It's possible that this issue is specific to my configuration, and there's a better way to do it, but just thought I would share a trick that I found.
I frequently find that I want to play some audio outside of BIAB while I'm working in it, and in my particular configuration (using ASIO4All). For me this happens a lot since I may want to play a chord sound from a website or listen to a track that I have open in another window.
I'm normally unable to play any audio outside of BIAB on the machine I'm running it from - it will either not produce sound or tell me another device is controlling the sound. I stumbled across a way to get around this by opening the Style Picker and then playing a pre-made demo, and hitting the stop button. As long as that dialog is left open, I'm able to play sound through my browser and other apps without having to exit BIAB.
I'm not 100% sure that this always works, though and there are times when I have BIAB open and depending on what is being done, the sound may still play, but it seems that by performing the steps above, it allows the sound to play outside of BIAB.
I don't want to recommend this unreservedly because it seems a bit klugey, but it works for me.
Ed Z
Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494 BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
Yes with ASIO (or MME or..) only ONE program can control that audio device (audio devices are "exclusive" use by OS). There is a multi-client ASIO4ALL floating around out there - but it's not reliable in all cases, i.e., it may work for you or it may not.
One easy and consistent way around this, is to use ASIO for ONE program, either BIAB or the other program, and MME for the remaining program. But before you try this you need to set BIAB and the other program up for the audio driver you want each to use, one at time, and with only that program running.
I can't find it, but our Swiss army knife solution guy PIPELINE (bless his soul) I'm pretty sure (BUT I COULD BE WRONG AND MIS-REMEMBERING THAT I SAW IT) has a better, albeit slightly more complex, solution of using a 3rd party utility to do this
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Another suggestion is to select the WAS (Windows Audio System) driver. WAS is said to also be multi-client and able to let more than one program at a time use the system audio. WAS is also Band-in-a-Box's default audio setting but some users experience issues when WAS is selected and switch to ASIO or MME.
Have you got Biab ASIO set to Always On ? as it won't release it when stopped. But yes, VoiceMeeter Banana gives you 2 ASIO Devices
I have VoiceMeeter Banana Hardware Out set to my Audio Device. I have Windows Playback Device set to HiFi Cable or VB Cable both available from the VoiceMeeter website, you can set the Hardware Input 1 to HiFi Cable and Hardware Input 2 to VB Cable
Reaper is Using VoiceMeeter ASIO AUX, Biab is using VoiceMeeter ASIO the VoiceMeeter Mixer mixes all the ASIO and non ASIO out to the Hardware Audio Device/s.
@Jim Fogle - Thanks - I tried WAS and I had a lot of problems with latency and sound distortion (I was one of those folks!) which all went away when I switched to ASIO.
@Pipeline - Yep - I have ASIO set to Always On, and would like to keep it that way. But my little trick suits my needs right now. I've checked out the VoiceMeeter Banana application and it is just crazy cool. I had no idea something that that was out there, and on top of that, it is Donationware. Definitely on my list to play with when I get my rig sorted out a little better. I also noticed your name pop up in a few places when searching other forums and I see that you have some other very advanced configurations that you've used and educated people on, so thanks so much for all that great content.
@Larry Kehl - Thanks for the input and for roping in @Pipeline
Ed Z
Soundcloud profile https://soundcloud.com/user-415064494 BIAB user since 2019 iPad Mini, Garageband for iOS, BIAB for Windows 2020 UltraPAK, Xtra Styles packs 6-9, Windows 10 Lenovo PC, Kontakt Player, SpitFire LABS, SampleTank 4 CS, some Soundfonts
Multi client ASIO is available on certain interfaces such the Steinberg UR 22 series for example. Since they invented ASIO it's logical they would probably have the most full featured driver which is why I use them.
Also, experiment with this setting in the Windows control panel: System --> Sound --> Sound Control Panel --> (select playback device) --> Properties --> Advanced --> "allow applications to take exclusive control..."
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
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)
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean