Would you have an idea to successively play two different VSTi on the same MIDI track (the Melody track in this case)?
Here is my problem:
I have Band-in-a-Box 2020, so with only 7 tracks (excluding audio).
As the default VSTi for my MIDI tracks, I'm using VSTSynthFont64 with Compifont.sf2, a General MIDI (GM) soundfont that sounds much better than Coyote DXi.
So I can continue to benefit from two advantages of a VSTi General MIDI with Band-in-a-Box:
- the choice of an instrument in "Select a GM patch" automatically selects the corresponding instrument in the VSTi bank without my needing to go through a specific VSTi plugin for this instrument;
- if I want to play two different instruments successively on the same MIDI track (in this case the Melody track), I can do so in "Bar Settings" with "Patch Changes".
However, if the sounds of Compifont.sf2 are better than those of Coyote DXi, the sax sounds of Compifont.sf2 remain very poor.
So when I want a sax on my Melody track, I choose for this track a particular VSTi plugin (among the free ones: Iowa Sax, DVS Saxophone, …)
The problem is that, unless I'm mistaken, the "Patch Changes" function of "Bar settings" can only control a VSTi General MIDI: it does not allow, for the same track, to control either two different mono VSTi, nor a VSTi including several instruments but not General MIDI.
So if I only have one MIDI track left for the melody, I don't know how to chain two different saxophones on this same track, for example an alto sax and a tenor sax, without using Compifont.
Hence my question: Do you have any idea how to turnaround this limit and play successively two different VSTi or two sounds from a non-General MIDI VSTi on the same MIDI track?
....As the default VSTi for my MIDI tracks, I'm using VSTSynthFont64 with Compifont.sf2, a General MIDI (GM) soundfont that sounds much better than Coyote DXi..
I have Band-in-a-Box 2020, so with only 7 tracks (excluding audio)." >
< "The problem is that, unless I'm mistaken, the "Patch Changes" function of "Bar settings" can only control a VSTi General MIDI: it does not allow, for the same track, to control either two different mono VSTi, nor a VSTi including several instruments but not General MIDI." >
< "So if I only have one MIDI track left for the melody, I don't know how to chain two different saxophones on this same track, for example an alto sax and a tenor sax, without using Compifont.
Hence my question: Do you have any idea how to turnaround this limit and play successively two different VSTi or two sounds from a non-General MIDI VSTi on the same MIDI track?" >
Yes. BIAB has features that allow this to be done solely within the BIAB program. BIAB can construct two (or more) sounds from a non-general MIDI VSTi onto a single BIAB Mixer Track regardless of the original track status being MIDI or RealTrack.
Yes, that could be a solution...but it's not very user-friendly: it forces me to open another software for a single song, Realband doesn't work like Band-in-a-box, and Realband isn't not really an ergonomic program! I will continue to look for a solution in Band-in-Box. Thank you nevertheless
It's my turn not to well understand what you're showing me .
But I think that's not it:
I'm not trying to switch from one instrument from Compifont.sf2 (or CoyoteForte.sf2...) to another when this soundfont is played through the VSTSynthFont64 plugin (VSTSynthFont64.dll).
I am trying to change the VSTi plugin itself in the middle of the Melody track: for example I want that the melody track play the alto sax of Iowa Alto Sax (Iowa Alto Saw - 64.dll) during bars 1 to 16, then the tenor sax of DSK Saxophones (DSK Saxophones.dll) during bars 17 to 32.
Thank you for confirming that this is not possible in Band-in-a-Box 2020.
So, to have added tracks in Band-in-a-Box since the 2022 version is a great idea !
I will buy Band-in-a-Box 2022 or later ... as soon as I can
If you purchase the 2022 Pro PAK, you can install it over top of your previous Band-in-a-Box and then it will access all of the RealTracks that you had before. If you have any questions about your upgrade options please contact us directly through either live chat on our website or email sales@pgmusic.com.
A temporary workaround would be to have two different copies of your Band-in-a-Box song with one having your first VST on your track and the other your second VST. Then export your tracks from both copies of the song and edit them together in a DAW program.
OK thanks, but how to do that with Band-in-a-box 2020 ?
I do not see this possibility within "Bar settings" : I can only change a patch within a GM bank, not to switch from a VSTi to another ...
Although there's eight tracks in the BIAB Mixer, these tracks can be filled and still used over and over by bouncing. Because these tracks are digital, there's no discernible degradation of the audio like there is with bouncing an analog signal.
My proposal is similar to the other proposals given but without the inconvenience or requirement of external software or hardware and with no restriction or limitation like is found using RealBand or any external DAW. This can be done solely in BIAB and the capability has been available since audio tracks were added into the Mixer.
Of all the earlier suggested solutions, each proposal is a variation of converting the MIDI tracks to audio. Even if you have used all 8 BIAB Mixer Tracks, you can add instruments using Bar Settings for Patch Changes on MIDI Tracks and every track in the BIAB Mixer can have up to 10 different RealTracks on it. To change to another VSTi, it's possible to Bounce existing tracks to free up tracks for adding additional instruments. This can be done without losing any existing original track by freezing and saving a SGU project file at each stage of changing the instrumentation of the BIAB Mixer.
Again, your specific issue has two different problems. First, no available tracks and the second, two different VSTi's can't operate on the same track.
a. The seven track limit with six tracks in use, plus the unused Audio Track to complete the 8 channel BIAB Mixer. b. Placing two VSTi's onto a single BIAB Track to capture both VSTi's 'sound'. ________
The solution:
BIAB can capture the 'sound' (audio) of the First VSTi.
Capturing the sound of the first VSTi allows you the use of the Audio Track.
Converting the first VSTi instrument track to audio frees that MIDI track to then change to another VSTi for that track.
Simply follow Moultipass's instructions and use Bar Settings for Mute and Return to Normal to have each track play the appropriate bars.
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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