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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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.
I arrived early to a restaurant. The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?" I said no. "Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
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!
I arrived early to a restaurant. The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?" I said no. "Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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.
I arrived early to a restaurant. The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?" I said no. "Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, 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 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
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