Standalone use (VSTi plugin use was covered above)
If you truly want to use the “standalone” only MIDI Guitar 2 (MG2) with the end result of recording its output as MIDI you technically can’t because you need other tools as well (I’m splitting hairs on term “standalone”). You will need an additional MINIMUM of: 1) internal or EXTERNAL DAW or sequencer application capable of actually recording MG2’s MIDI output, and 2) a way to route that MIDI from MG2 to that DAW or sequencer.
If you further want to use pre-recorded audio to trigger MG2 and record that resultant MG2 output MIDI you need the above minimum plus an audio application (e.g., Audacity, Transcribe!, Mixcraft, RB, PTPA, …) that can play back pre-recorded audio files that uses MME NOT ASIO as its audio device and ASIO4ALL for use in MG2 as its audio device (there are other ways and you can use multi-client ASIO but you are on your own if you want to venture there.)
If you simply want to use MG2 in “standalone” mode to play your guitar live and trigger MIDI synths & sounds – see MG2 instructions and if you further want to also record THAT MIDI read item 1 below:
If you want to use the MG2 VSTi (i.e., non-“standalone”) see the EXCELLENT post by David in previously this thread as well as sinbad's post.
1). For just “standalone” MG2 to MIDI recording (independent of incoming audio to trigger MG2):
You need a way to route that MIDI to some MIDI recording device or app. IF you are sending he MIDI out to some external HW then you need a hardware MIDI port of some kind (.e.g., like a USB to MIDI cable) but suspect you’d already know that if you were already sending other MIDI from your PC to external HW synths, sampler (ROMpler) playback devices, and sequencers.
To send MIDI from MG2 to an internal DAW or sequencer recorder you will need something like MIDI-OX (free and yes it works in Win 10 as well as Win 7) or LoopBe 1 (the 2 port one is free the 30 port one is not free, but for this all you need is the free 2 port LoopBe).
Using Loopbe 1 ports you simply select one of the Loopbe 1 ports as MG2 MIDI-out and that SAME port as your DAW/sequencer MIDI-in port.
Using MIDI-OX you have to connect whatever MIDI output port/device you have selected in MG2 to the MIDI input port you have selected in your DAW/sequencer.
Loopbe 1 is the least confusing of these two options especially if you have never used MIDI OX. But suggest you get MIDI-OX anyway, it is VERY useful for all kinds of MIDI routing and MIDI data monitoring/troubleshooting especially in a multi- or complex MIDI setup.
2.) To use pre-recorded audio into “standalone” MG2 to generate MIDI for MIDI recording:
You need item 1 above (for getting MIDI from MG2 to DAW or sequencer) and as already mentioned earlier an audio application (e.g., Audacity, Transcribe!, Mixcraft, RB, PTPA, …) that can play back pre-recorded audio files (again within a reasonable guitar frequency band) that uses MME NOT ASIO as its audio device. You will also need ASIO4ALL and an audio card (beyond the internal chip set audio device) for use in MG2 as its audio device. Note, this is NOT the only way to do this but beyond this method it becomes dependent on your audio card, its ability to mix and resend audio back into PC on different lines, etc. You can also use a multi-client ASIO but you are on your own if you want to venture there.
The simplest way to explain is see pic as sample, or see following explanation:
a. Audacity is playing a FLAC file using MME as its audio device;
b. MG2 is then “hearing “ that audio using ASIO4ALL and generating pitch to MIDI data that is sent out to MIDI output port “internal 2” (which is the second Loopbe 1 MIDI port);
c. Finally Powertrack’s has recorded that MIDI data by listening for it on MIDI input port “internal 2” (again the second LoopBe 1)
3. Of course if all you want to do is use the standalone MG2 to record your live guitars’ MG2 generated MIDI follow the instructions in item 1.
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
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.
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!
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.
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.