While a lot more love was apparently applied to using these high end VSTs in BIAB, my first attempts at using BIAB2021 with Kontakt were a bomb. But you can give it a try.
I have been considering upgrading to 21 but the list of problems with this new version has been amazingly long! Although there have been lots of fixes already, I can't help reading about new bugs that are reported. How long before the software will be working fully, I wonder...
I had resigned to skip this version and to upgrade in 2022 but now I received another email about the extended sale. Choices, choices!
I think there are some varying levels of bad here. I have not had any issues whatsoever. It all depends on how you use it I think. The only problem with waiting is the deal goes away. If you buy now, you don't have to install now. You can wait until everyone says there are no more bugs and get the latest update, which will be never I imagine, as I don't think that software has been invented yet, the bugless kind that is.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
As far as Helix Native, I just choose to not use high end VST etc with BIAB or even RB. I do all my high end work in a proper DAW, not that RB is not fine. I just find they choke on some of the really high end stuff.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
I tried to test this out, and I am not even able to load the Helix Native VST3 in the plug-in list. Something doesn't seem to be working. Helix Native location is C: > Program Files > Common Files > VST3 > Line 6
I click on Plugins - Plugin Options, then Add Plugins, then +Add VST Search Directory.
It doesn't matter folder I select, the VSTs do not show up. I am using 64bit edition, plus these are all 64bit plug-ins. Not even the BIAB VST3 shows up.
Actually, I can see C: > Program Files > Common Files > VST3 > Line 6 in the list of search directories, but I can run 'Scan for Plugins in Search directories', it will NEVER show up.
I tried to test this out, and I am not even able to load the Helix Native VST3 in the plug-in list. Something doesn't seem to be working. Helix Native location is C: > Program Files > Common Files > VST3 > Line 6
I click on Plugins - Plugin Options, then Add Plugins, then +Add VST Search Directory.
It doesn't matter folder I select, the VSTs do not show up. I am using 64bit edition, plus these are all 64bit plug-ins. Not even the BIAB VST3 shows up.
Actually, I can see C: > Program Files > Common Files > VST3 > Line 6 in the list of search directories, but I can run 'Scan for Plugins in Search directories', it will NEVER show up.
Is is me, or is there a problem with BIAB? ver814
Cheers, Paul
I can see the VST3 listed in BIAB (814) but it fails to load and crash BIAB 2021 (814).
I think there are some varying levels of bad here. I have not had any issues whatsoever. It all depends on how you use it I think. The only problem with waiting is the deal goes away. If you buy now, you don't have to install now. You can wait until everyone says there are no more bugs and get the latest update, which will be never I imagine, as I don't think that software has been invented yet, the bugless kind that is.
Sorry but I disagree. I think you are the minority if you have no problem with your BIAB, according to the list of bugs reported so far. Maybe you could show us how to use it, so that we too will have no problems with it?
Yes, I purchased it as I did not want to lose out on the sale, but I will have to put up with the frustration, like others here. Fortunately I have another laptop with the 2020 version installed. This is not my first software, so I know about bugs and glitches, but to me if feels like PG Music has rushed this version in order to take advantage of the season's bonanza.
I guess I am going to ride it out, like the the other that do have problems with it.
It is working in both 20 & 21. It comes with a VST2 as well as VST3. The VST2 works in both versions and the VST3 works with KV Element in both versions. The hardest part was making accounts just to download the %&%* thing, then log in to use it !!!!!!!!
The Helix Native VST2 plugin loads and plays ok in BIAB 814. That's a relief, I removed all my other guitar plugins when I had to replace my desktop the other week.
None of the sforzando plugins loads, I get an error with a reference to the Aria engine... not a big deal for me at this time, I don't use MIDI much - but will look into it...
Thanks all for your assistance and comments, great community :-)
I think there are some varying levels of bad here. I have not had any issues whatsoever. It all depends on how you use it I think. The only problem with waiting is the deal goes away. If you buy now, you don't have to install now. You can wait until everyone says there are no more bugs and get the latest update, which will be never I imagine, as I don't think that software has been invented yet, the bugless kind that is.
Sorry but I disagree. I think you are the minority if you have no problem with your BIAB, according to the list of bugs reported so far. Maybe you could show us how to use it, so that we too will have no problems with it?
Yes, I purchased it as I did not want to lose out on the sale, but I will have to put up with the frustration, like others here. Fortunately I have another laptop with the 2020 version installed. This is not my first software, so I know about bugs and glitches, but to me if feels like PG Music has rushed this version in order to take advantage of the season's bonanza.
I guess I am going to ride it out, like the the other that do have problems with it.
I like being in the minority then. I just got lucky I am sure. I also don't really push it to the limits, I make backing tracks, move them into a DAW and work on it there. Many others do much much more than I do and I am sure that is where the bugs are found.
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
I Have now sorted it. Thank you everyone, for your input and help!
At first, I loaded the VST 3 Plugin and that crashed BIAB. So, I then excluded the VST 3 Plugin from the listing. Then I reinstalled Helix Native VST 2. Then I added the new VST 2 file path in BIAB and did a rescan for the plugin.
At this point I couldn't see the VST 2 in the available plugins list.
Don't know why, but because I excluded the VST 3 from the list, it did not show the VST 2. ???
I had to remove the previous exclusion and now the Helix Native (v3.01) works.
I think there are some varying levels of bad here. I have not had any issues whatsoever. It all depends on how you use it I think. The only problem with waiting is the deal goes away. If you buy now, you don't have to install now. You can wait until everyone says there are no more bugs and get the latest update, which will be never I imagine, as I don't think that software has been invented yet, the bugless kind that is.
Sorry but I disagree. I think you are the minority if you have no problem with your BIAB, according to the list of bugs reported so far. Maybe you could show us how to use it, so that we too will have no problems with it?
Yes, I purchased it as I did not want to lose out on the sale, but I will have to put up with the frustration, like others here. Fortunately I have another laptop with the 2020 version installed. This is not my first software, so I know about bugs and glitches, but to me if feels like PG Music has rushed this version in order to take advantage of the season's bonanza.
I guess I am going to ride it out, like the the other that do have problems with it.
Also here in the forums you read about a lot of bugs. Wonder how many people use BIAB that are not in the forums? I would imagine a good number. And also, you never hear from anyone that says, It works perfectly and I find no issues. They don't post that stuff usually. People only post problems. You will never hear about no problems. So It looks like there are a lot of problems, but in the big scheme, probably not as many as you would think. But hey what do I know?
My wife asked if I had seen the dog bowl. I told her I didn't even know he could.
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.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
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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®.
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, and much more!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed 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 transcribe 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, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
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.
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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!
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