.....You should remember, there are thousands of people using all of this already. Some comments that you see are people wanting the plugin to work in a different way with their DAW or have additional features. Most, including me, are happy with how everything works now.....
Q. Are you one of the thousands of people that are happy with how everything works now ?
I spend most of my time finding workarounds for Biab to do things it should just do, this is an example getting a generated track to playback in sync with the current tracks in the DAW to see what track or multiriff fits best, a simple thing the VST should do but don't, yet apparently thousands of people are happy with this. How to Sync Play BiabVST Tracks Watch Video Demo
I upgraded from BiaB 2017 to BiaB 2019 specifically for the plugin. It will be a great thing when it is working correctly. Until then 2017 would be just as good for me.
"The desire for fame is the last infirmity cast off even by the wise." Cornelius Tacitus
Q. Are you one of the thousands of people that are happy with how everything works now ?
Yes.
I often see things discussed here on the forum where a technique is called a work around or deficiency in BIAB because it's done differently in BIAB than in Reaper, Sonar or Studio one DAW's. I interpret the technique to simply be the way it's done in BIAB rather than how the same process is handled in a DAW. I have never viewed BIAB to be a DAW. I see the same issue between Audacity and DAW's. Audacity is an Audio Editor and does not always function exactly like a DAW. That's not a deficiency but a difference. I'm happy with my car even though I know it would sink if I used it as a boat. Same concept in BIAB versus DAW with me.
I'm completely happy with BIAB because I use it to create audio/midi/chords and such and export to DAW or Stand alone Multitrack to do further processing.
I'm one of the thousands of people that are happy with how everything works in BiAB because I view the process of using BIAB to create tracks and the resulting output to be the same as if I hired session musicians to come into my studio and work on my projects. Once the session musicians have completed their workday, been paid and gone, you work with the tracks recorded or rehire them to come back and rerecord if necessary.
I am very happy to see that the progress have been made into adapting BIAB to modern software standards as we getting closer to the third decade of twenty first century. But I feel that VST is still far from where it has to be. It is a big step in the right direction, but only a step. I will wait until it matures, or at least fixed properly before using it.
I mainly upgraded for the 64 bit version and the VST but after playing around with them for a couple days I'm back to using the 32 bit version, they look very promising but at this stage they're an early beta release at best, not something that should have been released as a retail product
Also the quantity of real tracks and styles continues to increase, 202 real tracks with this release, but There are only a few of them that I see myself actually using.
At this point it would make no difference to me if I was using version 2019 or an earlier version.
So I guess I'm excited about the prospects of a VST that actually functions like a VST, but I'm a little concerned that rather than a real VST all we'll get is a new name for the DAW plugin mode of Band in a Box that only allows us to drag and drop wav files into a DAW with a few new features added.
New contents (realtracks, etc) are just great, as usual.
On the other hand, the program itself, to be honest, seems to be a little bit out of control, there are just too many bugs and things not working as they should everywhere, specially (but not only) on new features.
I bought BIAB to have a great time exploring new features and content, but I'm spending way more time fixing problems than actually using the program. This happens, more or less, every year, it's only that this year was worst than usually.
It's obvious that BIAB needs a complete rewrite from the scratch, its core code is more than 20 years old (255 bar limit, 8 character filenames, etc) and this is just too much for any piece of software. I suspect they are never going do that, so I hope they seriously concentrate on fixing bugs (there are MANY of them reported for years) instead of simply ignoring the bug reports and keep adding more and more buggy new features for 2020.
No. I purchased the upgrade and I will love using the new RealTracks. But the excitement I felt learning about 64-bit and VST has mostly faded now that I see what they have delivered. It reminds me of the new GUI feature that I quickly turned off. And of the track renaming feature which I stopped using because it is not used consistently throughout the software. And of UserTracks which never seemed to reach their potential. And VideoTracks which should never have been added.
I think PGM have become too used to their easy-to-please-never-critical senior market. They have had little serious competition. The result is...a VST that appears to be little more than drag/drop wrapped in a VST. And the boss assures everyone that this is plenty. But pretty much every time a new user drops into the forum, especially younger pros, their first impression of BIAB is "what a mess"!
At this point I wish they would just stop adding weight and complexity and just do what they do best...RealTracks! I'll keep upgrading for RealTracks. They are truly AMAZING!
Yes and a little NO. No: Lots of bugs. I think PG already knows most of them. 64-bit is a very good start, but there is a lot to do. VST, actually not a real progress compared to render the files and import it. YES: I'm one of these old easy-to-please users. Since ATARI ST days. I saw a lot of progress in these years and yes, I trust PG that this will last. And I know even software engineers have to pay their rent. And I want the company to remain alive. And I have more money than in the old ATARI days. And I like 64bit, maybe someday I like VST. And who knows someday it will be possible to work with real 6/8 bars. Hope I'm still alive
Yes, I am relatively happy with the BiaB 2019... I'm very happy with PG Music and their support efforts... Love the Forum, in spite of some frustrated negativity. The positive vibe & helpful nature of some here, far exceed the negative...
Yes, I am relatively happy with the BiaB 2019... I'm very happy with PG Music and their support efforts... Love the Forum, in spite of some frustrated negativity. The positive vibe & helpful nature of some here, far exceed the negative...
That's for sure ...
Originally Posted By: Pipeline
.... a simple thing the VST should do but don't, yet apparently thousands of people are happy with this ...
Ain't no VST (just yet?) .... and feel kind of 'cheated'. Still need all them quite time consuming ole hat-tricks to get what i want properly exported. Current thing i am working on is now at version 5 reworked in, and exported from BIAB.
A few more editable audiotracks there could help out. BIAB slaving to MTC or Midiclock is STILL NOT POSSIBLE ! Asked for that already 20 years ago, them Ataridays.
Tried realband as DAW few times, but it ain't flexible enough regarding midi data (grooving, selection of particular notes and special edits) and controller editing, and plugin handling IMO. But a lot of BIAB is great, like the RTs, the styles, printing leadsheets etc.
Yes, no, maybe. I upgrade every year just because. Primarily the real tracks. Every year I plan on digging into the program and actually learning how to use it. Last year I never even go around to registering it. This year is THE YEAR!
Dell 610 dual Monitor, win 7-10, Sonar Plat, ProTools 10 & 11, Reaper 4, BIAB/real Band 2022, Easy Drummer, Superior Drummer, Kontact Essentials, Personnel Orchestra, Korg Legacy Analog & Digital
A key quote: "In the widest possible sense a VST-Plug-in is an audio process. A VST Plug-in is not an application. It needs a host application that handles the audio streams and makes use of the process the VST plug-in supplies. Generally speaking, it [a VST plugin] can take a stream of audio data, apply a process to the audio and send the result back to the host application."
From reports so far, sounds to me like the BB-VST is NOT receiving an audio stream from the host. Or just about any other data either except tempo. At any rate, if I gotta drag generated tracks manually from plugin to host track, how is this much different from what we can do already?
What saddens me the most is that the head of company says he's satisfied with it, which implies there'll be no further development. Say it aint so Peter.
I wrote somewhere else “look for a standard of excellence not perfection” I’m sure if you seek perfection you will be surely disappointed. There is always room for improvement.
I read somewhere else on the Forums a wish that BB did this or that. I thought to myself thank heavens it does not. We all have differing views on what constitutes perfection. It is impossible to cover for everyone’s views.
My thoughts
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home, Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612 BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
I wrote somewhere else “look for a standard of excellence not perfection” I’m sure if you seek perfection you will be surely disappointed. There is always room for improvement.
I read somewhere else on the Forums a wish that BB did this or that. I thought to myself thank heavens it does not. We all have differing views on what constitutes perfection. It is impossible to cover for everyone’s views.
My thoughts
Tony
While I generally agree, literally anything can be excused by this philosophy. I ordered a car and it came without wheels. Yes, I can purchase wheels and rig it up but when a common definition/expectation exists, receiving something less than that and complaining is not "seeking perfection". And as a previous poster pointed out, there is a clear definition of what a VST does and this, this ain't that! Also, I paid in actual currency and was not allowed to pay in shells or chickens even though those might have value!
Don't forget we are asking about "& BiabVST" @Charlie Fogle is the VST working correctly for you ?
Yes it is now but didn't at first. I currently use Presonus Studio One 3.5 Professional and after the last BIAB update it began working. Before the last update, it was crashing S1 if I tried to load it.
I wrote somewhere else “look for a standard of excellence not perfection” I’m sure if you seek perfection you will be surely disappointed. There is always room for improvement.
Many of the bug reports are referring to standard or very basic features: VST not being recognised or not following the tempo of the host, importing audio not working, songpicker not launching, transposing recorded audio not working, realtracks making aleatory noises... things like that.
Asking these features to get fixed shouldn't be wrong in a mature community. We all want the best for BIAB.
I mainly upgraded to 2019 to move to the Audiophile version.
My workflow has been, Create in BiaB, Load into RB, Add more tracks, Export to DAW. I thought the VST might make that faster & easier, but that's not happening yet.
I thought 64-bit would enable the use of better VSTi's. IDK yet, but we'll see.
I hope & expect to see improvements to the VST and to the program itself. All that said, there really isn't anything else like BiaB.
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.
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
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All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 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 Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order 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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 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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