I just bought the latest version of PT and please help me on how to incorporate virtual piano so I can start recording. Please walk me through each step as I am a complete beginner. Thanks Dai Phan
The controller is Kawai VCP-1 and the virtual piano is Synthology Ivory. The interface is Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 interface. The PT is the latest 2022 version. Thanks all. Dai
Connect Kawai to computer using USB connection. The 212 does not facilitate MIDI as far as I know.
Assuming the Synthology Ivory is a VST instrument that PT can use, you have to go to a MIDI channel. Open the DX/VST area using the downward area on the left side of the track.
Once in that window, select the first of the set of four slots for FX (this will accommodate a VSTi and the rest will accommodate VST FX (reverb etc)
If your Synthology Ivory does not appear in the list you'll have to use the Add VST button to browse to the location of the DLL file and add it to the list.
At this point you should be able to record MIDI and then Play it back using the Synthology Ivory, but not at the same time.
To do this, go to Options - Preferences - AUDIO and enable the Input Monitoring option. This allows playing through a VSTi in real time.
Now go back to the MIDI track and Open the FX area again. Now in the very top drop down scroll way down and select Input Monitor Insert. Then you should be able to hear the keyboard play the VSTi. If you enable the IM record option in Auido-Prefs you can also record it.
Hope I didn't forget any steps.
Summary make sure the VSTi is available in PT make sure you can send MIDI to PT from the keyboard enable Input Monitoring (and recording if desired) Then you can start to use them via the Track Insert
Last edited by rharv; 09/07/2211:34 AM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
Thank you so very much Rharv! I used PT with Ivory before and did a few recordings. But that was 8 years ago and I completely forgot everything. I will do what you suggest and will let you know the result. My 2i2 is about 9 years old. Should I upgrade and if so, what is the best one to get? Thank you so much! Dai
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.)
Thank you very much. I record as a hobbyist not professional of any kind. I see the 2i2 is on the list. Since it is 9 years old, should I upgrade? Thanks Dai
fwiw powertraks was my first multitrak daw way back when i got out of the expense of big studio 2 inch gear. i never looked back. did oodles of songs with it.
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/08/2203:10 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.)
fwiw powertraks was my first multitrak daw way back when i got out of the expense of big studio 2 inch gear. i never looked back. did oodles of songs with it.
best
om
I would like zero latency. This is only for solo piano and cost is not a factor. I do this for fun and to be posted on Face Book. Dai
1..go thru the yt krause vids carefully. 2..maybe rent a hi end interface eg RME great rep, a mid level one (eg ssl2+ or audient), and a low end interface eg behringer euphoria. or umc under 100 buks. you might be surprised like lots of people how good even the el cheapo ones are..cos tech has advanced and competition is fierce.
this way you can do objective sound quality n' latency tests viz your current interface.
NOTE. due to laws of physics there is always "some latency". also depends on buffer setting. if you dont know bout 'round trip latency'...read up and try this tool on any device >>
i use reaper (reaper.fm) for a basic latency measurement (its displayed on top right of the daw main screen.) also read up the specs re latency on your shortlist of devices. as well as direct monitoring features.
latency/other problems can also depend on if one is useing a pc 'clunker' or a very optimised pc for daw work.
there are guides on pg here and the net re optimising a pc for music production.
hth/best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/08/2208:59 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.)
i detailed things cos in the past ive seen people only do midi , then often want more than midi later.and his interface is getting a tad loong in the tooth i understood.
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 09/08/2201:09 PM.
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.)
Thank you so very much for your help. I was able to get the Ivory on the virtual instrument but when play a sample song, or from the keyboard I do not hear the sound. I see the blue dots meaning PT is getting the data but no sound. Dai
Connect Kawai to computer using USB connection. The 212 does not facilitate MIDI as far as I know.
Assuming the Synthology Ivory is a VST instrument that PT can use, you have to go to a MIDI channel. Open the DX/VST area using the downward area on the left side of the track.
Once in that window, select the first of the set of four slots for FX (this will accommodate a VSTi and the rest will accommodate VST FX (reverb etc)
If your Synthology Ivory does not appear in the list you'll have to use the Add VST button to browse to the location of the DLL file and add it to the list.
At this point you should be able to record MIDI and then Play it back using the Synthology Ivory, but not at the same time.
To do this, go to Options - Preferences - AUDIO and enable the Input Monitoring option. This allows playing through a VSTi in real time.
Now go back to the MIDI track and Open the FX area again. Now in the very top drop down scroll way down and select Input Monitor Insert. Then you should be able to hear the keyboard play the VSTi. If you enable the IM record option in Auido-Prefs you can also record it.
Hope I didn't forget any steps.
Summary make sure the VSTi is available in PT make sure you can send MIDI to PT from the keyboard enable Input Monitoring (and recording if desired) Then you can start to use them via the Track Insert
I did exacty like you direct but no sound from Ivory. I see signals sent from VCP-1. Dai
Connect Kawai to computer using USB connection. The 212 does not facilitate MIDI as far as I know.
Assuming the Synthology Ivory is a VST instrument that PT can use, you have to go to a MIDI channel. Open the DX/VST area using the downward area on the left side of the track.
Once in that window, select the first of the set of four slots for FX (this will accommodate a VSTi and the rest will accommodate VST FX (reverb etc)
If your Synthology Ivory does not appear in the list you'll have to use the Add VST button to browse to the location of the DLL file and add it to the list.
At this point you should be able to record MIDI and then Play it back using the Synthology Ivory, but not at the same time.
To do this, go to Options - Preferences - AUDIO and enable the Input Monitoring option. This allows playing through a VSTi in real time.
Now go back to the MIDI track and Open the FX area again. Now in the very top drop down scroll way down and select Input Monitor Insert. Then you should be able to hear the keyboard play the VSTi. If you enable the IM record option in Auido-Prefs you can also record it.
Hope I didn't forget any steps.
Summary make sure the VSTi is available in PT make sure you can send MIDI to PT from the keyboard enable Input Monitoring (and recording if desired) Then you can start to use them via the Track Insert
I did exacty like you direct but no sound from Ivory. I see signals sent from VCP-1. Dai
Good news! I was able to get PT to play the demo song via Ivory as well as recording and play back. I load the Ivory.dll file by going into the Program File. I select ASIO and did not select Input Monitoring as that setting gives a strong hissing back ground noise. I did not select input monitoring in the FX menu and keep at Ivory VST in the track section. Because at this time I just record only the piano but as my skills expand I am sure I will have to do what you advise. Dai
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
PowerTracks 2026 is here—bringing powerful new enhancements designed to make your production workflow faster, smoother, and more intuitive than ever.
The enhanced Mixer now shows Track Type and Instrument icons for instant track recognition, while a new grid option simplifies editing views. Non-floating windows adopt a modern title bar style, replacing the legacy blue bar.
The Master Volume is now applied at the end of the audio chain for consistent levels and full-signal master effects.
Tablature now includes a “Save bends when saving XML” option for improved compatibility with PG Music tools. Plus, you can instantly match all track heights with a simple Ctrl-release after resizing, and Add2 chords from MGU/SGU files are now fully supported... and more!
Get started today—first-time packages start at just $49.
Already using PowerTracks Pro Audio? Upgrade for as little as $29 and enjoy the latest improvements!
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.