I've had BIAB 2018 for one week now. My setup is Windows 10 PC, 32 GB RAM, fast processor, running BIAB on the PGMusic usb hard drive.
The program has frozen twice so far. Just now I had a song playing. I tried to stop it but no methods worked: the stop icon, right clicking on the icon on the task bar & selecting close window, opening a new song, nothing worked. All menus and toolbars were locked. The tune just kept playing and playing.
Finally I had to run Windows Task Manager to force BIAB to close. All other programs worked fine.
The song is "Joy to the World", which I had downloaded from an Internet a few years ago when I ran the 2010 version.
After forcing BIAB closed with Win. Task Manager, I rebooted the PC. I opened BIAB after Windows finished loading.
I ran the same song. It played through to the end. I started play again and was able to use the STOP icon.
Maybe the first time BIAB was having an issue in the background. I had played other tunes and tried different styles, before the program locked in play.
I still wonder if anyone encountered this problem?
Do you run BIAB in "Run as administrator" mode? This is recommended by PG Music.
To do this, right-click on the start-up short-cut and select "Properties". Under the "Compatibility" tab, activate the option "Run as administrator". This will set the option permanently.
Note: this is different from logging in to Windows as Administrator.
It's also possible to select "Run as administrator" by right-click on the start-up short-cut and selecting "Run as administrator". This does not set the option permanently.
Thank you Noel. I set the BIAB shortcut icon as you suggested.
I also did the same thing for my iTunes icon, since it always needs to run in admin mode. I had been selecting Admin mode each time I ran iTunes. Now with this setup the program opens automatically. Genius!
Sadly it happened again tonight. My PC froze while one song kept playing, and wouldn't stop.
I'd been playing a few song files and trying different styles & instruments. Several songs worked perfectly, and then BIAB locked up. The song kept playing, non-stop, while no other features of the program seemed to work. All menus and icons were frozen. Finally I had to use Windows Task Manager to stop BIAB.
BIAB was running in administrator mode, on my Windows 10 PC. There were no error messages or other problems on the computer. Previous tunes played and stopped perfectly in BIAB until that last one.
I suggest you consider a few non-BIAB causes. For example, check your RAM. BIAB uses perhaps more RAM than most programs. Download MEMTEST and run it overnight.
And, there’s the ever-popular static electricity that shows up with low humidity in the late fall. Do you have a carpet under your chair? Spray it with static cling spray. Touch the metal frame of a desk before sitting down.
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.
Thanks again for your help; I appreciate it so much.
The songs I'm playing are almost all from Internet downloads. The downloads are older files, and are all MIDI. I previously played (or downloaded and not played previously) the songs through BIAB version 2010.
When I open these files in my 2018 version, BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'n done with them.
I have a handful of songs that I created with 2018, and a couple with BIAB 2010. Most are downloads though.
There is one error message that appears every time I begin a BIAB 2018 session. It is error 9997, and appears to alert me about an error with my ability to record. Since I'm not trying to record yet, I haven't addressed these messages. Here is the full startup message from my FlahMessageLog file. It's long but maybe it will mean more to you than to my inexperienced eyes:
"Running Windows Notepad.exe to display file J:\bb\Data\Logs\FlashMessageLog.txt [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:35:38 AM] Windows Audio Session error: Input and output sample rates must match. Audio input (recording) will be disabled. The error number is -9997 [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:35:04 AM] Windows Audio Session error: Could not open stream. The error number is -9997 [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:35:04 AM] Bootup was optimal, set to fast [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:35:04 AM] Bootup time in millseconds =7,331 [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:35:04 AM] Time to Count Plugins in ms =141. Plugins counted=20 [2018.520.0, 11/4/2018 2:34:59 AM]."
The error 9997 is not a serious one and it's due to using the WAS driver for audio (this is the "Windows Audio Session" driver you see listed in your log).
Have a look at the link below and setup your audio and MIDI drivers exactly as I show. These settings are the most sturdy for BIAB (they're the settings I use).
Thanks for your ongoing tech help. I began implementing your audio and midi settings, but ran into a small snag. In your diagram 2, covering midi driver setup, my choices are different than yours on the left hand side, under "MIDI Input Driver". My computer does not have the SB Adigy 2 2S MIDI IO option.
Is that your soundcard?
Two screen shots are enclosed. One shows my audio interface, an iConnectAUDIO4. The second screen capture shows my MIDI DSriver option dialog.
Thank you for posting the images, they help a great deal
In the above link I provided, I was meaning for you to follow the numbers and set everything according to the numbers. The Audigy is my indeed my soundcard and, as you can see, it's not numbered.
When I look at your MIDI set-up, using the numbers that I have in the above link, you have everything correct except for #3 and #7. If you go back to the link and compare my settings with yours, you'll see what I mean.
The most important thing is to set the audio driver to MME. Even though your audio driver settings show this, the link to the audio driver via your MIDI driver (#7 on my MIDI driver image) shows that WAS is still the audio driver. This should say MME.
In the MIDI driver setup, try clicking on #7 and then change the WAS to MME.
..........Just now I had a song playing. I tried to stop it but no methods worked: the stop icon, right clicking on the icon on the task bar & selecting close window, opening a new song, nothing worked. All menus and toolbars were locked. The tune just kept playing and playing.
Finally I had to run Windows Task Manager to force BIAB to close. All other programs worked fine.Have any of you experienced this issue?
It happened again!
This time was unique, in that it is a fresh installation, from a new BIAB hard drive.
The program is running in administrator mode. The audio drivers are set to MME, per Noel's detailed instructions.
The song playing was created and saved long ago. I had said yes to upgrading from MIDI to Real Tracks, as prompted by BIAB.
A conflict with another driver or program on my PC seems likely. I know I was running Google Chrome and possibly Microsoft Outlook at that time. The first time I might have had Spotify running at the same time, but am not certain. Spotify has had trouble sharing the volume with Ableton Live 10 Intro, before BIAB was installed. Ableton was not open this time though.
Any thoughts as to possible conflicts, on my Windows 10 PC?
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
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.
Joel, sorry that you are experiencing this. It must be frustrating. However, I think it's reasonable to rule out Band In A Box as the prime cause, and as you say, there could be another conflict.
PGM staff can remotely monitor your computer (with your permission only) and possibly diagnose any potential causes.
My current recommendation would be to take that path. They are very expert in this area.
Hi Videotrack,
I agree, there must be a primary culprit other than BIAB.
Frustrating indeed. I'll consider your advice about PGM tracking my PC, but I'm always careful about protecting my privacy. I'll have to think about that.
They can only access with your consent, and you can see everything they do, including immediately halting the access at any time.
Only you can decide, but there has never been a known documented issue with PGM assisting by remote access. Alternatively, there are scores of people who had had their problems resolved through this method.
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.
When I asked, earlier in the thread, if the songs were MIDI-based or Realtracks, you replied with the following:-
Quote:
The songs I'm playing are almost all from Internet downloads. The downloads are older files, and are all MIDI. I previously played (or downloaded and not played previously) the songs through BIAB version 2010.
When I open these files in my 2018 version, BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them.
I have a handful of songs that I created with 2018, and a couple with BIAB 2010. Most are downloads though.
Was it a downloaded file that caused the issue?
Downloading and running internet MIDI files in BIAB can sometimes cause freezes or even a sound that plays and drones on non-stop. This is why BIAB has a "PANIC!" button (see the image below -- if you need to switch screen views to access this option use CTRL+T; the shortcut is F12). This sometimes fixes the problems, sometimes not.
Also, when you mention that...
"BIAB suggests substituting RealTracks for MIDI, for better sound quality. I've been clicking on those messages to accept the upgrade from MIDI to RealTracks, and saving the changed files when I'm done with them."
...it is possible that you are not hearing those Realtrack generations. When one loads a MIDI into BIAB, all the tracks are loaded onto either the Melody track or the Soloist track as a mulitrack MIDI file. The other tracks in BIAB are reserved by BIAB for creating backings; they have nothing to do with loading MIDI files. When an external MIDI is loaded, though, by default, BIAB automatically disables styles. So unless you have enabled Styles after loading the MIDI file, you will not hear BIAB's accompaniment play.
I learnt along time ago that MIDI files on the 'net are hit and miss because I have no idea if the person who assembled the file was a MIDI expert or a MIDI novice. While these files can provide excellent starting places for songs, some MIDI files are definitely problematic and seem to be created by people who have no understanding of the ins and outs of MIDI.
Thanks for writing. Well I'm still learning about program features, and nuances of song files. I am only starting to understand some of the file attributes. I have very little experience with MIDI files. In the past I've relied on song downloads for my BIAB music.
A lot of those files have BIAB file extensions, but they are older songs. When I open these older song files in BIAB 2018, I get this type of message (copied from the LogText file in BIAB, under help / utilities):
"_PBALADM.STY is a RealTracks style that is available to sub for this MIDI style, with better sounds. Click here to load the style (or Press RealTracks button- Find Replacement to load it in or change options)."
I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file. Reading the log in BIAB I now see that the message refers to the style. However after I say yes to the Real Track, and I finish with the song, I am then asked if I want to save the change. I've been saying yes, to save the files.
I have some .MID songs but most of them have BIAB file extensions, and apparently MIDI styles. Here is a very small sample from my song picker list. Be gentle, I'm still learning
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Just to be clear here on top of what Noel has told you. If you downloads are in fact old BIAB mgu and sgu files they are indeed BIAB file types , but because of their age probably used BIAB midi styles. This is why you get the notice. Quote: “I've been interpreting the message as saying the song is a MIDI file.”
This it is not! it as above a Biab file.
A midi file will have a .mid file type and behave as Noel says. Mike
Hi Mike and Noel,
Thank you both for posting. I'm slowly getting over my knowledge gap, and am grateful for your help.
Joel: yes. BIAB is very memory-intensive. It might cause a problem other programs would not, and it could seem repeatable or random. You can rule that out.
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.
Nicely clear article. Do it in order. The first test is quick.
If you then run Memtest, let it run overnight. It runs until you stop it.
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
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.
In the BiaB folder there is a folder named 'Demos'. It contains a variety of MIDI, RealTracks etc songs provided by PG Music.
I you start a fresh launch of BiaB, and try playing those songs, do any of those songs cause a freeze?
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.
I hope your RAM tests fine. But when people report unexplainable odd behavior, it’s good to check. Now just go do it. It’s already taken longer to ask questions than to run the test.
Great, that's one possibility that has been eliminated.
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.
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.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean