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A while ago, I posted in the synthfont VST forum about a problem with synthfont playing only piano sound on all channels when loaded inside IL Minihost, using IL minihost as default synth. He says that he does not have a BiaB, so he can test it. Ref; http://www.synthfont.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=318&p=1226#p1226

IMHO, he should be offered a free version of BiaB, since he, after all, offered HIS software to be distributet with BiaB.
For testing purposes..


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I may be wrong (my old age and everything) but VSTSynhtfont does not come bundled with BIAB - that is Sforzando by Plogue that is supplied with, and installed by default (unless unchecked during the install), with BIAB. Nothing wrong with VSTsynthfont but it is just not the same thing as Sforzando.

That aside, have you tried loading up IL Minihost with VSTsynthfont into another host (DAW) besides BIAB?

I just tried using IL Minihost in Mixcraft (current version 9) with VSTSynthfont loaded in IL Minihost - and get nothing but pianos on all channels (parts) - but not unexpected behavior by a GM module or GM soundfont loaded into something like VSTsynthfont until you send VSTsynthfont a program (aka patch) change - that's what you'll get (default patch 1 or 0 depending on program begin zero or one based). However, I could NOT get GM patch (program) changes out of Mixcraft though IL Minihost into VSTSynthfont - so yes all pianos all the time.

If I load VSTsynthfont directly into BAIB (or Mixcraft) as a VSTi it responds to GM patch changes, and works, as expected just like a GM “module” like TTS-1, Coyote FORTE, or other GM complaint module would act.

But as you have already observed as soon as I load VSTSynhtfont into IL Minihost and then call IL Minihost up as a VSTi in BIAB it ignores the GM patch changes and then VSTsynthfont plays nothing but pianos. SO IL Minihost appears to be FILTERTING, not allowing, or ignoring (pick your term) somehow the patch changes and not sending them into VSTsynhtfont.

BTW you know you can set up different patches (instruments) into ALL 16 channels of VSTSynthfont, and save as a new default .vstarr file 9that’s a VSTSyntfont file). Then when you load VSTsynthfont into IL Minihost (or load VSTSynthfont anywhere) it will load that default config .vstarr file. Of course this doesn’t fix the issue of not allowing patch changes in real-time to get though IL Minihost into VSTSynthfont. And that is NOT a BIAB Issue, it’s not even a VSTSYnthfont issue it’s a IL Minihost issue, at least as far as I can tell with the little bit of trouble shooting I just did.

Good Luck
Larry


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Originally Posted By: Larry Kehl
I may be wrong (my old age and everything) but VSTSynhtfont does not come bundled with BIAB - that is Sforzando by Plogue that is supplied with, and installed by default (unless unchecked during the install), with BIAB. Nothing wrong with VSTsynthfont but it is just not the same thing as Sforzando.

Yeah, this old age thing balders and tricks my memory all the time. FOR, in MY memory Synthfont VST came with either 2018 or 2019... Or am I totally wrong here? I have no recall of downloading it from anywhere else.. So I have since believed it came bundled with BiaB. That's why I mentioned that suggestion to give a free BiaB to the developer for testing purpose.. I had in mind it could be IL minihost also, but good to have it "confirmed"... wink

Anyway, I encouraged him to implement VSTi as substitutes for any of the soundfont, and he promised to think about it. He HAD made a test version with VSTfx earlier, so he though it could be easy for him to also do instruments.. That, I guess will be the first GM compatible VST with an option like that..;) Or is it anything like that out there?

Originally Posted By: Larry Kehl
BTW you know you can set up different patches (instruments) into ALL 16 channels of VSTSynthfont, and save as a new default .vstarr file 9that’s a VSTSyntfont file). Then when you load VSTsynthfont into IL Minihost (or load VSTSynthfont anywhere) it will load that default config .vstarr file.
No, I did not know that, so thank's a lot for that..


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I couldn't get it to work in MiniHost, you can ask in the IL forum.
Worked in SaviHost.
It works in BlueCat's PatchWork and you can add other Virtual Instruments after on the channel you want.

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Thank's a lot again Pipeline ! You are the MAN ! smile


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Isn't synthfont VST licenced for biab and maybe RB only, and to use it in other applications you have to buy a licence at 15 euro I believe.


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Originally Posted By: musiclover
Isn't synthfont VST licenced for biab and maybe RB only, and to use it in other applications you have to buy a licence at 15 euro I believe.

Yes, I think so, because remember a few years back, I tried to use it in Reaper, and was surprised that a message come up asking to pay for it. So I paid for it and got the stand alone version also...


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To keep various applications clearly identified I want to verify that subject item we are discussing is VSTsynthfont and NOT Synthfont (either version - Version 1 which is free or version 2 which is not). One of these applications is already a VSTi and that would be VSTsynthfont, the other is NOT Synthfont is simply an executable that does similar things as its VSTi sibling but it does more.

Now I went back from now, BIAB 2020, through all BIAB installers and bonus paks (and I have all of them) and lists of what was included in each bonus pak, to BAIB 2016 - that was the LAST year of "SampleTank free" inclusion – so no included sound font players at all in 2016. So it has been only Sforzando since 2017, which makes it actually first available with BIAB since Nov-Dec 2016 when BIAB 2017 went on sale, and nothing else.

Ignoring all possible older discussion on the topic of GM and sound fonts, starting in 2017 when Sforzando was first offered (and BTW Sforzando has always been free - didn’t need BIAB to offer or include it) to play BIAB the Hi-Q sounds there was a flurry of discussion about VSTsynthfont, as well as its bigger brother Synthfont version 1 (the free version). Note, the newer version 2 of Synthfont is not free ditto the current version of VSTSynthfont which is version 3 it is not free but you can get both for one 15 euro fee.

To further add possible sources of sound font players and recommendations made here in the forums later that year, fall of 2017, is when Gibson dropped Sonar product line and that caused lots of discussions about still being able to obtain TTS-1, a GM soundest and player, either TTS-1 included with Sonar proper or included in its smaller sibling Music Creator, which was also dropped. That set of discussions invariably led to an upswing in discussions about GM, GM sound sets, various sound font sets, and sound font players for use with BIAB.

So I suspect at some point you went out and tried one of the forum user supplied links or looked it up yourself and downloaded VSTSynthfont , and why not it was free and proven and used by folks here. I have it and I’ve got dozens OF GM solutions both HW and SW for use with BIAB.

However, I'm still curious as to why you are even trying to use IL Minihost (or even any of the 3rd party apps that pipeline mentioned) to play a VSTi that already works in BIAB "natively," VSTsynthfont works in BIAB.

Good Luck
Larry

Last edited by Larry Kehl; 02/16/20 12:15 PM.

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Larry; Yes, it IS VSTsynthfont and NOT Synthfont...

"Why you are even trying to use IL Minihost (or even any of the 3rd party apps that pipeline mentioned) to play a VSTi that already works in BIAB "natively," VSTsynthfont works in BIAB." Well, I can only answer for my self. I use Midi files a lot for various project. Many with up to 16 tracks, Classical symphonies and such. When loading those, all the 16 channels go to the melody tracks, as u know. Using ILminihost and VST synthfont, I was hoping that VSTsynthfont could play most of the channels, with a decent sound and I could load Kontakt in there to play channels that the Kontakt instrument I have sounds a LOT better. instead of have to load kontakt in to the melody and/or solotrack every time I load a new midifile, I prefer to have it all set up as the default synth, so that I don¨t have to do that every time I load a new midifile. Then this problem occurred, that VSTsoundfont played only piano for all the channels.

However, after a lot of googling last weekend, I think I found the best solution yesterday. At lest for us Kontakt owners. I guy over in the NI forum had did a great job, making a Kontakt substitute for Bandstand, calling it Handstand. It's a GM/GM2/GS/XGLite bank with 632 instruments bank, loaded it on each slot. See here;
https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/kontakt-general-midi.225353/

His 'Handstand' as coquetry to 'Bandstand' here:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u3s5eq8i9wxky2m/AABGR08yG_pWPmKCo9Jqc71ma

I downloaded it yesterday, and it was easy for me to replace many of the instruments there with my best Kontakt instruments and save it as the default Kontakt library. It takes a little time to load it, but, when loaded, it plays everything in BiaB now with a LOT better general sound, EVERY TIME I load a new midifile...

However, this genius Pipeline always coming up with even better solution to almost all limitation in BiaB. So now instead of using ILminihost, he came up with Blue Cat Patchwork. So now I can also ad chains of other stuff, like FX, and plugins native to Reason, and whatever, all as the default synth in BiaB, that loads automatically when starting BiaB, and stays there for every new file loaded... Can't be much better than that... wink

Last edited by Trygve Larsen; 02/16/20 01:59 PM.

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Trygve,
That is a sort of solution, however I do not believe it will do program changes right.

Your situation is very close to what I was/am battling with. This is echoing Mario's request/cry to open up mixer to more MIDI channels.

Once, I posted a request in wishlist to have an independent midi channel that can host 16 tracks of midi, not the awkward way that it is now (goes into to melody... and you know the rest smile ) but actually a dedicated channel that will host a midi file that will follow chord grid / changes and which can be connected to VSTsynthfont, Sonic or sky is the limit, without interfering or taking over tracks that can be used for RT's/Rd's

I had a drawing, but unfortunately tinypic hosting went belly up, but here is the thread:

https://www.pgmusic.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=519297&Searchpage=1&Main=74814&Words=mixer&Search=true#Post519297

In any case, VSTsynthfont is an excellent and compact, one of a kind tool that allows for some heavy duty SF2 banks to be loaded. It will be very useful if BIAB will allow independent MIDI track to make use of all 16 channels, not touching other mixer things.

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Originally Posted By: Rustyspoon#
Trygve,
That is a sort of solution, however I do not believe it will do program changes right.
And what makes u disbelieve that?

Ur other solution/suggestion sound about right to me, so I gave it a + over in the other forum... wink


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Quote:
midi file that will follow chord grid / changes

The midi tracks in RapidComposerVSTi will follow the chord changes.
The MIDI Output from RapidComposerVSTi goes to VstSynthFont or anything else.
If you have Midi tracks in BB you can send the Host midi to another VSTi in BlueCat's PatchWork.

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It seems to work pretty solid with BlueCat's PatchWork.
As it's set as default synth it will load RapiComposer and VstSynthFont at startup.

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HI ALL

Don’t want to muddy the water here but I think what may be causing some confusion is:

When the 64 bit version of BIAB came out that’s the 2019 version released Dec 2018
It came with and installs VSTSoundFont64, this had a set of gm voices but you can load your own sound font (I use Timbres of Heaven)
This works fine if you use the 64 bit version of Biab.
It may well work in the 32 bit version if you have J bridge which I do not, so cant try.
Point is if you go through an annual upgrade over the top of your previous build you would have picked this up on the way.
Not certain what happens if you skipped that year.

pic of MIDI file in BIAB Melody track VSTSoundFont64,/Timbres of Heaven

Just my thoughts
Mike

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Last edited by Mike Head; 02/17/20 04:24 AM. Reason: pic added

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Pipeline

I was hesitant to discuss BC Patchworks because up until now the apps seemed to be the free kind - VSTsynthfont and IL MiniHost and I guess lastly Kontakt player.

BC Patchworks is $99 - and of all the BC stuff that one app never seems to go on sale anywhere. But it is a handy as heck app!

Larry


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Originally Posted By: Mike Head
HI ALL

Don’t want to muddy the water here but I think what may be causing some confusion is:

When the 64 bit version of BIAB came out that’s the 2019 version released Dec 2018
Just my thoughts
Mike

Yes, that was what I also though... Thank's for confirming it...

AND, that's why I also suggest to PGMusic to give him a free BiaB for testing purpose. Especially now when he seriously consider to implement support for VST in it as a supplement to soundfonts.


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Originally Posted By: Larry Kehl
Pipeline

I was hesitant to discuss BC Patchworks because up until now the apps seemed to be the free kind - VSTsynthfont and IL MiniHost and I guess lastly Kontakt player.

BC Patchworks is $99 - and of all the BC stuff that one app never seems to go on sale anywhere. But it is a handy as heck app!

Larry


I have searched n searched for a free vst chainer like MiniHost and found
https://kushview.net/free-vst-host/
they say: "And yes it really is completely free!"
worked great until I restarted it and a Activate window came up.

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It was just the standalone Elements SE I had the issue with the vst seems to work.
Here's a link for just the VST 64bit
EDIT: vst3 added
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qughfo4wi6rb8mz/KV_Element-Synth-FX-vst2-3.zip?dl=1

you simply drag n drop your vst2 or vst3 into the Elements SE VST.
Ctrl+click remove connections.
Once hooked up Save Group.
EXT for host input.
Let me know if it works for you.

If you have issues here's the download link for the complete Standalone and VST
foe Win 32 64 & Mac version also
https://github.com/kushview/Element/releases/tag/0.41.1

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Last edited by Pipeline; 02/17/20 10:30 PM.
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Pipeline, that looks like a one kick #ss plugin.
It seems it has some graphic scaling issues with some plugs, but minor and probably could be dealt with. This thing needs some serious exploring!
Thank you for sharing!

P.S. Seems like there is a newer version and donation could be as little as $1 to get it.

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You and Mike are correct it is included and "installed." It was not listed in the files, add-ons, or delineated during the install process in the list of things to install or not so I completely missed it, but no excuse since it says it right in the New features readme

“..We include a 64-bit GM MIDI synth VSTSynthFont64
with default GM soundfont, allowing you to specify any GM soundfont even larger ones over 2 GB...”


So PG might want to give over a basic copy of BIAB to the VSTSynthfont developer for future use, if needed, but not for this "issue" because at this point we know it is FL’s IL Minihost that is dropping the ball not PG or VSTSynthfont.

For those reading along - if you look PG include both 64 and 32-bit versions of VSTSynhtfont in the “driveletter:\..BB\data\libx” and “driveletter:\..BB\data\lib” respectively. Not exactly where I would normally look for any plugins but immaterial it is where PG included them.

Larry


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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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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®!

With your version 2026 for Mac 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)
  • 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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.

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!

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