Noel has answered exactly what the issue you are experiencing is. It is related to the external MIDI sound module that is reproducing the audio sounds from the MIDI data commands coming from BiaB.
Replace the MIDI sound module with one of higher quality and your sounds would definitely improve.
What sound module are you using?
Do you have VSTi/DXi checked in the MIDI/Audio Drivers setup options, and have chosen a software synth (see image below)? If so, which one?
Hi Videotrack Yes, software synth and the setup looks the same as your screen shot except for the MIDI driver box is not ticked.
I will right now try and download the Kontakt-Player and see if that helps. I really need clarinet, piano and trumpet or cornet for my practice home band.
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
Thanks for all the suggestions. But everyone here is so advanced with this stuff that I did not understand the half of it.
Anyway, I installed the Kontakt-Player as suggested and read some of the manual but I still have ZERO idea whether it must run as plugin or stand alone nor how to link it into BIB. It's MIDI setup output once again ends up in the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth. I cannot get it to appear in the BIB MIDI setup either.
The Coolsoft VirtualMIDISynth will not install successfully at this stage.
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
Thanks for all the suggestions. But everyone here is so advanced with this stuff that I did not understand the half of it.
Anyway, I installed the Kontakt-Player as suggested and read some of the manual but I still have ZERO idea whether it must run as plugin or stand alone nor how to link it into BIB. It's MIDI setup output once again ends up in the Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth. I cannot get it to appear in the BIB MIDI setup either.
The Coolsoft VirtualMIDISynth will not install successfully at this stage.
Did you watch the videos that I linked earlier? Watch them until the end (especially the one titled "How to locate and install..." Towards the end of the video I actually load a bunch of plugins, including Native Instruments Guitar Rig 5
Also, once that's done, keep in mind that in Kontakt you need to load an Ensemble (ens.) first.
Editing to add screenshot
Last edited by DeaconBlues09; 06/17/1910:50 PM.
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
I have not yet watched all your kindly linked videos. Time is of the essence as I really need to practice music (my teacher will complain - again). I will get onto it right away. BTW: Thank you for all the help!
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
I have not yet watched all your kindly linked videos. Time is of the essence as I really need to practice music (my teacher will complain - again). I will get onto it right away. BTW: Thank you for all the help!
No worries! I specifically made those videos because I feel that if a picture is worth a thousand words, and step-by-step video is worth at least 10,000!
I actually want to make a whole series of videos on MIDI, but I need to get a better headset to connect to my new desktop and get familiar with a better recording program that automatically ducks the soundcard playback when my voice comes in.
Work is crazy busy now as well, but my time frees up a bit late-summer, beginning of autumn, so stay tuned :-)
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
Ok, I now had a few glasses of wine to drown my frustration...
I have watched the videos but I am none the wiser except that it is even more involved than I first thought.
@DeaconBlues, you show and mention so many tech terms, acronyms and show folders and screens in those videos that I simply do not have. The installation of the Kontakt-Player did not produce these either. Or did it somewhere? And you also mentioned that it needs an ensemble first. Say what?
It appears that Without a (really) basic step by step guide on what to do (Pgmusic where can I find that??), I do not think that I will be able to get a better sound out of Band in a Box MIDI styles. :-(
Unfortunately the few styles I mostly want for traditional jazz and dixieland etc. are all MIDI only. It was not really clear that it would take a huge technical know-how beyond actual music making (or a huge additional expense for synth. equipment) to try and get it to sound half way decent when I purchased the BIB. Unless I am just missing something?
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
Ok, I now had a few glasses of wine to drown my frustration...
I have watched the videos but I am none the wiser except that it is even more involved than I first thought.
@DeaconBlues, you show and mention so many tech terms, acronyms and show folders and screens in those videos that I simply do not have. The installation of the Kontakt-Player did not produce these either. Or did it somewhere? And you also mentioned that it needs an ensemble first. Say what?
It appears that Without a (really) basic step by step guide on what to do (Pgmusic where can I find that??), I do not think that I will be able to get a better sound out of Band in a Box MIDI styles. :-(
Unfortunately the few styles I mostly want for traditional jazz and dixieland etc. are all MIDI only. It was not really clear that it would take a huge technical know-how beyond actual music making (or a huge additional expense for synth. equipment) to try and get it to sound half way decent when I purchased the BIB. Unless I am just missing something?
So I know this may seem like a somewhat unusual offer, but if you would feel comfortable enough for me to so, I would be glad to log into your computer via Teamveiwer at a time of mutual convenience and set everything up for you (I'm pretty sure that Sydney and Eilat Israel are in similar timezones, and I do a lot of troubleshooting for a work colleague via Teamviewer as we both work remotely...)
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
So I know this may seem like a somewhat unusual offer, but if you would feel comfortable enough for me to so, I would be glad to log into your computer via Teamveiwer at a time of mutual convenience and set everything up for you (I'm pretty sure that Sydney and Eilat Israel are in similar timezones, and I do a lot of troubleshooting for a work colleague via Teamviewer as we both work remotely...)
Oops Sydney and Eilat Israel I would think would be 7 hours apart with Sydney in the lead.
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
So I know this may seem like a somewhat unusual offer, but if you would feel comfortable enough for me to so, I would be glad to log into your computer via Teamveiwer at a time of mutual convenience and set everything up for you (I'm pretty sure that Sydney and Eilat Israel are in similar timezones, and I do a lot of troubleshooting for a work colleague via Teamviewer as we both work remotely...)
Oops Sydney and Eilat Israel I would think would be 7 hours apart with Sydney in the lead.
Tony
Oooops, that's so embarrassing!!! I was thinking of South Africa, which is only one hour behind me. I always confuse those two [cringe]
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
That is a really kind offer!! But it should surely be possible for anyone buying BIB to get this sorted.
Worst of all, And I am actually a computer programmer - would you believe it?
I have now had correspondence with the Coolsoft VirtualSynth person and apparently there is a bug, preventing installation. He linked me a registry patch file. I now have that working.
I can get that to come up in BIB and I can get it to sound different. by changing the Midi output driver to VitualSynth #1. It sounds different (ok better) and has reverb in it but the drums sound like the beat is back to front.
What can I try next?
Still no luck with the Kontakt-Player
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
Signature updated. I have the suggested path and there are only 3 files in there.
I lost it as I do not understand what I am supposed to achieve.
Here is what I have so far: Please elaborate or correct...
1) BIB outputs MIDI onto tracks for different instruments. As in piano. 2) The BIB output pipes into the input some sort of MIDI driver. 3) The MIDI driver output goes into a virtual synthesizer. 4) This synthesizer uses font 5) files ??? or something ??? to generate output into the Audio driver / device.
To make it sound better, I need to replace a) The synthesizer device /driver 4) or the font files 5)?
Or is this all wrong and the font files are an alternative to changing the synthesizer driver?
I really do no know.
Last edited by berntd; 06/18/1902:24 AM.
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
If it helps at all ...I am afraid BIAB 2019 really made a mess of the midi synths. In the old days (last year) we would just recommend you shell out the 29$ for Coyote forte and problem solved. Since 2019 the lack of compatibility between the 32 vrs 64 bit applications combined with the introduction of some rather wanky 3rd party non-GM free midi sound players is totally a step backwards for this program. Hang in there, things will get better. Smarter people then us will figure it out and get the midi synths in BIAB back to where you don't need a music-engineering degree to set things up.
If it helps at all ...I am afraid BIAB 2019 really made a mess of the midi synths. In the old days (last year) we would just recommend you shell out the 29$ for Coyote forte and problem solved. Since 2019 the lack of compatibility between the 32 vrs 64 bit applications combined with the introduction of some rather wanky 3rd party non-GM free midi sound players is totally a step backwards for this program. Hang in there, things will get better. Smarter people then us will figure it out and get the midi synths in BIAB back to where you don't need a music-engineering degree to set things up.
Far out! So it is not just me then. I feel a bit better now. My engineering degree is not even much help for this:)
Band in a Box Latest: ULTRA 2020 (734) on Win 10 And: MEGA 2020 (720) on Windows 7
If it helps at all ...I am afraid BIAB 2019 really made a mess of the midi synths. In the old days (last year) we would just recommend you shell out the 29$ for Coyote forte and problem solved. Since 2019 the lack of compatibility between the 32 vrs 64 bit applications combined with the introduction of some rather wanky 3rd party non-GM free midi sound players is totally a step backwards for this program. Hang in there, things will get better. Smarter people then us will figure it out and get the midi synths in BIAB back to where you don't need a music-engineering degree to set things up.
Far out! So it is not just me then. I feel a bit better now. My engineering degree is not even much help for this:)
Glad you asked this question because I have been going nuts trying to figure this out. Will keep a watch on this thread.
Did you actually click on the Kontakt .dll file that appears in your screenshot?
It may be worth pointing out that unlike Reaper and most other DAWs and hosts, which have built in "browsers" that quick-scan and load up the contents of a folder, with BiaB you have to *select* the relevant file.
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
Glad you are getting to grips with Coolsoft. Which sound fount did you try , did you try the Timbres of heaven, or ChoriumRevA As mentioned in the link in my other post
(Extract from my web page with links) SOUND FONTS
My personal favourite at the moment is the excellent Timbres Of Heaven By Don Allen (219 MB uncompressed). Link below:
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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.
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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.
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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®.
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
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