Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2
Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,928
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,928
Originally Posted By: bobbyt9999
And now... to get this thread back on topic...

It saddens me to say that the newer plugin hasn't cleared up my problem of not hearing my BIAB midi tracks in Reaper or Cakewalk. The sounds are there but just can't be heard. There's just one audio track in my song (drums) and that can be heard. Obviously I'm still not getting some setting right. I'll post another screen shot in a bit.

/Bobby


Bobby, if I read you correctly you want to hear your BiaB MIDI while in the VSTi, correct. If I may ask why?

The BiaB GM is at the lower end of the sound rankings. IIRC you have better sounds in both Reaper and Cakewalk and possibly some other softsynths.

My workflow is to bring all of the MIDI tracks into my DAW then assign a MIDI sound source to each track. It is more time consuming but I end up with much better ear candy using this technique. You may want to try this. YMMV


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Hi Simon... and all... I don't want folks thinking that I have abandoned my thread. It's just that I have been too busy all day to sit down with the music. I will have more time tomorrow and will get back to you then.

Thanks in advance for all your help... very appreciated.

/Bobby

Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
No worries Bobby! Once you're back at it tomorrow could you clarify for us whether you're trying to play the MIDI straight out of the BB plugin, or whether you've dragged the MIDI into the DAW?


I work here
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Hi Simon...

What I do is compose my song in BIAB. I then go into Reaper or Cakewalk and insert a "virtual instrument on new track" I choose the PG Music plugin. This creates a track in Reaper called "BIAB DAW VST3." I open the song I composed in BIAB within the plugin. When it loads I then "generate" the song in the plugin, and it does it*. All the tracks are midi in this case - except the "real drums."

I then drag all the tracks into Reaper using the "All" button on the plugin. I have dropped them ON the first track that was created when I first inserted the plugin. It didn't work.

I have dragged all the tracks using the "All" button on the plugin and put them UNDER the track that was created when I first inserted the plugin. Tracks set up nicely and the meters are moving, including the track that was created when I first inserted the plugin, but no sound. I've made sure that all "record monitoring" buttons are set to "on."

I've tried bringing in one track at a time (as if that's going to make any difference) and end up with the same results.

If I bring the tracks into Reaper as wav files, everything works fine. But I do know that a midi track has a different set of rules than an audio track.

I should say that I'm having the same issue in Cakewalk as well. The only difference is that when I drag all the tracks from the plugin into Cakewalk, 30... yes, 30 tracks are created. Dunno what's going on there.

So I know it is something that I'm not seeing, doing, or probably even understanding.

I'm hoping that I've been able to explain myself in a somewhat coherent way. If not, let me know what I missed and I'll get back to you.

Thanks so much!!!

/Bobby

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,040
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 13,040
Quote:
If I bring the tracks into Reaper as wav files, everything works fine. But I do know that a midi track has a different set of rules than an audio track.


But I assume you don't know what those rules are? grin
A midi file dragged into reaper will have no sound. You need to assign a VST to the Reaper track in order for the midi to play a virtual instrument. Like midi in any DAW.

But that is the easy stuff. Are you telling us you have not crashed the BIAB-VST- 4.2.8 in Reaper? crazy You must be doing something right.

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Capture.JPG (95.18 KB, 76 downloads)

Retired to Make Music - No Plan B
My SoundCloud
View Current Projects
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Originally Posted By: MarioD
Originally Posted By: bobbyt9999
And now... to get this thread back on topic...

It saddens me to say that the newer plugin hasn't cleared up my problem of not hearing my BIAB midi tracks in Reaper or Cakewalk. The sounds are there but just can't be heard. There's just one audio track in my song (drums) and that can be heard. Obviously I'm still not getting some setting right. I'll post another screen shot in a bit.

/Bobby


Bobby, if I read you correctly you want to hear your BiaB MIDI while in the VSTi, correct. If I may ask why?

The BiaB GM is at the lower end of the sound rankings. IIRC you have better sounds in both Reaper and Cakewalk and possibly some other softsynths.

My workflow is to bring all of the MIDI tracks into my DAW then assign a MIDI sound source to each track. It is more time consuming but I end up with much better ear candy using this technique. You may want to try this. YMMV


Hi Mario...

I THINK I understand what you're saying... but probably not lol
I'll give it a try to see if I understand it.

I compose my song in BIAB and then bring it into Reaper or Cakewalk. Mostly, I'm using it for the bass and drum tracks, and the rest I do with plugins like SampleTank 4.

One of the reasons why I like to use midi on some songs is that I'm still not, after all these years, an accomplished keyboard player. Therefore, if there's a part that I need to put into the song, and if the song's tempo is too fast for my keyboard abilities I can slow the whole song down. Doing this gives me more of a chance of getting it right. Once done, I reset the original tempo and voila... I don't think I can do this with RealTracks as they're audio. Of course,I would much rather be always using RealTracks, and I do for a lot of stuff. Their sounds cannot be beat, hands down.

I know that the whole solution to this is for me to learn how to play the keyboard. But at my age, I really don't see that happening. grin

Last edited by bobbyt9999; 12/31/21 12:50 PM.
Beginners Forum
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted By: MusicStudent
A midi file dragged into reaper will have no sound. You need to assign a VST to the Reaper track in order for the midi to play a virtual instrument. Like midi in any DAW.

That is correct. BIAB automatically assigns a plugin and an instrument to MIDI tracks, while most DAWs don't. Without an instrument or plugin, it will play nothing. The BIAB plugin itself doesn't respond to MIDI notes, so it will not play any sound that way either.


Originally Posted By: MusicStudent
But that is the easy stuff. Are you telling us you have not crashed the BIAB-VST- 4.2.8 in Reaper? crazy You must be doing something right.

So far I have not crashed 4.2.8 or any of the previous 4.x versions in Reaper, so I guess I'm performing some sort of voodoo. The only issue I've personally had was in Performer Lite 13, which refused to validate the VST3 (which it also wouldn't validate some of the 3.x versions for me either) - VST2 was fine though.


I work here
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Well, I'm thinking that I may be starting to understand what is being explained to me.

When I insert a BIAB plugin track into Reaper, I will see all the midi notes that were played in the original BIAB song. But I won't hear them. I have to assign an instrument to that track in order to hear those notes being played. Am I getting warm? smile

For sure I'll be playing around with it again tomorrow.

As for crashing the newest version of Reaper... yep... I've been doing it while trying to use the new PG plugin. Many times. I've also crashed Cakewalk with it. Many times. For me, using the plugin is like a box of chocolates... I never know what I'm gonna get. smile

Thanks for all your patience with me... I'm much obliged to you guys.

/Bobby

Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Almost forgot to wish you all a very happy new year!!!

It is another very quiet new year's eve around here. The Covid virus is spreading like wildfire in my neck of the woods and so we're under lock down again.

Stay safe!!!

/Bobby

Beginners Forum
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,928
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,928
Originally Posted By: bobbyt9999
..................
When I insert a BIAB plugin track into Reaper, I will see all the midi notes that were played in the original BIAB song. But I won't hear them. I have to assign an instrument to that track in order to hear those notes being played. Am I getting warm? smile

.....................

/Bobby


Not warm but spot on. That is exactly what you have to do.


Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.

64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Beginners Forum
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,620
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,620
Is it possibly time to mark this in the first post as Resolved? The post title might imply to some that the problem here is caused by BIAB, when it's more of an education issue. Granted, the plug-in contributed, but that is being worked on.


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.
Beginners Forum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Apprentice
OP Offline
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 271
Hi Matt... I haven't tried this yet so I'm thinking that I'll mark it "Resolved" once I see how it works.

Happy New Year!!!

/Bobby

Last edited by bobbyt9999; 01/01/22 09:15 AM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To
Page 2 of 2 1 2

Moderated by  Andrew - PG Music, PeterGannon 

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
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!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

Holiday Weekend Hours

It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:

Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm

Regular hours
resume Tuesday, May 19th!

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!

Don't wait - order today!

Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

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.

Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics86,477
Posts805,498
Members40,126
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
Newest Members
Gomez, Zoltan Bekesi, kmmkelsns874, Goodmanje, AlfredoR616
40,126 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 116
rsdean 89
DC Ron 79
WaoBand 64
Today's Birthdays
Kevin Woolley, lifeguardlloyd
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5