To be honest the coyote-windows and DLS-synths mac sound like s***. This could be a paid add-on and would be a great addition to BIAB. Sibelius sounds is a good example on how it could be done.
The decent (at the time) Roland VSC synth that PG Music used to use was 32-bit only.
Note that the Coyote that ships with BIAB now is not the Coyote Forte, which was acceptable sound at the time, but instead (as I understand it) is just a wrapper to give you the built-in Microsoft sounds. And yes, those are truly terrible for BIAB.
Peter Gannon a few years ago was recommending people get the free Cakewalk by Bandlab because it came with the TTS MIDI synth.
And I do understand the value of good sound. I changed music notation program last year mostly because the current one came with a sound set of the London Symphony Orchestra. This made anything I did in my old notation sound like a tin can by comparison.
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.
Windows 10 (64bit) M-Audio Fast Track Pro, Band in a Box 2025, Cubase 14, Cakewalk and far too many VST plugins that I probably don't need or will ever use
For Windows, I suggest trying CoolSoft's free VirtualMIDISynth, an excellent replacement for the POS Mickeysoft GM Wavetable Synth that comes with Windows. Their website lists a bunch of free SoundFonts and some paid ones, too. I use the free Arachno soundfont and the free JJazzLab soundfont.
VSTsynthfont $15. Takes any GM SF2 banks, there are many free ones that sounds OK, or you can build your own. It will do GM program change and is very flexible. It was included in some versions of BIAB, so you might have it already.
The best paid option is Halion Sonic for GM + Program change. Free would work too, but is limited. A good way to try it.
I have not found anything better than two above tat do GM + Program changes. If you are not looking for Program changes, there are more choices.
I use the VSTsynthfont64 mentioned above. This is an older version. Not sure how this was loaded as i never paid for it, but as Rusty mentioned it may have come in a BIAB install at some time in the past. It works great.
CoolSoft's free VirtualMIDISynth looks to be very similar to VSTSynthfont64 in that it uses soundfonts. This is freeware. Installs on PC fine, but I have not been able to install in BIAB! This may be worth figureing out.
TTS MIDI synth was a total bust. The free version has little to no sounds.
While there certainly are worthwhile third party solutions in my judgement the best solution is to have PG Music create a MIDI soft synth that is integrated and built-in.
Jim, I think the issue is... it is complicated to make something decent and more or less future proof. Meaning PG can update their HQ set, and solder it in. But then it would still be very basic as far as "tweaking" go. Even something simple as to change octave of a single instrument could be tricky.
If Peter G. recommended TT1 himself that was not a coincidence. Couple of years ago I reached out to Cakewalk developer asking for a possibility to change TT1 in some way to accept user SF2. I was told it is not possible because of licensing.
I have not found anything better than Halion (Sonic) as far as quality of sound, and a budget, but highly user flexible solution VSTsynthfont that would do GM program changes.
Bottom line, I think it would be hard for PG to reinvent the wheel. However, I think they could tweak HQ set, add instruments and make it work seamlessly with VSTsynthfont Or... have their own internal synth that can accept a user SF2 banks, that way users will not be "stuck" if they decide they do not like particular instrument.
Yes I know there’s a lot of alternatives around. Back in the day I used NI Bandstand on my mac.. Realtracks are amazing, but I think the midi recordings that you make also deserve quality sounds without having to search for SoundFonts etc. Especially if you are a new user of BIAB
Svenne, I do know some weak spots of BIAB, but I do not consider specifically this as one. PG gives a basic set of sounds, even with the cheapest tier of BIAB....
Consider that Sonic by itself cost $250 (when not on sale) BIAB or NOT BIAB Sonic IS the best GM (software) synth that would do program changes out of the box with possibility to swap instruments from internal library, which has decent soundest and highly tweakable. Unless you can prove me wrong.
Question is this. Would you pay even half of the Sonic price extra to get similar in BIAB? I doubt 90% of users will....So if you are looking for advanced software GM module, I believe there are no alternatives to Sonic / Halion. Get the free Sonic, and try it. Think of it as a next generation of Bandstand... but much better.
P.S. If you decide to try it and run into issues, I am sure there are enough people here who have it, to help you setting it up. Once you set it up, you are golden
PG Music includes VSTSynthFont64. As I remember the version of VSTSynthFont64 PG Music provides is modified so it automatically loads as GM compatible. But a user still must install the application so it's still not built-in.
It's high time (read: long overdue!) that PG itself updates their decades old choice of built-in sounds. People are vastly underrating the midi styles as it is, just because those sound sources (which is what newcomers hear in their demos!) make them sound so crappy.
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
It's high time (read: long overdue!) that PG itself updates their decades old choice of built-in sounds. People are vastly underrating the midi styles as it is, just because those sound sources (which is what newcomers hear in their demos!) make them sound so crappy.
I agree!
+1
I'm in a fitness protection program. I'm been hiding from exercise.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
++++a million. Svenne..in the interim as your in europe check out computer music magazine instrument plug ins on you tube. its well the worth buying once a year for 20 pounds to get a slew of free plug ins you can plug into different traks...in a daw like realband or reaper or whatever. google "you tube computer music mag plug ins". slew of demos on you tube.
happiness. om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 01/26/2203:57 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.)
As Jim Fogle says, PGM include VSTSynthFont64 in their package, though they include only the default sound font, which seems a shame. They also don't use it by default, which also seems a shame. There are several good free soundfonts available.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
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.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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