Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Hello,

So far I have been using BiaB 2022 in standalone mode and everything has been working out fine. I now wanted to transition into using the DAW Plugin in Ableton Live 10 but I can't get it to work.

The VST3 loads up fine but when I try to select a style, nothing happens. When I try to generate tracks, it pops up the style picker and lets me select a style. When I select a style, the picker closes but nothing happens. The style isn't loaded and nothing is generated. I also noticed, that the plugin will hang (spinning beach-ball) when I try to open the preferences.
I get the same behavior when I try to run the Standalone Plugin App. (No style can be loaded, preferences hang). Using the AU plugin leads to the same behavior.
Plugin Version is shown as 4.8.7
I have BIAB installed on an external disk. (Ableton is installed on the same disk). BIAB, StandaloneApp and Ableton have full disk access in security settings.
System is a 2018 MacMini, 3,2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM

Any ideas what I could try to get this up and running? Let me know if you need more info...

Cheers!
Lars

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
You can try and use it in KV Element just enable the EXT external sync button top left.

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
I tried the VST3 in Element. It loads the plugin but then it already fails bringing up the style-picker. Attempting to open preferences will also cause the plugin to hang (spinning beach-ball) and I have to force-quit Element.

I have ProTools (Intro) installed here as well and the AAX plugin has the same behavior as the VST3 in Ableton. It hangs when I click preferences. Picking a style has no effect. Trying to generate will first bring up the style picker and when I pick a style there, the style isn't loaded and nothing is generated.

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
M
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
M
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,110
Try dragging a track from the main Biab app onto a track in the Plugin and see if it takes it without hanging up.
Try right click on the chord sheet of main app > Copy
then right click on Plugin chord sheet > Paste

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,593
PG Music Staff
Online Content
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,593
This patch installs a Ventura compatible DAW plugin build:
https://dl11.pgmusic.com/support/mpatch/bb2022_mac_update_build609_dawplugin_4.8.14.pkg

This fixes the problem of the plugin not being able to load the generated audio.

It doesn't sound like you are even getting that far, but install the patch and try running it again to see where you stand.


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Thanks Andrew. I installed the patch and as you suspected, it doesn't help since I don't get that far.
Unfortunately I can't say whether the plugin worked before I upgraded to MacOS Ventura since I was using the standalone application before and only now wanted to switch to the plugin.

I'll try to reinstall the full software and see if that changes anything. I suspect that my problem might not be specific to Ventura since I don't even get to the point where the problem occurs that the patch addresses. So something else must be broken in my case...

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
The re-install did not help, so it seems like there is a more fundamental issue where something on my system is incompatible with the plugin in some way. Any ideas what to try or look for (is there logging that could be enabled?) would be greatly appreciated...

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
I have updated the BIAB installation to build 611 which comes with DAW plugin v4.8.15
MacOS Ventura 13.2.1
BIAB install on a secondary HDD (not on the system volume)
BAIB DAW plugin standalone or VST/AU in Ableton gives the same behavior:
- Selecting a Style, RealTrack or RealDrums has no effect. The picker opens up but selecting an item and pressing the OK button just closes the picker but nothing gets loaded.
- Entering chords
- Opening the preferences will send the Plugin into a hang. Curser becomes a spinning beachball and the app must be force-quitted.
- Plugin log shows nothing out of the ordinary...

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,593
PG Music Staff
Online Content
PG Music Staff
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 7,593
Is there a modal dialog (message box asking you a question) appearing, but hidden behind the main window. I would do a reboot to make sure there are no instances running (or check activity monitor) and then run the plugin again. This time, when it seems to hang, move the window out of the way or command tab between applications and see if there is something hidden that is waiting for input.


Andrew
PG Music Inc.
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
That's a great idea. unfortunately there was no hidden dialog. Even with a clean re-boot.
I took a sample of the hanging process so one could see what it was trying to do:
https://1drv.ms/t/s!Ahn19Qp_SaKQrwgJVnYs3KXTPrSX?e=59Pt6g
Maybe that can be passed on to the team...

Cheers,
Lars

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 6
S
Newbie
Offline
Newbie
S
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 6
Same problem here. I'm using a M1 Mac mini. DAW plugin doesn't change styles in either standalone or in Logic Pro X. BIAB works fine. I made sure the plugin was running under Rosetta. I have the latest update, but no different. Also, in BB 2022 Mac, the dragging an instrument (e.g piano, bass, guitar etc) on to the rendering box (wav, mp3, aiff etc) doesn't work the way it used to. It used to light up (green as I remember) and allow you to drag from there into your DAW. Not so anymore.
It's really not a deal breaker, as I can use save as an audio file and load the tracks into a folder; but it kind of defeats the purpose of having the DAW plugin at all.
I'm kind of glad to see that I'm not the only one having these problems. Spent a couple of days trying to work it out. Anybody found a way to get these things going?

Last edited by StephenTHNZ; 03/22/23 10:14 PM.
Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,351
A
PG Music Staff
Offline
PG Music Staff
A
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1,351
This is the latest patch which includes v4.8.15 of the plugin.
https://dl11.pgmusic.com/support/mpatch/bb2022_mac_update_build611.pkg

This version of the plugin does not require Rosetta to run so please test again without using Rosetta.

It sounds like the plugin does not have access to certain files and folders that it requires. To fix this, you can open "System Preferences->Security & Privacy->Privacy Tab". In the left pane select "Files and Folders" and then find Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin Standalone.app. Make sure that "Removable Volumes" is checked. This should allow the Standalone app to work correctly.

Band-in-a-Box VST/AU and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Mac)
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Z
Newbie
OP Offline
Newbie
Z
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 9
Thanks for the new patch link. It still did not fix the problem of the DAW plugin not being able to load any styles for generating tracks. Clicking on Preferences still leads to a hang.
I also verified that everything has full disk access (see attached screenshot)

Attached Files (Click to download or enlarge) (Only available when you are logged in)
Screenshot 2023-05-06 at 10.57.36.png (415.24 KB, 52 downloads)
Last edited by ZackPlonk; 05/05/23 10:05 PM.
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

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
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.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.

Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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!

Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.

Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch 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.

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,311
Posts790,835
Members39,856
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
doccawudi, gim77, StratMan1965, CPIA2002, janhardo
39,856 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
jpettit 340
MarioD 223
DrDan 214
Noel96 161
DC Ron 147
Rob Helms 128
Today's Birthdays
Country Fever, EddieP.Morrison, Mariothegreat
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5