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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 47 |
What are the current recommendations for softsynths to use with BIAB under 64-bit Windows? I still have an Edirol SD-90, but realize that I won't be able to use it with Windows 10. Moreover, modern processors are fast enough that there's no need for an outboard hardware synth module.
I used Bandstand once upon a time, but that has also been discontinued.
I also realize that there is much less need for a separate synth with RealTracks; nevertheless, RealTracks doesn't cover everything.
So what is the current recommendation?
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
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Why can't you use it with Win 10?? I'm using a MUCH OLDER SC-8850 (and a lot of other stuff with NO USB plugs at all XV-5080, Alesis QS8, QSR, Nanosynth, ...)
You MIGHT not be able to use it OVER USB (but with a little hacking you might be able to - you might want to do some "googling" on it) BUT it still works over 5-pin DIN MIDI.
That aside - if you only want a GM compliant plugin then it's fairly limited: TTS-1, Coyote Forte, the IMO the pricy ($125) Roland Sound Canvas VA, and some others that require a little effort to make "GM-like" (like IK SampleTank 2 with Omnisynth add-in, I'm probably forgetting a few but there really aren't that many that you install and use like a GM module VSTi)
If you don't mind assigning your instruments by picking the patches manually ANY VSTi softsynth: Kontakt, Rapture Pro or Dimension Pro, Sample Tank 3 (or 2) , Garritan, UVI, Xpand!2, or any SFZ, ...
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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,454
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Andrew, I had an SD-80 for years. Same MIDI engine as the SD-90, without the audio. As I recall looking at the Roland drivers site some years back, it worked on Windows 7. I also think Roland said more recently that Windows 10 wasn't supported. However - that does not mean it won't work using Windows 7 driver compatibility. This is similar to users of firewire devices: you install Windows 7, get the drivers working, save them to another storage place, then update to Windows 10.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114
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Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,114 |
Hi ryclark Thanks for you kind words above . However you should be aware that I have a slight problem at the moment when using it for midi drums on the 4 substyle type styles, watch my thread below for updates. As I say there, this wont effect you if you use real drums or any other synth for the drum track, and only on 4substyle styles . Please though read / watch the thread. http://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=438283#Post438283Thanks Mike
Last edited by Mike Head; 11/19/17 03:58 AM.
BIAB2021 UltraPlus,AsusN55S1Tbssd, W10/64,Akai EIEpro Yamaha CVP405,SquireStrat, CoolsoftVMidSynth Novatation Impulse61 Ctr kbd, Cwalk blab Kontakt http://mikesmusic.byethost16.com/
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
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I forgot about Mike Head's XG Lite Yamaha GM
It is very good and FREE so another +1 on that one
Thanks Mike
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
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,794
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The Coyote Forte DXi is really a very good GM synth. Once I bought it for BIAB I stopped trying to find anything else. Ya, it ain't free but once paid for it will run for years for you.
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2012
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For its price, Forte really does deliver a very acceptable solution.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,157
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Joined: Jan 2003
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What he said up there. Works great with Biab, just use the 203/206 patch and you are set. Trax
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 127 |
I continue to use Bandstand without problems in Windows 10
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382
PG Music Staff
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PG Music Staff
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,382 |
I really like the Cakewalk TTS-1, but the Forte is nice too. If you'd like to compare the sounds of a few different synths, this page has some great demos: http://www.pgmusic.com/dare-to-compare.htmThanks Kent PG Music
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154 |
I really like the WinLive Synth Driver, that you can find (for a very affordable price) form promusicsoftware.com, an Italian manufacturer of music software programs. You can find it at: http://www.promusicsoftware.com/detail0.php?prod=5553&cat=15001400It's Black Friday, so it's on sale at 50% discount! Only our 14.50 it's a no brainer! Please grab it ASAP, you won't be disappointed! P.S. I'm in no means an affiliated to Pro Music Software :-) All the best from Italy Antonio
I muri sono creature... scontrose
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,697
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That thing sounds pretty good Doctor!
I've noticed over the last few years that there's a lot of good musical stuff coming out of Italy. GSI/Crumar, Ketron, the Legend organ and more.
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.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 942
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 942 |
Antonio,
Caution! I just bought this Winlive softsynt, you recommended. When trying to download the setup-file my virus scanner (Avast) interrupts the download and alarmed me as it shall be infected with malware!
I will write to Pro Music to find out whats about it.
EDIT: I got a fast response from Pro Music! They reported the setup as safe to Avast and now it downloads and installs without problems.
Last edited by Brille; 11/23/17 09:38 PM.
Biab/RB latest build, German Language Pak, Win 10/64 Pro, 1 TB SSD, 32 GB RAM. Notation SW Finale, StaffPad, SmartsScore – Playing Double Bass, Guitar, Piano
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1 |
Free Virtualmidisynth by Coolsoft! Absolutely amazing and freeware, you are allowed to donate though :-)
It acts as a virtual midi device (like the Microsoft Wavetable).
It uses Soundfonts, and there are some with really great quality, especially for free. You can even layer them. E.G. I really like the FluidR3 GM soundfont, but for piano I take a special free high quality Steinway soundfont which automatically replace the standard piano when loaded.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 11 |
Can someone help me with using Winlive Synth Driver with BIAB
Thanks.Glen
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 280 |
That thing sounds pretty good Doctor! It certainly does! I'm getting it. It's a lot better than Coyote!
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1 |
Hi...Just started playing around with Band In A Box. Can anyone recommend a good software synth? Mostly rock style music. Looking for realism (of course). The freebee that comes with BIAB (Roland VSC DXi) sounds "ok" but some things, like guitar, sound like the old midi music.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,454
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Welcome to the forum and BIAB, OrrenHsieh. Yours is a difficult question with many possible answers depending on your budget. Give us an idea about that.
I use a hardware MIDI synth, so I'll leave the recommendations to others who use software synths. You might also look on this forum for similar threads. There is a recent thread here about Halion Sonic 3, for example.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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Band-in-a-Box for Windows
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Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,142
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see Peter Gannon's 'sticky' post at the top about a 'no brainer@..Cakewalk is free and comes with a great softsynth. it's actually the edirol hypercanvas under another name and its by Roland. much of BIAB's midi is optimised for Roland
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