I'm running 2021 Audiophile with the latest updates on the same ThinkPad I've been using for several years. Plenty of memory, plenty of CPU. Everything was working when I shut it down last night. Other music apps work just fine this morning. I've checked the usual things, it's using WAS driver, mixer volume in BIAB, Windows Sound Panel and Volume Mixers all look OK.
When I first booted up BIAB worked visually (cursor went from measure to measure) but no sound. I even did a Reset to Factory Settings, now the cursor won't move and no sound. It's Wednesday so I don't thing they've snuck and overnight W10 update on me.
I'm a (very) long-time user. Maybe I need another cup of coffee. What simple and obvious thing am missing?
Microsoft spreads out updates throughout the week so you shouldn't necessarily disregard the idea that an update might have reset the computer and program audio settings.
I'm confused about the symptoms you're currently experiencing. Do you mind repeating the current symptoms and the troubleshooting steps you've performed with the current symptoms?
As a wild guess, I like the Windows Update explanation. But I also would like to hear more details about the ‘usual’ steps, including info about your sound card.
Then look at Device Manager, Sound in your Control Panel, and look for additions and changes. Windows Updates can do that and cause problems for digital audio.
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.
Well, it's understandable, I also don't want to run in the morning.
Anyhow you can check: - Windows/Settings/Update & Security, if there has been any updates - Device Manager, to see if there are any warnings on Sound units - BIAB Audio Driver settings
I've had a couple of instances where a Windows update ends up with a message that no drivers are installed.
Everything was fine last night at about 9pm. I shut the entire system down with no issues.
First thing this morning booted up and loaded BIAB and Chrome browser. No issues with bootup. Initially BIAB worked visually (cursor would move bar-to-bar) but no audio. YouTube audio works fine.
I'm running W10 on a ThinkPad laptop with an M-Audio Fast Track C400 via USB (oldie but very quiet interface). Most of the files I use are Realtracks.
Looked at BIAB audio settings, they all look fine (WAS driver, "Audio Driver" points to the M-Audio in and out, "Output Always On" box checked, "Use Default Device" box checked. "Exclusive Mode" box not checked. Latency says 30ms, but since I just use BIAB for backing tracks I've never cared. Looked at Windows Settings, Devices, Audio. The C400 shows up active. I've pointed the drum and realtracks to the external drive and all the mixer track selections are in green, showing they're connected correctly.
Right clicking on desktop lower-right speaker icon pulls up windows volume mixer where I see the M-Audio Device, the System Sounds icon and the BIAB icons, all with their volume controls max'd and nothing muted.
When I left click on the lower-right windows speaker icon it shows the M-Audio is active. I can click on that again and see the laptop speakers option. I can select that and the audio (from YouTube) goes to the laptop speakers, no problem. When I go back and select the M-Audio the YouTube audio goes there, no problem -- except BIAB still not working. I tried running Cakewalk/Sonar, that works fine.
I did BIAB "Return to Factory Settings", still would not work even with the default preferences. It seems interesting that after I've done that BIAB loads fine but now nothing at all happens when I hit Play or Generate and Play. All the BIAB icon buttons react visually to mouse clicks. When I click on "Pianos" in the mixer and click on a piano key I see the key visually react to the mouse click, but still no audio.
I run the Audiophile version with the BIAB (64 bit) app running from the laptop's SSD and the Realtracks etc. from the external drive PG sent (Option 2), so I reloaded BIAB. Note that I did not delete or uninstall anything before I did this. No change. Tried right clicking on the BIAB desktop icon and "Run as an Administrator" to be sure that wasn't the problem. No change.
It now occurs to me to perhaps try reloading BIAB and use the option that runs the BIAB app itself from the disk PG sent me might be a next troubleshooting step?
Usually with audio interfaces ASIO needs to be selected instead of WAS. Try going to go to Options | Preferences | Audio (tab). Then change the Audio Driver Type to ASIO and see if that helps.
Thanks Chantelle. Interesting, did that and now the BIAB cursor moves measure to measure, but still no audio from BIAB. Audio from other apps still work.
And ... things such as keyboard clicks in the mixer panel as well as the Big Piano now produce notes, so midi is now working. And also ...I have a few BIAB files with imported audio tracks and they work. So at the moment I'm only having problems with files that are totally RealTracks.
And so now I just re-re-reviewed where the RealTracks/Real Drums were expected to be found, expecting to see that BIAB was looking appropriately to the BB folder in the D drive, as they were earlier. But the fields were blank. So I've now re-pointed them to the correct directories on the D drive and all is well.
So it appears my original problem was somehow this morning BIAB was using the WAS driver and as I tried horrible things like returning to factory settings and reloading I'd somehow simply wiped out the field that points to the Realtracks/drums files on the D drive. An interesting aspect of this is, at least on this machine, when you try to use the WAS driver BIAB stops. Must be waiting on something?
Anyway, I just knew this was somehow something simple I was overlooking. I've used this program for many years here at home and on live gigs and once again I've proven to fail it far more often than it's ever failed me.
It's a great program and since the pandemic an important part of my day-to-day life. Thanks to Chantelle and all the others at PG and your all out there for your support and help.
I've been getting Window updates regularly. Once installed, all audio related programs resulted into the BSOD! Had to restart the computer, start out with one audio application (Cakewalk) and running it. I was fine. Then I move to the next such as BIAB - another BSOD! Reboot again and it works. The list goes on.
Then M$ came out with 21H1, believe it was and everything worked fine after the install of that version. No issues.
You may want to update to this Windows version and it might just do the trick... maybe - unless there are other issues we're not aware of.
Cheers, Mike
My Music * Asus ROG Strix G15CF 32 GB DDR4 4TB HDD + 1 TB SSD NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 8GB Win 11 AKAI EIE PRO Sound Interface. BIAB/RB 2024 UltraPak Build - Latest
And so now I just re-re-reviewed where the RealTracks/Real Drums were expected to be found, expecting to see that BIAB was looking appropriately to the BB folder in the D drive, as they were earlier. But the fields were blank. So I've now re-pointed them to the correct directories on the D drive and all is well.
So it appears my original problem was somehow this morning BIAB was using the WAS driver and as I tried horrible things like returning to factory settings and reloading I'd somehow simply wiped out the field that points to the Realtracks/drums files on the D drive. An interesting aspect of this is, at least on this machine, when you try to use the WAS driver BIAB stops. Must be waiting on something?
Anyway, I just knew this was somehow something simple I was overlooking. I've used this program for many years here at home and on live gigs and once again I've proven to fail it far more often than it's ever failed me.
It's a great program and since the pandemic an important part of my day-to-day life. Thanks to Chantelle and all the others at PG and your all out there for your support and help.
Glad that you were able to determine what the issue was! Although your external device should have still worked with WAS if the correct inputs were selected, they tend to work better with whatever ASIO driver they come with - if they came with one at all. The loss of the RealDrums and RealTracks directories makes sense if you did a full or hard return to factory settings as it would have cleared out your program preferences. Did you use the Options | Return To Factory Settings menu? If so, it should have given you the option to back up your settings in a file that could be reloaded. But if you deleted the mysetup/intrface files in the preferences folder within the bb folder, this would make sense as to why those directories would have needed to be reset.
Regardless of my musing and what exactly caused it, we're glad you're up and running again!
While your computer, audio interface and Band-in-a-Box are all working as they should you should save your Preference Settings. Then it will be quick and easy to restore your settings in the future.
You can save your Preference settings by navigating to Options > Save Preferences As ... to open the BB File Save window dialog. Make up a file name and select Save.
To load the saved Preference File navigate to Options > Open Preferences File ... to open the Open File window. Select your saved file and press the open button.
Boom! You're instantly back in the business of making music with Band-in-a-Box.
John...to add to jims nice idea. also use a phone camera and take pics of all your recording settings..in various daw software and your interfaces control panel, and anything else relevent. --------------------------------------------------- all. Re putting recording rig on the net. as ive said before , it was a given years back by recording studios not to put ones recording rigs on the net. (read various reasons why in old posts on such sites as gearslutz and other recording pro forums.) i have, for example 2 i5 laptops here. both same hw config. both refurbs that cost very little. one for recording work that never sees the net , and other that is used solely for the net, and as a sandboxer/tester plus an amazon fire 80 bucks tablet thats great for surfing. the i5 on the net is loaded with typical protection/anti virus stuff and takes rather a time to boot obviously, even though its stripped down <<one reason i like refurbs. by comparison the i5 recording rig that never sees the net and is optimised for recording (per such sites as audient and focusrite re optimising a pc, and per the guys that do the refurb...) runs like a champ day in/out with no lag or problems running bb/rb/reaps daw combo and boots in a few seconds from cold. thus from my own experience (and people can argue with me all they want) if you want a peacefull life recording....keep your rig off the darn net, and buy a refurb pc for that purpose <<you can find them now for under 150 buks.
what a lot of people really must understand is , when your running a daw rig with say one drive (which a lot of people are..) thats servicing windows AND multitracking /bb generating traks AND GOD KNOWS WHAT ELSE thats happening on the net, ITS ALL ADDED TASKS AND PROCESSES. what i'm saying is it becomes a resource fight, particularly if you THEN introduce big sample libraries, and goodness knows what else on a one drive pc that is underpowered for the job to start with anyway.
different story if one is running a high end pc like a threadripper probably. but even then i would probably keep such a nice high end pc off the net.
anyhoo...if anyone vehemently disagrees with me, just ask companies that specialise in building high end recording pc's costing thousands for high end recording studios their opinion on this topic. cos it used to be a given , years back, in the music industry that a studio kept its recording computers off the net.
why people are putting them on the net now baffles me , given a simple solution is just buy a 120 buk refurb for the purpose. best/happiness to all. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/02/2101:29 AM.
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs (90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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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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 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!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac 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 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®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
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!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
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)
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