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55. How do I use Band-in-a-Box® with other applications and software synthesizers?

After creating a song in Band-in-a-Box®, you can save the song as a standard MIDI or Audio file, then import the file into other applications. For example, you may want export a MIDI file if you wish to fine-tune your song by editing the individual tracks in a MIDI sequencer, or if you have better MIDI sounds available in another application. You can use GarageBand to play/edit your Band-in-a-Box® songs.

You can also have Band-in-a-Box® play directly through other MIDI programs and software synthesizers on your computer by using either the IAC (Inter-Application Communication) Bus, or the BIAB Virtual MIDI Output. You should be able to use this method to play your song through a VST soft synth or Audio Units hosted by another program.

The IAC bus and BIAB Virtual MIDI Output can be used in much the same way. We originally developed a BIAB Virtual MIDI cable for OS 10.2 (Jaguar) users, since OS 10.2 did not include the IAC Bus. Apple added the IAC bus starting with OS 10.3 (Panther). On newer operating systems, you should probably use the IAC bus. Below are the basic steps, but there is more information in our "No Sound" tutorial.

  1. If you will be using the IAC bus, you need to first make sure that it is enabled. In Band-in-a-Box®, go to the MIDI menu and click on CoreMIDI Audio Midi Setup. You should see an IAC Bus icon there; double-click on it and make sure that the 'Device is online' box is checked. Also, make sure that there is at least one port added. Close the CoreMIDI Audio MIDI Setup window and go back to Band-in-a-Box®. If you did have to enable it, you should close and re-open Band-in-a-Box®.
  2. In Band-in-a-Box®, go to MIDI | Select MIDI Driver or Apple DLS Synth. Select 'MacOSX CoreMIDI' and press OK. This should open the 'Choose Instruments/Ports' window.
  3. The first pull-down menu at the top of this window is the input port. The following pull-down menus (Bass, Piano, Drums etc) are the outputs. The reason that each instrument has its own menu is that you can send different instruments to different ports. Click on the Bass pull-down and choose the IAC bus port (You could have specify the name of the ports in the IAC Driver dialog, but by default there may be a port named "Bus 1"). Then, click on 'Set all ports to this', and press OK.
  4. The next thing you need to do is open the third party MIDI application that you want to pipe Band-in-a-Box® through. You need to figure out how to get that program to accept the IAC bus as MIDI input. You may also need to make other settings changes, depending on the application. You may need to consult the documentation for the program to learn how to do this. Often it is done in the program's Preferences | MIDI window. If you are having trouble getting it to work, note that it may make a difference which application you open first.


Alyssa - PG Music
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hey Alyssa - when I follow these instructions, here's what happens/what I see:

The first pull-down menu at the top of this window is the input port. The following pull-down menus (Bass, Piano, Drums etc) are the outputs. The reason that each instrument has its own menu is that you can send different instruments to different ports. Click on the Bass pull-down and choose the IAC bus port (You could have specify the name of the ports in the IAC Driver dialog, but by default there may be a port named "Bus 1"). Then, click on 'Set all ports to this', and press OK.

(NO OPTION FOR IAC)

Midi studio in Audio Studio Setup just shows loading.....

What do I desire?

pipe BIAB-> Arturia synth software - Analog 4 and V Collection for playback
pipe -> BIAB -> Presonus Studio 1 for tracking

Should be pretty straightforward, but I'm not able to line up the dots! My MOTU Ultralite 3 is my midi in/out (once MOTU helps me make that work!!!).... so I can route playback through my Universal Audio Apollo x6 for playback and tracking....

Am I making sense? Please advise and thanks!

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Originally Posted By: jmh0912
hey Alyssa - when I follow these instructions, here's what happens/what I see: The first pull-down menu at the top of this window is the input port. The following pull-down menus (Bass, Piano, Drums etc) are the outputs. The reason that each instrument has its own menu is that you can send different instruments to different ports. Click on the Bass pull-down and choose the IAC bus port (You could have specify the name of the ports in the IAC Driver dialog, but by default there may be a port named "Bus 1"). Then, click on 'Set all ports to this', and press OK. (NO OPTION FOR IAC) Midi studio in Audio Studio Setup just shows loading..... What do I desire? pipe BIAB-> Arturia synth software - Analog 4 and V Collection for playback pipe -> BIAB -> Presonus Studio 1 for tracking Should be pretty straightforward, but I'm not able to line up the dots! My MOTU Ultralite 3 is my midi in/out (once MOTU helps me make that work!!!).... so I can route playback through my Universal Audio Apollo x6 for playback and tracking.... Am I making sense? Please advise and thanks!


Greetings jmh0912. Welcome to Band-in-a-Box and to the forum! I'm sorry to read the directions posted just above your message did not work. The message is a frequently asked question (FAQ) cut and pasted from the support area of the website.

Your question may receive more views and you may receive more responses by posting your question in the Band-in-a-Box for MacIntosh section +++ HERE +++. Another suggestion is to to contact PG Music Support by email, chat, phone or through the +++ web based support request +++


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XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!

The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!

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New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2025!

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These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!

Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.

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We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles

Check out all the 202 New RealTracks (in sets 456-467)

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With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!

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  • Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
  • Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
  • Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
  • Playable RealTracks Set 4
  • RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
  • SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
  • 128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.

Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:

  • 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
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  • Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
  • Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
  • MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
  • Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
  • RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®!

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Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

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Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!

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Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 9 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

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.

New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!

Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!

We're excited to bring you our latest and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!

In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!

All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 20.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 20 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!

Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.

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