|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
C:\bb\BBPlugin\Files\Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin Standalone.exe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
Ah - didn't know that was there. So did they just put a VST Host wrapper code around the VST instance? I don't see a mixer - is there one?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
No but hopefully there should be one there soon and maybe plugins so it will load the same plugins as well as any Utility tracks saved in the main Biab app.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
As it is now seems like the main use is for developer regression testing outside of a specific VST host. Is there some other advantage, versus putting it in a DAW? Among other things, I don't see a way to generate output audio/MIDI files.
I was thinking earlier today it would be nice to have one really good/complete UI and app, and that focusing on VST might be the way to go for the future. Then it could be hosted in some standalone VST host if all the functionality were in place. There are so many nooks and crannies of functionality in the main BiaB app - keyboards, guitar displays, improved AudioEdit window, style editing - it didn't really seem practical to get totally away from the standalone app. But perhaps a more streamlined version for 95% of users - one that would be more accessible. I have a couple of musician friends I've tried to turn on to BiaB in the last few months, but they've given up after a short time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
I have a couple of musician friends I've tried to turn on to BiaB in the last few months, but they've given up after a short time. Yes I had the same experience. This is Biab Lite. It's not overwhelming like the Biab main app. You just drag to render, stereo mix, separate tracks or all tracks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
I took the latest plugin (3.3.5) for a quick spin this morning, and still ran into some things that are showstoppers for me. Here some observations:
1. I started with a song that I had put together in the app, all RealTracks. It took the app 7 seconds to generate. The plugin took 40 seconds - regardless of whether using standalone plugin or inside Cakewalk. I'm guessing the VST is single threaded, whereas I think multithreading has been implemented in the app. (I'm running with an 8 core processor.)
2. I often change time signatures in a song, so in this one I made the last 8 bars 3/4 (from 4/4). I also slowed tempo down by 20%. When I played the song from the plugin (not Synced with DAW), playback just stopped at the third 3/4 measure. When I turned on sync and let the DAW provide the clock, it played through the end, but was noticeably different from the version in the app in that the real drums kept going in 4/4. Also I think there will always be an issue with syncing time and tempo, since I don't think there's a two-way sync capability (VST-to-DAW) for those kinds of things. So I didn't expect the tempo to slow down, and it didn't :-) (It did slow down when I played the same song via the Standalong Plugin, but still stopped after the second 3/4 measure.)
3. The + and - buttons for resizing the chord chart in the plugin don't work very well. I couldn't get the chords showing as large as I wanted them, and it seemed to stop resizing after a few hits.
Last edited by cwiggins999; 01/05/21 05:36 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,699
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 12,699 |
I took the latest plugin (3.3.5) for a quick spin this morning, and still ran into some things that are showstoppers for me. Here some observations:
1. I started with a song that I had put together in the app, all RealTracks. It took the app 7 seconds to generate. The plugin took 40 seconds - regardless of whether using standalone plugin or inside Cakewalk. I'm guessing the VST is single threaded, whereas I think multithreading has been implemented in the app. (I'm running with an 8 core processor.)
Have to agree with much of what you have said. I can only add based on working with the VST for over two years that the BIAB-VST can indeed be stubborn and demanding regarding workflow. Whereas BIAB is known for having multiple ways to do the same thing, the BIAB-VST can only do things its way. So you have to adjust your workflow or be willing to jump back and forth between the standalone and VST. However, your item 1 does not sound like a correct assumption. I am seeing much quick regens in the VST then you report. I get times which are comparable to the Standalone , especially with V3 which is now much quicker than V2. I imagine it is dependent on the number of RTs and number of bars. I generally will only have a handful for short sections. In addition, the standalong has historically had a unique algorithm where it will start playing a tune prior to completion of the generation. In RB and now the VST the generation has to be fully completed before it will play. Otherwise, the VST just another tool to use. DAn
BIAB – 2026, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
The Plugin is still in development but is getting there. There is a suggestion here I was trying to get them to implement A VST to send Tempo/Play/Stop/Loop/Continue to main Biab app from DAW it should be relatively easy to do. What you can do with the BBPlugin is have another instance of the Plugin start sync at any bar by clicking the little arrow under Sync. This way you can have another style or time signature and start sync at the bar where there is a time signature change, you can copy chords from one instance to the other. You just uncheck the lead-in and ending if the song section does not need it. The only issue is with the current version it's cutting the last bar off too soon so you don't get a seamless play, BUT hopefully that should be fixed soon. This also allows you to regenerate sections, this is quicker than generating the whole song. With generate time in the Plugin compared to Biab, Biab will chose the sections of RT from the source files, generate into RAM then start playing, BUT the Plugin will do that, wait for it to finish generating the whole track, then render to wav. Here's is a better way that would be quicker than Biab: Instant Generate & Play of RealTracks/Drums in BiabVST
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
|
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
However, your item 1 does not sound like a correct assumption. I am seeing much quick regens in the VST then you report. I get times which are comparable to the Standalone , especially with V3 which is now much quicker than V2. I imagine it is dependent on the number of RTs and number of bars. I generally will only have a handful for short sections. In addition, the standalong has historically had a unique algorithm where it will start playing a tune prior to completion of the generation. In RB and now the VST the generation has to be fully completed before it will play.
I do see some references to parallel processing (SIMD) of rendered tracks in the enhancements list for 2021. This is a common technique for multithreaded audio and graphic rendering. I could easily see why this might not be enabled in a VST since most DAWs are managing threads and cores. But just speculating. My songs are almost exclusively RealTrack based. “4X's faster audio DSP processing (using SIMD), allowing smoother playback & faster rendering for a larger number of tracks.”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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 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.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
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.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
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!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,511
Posts792,768
Members39,903
| |
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