*EDIT* This suggestion is no longer possible, as Bandlab the owners of Cakewalk have removed the TTS-1 from all current and future versions of Cakewalk. BIAB will continue to work with the TTS-1 if it was previously installed though.
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Here’s a no-brainer ....install Cakewalk and the TTS-1 64 bit synth (free)
With the release of the 64 bit version of Band-in-a-Box, you now have access to all the 64 bit synths and plugins out there.
And many of them are available for free.
For example, there is a great MIDI GM synth available, the Roland TTS-1. This is available free from Cakewalk by BandLab. You install the free version of Cakewalk, and this installs the TTS-1, which is then available to any program that supports 64bit DXi, like Band-in-a-Box 64. After you’ve installed Cakewalk, inside Band-in-a-Box 64 bit, choose the TTS-1 from the list of available synths (accessed by pressing the DXi/VST button inside the main menu- options - midi driver dialog).
There are 3 benefits to installing and using the TTS-1 and Cakewalk.
1. Great sound with Band-in-a-Box - likely better than any MIDI sound you’ve heard before with Band-in-a-Box. The TTS-1 is from Roland and has great sounds, and based on the famous Sound Canvas sounds. That means the sounds are balanced to sound great with existing MIDI styles in Band-in-a-Box, because we’ve always made our styles using the Roland Sound Canvas.
2. Better CPU Performance. The TTS-1 has lower overhead than many synths. It is especially useful if you have lots of programs and processes running, because it doesn’t use much CPU.
3. Cakewalk is a fabulous DAW, considered by many to be the best DAW available. Getting it for free is a no-brainer.
I have had better performance using TTS-1, and it generally sounds better to me {Electric Pianos/Fingered Bass/Standard Drums}. I also like the interface better than the VSTSynthFont64...
I liked and use sonar some, but thought is was not as intuitive as studio one by presonus. But now I like bandlab cakewalk even less too cluttered and crazy. I do like TT-S though.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Zoom Livetrack L-8
That's a strong endorsement but completely justified in my biased opinion.
Not mentioned is you will need to create a free account with BandLab. Once you have a BandLab account you can download and install the BandLab Assistant. BandLab Assistant acts as a user interface with the BandLab website and as a file upload / download manager for BandLab products.
The Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) installation includes the Roland TTS-1 by default. However, CbB also includes some bonus material under the BandLab Assistant add-ons tab.
The bonus material includes the Cakewalk Studio VST Instrument Suite which includes electric bass, a drum kit, electric piano and strings. These will work inside CbB and 64 bit Band-in-a-Box.
I have not tried the drum replacer but (I think) what it does is replace poorly recorded drum sounds with drum audio samples.
The Melodyne is the very restricted trial version available from the Melodyne website. My advice is don't select it. Be aware you can not use Window's Control Panel to uninstall the trial version.
Theme editor allows you to customize the look of the CbB interface.
I've added some screenshots below to give you an overview of the BandLab Assistant and CbB interface with a loaded MIDI file.[b][/b]
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 12/21/1801:32 PM. Reason: Clarifications
I don't use BIAB that much. I do most of my work in RealBand. How can I use TTS-1 in RealBand. Where do I find it. I currently use jbridge for 64bit plugins. Mike
I don't use BIAB that much. I do most of my work in RealBand. How can I use TTS-1 in RealBand. Where do I find it. I currently use jbridge for 64bit plugins. Mike
Mike,
The 32-bit version of TTS-1 needs to be installed for it to be picked up by Realband. Because jbridge only works with VSTs, and TTS-1 is a DXi, it is not capable of acting as a bridge between TTS-1 and Realband.
Since I haven't installed Cakewalk by Bandlab, I am unaware if there is an option to install the 32-bit version of TTS-1. Hopefully someone who reads this and who has the Bandlab version of the program will chime in.
I don't use BIAB that much. I do most of my work in RealBand. How can I use TTS-1 in RealBand. Where do I find it. I currently use jbridge for 64bit plugins. Mike
Mike,
The 32-bit version of TTS-1 needs to be installed for it to be picked up by Realband. Because jbridge only works with VSTs, and TTS-1 is a DXi, it is not capable of acting as a bridge between TTS-1 and Realband.
Since I haven't installed Cakewalk by Bandlab, I am unaware if there is an option to install the 32-bit version of TTS-1. Hopefully someone who reads this and who has the Bandlab version of the program will chime in.
Cakewalk by BandLab does not offer or provide a 32 bit version of anything including the TTS-1.
TTS-1 32 bit does exist though. The TTS-1 was originally released as an accessory for Sonar (professional grade daw products) and Cakewalk (consumer grade daw and other products) in 2004. If you can find an older Cakewalk or Sonar product for sale (check Craigslist or eBay) at the right price it might be worth buying and installing just for the content. +++ HERE +++ is an example I think is reasonable.
Cakewalk Music Creator was a consumer grade daw that PG Music sold for many years. I've had Music Creator 2, 3, 4 and 6 and paid $49 each for the boxed version. If you like the daw, it's nice to have a printed manual on hand. All versions of Music Creator were 32 bit.
Thank you very much Peter, and Merry Christmas to you and yours.
The TTS-1 seems to be exactly what I've been looking for; a decent quality VSTi I can use in BiaB. I have Kontakt and many Libraries, but I wanted something simple to test arrangements before I export them to my DAW.
One little glitch with it is the primary kick drum will not respond to velocity, it's locked at 127 making it way too loud in most cases. When you first use it in Biab, a box pops up asking do you want to change the default bass drum to number 36. Say yes. Or, the TTS-1 does allow you to go into the various drum kits and edit them so you can replace that offending kick with another one yourself but the one Biab uses as the new default sounds pretty good.
The risk is that once you try Cakewalk by Bandlab and make it work as it should with the BIAB plug-in, Real Band will become well... how to put it... useless? Pointless? Oblivious? Obsolete?
I still use Real band as a midi file player, using the Coyote engine, but after hearing the same midi files played with Cakewalk and the TTS-1 engine, I'm really not looking forward to go back, to be completely honest.
As a DAW, Cakewalk is simply light years ahead from Real Band, and I just don't see any justification for the PG Music team to invest in more R&D for it just to play catch-up with the rest of the DAW market.
Before Cakewalk by Bandlab, I've been using the free version of a DAW called Tracktion, now in v. 7.0, where the its next evolution's called Waveform v. 9.0 at the moment. Another very powerful DAW with a bit different UI paradigm than the others, but with a workflow just as good as any other, although it's required to "get the hang of it".
I have recently installed BIAB Ultra on the HD supplied. Since it is 32 bit by default, how difficult is it to change the settings to 64 bit. I have Cakewalk by Bandlab already?
I have recently installed BIAB Ultra on the HD supplied. Since it is 32 bit by default, how difficult is it to change the settings to 64 bit. I have Cakewalk by Bandlab already?
Bernie
All you need to do is load the bbw64.exe instead of the bbw.exe file. You can make a shortcut to the bbw64.exe to make it easier. These files are located in your \bb folder.
BIAB 2026 Ultrapack- Fender Studio Pro 8, Windows 11, Mac Mini M4 with Logic Pro 11, Melodyne Studio, Luna Pro
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 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® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 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 22 requires the 2026 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.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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 amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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(me being a Cubase fanboy).
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