Do others have the same issue after generating a song on Reaper/ Windows 11 ?
The plugin is very convenient for Reaper , but it crashes randomly just after the generation
Loading it in a separate process as Reaper permits avoid crashing the daw (as the plugin is loaded inside the reaper_host64.exe wrapper , only reaper_host64.exe crashes) , but still it is annoying to have to reload the plugin after the crash of reaper_host64.exe
Btw , I am using the VST2 version as VST3 does not send midi program change to my synt vsti, but I have the same issue with the VST3 version.
Also , I have tried another daw (vsthost) with the same issue.
Welcome to the forum and to Band-in-a-Box. If you would like to help PG Music resolve the issue, there are several text file logs you can copy and post in the forum.
Use Notepad to create a blank text file. Save the blank file under the name "PreserveAllFiles.txt. Move the PreserveAllFiles.txt file to the BBPlugin directory at \bb\BBPlugin\PreserveAllFiles.txt.
The blank file instructs the plugin to keep all temporary input-output files. These files normally are generated on the fly then discarded. This allows you to look and copy them.
Some of the temporary files include: BBoutput.txt RBResults.txt BBInput.txt BBSong.txt
There are two locations where you may find useful information regarding crashes. They include: \bb\Data\bbw4_PlugInLog.txt. Backend Errors messages can appear here. Backend is communication between the main Band-in-a-Box program and the plugin. \bb\Data\bbw4_64exe_FlashMessageLog.txt Flash messages are the yellow and green pop up messages that briefly appear. The Flash message file will show some error messages.
When reaper locks up, in the Task Manager you can right click reaper.exe > Create Dump file then zip it up and post in the reaper forum and they maybe able to tell you what's wrong.
You can try it in KV Element in Reaper load element as a vst3 plugin then drag and drop the BBPlugin into it, hook the in/out up then click the EXT top left to sync it.
I can not create a dump file using the Task manager as the process does not lock but die
The Windows Event Viewer mentions several files but I can not find them found errors are : 0xc0000374 , 0xc000041d , 0xc0000005 in modules "ntdll.dll" or "Band-in-a-Box DAW VST Plugin.dll"
This issue is very random , sometimes the crash happens at the first generation or after a few generations , but not always
BTW , I have the same issue with another daw (VstHost)
The plugins depend on the main Band-in-a-Box program to regenerate tracks. The bbw4_64.exe app you mentioned runs in the background as needed to provide a communication path between the plugin and the Band-in-a-Box program.
It seems that unckecking "sync" during song generation does the trick (both in Reaper and VstHost)
If checked , error happens again
(Why ? ...)
Oh, the sync button. Why didn't you mention that earlier. I think you have reinvented the wheel. I have not seen that problem in a long time. See my setup.
My point gegu was this is unforturnately old news to many of us. I set my configuration to avoid this trap. You ask why? Because even well into its 3rd year this application is a bit of a work in progress. It can work fine and do what nothing else can do, but you have to know what not to do.
Oh, the sync button. Why didn't you mention that earlier. I think you have reinvented the wheel. I have not seen that problem in a long time.
The somewhat glib response points to a glaring issue with BIAB..."old hands" find & share solutions and the program isn't modified to resolve them as there's insufficient "call" to do so.
Newer users are left with the task of problem identification & solution finding or asking for help in the forum as the search engine for such issues is, at best, hopeless.
If the wheel isn't known it will, eventually, be (re)invented.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Thank you for the feedback gegu! As far as I am aware, there has never been an issue regarding the sync button causing a crash while generating, so this is not old news to me.
In order to help determine the cause of the crash, I will need you to provide me with the following files: 1. C:\Users\Public\Ticket\BBPluginDebug.txt 2. bb\BBPlugin\SavedTracks\BBInput.txt 3. bb\BBPlugin\SavedTracks\BBOutput.txt 4. bb\BBPlugin\SavedTracks\BBSong.txt
*Note that files 2, 3, and 4 require the presence of this text file: "bb\BBPlugin\PreserveAllFiles.txt". All of the files should be acquired immediately after the crash.
Could you also provide me with a saved song file (.sgu) as well as the exact steps you took to reproduce this crash? This should include details like which style/other tracks are loaded and any other information that may affect the way the song is generated.
If you have a screen recording program (like OBS which is free), it would be great if you could share a video of your screen leading up to a crash. This is often the easiest way for me to determine what the cause of the crash is.
You can upload all this information here or email me directly at aguy@pgmusic.com. I will do everything I can to help you resolve this issue!
Here is the video recording of "follow that cab" generation with "sync" checked, using vsthost64 daw and the VST2 plugin (VST3 plugin , reaper daw crash too) :
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.
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)
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.