). In RB 2017 I was hoping that all issues had been resolved and that I would not not have to use another DAW. However it is still a long winded process to activate the plugins, RB has a high probability of crashing and other fundamanetal aspects like automatic window sizing to match the plugin seems non-existent (Guitar Rig 5, S-Gear) . I have just found that when using the latest S-Gear (Scuffham Amp Sim)the plugin screen blanks out if you change a preset??
Is there any advice please? - my system is a simple 64bit Win 10 i5 quad core laptop, 8 gig RAM, M-Audio Fast Track Pro (latest ASIO driver)with JBridge (BIAB version sold with BIAB 2017). All VST plugins, IR's and cabinets work in Reaper, Cubase and the demo of Mixcraft and Studio One but not in RB. If RB "dislikes" the plugin everything either freezes or crashes.
I cannot figure what I am doing wrong but the RB VST instrument feature for audio recording with input monitoring seems erratic and unstable? Is the situation such that there is no other alterantive but to use another DAW?
Regards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
"In RB 2017 I was hoping that all issues had been resolved and that I would not not have to use another DAW." Me too, I have been waiting years for that to happen but I'm not sure it will, though I still hope. If you have Reaper you might be better to use the ReWireVST and use RealBand just to generate the tracks, sections or multiriffs you need, this way Reaper will take all the load and won't crash. ReWire RealBand/PT ReWire should be implemented soon in BB/RB hopefully.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
The VST plugin feature in RB/BIAB has a long history of either not being available (early 2000's) or not being able to sync (until recently). If you're talking about RB tempo syncing with a plugin you're correct, that was just added recently but now it works so what's the problem? You're complaining because it took so long? ...it is still a long winded process to activate the plugins In the plugin window you click "Select VST". This is long winded? Pretty simple to me. RB has a high probability of crashing If it crashes there's something not set up correctly. There have been some long and detailed threads where the user was willing to dig into everything step by step, he posted screenshots when asked and they all wind up the same place. He didn't check or activate something that should be checked. automatic window sizing to match the plugin seems non-existent The problem that lots of us have complained about for years is PG keeps that VST selection window open at the top which pushes the main plug window down. However you can hit the full screen thingy in the upper right and then scroll down to see your full plug in window. Clunky I know but it works. I have just found that when using the latest S-Gear (Scuffham Amp Sim)the plugin screen blanks out if you change a preset?? Can't comment on this one. If RB "dislikes" the plugin everything either freezes or crashes. If you don't have it set up correctly then crashes can occur. I cannot figure what I am doing wrong but the RB VST instrument feature for audio recording with input monitoring seems erratic and unstable? I spent several sessions with my sister laying down vocals and the IM worked perfect. Same with me playing my keyboards. You need to use ASIO and have ASIO Always On and Input Monitoring checked in your Audio window. RB certainly isn't perfect but the only real issue in your list is the screen blanking with your amp sim. I have no idea about that one. If you think Reaper or Studio One has more and better features that's fair enough and I agree with you. All I'm commenting on is Real Band works fine as it is. Can it be improved oh yeah, absolutely and Pipeline and others have been pointing things out and important changes are coming like Rewire. Peter said around Christmas that this would be implemented early this year. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Members of this forum who have spent many years using (and paying hard earned $$) anually or every six months for BIAB/RB have the fortunate opportunity to voice frustrations as well as praises, tips and tricks, advice etc as the case may be. For a veteran member to belittle another memeber's post which expresses frustration, is unbecoming of the PG music culture and the style of this forum.
If I wanted to "hit the full screen thingy" on the "chunky feature which works" I would not have written the post. If you consider everyone to be idiots and the fault is because the members "system is not set up properly" then rather add value to the post by explaining how to set a system up properly to work with (reputable) 3rd party softtare (that you do not seemingly have or know).
A company suppling products globally who claim a feature is included in a sofware package needs to ensure that it functions as marketed and that is compatible with everyday 3rd party sofware. Can you imagine being someone spending several hundred $$ on the audiophile version to find a very straightford feature you want to use is "clunky" with non PG plugins? I dont think you would be a happy camper?
Please avoid being so defensive about PG Music? - BIAB/RB is unique and fantastic software - but I have a right to enquire about a feature and ask for advice without a another member voicing a personal opinion on the forum by stating that RealBand "is fine as it is".
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,971
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,971 |
I understand your frustration and agree with your assessment RealBand crashes too easily when you try to perform certain tasks.
I do believe though that the software is more stable now than it has been in the past. I also strongly believe PG Music is dedicated to delivering more stable products. However, I also believe PG Music can't deliver unless we, the product users, help by providing useful crash report information.
Every time RealBand (or Band-in-a-Box) crashes a crash report is automatically generated. The crash report details what module failed, what modules were in use and information about your computer and operating system. There is also a place for the user to report what you were doing when the crash occurred. I think the user information is essential to let PG Music recreate the failure.
I can't say what percentage of crash reports PG Music receives has user provided information but I can say I try to provide the kind of information PG Music can use to recreate, identify and fix the underlying issue. More often than not I've received a reply that the issue was or was not identified.
I've seen an issue of the screen going blank. It did not generate a crash report though. In my instance the blank spots would come back on as you move the mouse over the empty spots. I took some screenshots and emailed the information to PG Music support and they were able to recreate the issue. Hopefully, they will have it fixed in a future update.
As I said in the beginning, I understand and feel your frustration but ... it is getting better!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Thnak you for the constructive advice Jim. How is such a report generated or is there a BIAB web page that provides the information?
Regards.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
Yes, I have been using RealBand for 400 years, well seems like it, and yes it is clunky and a crasher. That's why I asked here http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=393614 to find a better way to do things as RealBand has worn me out over the years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697 |
Royj first of all we're all friends here, we're just trying to help each other out.
How about this.
You post a specific example of a crash or other problem along with EXACTLY how your entire system is set up including all the appropriate config window screenshots and we check it out? I suggest you do this like a beta tester would and that is make it crash at least three times after doing the exact same thing. Simply saying you are having these problems gives us nothing to work with.
If you don't know how to take a screenshot and post it all you do is hit Printscreen on your keyboard. I use OneDrive which is already part of Win 10 and Printscreen automatically goes there. Then when you hit the Reply button in this thread, click File Manager, that opens a window. There you'll see Add File with a Browse button. Click Browse and navigate to wherever you stored the Printscreen, click it and hit the Add File button. That puts the link in your reply and you hit Submit. In my case since I've done this before the system remembers where OneDrive is so as soon as I hit the browse button the directory opens, there's my latest Printscreen and that's it.
Rather than argue with me about this post the details of your crash problem and we'll fix it. Or not. Maybe you've uncovered a bug, in that case PG wants to know about it.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,971
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,971 |
Thank you for the constructive advice Jim. How is such a report generated or is there a BIAB web page that provides the information?
Regards. Royi, Crash reports are automatically generated in both Band-in-a-Box (BiaB) and RealBand (RB). Both programs have had automatic crash report capability starting with the 2015 editions (I think but I could be wrong and many times I am wrong!). The report appears in a pop-up window with SEND / DON'T SEND choices at the bottom of the pop up page. Close to the top of the pop-up window is the space with a "insert user comments here" type of placeholder message. When you use the SEND button, pop-up window text is written to an email that is sent to PG Music Support. For this system to work correctly, you must have set up a default mail program on your computer. If you are using GMail, Yahoo or some other type of internet based mail service, the automatic crash report will not work as it relies on Windows automatically opening a mail service installed on the computer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Thank you for this info Jim - I must say that I have not seen such an option but will certainly look out for it - what I find with an audio VSTi crash is that I mostly need to shut down RB via the Task Manager as it hangs. When I restart RB I get the message that it is preferable to re-set all audio settings.
I will certainly try and use this feature you have made me aware of.
Regards, Roy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Hi Bob
I appreciate the response and offer. I will spend some time with the problematic plugins and do another set of replications to ensure the issue is repeatable and will post the needed setup info.
Regards, Roy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Thanks for this offer Bob - I will certainly test the problematic plugins again, try and replicate the problem and post some plugin and system setup info.
Regards, Roy
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
Thank you Pipeline - I have downloaded the demo of Mixbus 3 and will give it a try as it seems different to the "normal" DAW's - or maybe it's just the GUI and workflow. I really like RB and if I can get it running smoothly on my laptop that would be 1st prize!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 157 |
The Minihost looks interesting and will also try it. Does the 64bit version work with JBridge?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RealBand
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,739
Posts795,619
Members39,946
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean