I have installed BIAB on two Windows 10 computers, a desktop and a laptop. I don't have a soundcard on either, and my output are USB Audio Engine powered speakers. I don't have any MIDI keyboard inputs. I'm using BIAB strictly as practice play along. If you need more hardware details, I can supply.
On both computers when I switch styles from Real Tracks to MIDI tracks there is no audio output for the MIDI tracks even though the indicator lights for each track in the mixer are engaged. Now when I audition the MIDI style in the Style Picker, there is a Yellow MIDI drum track, but when It is played back it is a Green Real Track and that's the only instrument I hear. If I save, close BIAB and restart BIAB, and load the song, I can hear all the MIDI tracks, and my drums are still a Real track. The two Styles are listed below.
Temptns2 M 4/4 ev8 105 Temptns2 - 60s Ev.8 Med-Slow Groove R&B Pop 70 2005-02 48 MIDI _PSHINIH R 4/4 ev8 120 Shining Pop w/ Held Guitar Lite Pop Pop 75 2014-11 Misc.
MIDI is just a set of instructions and requires either a hardware or software synth to make a sound. If you’ve had BIAB for at least four years, I hope you had something to play MIDI. Tell us what you selected in Options, Preferences, MIDI Driver, middle column (output). Also in that same window, is DXi checked?
There is a setting in BIAB that replaces MIDI Drums with RealDrums when it’s a better choice. I’ll try to find the setting so you can choose to use this feature or not.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Without having a MIDI external hardware device connected, you can use what's known as a VSTi to create the sounds internally in software. The CoyoteWT is one such VSTi (I think this is free) but there are many others with improved sounds, depending on your requirements.
To use an internal VSTi instead of an external MIDI hardware device, go to Options > MIDI/Audio Driver Setup, and select an installed VSTi as shown:
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
I did not have the Microsoft Wave Table as my MIDI Output Driver. I have selected it and my setting are now the same as yours, but I'm getting the same results with this message.
The MIDI THRU part played by you on MIDI keyboard (& QWERTY keyboard wizard) will now use the MIDI Driver DURING PLAYBACK (not a DxI synth). Note: If using ASIO, this setting is ignored [2021.814.0, 2021-02-01 6:56:53 AM]
I have played MIDI before and have encountered this problem before. My solution was to give up and find a Real Track Style to practice with. I would like solve this problem now so I can experiment more with different styles.
Can you post a picture of your audio settings? This is where the problem may lie.
I have used the MIDI side of BiaB for decades and I have never had this problem, but with patience and the help from this forum I am positive we can find the solution.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Can you post a picture of your audio settings? This is where the problem may lie.
I have used the MIDI side of BiaB for decades and I have never had this problem, but with patience and the help from this forum I am positive we can find the solution.
Thanks for your response.
I'm trying to add photos of the Audio and MIDI settings. I hope this works.
Have you tried replacing WAS drivers with MME drivers?
Your sound card in on the motherboard. It is probably a RealTek sound card. Look on the bottom right taskbar for RealTek's HD Audio Manager and see what the settings are there.
Also have you tried saving the tracks as a MIDI file? If not try that and see if said MIDI file will play in the media player or in any other player.
FYI - After rereading your initial message this hit me, "Now when I audition the MIDI style in the Style Picker, there is a Yellow MIDI drum track, but when It is played back it is a Green Real Track and that's the only instrument I hear. If I save, close BIAB and restart BIAB, and load the song, I can hear all the MIDI tracks, and my drums are still a Real track." I have had the identical thing happen to me. I have tried to locate the problem but so far no luck. I have even opened the song in the VST and moved all of the MIDI tracks and the drum MIDI track to my DAW and sometimes the MIDI drum track works and sometimes it doesn't. I even have had BiaB loose my audio interface so I had to save file, restart BiaB, load file, and then all is good. Go figure!
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Some people have reported problems using MIDI with recent builds of BIAB 2021, particularly those who use external MIDI synths. What build are you using? Have you updated to build 818?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Some people have reported problems using MIDI with recent builds of BIAB 2021, particularly those who use external MIDI synths. What build are you using? Have you updated to build 818?
I'm running 814. My "Check for Updates is telling me I'm up to date.
Have you tried replacing WAS drivers with MME drivers?
Your sound card in on the motherboard. It is probably a RealTek sound card. Look on the bottom right taskbar for RealTek's HD Audio Manager and see what the settings are there.
Also have you tried saving the tracks as a MIDI file? If not try that and see if said MIDI file will play in the media player or in any other player.
FYI - After rereading your initial message this hit me, "Now when I audition the MIDI style in the Style Picker, there is a Yellow MIDI drum track, but when It is played back it is a Green Real Track and that's the only instrument I hear. If I save, close BIAB and restart BIAB, and load the song, I can hear all the MIDI tracks, and my drums are still a Real track." I have had the identical thing happen to me. I have tried to locate the problem but so far no luck. I have even opened the song in the VST and moved all of the MIDI tracks and the drum MIDI track to my DAW and sometimes the MIDI drum track works and sometimes it doesn't. I even have had BiaB loose my audio interface so I had to save file, restart BiaB, load file, and then all is good. Go figure!
This is the Drum Track that doesn't wish to vacate the mixer:
PraiseWorshipSlow16ths^ ^ Pop Country Ev 16 060 100 x Shannon Forrest Ntn135
Your sound card in on the motherboard. It is probably a RealTek sound card. Look on the bottom right taskbar for RealTek's HD Audio Manager and see what the settings are there.
See Photo of RealTek Audio Manager message. I'm using Audio Engine powered speakers with a USB connection. Does this help?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
See Photo of RealTek Audio Manager message. I'm using Audio Engine powered speakers with a USB connection. Does this help?
Thanks
Steve
Sorry Steve but I have no experience with Audio Engine powered speakers. But like you said you can get sound out of it I think the problem is with BiaB, i.e. much like my issues.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school. Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Some people have reported problems using MIDI with recent builds of BIAB 2021, particularly those who use external MIDI synths. What build are you using? Have you updated to build 818?
Thanks Matt
I installed build 818. Switched from a Real Style to a MIDI style and all tracks everything played back. The Real Drum track was still in the mixer. I think you are right about a box being checked. Could it be at the bottom of the Audio Settings "Correct Real Drums Sync"?
I installed build 818. Switched from a Real Style to a MIDI style and all tracks everything played back.
I will update if problem happens again
Thanks everyone for taking the time
Steve
Excellent news. (The "Check for updates" apparently incorporates some date stamp check also. I think it only does the test after a specific time has elapsed since the last test/update.)
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
The Check for Updates only gives updates that are newer but not considered to be beta versions. PG Music seems to consider the newest release to be a beta version, at least for several days. So, I always go to the website to check, just as VideoTrack said.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Back to another thing I said earlier, look at your setting in Options, Preferences, RealDrums. Midway down it says "Substitute RealDrums for MIDI drums" and then gives you choices if you check the checkbox.
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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