We are thinking of adding WASAPI driver support for the various programs. I'm wondering if people use WASAPI drivers with other programs. And if they do: - does it work well - what interface are they using? Is it multi-port and do the WASAPI drivers show up in stereo pairs (so that an 8-port interface would show up as 4 stereo inputs)
They just show up as a stereo in or 2 mono with WASAPI, there's no multichannel. The ASIO4All gives you all inputs of all devices (this is handy if you are using 2 devices for recording that are synced with optical or rca cable) but you get that GS Wavetable error thing unless everything else is closed.
I use the WASAPI with the onboard audio for playback/mixing that works good, rather than having a good ASIO interface plugged in and on all the time just for playback. I lent a 16ch USB Phonic Mixer to someone, they used it as a soundcard so it was left on all the time so the internal power supply blew, but I fixed it after replacing a lot of parts, so now I only use the multichannel interfaces for recording only.
Thanks for the reply and the video demonstration. So WASAPI is strictly for a single stereo input. Not more than that.
It is confusing because I've been told that Presonus interfaces hav wasapi that can do multiple audio in. We have a presonus on order, so I will check that out.
"Improved Built-in Audio Support: With new WASAPI drivers, SONAR now delivers extremely low-latency performance with laptops and tablets that can rival pro audio devices—we’re talking truly high-performance mobile setups, whether for Artist, Professional, or Platinum. "
+++ Documentation 2 +++ I find it very interesting that Cakewalk makes a distinction to select WASPI as the driver for onboard (built into the computer motherboard) audio devices and ASIO for external devices.
I know some of this information does not exactly match your request for information but many users in this forum are also active in the Sonar forum so I'm hoping this may prompt them to add their personal experience using the WASPI driver selection.
I sometimes use the Windows 7 WASAPI driver selection on a Dell laptop while using Cakewalk's Music Creator 6 DAW or the open source Audacity wave editor. While using the WASAPI driver both programs offer additional audio input and output devices that I otherwise would have difficulty using. The WASAPI driver adds native support for USB microphones, headphones and speakers. Latency varies around 10 - 12 milliseconds while using the USB devices.
That's with the TASCAM. I just tried it with the Avid Rack and I get 18ch with with ASIO but 12ch with WASAPI.
Yes I remember trying that Exclusive thing with ASIO4All but the only thing that worked for me now as I remember is Vista Midi Fix http://www.benryves.com/products/vistamidi this sets the default midi output device for Windows, and I set it to Coolsoft, see before after below:
This is potentially interesting. I switched to ASIO (I have an ASIO driver available with my Zoom audio interface although I also have ASIO4ALL installed on my PC) as I was having latency issues with the BIAB default driver and it fixed the latency issues when recording to BIAB. Unfortunately, afterwards, I found my midi controls to external devices had stopped. Is there anything in ASIO that alters midi messages? Mine were going out on Channel 4 and 16. If ASIO has nothing to do with those kind of problems, is there any other down side to using ASIO or would I be better to try to set up WASAPI which I have yet to track down let alone use!
Windows 10 Home 20H2 Build 19042.487 BIAB 2021 (Build 818) Intel(R) Core(TM), i3-4160, CPU @3.60 GHz RAM 16 GB, 64 Bit X64-based processor Zoom UAC-2 (USB 3 interface-built in midi) VoiceLive 3 Extreme, Sputnik Valve Condenser Mic
I just got rid of all my USB interfaces to go back to old school analog mixer with a Behringer 802. I was tired of mucking with ASIO and latency etc.
I did find that WASAPI is handy in Audacity as I can run my motherboard line ins and outs through my mixer using the LOOPBACKS it provides, so I can, for example, mix my Kentron SD100 to do MIDI along with RealTracks.
I suspect this might get me around the limitation to use DXi for MIDI when I output to .WAV / .MP3 in BIAB. I had been using Audacity for this purpose, when I want to record to digital audio using an external sound module.
I've been using ASIO from the start. What little I know about WASAPI is that it's Windows answer to ASIO. Very similar in how it acts and if I understand correctly, it allows sharing mode so that multiple audio devices can use it at the same time. It is supposed to be a low latency driver. It allows bypassing of the audio mixer and the default settings according to what I read. It is recommended as an audio driver when MME, and ASIO are problematic in one way or the other. If your ASIO driver provides excellent service, there is no advantage to using WASAPI.
It is simply one other option to use for running an audio product. It is proprietary so the device or software has to be designed to be compatible with WASAPI in order to function properly using it.
AS far as PG adding it to the compatibility list, I think that would be a good idea since some people may actually find that WASAPI is the fix they need to run a low latency system with some of the off brand interfaces on the market.
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.
"Proprietary" is sometimes an advantage (look at Apple) when you own the stack from hardware through OS and drivers.) I've found the Surface Pro the most stable "laptop" I have ever used. I don't mind a Windows-specific technology when it comes to multimedia (as MSFT has ignored this area for so long.)
I've made an entire CAREER out of Microsoft's inadequacies, so I'm not about to abandon Windows any time soon.
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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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!
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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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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