|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
I am running BIAB 2009 on a Windows 10 laptop.
The volume is VERY low - nearly inaudible.
I've reset BIAB to Factory-Settings. Volume still low.
It is louder with headphones.
It is very loud (great) with external speakers plugged into the laptop (headphone jack).
Listening to YouTube, in a browser, is louder.
Summary: How can I make BIAB-2009 louder?
Thank you
Last edited by Cardinal24; 03/17/17 12:33 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,489
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,489 |
Hi, Welcome to the forums. If it's louder with headphones, the low speaker volume sounds like it's due to a Windows setting. Click on the speaker icon in the task bar and see if volume sliders are up. I don't know Windows 10 but on Windows 7 I can right-click on the speaker icon, select "Playback devices" and then, by entering into to "Speaker properties" I can set individual slider volumes. Hope this helps, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
You can access the sound devices and volume the same way in Windows 10.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
No, my friends. I appreciate these comments but my issue is not resolved.
Again, I should point out that EVERYTHING works fine ...except... volume inside BIAB. BTW: I am using BIAB 2009.
Low volume is resolved by connecting external speakers to the laptop.
YouTube plays at a satisfactory volume.
When I click the speakers in the configuration utility, the sound is loud.
It is ONLY inside BIAB where the volume is unacceptably low.
----------------------------------
One closing comment: I'm 64 years old, and this wouldn't be the first time, I was missing something obvious. I am "technical" but not when it comes to audio. e.g. I know nothing about CODEC.
----------------------------------
However, I feel that there may be something wrong with the configuration inside BIAB. And I did Reset to factory settings but that didn't fix it.
----------------------------------
So .... more ideas will be appreciated. I can't uninstall and reinstall because I can't find the CD. (I could order a replacement CD for only $5.00 but haven't). Another approach is to buy a new version but I use the program lightly and would prefer to wait to upgrade.
Thanks. Sorry.
David
Last edited by Cardinal24; 03/20/17 05:16 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
David, that's a good problem statement now. I really don't know the answer, and BIAB 2009 is so long ago that I don't remember what the menu options would have been. I think I know this stuff pretty well and I'm older than you, but I have limitations!
So, my suggestion is to contact PG Music Support. They may even have an older working version of BIAB, but especially, they can remote into your machine and try to find the problem.
Be sure to post the solution once it's known, so we can all help others.
I first thought the solution lies with your external speakers or mixer - whatever you are using - since the headphone jack works. It doesn't seem like it could be a BIAB problem, and yet you say everything else works...
BIAB 2009 had some early RealTracks and RealDrums. Could you give us one more possible clue: is the sound of MIDI and RealTracks equally low, or is one affected more than another?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
1. I just tried BIAB 2009 on a laptop I used before the low-volume laptop. Perfect, loud (no problem).
So either low-volume laptop is misconfigured or has a HW/SW issue that seemingly effects only BIAB.
2. PGMusic is closed now (I can't inquire) but I'd expect a fee for BIAB 2009 support. I'd likely prefer to otherwise employ my PGMusic dollars.
3. You asked:
" is the sound of MIDI and RealTracks equally low, or is one affected more than another? "
I only use the most basic BIAB features. I don't know how to test that. Thanks
I'm quietly hoping that somebody writes: "Have you tried this?"
Last edited by Cardinal24; 03/20/17 06:53 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
It may or may not fix the problem, but just thought I would ask. Are you running the latest BIAB 2009 patch (BIAB 2009.5 Build 287), which can be found way down on this page. I think I have an old VM setup which may have 2009 on it. If I remember, I'll take a look this evening.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944
PG Music Staff
|
|
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 15,944 |
Have Fun!
Peter Gannon
PG Music Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
Thanks Peter. I found this. The volume for Band in a Box was 100%. But thank you.
I continue to feel that this is some setting in the program - an obvious setting to experienced users. I am a beginner. I don't know anything about Midi or drum tracks or anything. I just type in chords and play along. But thank you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
Are you using mainly MIDI, or also RealTracks/RealDrums?
If MIDI, what MIDI synth are you using to get sound?
One thing you can do is normalize MIDI tracks to a higher velocity, which will result in louder sound.
I don't have 2009 in front of me, but just look for "normalize" in the user manual or the help system.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
This is pitiful, but I don't know if I'm using Midi.
I bought BIAB 2009 because my guitar teacher told me to.
I enter chord progressions and play along.
That's it.
I either hear BIAB through the laptop speakers (volume too low) or through external speakers (volume good).
That's it.
So perhaps I could "turn MIDI off" entirely?
Last edited by Cardinal24; 03/21/17 09:25 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,538
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,538 |
Did 2009 have a mixer? If so is it on the main screen or buried in some menu? I honestly can't remember.
If BiaB 2009 has a mixer turn everything up and see what you get.
Check under options/preferences/MIDI driver and let us know what you have highlighted in the MIDI input driver and MIDI output driver.
My wife had her driving test today.
She got 8 out of 10.
The other 2 jumped out of the way!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
To clarify, the problem is that BIAB 2009 plays back very low over the laptop speakers? That's the only problem? Other programs play loud enough on the laptop speakers?
We still need more info.
Does this song have RealTracks and/or RealDrums?
Does this song have MIDI?
As Mario mentioned, what does it say in Preferences, MIDI Driver for Output?
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,071 |
Cardinal24. If you have 2009 version you'll likely be using MIDI tracks, The problem may be with the laptop itself. Some laptops (one of mine included) have very low speaker volume. Completely unsatisfactory for playing music along with another instrument. I recall you mentioned that external amp was OK, and that other sound sources were OK though (e.g. YouTube). Don't discount that you may need to use some kind of powered speaker connected to the laptop audio out.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Trevor, if I understood the prior posts, he has an external amp. Playing through laptop speakers is never recommended, but at least it works somewhat with all other programs beside BIAB. If I read right...
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
I'll try to take a look at it tonight after work and see if there's anything that pops up with v2009 (I'm pretty sure I still have it installed on a VM).
I still am curious about the MIDI sound source, as that can also affect volume. I seem to remember the VSC-3 had some volume control and could put out pretty high volume.
But the fact that it plays fine with external speakers (and I presume the other apps don't then play louder as a result of that) has me confuzzled, but that only BIAB is low in volume on the internal speakers, but not the xternal speakers.
I agree, it's probably MIDI, since RT's were so new then. And I don't believe there were any RT "styles" then, just the ability to select an RT form the RT picker and substitute.
But I'll know more when I jog my memory by firing it up.
Things that make you go hmmmm....
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,840 |
Just doing an install right now (not on Win10; I'll do that in a little bit). However, I noticed that BIAB2009 comes with the VSC soft synth (both DXi and VSTi); however, it doesn't work on 64-bit WIndows.
So, I'm still curious about the sound source. Sounds like it's just the default Windows softsynth.
Cardinal24, would you please click on the top menu line and select "Opt", "MIDI/Audio Driver Setup" and let us know what your MIDI output driver is?
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
Hi.
1) I don't have an external "amp". I just have some speakers that I plug into the headphone jack. They play the .SGU "songs" I create plenty-loud. The laptop's internal speakers are NOT loud enough (on .SGU files).
2) I did notice something potentially-helpful today.
This may help you to help me...
.WAV and .MGU songs play louder than .SGU songs.
Note: I know almost nothing about BIAB (but I'm otherwise technical.)
Again: I use BAIB like this - Very SIMPLY:
I click New.
I enter one chord, like DMaj9#11.
I "extend" it to measure 33. I say "repeat 40 times".
So BIAB 2009 plays 1200 measures of my one chord. I accompany. Simple!
I save the "song". It gets saved as a .SGU (which I think is the problem. SGUs aren't as loud as .WAV or .MGU files).
So I tried various songs that shipped with BIAB. I loaded .WAV files (louder) - .MGU files (louder).
So ... my discovery:
Some file formats are louder (.WAV, .MGU). Some file formats are softer (.SGU).
I don't why there are multiple formats. But I thought this might help you to help me.
Just to recap: Every sound function on this laptop works fine (loud) - EXCEPT playing .SGU "songs" that I've created using the laptop's speakers. If I plug in external speakers: Fine. If I use YouTube: fine.
Thanks
Last edited by Cardinal24; 03/22/17 02:33 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,506 |
Cool chord, DMaj9#11. You can play on that all night!
OK, we're getting closer with more information.
A .WAV file is audio (so is an .MP3). An .SGU file is a song track of BIAB without a melody. It could be all MIDI, all RealTracks, or a combination. If it has a melody, that melody is saved as .MGU. That melody would be MIDI.
When you play a .MGU file, is the background playing still soft, while the melody is loud? If you don't have a melody, add one and test.
There are ways to balance MIDI and audio, assuming you have a combination and are running very early RealTracks and RealDrums. I just don't remember that far back to advise you what BIAB was like then. Something out of balance would explain why an .MGU and a .SGU would not be the same volume.
Given this info, perhaps it will guide you to know what kind of file gives the problem.
By the way, your external speakers probably have one or probably two external amps. If they didn't they would be no louder than the laptop's speakers.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9
Newbie
|
|
OP
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 9 |
John asked this:
Cardinal24, would you please click on the top menu line and select "Opt", "MIDI/Audio Driver Setup" and let us know what your MIDI output driver is?
Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
PowerTracks Pro 2026 for Windows is Here!
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
Order now!
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
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,056
Posts799,517
Members40,024
| |
Most Online44,367
Mar 4th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean