|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21 |
I apologize up front for asking a question that has probably been asked/answered multiple times, but after searching the forums, reading the DOCs, and watching many of the PG videos, I'm still not sure if I have Band in a Box 2019 64 Bit configured optimally for my Windows 10 setup.
In a nutshell, I'm trying to determine the best MIDI/Audio settings for a basic 64 bit install running on Windows 10. I have it running and playing through my external speakers, but some of the instrument sounds are still pretty bad (IMHO). The trumpet and sax sounds are a couple that immediately come to mind. Anyway, it's possible I have it configured properly and this is the best I can do, but I sure would like some confirmation. What make me suspicious that it is still not setup up properly is that I have tried various configurations, even some that I later read were not supposed to work or be optimal, but the output sounded the same as my current settings. In other words my previous incorrect choices sounded as good (or bad) as my current setup, so is my current setup actually correct?
At any rate, here's what I currently have selected under the MIDI/Audio Drivers setup dialog. The underlined items are my current selections:
MIDI Input Driver: No Midi/Sound input
MIDI Output Driver: Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth
Synthesizer / Sound Card: General MIDI Instrument Misc.
Use VSTi/DXi Synth [checked]
Route MIDI Thru to MIDI driver [checked]
DXi Synth Settings[VSTSynthFont64] is selected
GM2 Support (128 Extra Patches) No GM2 Support - 128 patches only is selected
Audio Settings...[WAS always] is selected
If anyone can confirm that I now have the correct choices to produce the best sounds, or suggest improvements, I would appreciate it!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,338 |
Welcome to the forum and to BIAB.
BIAB can use both MIDI and audio. It's important to know the difference, and which sound is on each track in the mixer for your song. BIAB audio is called RealTracks (and RealDrums), and it is recordings of actual musicians. When you select a Style, it will tell you each sound and whether it is a RealTrack or MIDI.
If audio (using the WAS setting) doesn't break up or crackle, then it's working for you. Audio in general either works or doesn't'; there isn't a 'better' out there except for cleaner digital equipment or bigger/better speakers. If you are hearing problems with playing back audio, then tell us more. There are a lot of things to try. For example, with my sound module, the WAS driver doesn't work as well as ASIO.
About MIDI: the Microsoft GS Wavetable does indeed often sound like a toy. It is provided with soundcards so you'll be able to hear something, but it is not a good sound. I'm going to assume the trumpet and sax you don't like are MIDI. The most important thing to know about MIDI is that MIDI is a set of instructions; it has no sound of its own. The quality is entirely dependent upon the sound module you use. This can be hardware or software, and the price ranges from free to thousands. In your case, you have a DXi checked, so you are using a software MIDI synth. MIDI is also less likely to be able to convey the nuances a real musician plays.
I use a hardware MIDI synth, so I will let others advise you who are more familiar with software, particularly the VSTsynthfont64 you have selected.
You've asked good questions and it's great you provided information. I realize this can be complicated. Take one thing at a time and we'll help.
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,137
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,137 |
For what it's worth, Peter Gannon suggested that the soft synth that comes with cakewalk is better than the synth bundled with BIAB - see his sticky post with the heading 'no Brainer'. Using that synth for midi should make things sound better.
Last edited by Bob Calver; 05/26/19 10:18 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,199 |
Hi KLB, I agree with everything Matt has written. If it's any use, the link below shows images of my set up. These days, BIAB 64 also has CoyoteWT as a free softwynth as well as VSTSynthFont64. I switch between both but tend to use CoyoteWT more. I also use MME instead of WAS. https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=461558#Post461558Regards, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,772 |
As a General MIDI sound library (GM), the default sound set for VSTSynthfont is the same as Coyote WT is the same as Microsoft GS WavTable. It's just a matter of how the sound is processed. Microsoft WavTable is processed as if it were a virtual external MIDI module, but with a fair amount of latency not generally found with an external module or VST plugin. VSTSynthfont is a VST instrument, which when used with a good driver like ASIO (best) or WAS (better) has limited latency than the MME driver, and Coyote WT is a DXi wrapped version of the sound set, with the same latency capabilities/limitations as VSTSynthfont. But in the end, all three by default use the same sound set,and so will sound the same.
Trumpets and saxes (and guitars) are generally the instruments that lose their "authentic" sound in the MIDI realm, and while you can spend a lot of money on sound sources for those instruments, even with a lot of tweaking, the best you will do is come close.
One of the advantages with VSTSynthfont is that you can load up any soundfont library you wish to replace the default. There are some decent GM soundfonts our there, but you won't get that perfect sound, especially for those instruments.
You can also use Kontakt instruments (it's a VSTi) to get close, but that will cost you some money. For solo trumpet, you could use the Realitone Screaming Trumpet, or the Indiginus Blue Street Library, or Native Instuments Session Horns Pro,or a host of others for more realistic tone. Even then, while they will play in BIAB, they are really suited more for a DAW, where you will probably want to tweak every note with specific keyswitch articulations to get the best sound possible.
I can't really speak to sax or guitar libraries; others will have to jump in.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 8TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 11TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting and construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020 |
Hi KLB, You are finding out that to get better MIDI sounds you need to spend money. Some sounds in the low end of the MIDI scale, like those that come with BiaB, are OK but others are just plain awful. As you start getting better MIDI sound sources you will realize that those OK sounds won't cut it anymore. To continue John's message the best sax sounds are from audio modeling: https://audiomodeling.com/Another good sax and trumpet source is VG Trumpet: https://vgtrumpet.com/One of the best trumpets is from sample modeling: https://www.samplemodeling.com/en/products_trumpet.phpNone of these require additional purchases. A work of warning. As John said you can get excellent emulations using MIDI. However that can only be done with a knowledge of MIDI, especially Continuous Controllers (CC). You will need to study the instrument you want to emulate then learn what CCs to use to accomplish it. Don't let this scare you. It really isn't that hard. The main point here is that if you take a BiaB track, say a sax, use an expensive sound source but don't learn MIDI CCs then it will still be a poor sounding, static track. Good luck.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21 |
Thanks to everyone who replied to my question. It sounds like I probably have things set up adequately for the time being. It's pretty obvious that I'm ignorant of MIDI, etc.. I need to educate myself so I can navigate things and not be totally in the dark. At least things are working now, even if they aren't producing the best sounds. I plan to use BiaB mostly for backing tracks and practice sheets, so hopefully I won't be too disadvantaged. I'm sure as I gain more experience I'll want to branch out and utilize more than the just the basic functionality. Thanks again for the feedback.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,020 |
Take a look at the SFZ player that comes with BiaB. It is a single sounding player so you will have to set each instrument up to use it but that is not hard and we will all help you if needed.
Some advantages of using SFZ is that the sounds are much better, there are many free and inexpensive sounds available, and most important IMHO is that you can change sounds. That is if you don't like a trumpet sound you can load a new different trumpet sound. Another advantage is that it will also load soundfonts (SF2) and there are a ton of good free sounding SF2s available.
I believe that when you start using the SFZ player you will be much happier.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,918 |
+++ THESE +++ are interesting midi sound modules. They are by a Taiwan acoustic piano and electronic keyboard manufacturer. The Mini Engine USB, that's the model on the left on the webpage, sells for $59 US on Amazon. The Mini Engine Pro sells for about $72 US on Amazon. Both units have an internal battery so you can connect directly to a midi controller and bypass the need for a computer. For computer use, the units perfom similar to any external midi sound module. The units use the EMU-8030 midi synth chip capable of using 16 or 24 bit wavetable samples at resolutions up to 192 Khz so the sound limitation will be whatever wavetable sound bank is used. One of the units advertise a 128 MB sound bank which is similar in size to the sound bank Creative used in their sound cards. MidiPlus has other midi products so if your interested in midi the site is worth investigating.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21 |
Thanks again to everyone for all the input. A lot of possibilities for me to explore!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
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!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 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.
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!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,294
Posts790,652
Members39,854
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean