I've been trying to add plugins to MIDI instruments in the Mixer with varying success.
I've got PG Reverb working in the Master track, but adding PG Distortion or any other plugin to the Guitar [Default Synth]: CoyoteWT track has no effect on its sound. When I tried a 3rd party Waves plugin, the plugin indicated that it was not receiving a signal from the Guitar synth. Why is that?
If I click on the Guitar track and select, "Show Plugin Window," I get a dialog titled, "[Guitar] [Slot 1]", however that dialog displays a dozen other instruments without any apparent relation to the Guitar. I'm confused, and a little frustrated.
I searched online for a relevant tutorial video, but if the tutorial is more than two years old it doesn't seem to be dealing with a version of BIAB as I know it. Any suggestions? A relevant tutorial? Thanks.
I've been trying to add plugins to MIDI instruments in the Mixer with varying success.
I'm confused, and a little frustrated.
Any suggestions? A relevant tutorial? Thanks.
I agree with you and share a bit of your frustration. But having some very recent success installing a Kontakt VSTi to play my BIAB midi pianos I can only provide some encouragement.
For my recent success it was mainly stumbling around until it worked. It seems to be a two step process. First you have to install the plugin into BIAB so it can be available to be placed on the individual track. Second you have to load it in the proper slot for the track. Slot 1 is used for the midi synth while the remaining slots can be used for effects to be applied to the synth. I put Kontakt player on Slot 1 for the MST piano.
There have been some detailed images applied in a couple of posts over the past months showing these steps, but no specific video that I recall. I would be glad to make a video tutorial except all that stumbling around I do would not reflect well. Stick with it and good luck.
Thank you Dan and Jim. I'm familiar with how to get plugins into the Mixer slots, but looking at the BIAB manual I see there might be more for me to learn before I start concluding that something isn't working properly. A-reading I will go.
Question: The processing of the four plugin slots is from left to right, correct?
Thank you again for the great support.
Windows 10 Home v2004 MOTU M2 USB Audio Interface firmware v1.02 MOTU M Series ASIO Driver v4.0.8.4479
Yes XilburQost, my understanding is processing is from left to right.
However, it bears repeating; there will be a conflict if you attempt to use slot 1. The leftmost slot, slot 1, is reserved for program use. Slot 1 is occupied by the default gm compatible soft synth.
Thank you for the info, Jim. I'm not using slot 1 as it is typically occupied by a MIDI instrument (I'm using MIDI instruments only as it--I think--makes it easier to export the BIAB project to MIDI for use by other DAWs).
That said, I have been using slot 1 in the Master track because it's available and appears to be working properly. Currently slot 1 in the Master track hosts PG Reverb and slot 2 hosts Waves Abbey Road Studio, and both appear to be working fine.
Windows 10 Home v2004 MOTU M2 USB Audio Interface firmware v1.02 MOTU M Series ASIO Driver v4.0.8.4479
I believe access to the Master Track slots is new for 2021. I never noticed them in previous mixer versions and have not used them yet. Thank you for highlighting their presence to me!
I believe access to the Master Track slots is new for 2021. I never noticed them in previous mixer versions and have not used them yet. Thank you for highlighting their presence to me!
Access to the Master track plugin slots has been there since back in 2014, though at the time it was called the "Combo" track. They changed it to read Master in the 2020 version. These were accessed through the Plugins dialog rather than the Mixer, which was a change for 2021.
In my mind the Combo track was sort of like a buss track in a hardware mixer while the Master Track was the final output. So track slots were like inserts while the Combo Track slots were like a send/return buss that sums the output of all tracks.
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.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.
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.