Hi Folks. This should not be considered as tutorial, just an example of my workflow. Instead of going back and forth from BIAB to DAW when laying out arrangement, I do a rough sketch in BIAB to hear how particular set of RT's sound together with NI or other synths.
There probably is a way to program keyswitches for NI... I didn't look closely yet, as I am still finalizing everything in DAW, but for rough sketching this works for me. If you have any questions, please ask here, as I do not monitor youtube comments.
If you are changing chords and need to re-generate the midi chord track instead of having the keyswitches on the same track you can put the keyswitches on another track and re-route that track to Kontakt track. If you set Kontakt to Omni midi input it will work with whatever channel the keyswitch track is on.
"If you set Kontakt to Omni" Good workaround if you don't have any other midi going on, otherwise Kontakt will pickup all the midi in the project.
Another workaround would be creating a Chord Track on any other track, not specified in Preferences>Chord output and use piano roll to add key switches. The downside of course it will not pickup new changes in chord sheet.
On Omni it will only pick up all other midi on other tracks if it is Default Synth or you Re-route the other tracks to it. If you load VstSynthFont into a track it will only play that midi from that track no mater what channel the midi is on as it is Omni.
Musocity, That could work, in some cases, if you don't have multiple plugins set up. But then again, it would be tricky to transplant it to DAW together with chord track and make it work inside DAW, not conflicting with other MIDI items.
What would be nice if there was a simple mechanism to do Key Switches as they seem to dominate workflows of VSTis. I think the "easiest" way from a user perspective would be to set a custom range for key switches in options when generating new Chord Track. So generations or chord changes do not overwrite that range. That way, when you export a Chord track to DAW, it will have all the info Session guitars, or any other instruments that use key switches need in a single midi track. I think it is a good candidate for 2024 wishlist. Should not be too difficult to program.
P.S. Ray, I am sorry, I can only offer virtual ibuprofen
That's what I had in the snap midi to chords script, you can set the ignore range for keyswitches. You could have an empty track as the midi chord track and Re-route that to the Kontakt track that has the keyswitches. I tried putting the keyswitches on another channel on the chord track but as you generate a new chord track it deletes them. So you just need to copy the switch notes from another track to the chord tracks before export, or solo both chord and keyswitch tracks then drag Master to MID and you will get one midi file with chords and switches.
... What would be nice if there was a simple mechanism to do Key Switches as they seem to dominate workflows of VSTis. ...
A few DAWs such as Cakewalk by Bandlab and Cubase offer Articulation lanes or tracks where the VSTi keyswitch midi data is separate from the midi note data.
The DAW understands the difference between a VSTi midi note and VSTi articulation note by reading an Articulation map.
The problem is every VSTi using articulations requires an articulation map to properly work in a DAW that can follow an Articulation map. The good news is since Cubase seems to have originally come up with the Articulation map idea Cakewalk is following Cubase's lead. Between the two DAWs a fair number of VSTi Articulation maps are available. +++ HERE +++ is a link to Articulation maps in the Cakewalk forum. If there is not a map for your favorite VSTi they are pretty easy to create.
Jim, Articulations are another animal. I am strictly talking about key switches for pattern based VSTi's for programming pattern changes and shots/holds
When you create a Chord Track through Preferences>Output Chords, you are given a choice of range. The easiest way, I think it can be done is to have a "second" range reserved for key switches, that will remain in place, no matter what you do with re-generation or chord changes, to be only edited manually through piano roll, while the "active" range will rewrite block chords when chord or bar changes are introduced.
There are couple of workarounds, mainly what Musocity mentioned, but that would require extra steps and re-routings. What I proposed will be a single track that includes both, a chord changes and key switches. Universal file for BIAB or any DAW. I have to think about this for some time before heading to wishlist.
In the Output Chords dialog there should be an option to automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords.
Do you mind providing one or more VSTi example of a pattern based VSTi that can program pattern changes and shots/holds. I'm wondering if we are on the same page but maybe saying the same thing two different ways. If not I may better understand your request after looking at VSTis that work as you describe.
In the Output Chords dialog there should be an option to automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords.
Musocity, I hope you'll post this suggestion in the Band-in-a-Box wishlist as it may get overlooked here.
Jim, Ujam, Sonokinetic and I am sure many others that use key switches for pattern changes.
Seems Musocity is on the right path: "automatically change/update the block midi chords when changed in the chord sheet and an option to ignore/leave all notes outside (above/below) the note range set for chords."
The issue is Band-in-a-Box does not have a way to address the use of VSTi articulation maps. Musocity's suggestion is one way Band-in-a-Box can address your suggestion. I hope he will post the suggestion in the Band-in-a-Box wishlist.
Misha, thanks for providing the development company names. It was interesting to look at their products.
As far as a DAW is concerned there is no difference in applying an Articulation map to trigger VSTi generated phrases than using an Articulation map to select sustain or legato.
I took a quick look at the reference guide for the Ujam virtual guitarist, Silk and virtual guitarist Amber. It looks as though Articulation maps can be used to select common phrases and style phrases for both virtual instruments.
I also looked at the manual for Sonokinetic's Toccata Epic Pipe Organ. Articulation maps can be used to select any of the 20 pipe organ registers through upper manual, lower manual and pedal articulations.
MusicLab guitars have articulations and comes with a pattern library and you can create custom patterns. I will let Rusty post in the wishlist.
In RapidComposer I can create keyswitch map for all the articulations any instruments, below I'm using Ample Bass Guitar then you just right click on the note and it will set it to any articulation, so you can save the midi phrases with the articulations and they will fit any chord section any octave but still retain the keyswitches.
Musocity, Thanks for honors, I will post that wish that you formulated well. But... there is more to that. Chord Track was a good move by PGmusic, which btw was initiated by justanoldmuso, however it is missing couple of important pieces in my view. If I am thinking it right it needs 3 items:
#1 What we discussed here on ignoring all "other" notes. #2 Ability to create more chord tracks that will accept changes, without going into "generating a chord track" each time change is introduced. #3 Possibility to create tracks with different specified ranges that will also accept changes automatically / simultaneously with tracks with other set ranges.
In Reaper I would have the one chord track then use a send to another VSTi track and transpose the midi input to another octave for different VSTi's. I think there was a transpose input just added to BB23 ? But you could have one on each track at a different octave, you would just need Biab to keep track of what tracks they are on and the octave so they can be updated with chord sheet changes. But to have options to do it whatever way suites the user is good.
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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: 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.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
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.
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean