*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.
***********************************************
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 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
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
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
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202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
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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)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
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(me being a Cubase fanboy).
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