I note in the 2021 BB there is not any easy way to change the default synth like there used to be. I always used Cubase Halion Sonic SE as my default synth but now it defaults to Coyote. The Halion Sonic SE has an auto GM midi which is by far better as general sound module.
Would someone be kind enough to help me out here. I don't see any way to choose default synth.
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
Ya, This is a bit of a mess. Your instructions were very helpful. Thanks.
So I tried to install my old version of VSTSynthfont64 which was freeware in my BIAB 2020. But something appears to have automatically installed the newest version which is not free. So I lost another midi synth due to BIAB upgrades. Last year we all lost Coyote Forte and now we lost the free version of VSTSynthfont64. Is the Decard old TTS-1 really the best free GM Softsynth out there? Yiieps - V
Thanks but now I find myself down the rabbit hole. But 30 minues of install and it seems to be on board. But BIAB is not corrporating. The whole VST plugin operations have changed and I have no trust in them at all. Multiple error messages as I try to install the Halion. Synths appearing and disappearing. Some know in my "excluded VSTs which no way to remove them from there.
Tried to reinstall the old version of VSTSynthfont and BIAB crashed.
It is no wonder that folks get fed up with these issues. An annual update which breaks things which had been working in the past. Wow, I am really upset!!!
Wow !!, Think That's why I am holding back on the upgrade , just do not want to have all the hassle coming up to Christmas and losing my set up !! . soz to hear Halion never worked for you !
win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 . https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases
You have got to enjoy working on the bleeding edge with all these issues which have to be addressed. There was a time in my life when I thrived on this, but that time has come and gone. I am long past dideling with GM SoftSynths. I find my patience has grown thin. Ya, I am sure I can figure it out. If I explain it all with pictures folks here in the forum will help and then I am sure PGM can fix it, but I have little time for that.
Thanks all. I discovered that. Just a change around. I tried loading the Halion Sonic SE 3. Not a chance. Band In A Box 2021 just will not load it. Keeps going back to default synth. Coyote.
I even updated Halion and I own Cubase 11. Just cannot figure why Sonic se 3 won't load.
Thanks all. I discovered that. Just a change around. I tried loading the Halion Sonic SE 3. Not a chance. Band In A Box 2021 just will not load it. Keeps going back to default synth. Coyote.
I even updated Halion and I own Cubase 11. Just cannot figure why Sonic se 3 won't load.
It is no wonder that folks get fed up with these issues. An annual update which breaks things which had been working in the past. Wow, I am really upset!!!
I wish they would freeze the program at some level, rename it BIAB Legacy and then only apply critical updates to it when absolutely required.
Then make sure all annual updates of RealTracks, Super MIDI, etc., will work perfectly with the legacy version.
I would pay the exact same upgrade price every year for the RealTracks, Super MIDI, Style sets, etc. I have been upgrading since 2012 and cannot recall a single one of the annual "49 New Features" that would have justified the upgrade. BUT, the RealTracks and stuff are MUSIC MAGIC and I have upgraded every year for those. And I would continue to do so if I had a Legacy BIAB without new bugs...er...features!
I have 128 gigs of Corsair Vengeance ram. An X570 Auros Ultra. An AMD Ryzen 9 3590X 16 Core Processor, 3493 Mhz, 16 Cores. 2 large High definition Monitors.
Thanks Mario, I had tried exactly that. Downloaded and installed this free version which I had been using for the past year and I could not get it installed as the default. I think the VST connection in BIAB needs to be fixed.
But the bigger question is where did my older free version go which was running in 2020 just recently? I would never have upgraded to the V3 knowing it was no longer free and I did know that. So is this loaded in BIAB 2021? And when I went to run it, it said my 30 day trial was expired - send money! That's strange.
but unless I'm crossing the streams here (and it wouldn't even be the fifth time today I was wrong) Synthfont 1.752 is an EXECUTABLE, it is a standalone executable, it is not a VSTi plugin. It is not a .dll and doesn't install a .dll, it installs in the C:\Program Files (x86)\SynthFont as an .exe
You need a VSTi version, so you can load into BIAB as a plugin you want VSTsynthfont installer however the only version on the page now is 3.421 and it is NOT FREE [some of us might have older versions the FREE VSTi (PM is your friend)]
The most CURRENT VSTi (.dll) (last version I bothered to download when it was free) for 32-bit VSTSynthFont is 1.096, and for some reason, I do have a slightly newer version of a free 64-bit VSTSynthFont version 2.095
Note, YOU COULD use a Loopmidi, or Loopbe, or similar to send MIDI OUT form BIAB to the standalone version Synthfont but....
or the best solution is to splurge for current Synthfont 2 and VSTsynthfont 3.421 - they are that much improved it's worth 15 Euros so about $18 and change to get both.
Good Luck
(and now Mario explains where I'm wrong - LOL)
Larry
Last edited by Larry Kehl; 12/11/2004:59 PM.
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
Hold on a sec. I thought that if you bought previous version of BIAB that included VSTsynthfont it would be yours to keep, regardless of future upgrades to BIAB? Perhaps PG team would tell us if it is so and and if it is, how to get this license fixed? VSTsyntfont is the most flexible VST that exists for SF2 / GM / Program changes, for the price.
---- I did have issue with a combination of WAS and Halion Sonic 3 (full). But was able to load it as a default synth after switching to ASIO drivers in BIAB.
Good catch, the program I have used in BIAB 2020 is VSTSynthfont NOT Synthfont. Older versions were freeware the new V3 is ~$20. The freeware version did all I needed it to do. But somehow this all changed with BIAB 2021.
Quote:
VSTSynthFont (3.421) - VST instrument Beginning with the release of version 3, VSTSynthFont is not freeware. You can try it for 15 days and then purchase a license for a mere 15€. This license also covers SynthFont2, so you get 2 for 1! Go here to purchase a license by donating to help us continue developing this tool.
NOTE; The VSTSynthFont/VSTSynthFont64 file is not required by SynthFont, SynthFont2 or Viena. VSTSynthFont is NOT JUST a plugin version of SynthFont but a completely different piece of software.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
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Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
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.
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)
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!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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