I've been a user of Band in a Box for nearly twenty years, but RealBand now seems a good fit for specific needs in terms of getting the best of a Korg EK-50 keyboard.
I have a choice available of RealBand 2013 and RealBand 2018.
With the EK-50 connected to the computer running RealBand via a printer-type cable and the Korg driver, I was a bit surprised to find RealBand prepared to record not only a Midi input as midi, but that input as audio.
My question is simply this: in that configuration, what is that audio ? Is it actually from the EK-50, or is it some sort of RealBand rendering of the midi stream ?
If you also have an audio out of the Korg connected to your audio interface it is likely the Korg audio. RB is sensing audio input from 'somewhere' when it asks this.
Just Keep Take and then Solo the audio it recorded to find out. There is a setting for this in the Preferences - Audio tab for 'always record audio too if the track is MIDI' .. if you want to turn it off.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
No, the USB cable is the only link. That is primarily for midi, and I would have thought, solely for midi.
That's what lead me to ask the second part of my question. I think in general RealBand, like BIAB, has the capability to 'render' a 'song' to audio. Could something like that be what's going on here?
I note your comment about the Preferences. But clarifying the small print is quite important. If it is the EK-50's own sounds that are being recorded, that's a real plus. But I'm not interested in some render using (perhaps?) the Windows synth.
in order for rband users like myself and pg support to respond accurately… more details from you are needed. for a complete understanding of your rig.
1..does your external korg midi device have audio out ? i assume it does .and i assume there is a midi setting to RECEIVE midi back from the pc ? 2..in your rb prefs what is your default synth set to ? no you dont have to use the microsoft synth. you can use a vsti instrument also on each midi trak to override default. 3. have you tried recording midi in rb and seeing if you hear sounds output from korg ? ie..pc midi >>korg midi in ? this will prolly depend on a korg setting. i dont use your korg. RUN A TEST. 4..please post pics of both your audio driver rb settings and your midi in/out settings . otherwise it means i have to type a looong thread of options/details.
.
Note the following…
1..on my 2023 version of rb theres an option to record audio too.
2..yesterday i was testing out in rb the new pg synthmaster plug in with a crazy number ofpatches/sounds. its a hoot. i use a dumb midi kbd..no built in sounds. i use instrument plug ins loaded in rb...total flexibility.
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/11/2306:23 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.)
If you do not have it already, +++ HERE +++ is a link to the Korg EK-50 keyboard user manual.
The EK-50 has two USB ports. Port A accepts a USB memory stick that can be used for extra storage. Port B passes MIDI data between the EK-50 and a computer. Neither Port A or Port B supports audio over USB.
EK-50 audio would travel from the Output L & R jacks, through an audio interface, into your computer and into RealBand.
So the audio you're hearing is either coming from the MIDI synth associated with RealBand or from the speakers of your EK-50.
Thanks, Jim. I am up to speed with all that re the EK-50, but thanks for taking the trouble. I think you're probably confirming what I suspect - that if I choose 'record audio' in RealBand, with only the USB connection in play, the sound RealBand is recording is some render it is doing itself. Thanks Ian G.
Thank you for your interest, although I think you are imagining I intend to do more ambitious things in RealBand than is actually the case. 1..does your external korg midi device have audio out ? The EK-50 has an ear-phone socket, and a separate pair of phono audio out. Neither of these is currently connected to the computer running RealBand. i assume it does .and i assume there is a midi setting to RECEIVE midi back from the pc ? yes, there is, and I have used that on occasion. But I don't see how that could impact on simply playing the EK-50 with RealBand 'recording'. 2..in your rb prefs what is your default synth set to ? no you dont have to use the microsoft synth. you can use a vsti instrument also on each midi trak to override default. I haven't been in there yet. But I don't envisage going that route anyway. I do know how to record 'real Ek-50 audio' direct into RealBand. I'm just curious to clarify what is going on in the simplest set-up, as I have described. 3. have you tried recording midi in rb and seeing if you hear sounds output from korg ? ie..pc midi >>korg midi in ? Yes, that works fine, and I will sometimes use that set-up this will prolly depend on a korg setting. i dont use your korg. RUN A TEST. 4..please post pics of both your audio driver rb settings and your midi in/out settings . otherwise it means i have to type a looong thread of options/details. I have lined up a dump, but can't currently see a route to attach it to this message ? I will be interested to see whether, to an expert eye, this casts any light on my basic questions, viz: could RealBand import actual EK-50 audio down the printer-type USB cable, a connection which is primarily intended for MIDI?
you havent described how you wish to use rb viz your creative needs...even if they are simple as you say. so its difficult to help. (ps also need a pic of your midi settings ..midi tab in prefs.)
so how do you wish to use rb ?...a complete picture is needed so erroneous responses arent made… ..record midi only ? ..record vocals ? ..lets say your a guitarist… record guitar ? ..lay a whole song down using lotsa traks and then create a stereo song master.? etc etc. (i cant comment on your korgs capabilities…never used one….only you know that.)
do you currently have a seperate usb audio interface ? if so what is it ?
for example if you wish to record vocs i would use (like moi) a proper usb audio interface with mic preamps. and the interface connects to pc over usb…which is what i do for vocs (and gtr).
just to give a minor taste of how rb can be used...
how i work is gen a bunch of rt's in rb after creating the chord arrange. then i would lay down guide vocs, and a few midi traks using my dumb midi kbd genning plug ins loaded in rb and i might use rb to gen a bunch of midi traks n' then test out a bunch of soloists rt's session musicians.
in summary rb can be used in many many different ways…so i ask..how do you want to use rb ? whats your end objective ? with that info its easier to help mate n' make suggestions.
best
om
Last edited by justanoldmuso; 03/12/2304:25 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.)
Thank you for your interest, although I think you are imagining I intend to do more ambitious things in RealBand than is actually the case. 1..does your external korg midi device have audio out ? The EK-50 has an ear-phone socket, and a separate pair of phono audio out. Neither of these is currently connected to the computer running RealBand. i assume it does .and i assume there is a midi setting to RECEIVE midi back from the pc ? yes, there is, and I have used that on occasion. But I don't see how that could impact on simply playing the EK-50 with RealBand 'recording'. 2..in your rb prefs what is your default synth set to ? no you dont have to use the microsoft synth. you can use a vsti instrument also on each midi trak to override default. I haven't been in there yet. But I don't envisage going that route anyway. I do know how to record 'real Ek-50 audio' direct into RealBand. I'm just curious to clarify what is going on in the simplest set-up, as I have described. 3. have you tried recording midi in rb and seeing if you hear sounds output from korg ? ie..pc midi >>korg midi in ? Yes, that works fine, and I will sometimes use that set-up this will prolly depend on a korg setting. i dont use your korg. RUN A TEST. 4..please post pics of both your audio driver rb settings and your midi in/out settings . otherwise it means i have to type a looong thread of options/details. I have lined up a dump, but can't currently see a route to attach it to this message ? I will be interested to see whether, to an expert eye, this casts any light on my basic questions, viz: could RealBand import actual EK-50 audio down the printer-type USB cable, a connection which is primarily intended for MIDI?
I don't think so, but you COULD record the Audio signal from it using the Audio Oputs of the synth.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
I'm grateful to all of you who have responded to my original post, and, in the style of some other fora, this could now be ticked as 'answered'. To answer Justanoldmuso briefly: The EK-50 is in effect a bit of a loss-leader in the Korg range. It offers a large range of sounds, some better than others, but the best very good. It also offers very good control for live play. It is easy to split or not split, and there are three channels on the RH side of the split, or on the unsplit keyboard, where you can set three voices, with easy control of volume and pitch, and solo or layer them on a one-press basis. These set-ups can themselves be saved in sets of four so you can move from one to another again on a one-press basis. It has a record facility (ie record as midi) which is fine on a single pass, but less good on successive passes. And it is somewhat inflexible, too, re what you can do by way of play-along with such recordings. So in terms of assembling backing tracks to play live against, I think the more promising options are either to record straight to audio, or record to midi outside the keyboard, and then edit and recombine the elements so recorded. RealBand is a strong candidate for the midi-record stage here, but I would almost certainly do the editing in other software which I already know very well.
in the style of some other fora, this could now be ticked as 'answered'.
Your initial post has a "Resolved" button on the bottom left side of the post. Marking the thread as resolved may help future users when they search the forum.
Hi Wales. (ive lived n' worked all over the world but still i remember wales fondly.)
ok i see what you want to do.
just be aware (if not already explored) there are many unique features in rb (and biab) that i havent seen in any other music production software including very expensive software.
the fact that one has at ones disposal soooo many styles and session musicians re trak generation that could be used in ones songs is very powerful…in both the midi and audio realms.
i cant delve into various 'tricks' with rb ..cos it would end up pages n' pages…but talking about midi alone…rb has many crafty midi features …not just creation of drum n' instrument midi traks. (see my recent post re synthmaster in the pg tips n' triks forum as but one of lots of examples.). you dont necessarily have to bang into rb midi data from an external synth device. (loads of features described in the rb manual n' vids on you tube n' this pg site etc etc)
see the pg user showcase where there is an abundance of songs being done by pg users.. (and you can hear my song examples if you wish via my sig at bottom….and critique if you wish. eg the song 'grandad' who i miss terribly that used to take me to 'footie' when i was a nipper. all helped by rb n' biab….maybe you'll hate em…lol…dunno.)
anyhoo…hth.
give my regards to wales.
om
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.)
in the style of some other fora, this could now be ticked as 'answered'
Really? I'm still wondering what that correct answer is. (Disclaimer: I use a Mac and don't even have RealBand, I'm just following along here for the pure intellectual thrill.)
As best I can follow, the most likely candidate is that the audio RealBand is offering to record is audio it will itself render. But that just seems implausible to me and is AFAIK unconfirmed.
Easy enough to confirm, though!
So: what happens if you try recording? Does audio get recorded? If so, does it sound like your keyboard, or does it sound like a software synth?
I'm guessing you won't get any audio at all, just MIDI.
He will get audio; either a blank audio track (it is recorded audio but with no signal being sent to the interface, or possibly background noise). It will not record any rendered material or his synth via the USB (which on his unit is MIDI only for realtime)
But if he has an interface with any inputs enabled in RB it will record whatever comes into that input as well as the intended MIDI. If he decides to keep the audio it would be put on the next available track.
As noted previously there is an option to enable/disable this feature. The original intent was if someone recorded the vocal track of a life time but accidentally recorded it on a MIDI track, RB would salvage the mistake.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
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.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean