Dan, you shameless seducer! I bought the Dream machine.
Since new version WILL accept chords in real time and Peter Gannon confirmed in wishlist that VST3 is set for 2024, that would be a nice addition / companion to BIAB.
For new users (!!) I talked to Toontrack customer service and you can purchase current version from other retailers and it would still be eligible for V2 update. I bought dream machine from Best Service for $136, registered it with Toontrack and what they say is true. Confirmed. I got my v2 update AND core library reserved. See attached.
I decided to pull the trigger, because they might discontinue new sales of VST2 and besides BIAB I have another software that is VST2 only. This way I will have both versions.
Misha, I would never ask you to do something I would not do myself. And wasn't it you who made me buy Scaler back in the day? Or maybe it was you who convinced me to buy Flashback Pro? So what goes around comes around.
Not sure if I was the one to strip dance Scaler for you, but Flashback is awesome! I still stand by it. ------------------------------------
Dan, since you had been with Toontrack for a while. Can you recommend third party keys patterns? Their stuff is OK, but I feel a bit overpriced. Thanks.
Dan, since you had been with Toontrack for a while. Can you recommend third party keys patterns? Their stuff is OK, but I feel a bit overpriced. Thanks.
Good Question. I am afraid I have good and bad news but then some good news for you.
Bad news there is a ton of crap out there in the world of third party midi libraries. We have been spoiled by BIAB. So much of their stuff is so good with so little effort. Unlike midi libraries which will allow you to build a sequence one chord arpeggio at a time. These libraries are relatively cheap, but you get what you pay for. I have picked up several big commercial packs over the years and I can't recommend any of them other than EZKeys packs which do go on sale at times. Remember, this was EZKeys model (I call it the printer model). Sell the printer for cheap and then make all your money on selling the ink and paper.
But a bit of good news, there is one 3rd party exception. One guy who makes midi packs in the cimimatic genre which I really like. https://www.mediamusicmastery.com/. Go to his site and grab a selection of freebees to see what he offers. I have used this to make music.
As I read the fine print, it says I can upgrade at the discounted price until the day of the release. Also I wanted to buy Synthwave but if I understand it comes with the upgrade.
Dan, is this your understanding?
Billy
I own EZKeys, EZBass, EZDrummer2, and Superior Drummer3. A bunch of midi packs and a few expansions packs. The more I use their products the better I like them.
What I generally find a waste of time and money is third party midi. But that is only a general statement. If you know of any midi packe that are really good I would like to know and I don't care what they cost.
As I read the fine print, it says I can upgrade at the discounted price until the day of the release. Also I wanted to buy Synthwave but if I understand it comes with the upgrade.
Dan, is this your understanding?
No, I think you have that wrong. You will only get to choose one of four free expansions when you are a first time purchaser. No free expansion when you upgrade ($79 is too cheap to give a free expansion). Check it out closely, the anwer is out there.
Originally Posted By: Planobilly
Billy
What I generally find a waste of time and money is third party midi. But that is only a general statement. If you know of any midi packe that are really good I would like to know and I don't care what they cost.
I am in fully agreement with your understanding about 3rd party midi packs (for keys). I have invested in an embarrising amount of these products so I speak from experience. But this is only in the case of Keys. Drums on the otherhand offer a host of great 3rd party options. Check out GrooveMonkey as an example.
Oh, but don't miss this...
Quote:
But a bit of good news, there is one 3rd party exception. One guy who makes midi packs in the cimimatic genre which I really like. https://www.mediamusicmastery.com/. Go to his site and grab a selection of freebees to see what he offers. I have used this to make music.
I am in fully agreement with your understanding about 3rd party midi packs (for keys). I have invested in an embarrising amount of these products so I speak from experience. But this is only in the case of Keys. Drums on the otherhand offer a host of great 3rd party options. Check out GrooveMonkey as an example.
I can vouch for Groove Monkee! After Mario and Dan recommending them I tried them and ended up buying their entire collection! What an amazingly sweet library to add to my EZ Drummer 3!!!
Cost: Synthwave Instrument $89, Midi packs are $29 each
So I bought The Synthwave instrument plus New Wave Midi and Synthwave Midi. You could play with these three things for weeks...lol It provides some of the same sorts of sounds that are in Kontakt.
The Toontracks website is very unclear about what comes with this Synthwave instrument. They infer an upgrade to EZKeys 2 when it gets here. They don't say how that would actually work or what it cost, or if you are buying this instrument as an add-on to your current EZKeys stuff. The added value stuff is only indicated when clicking "add to cart." Even then, it does not tell you anything. There is no value at $179 for standard if you own EZKeys.
I will order the EZKeys2 software for whatever value it may or may not bring. It is not a material amount of money compared to what I have already spent on Toontracks stuff.
What is less clear is the value of EZDrummer3. What will it do that Superior Drummer3, which I own, does not do?
The bottom line, if you are concerned about what any of this costs, the video Dan posted will give you some idea of how unethical their pricing structure is.
Unfortunately, we live in a world of corporate come on BS.
I think their products are worth the money. I think their deceptive pricing structure sucks.
Billy
EDIT: I did some testing with Synthwave. There is a bass part with 30 presets. Any of this can be played out in EZBass and Trillian. Also, all third-party midi I put in Synthwave worked without issue, including midi I created on my keyboard and drew in by hand. I tested midi from BIAB also without issue.
As far as cost is concerned, good midi at $29 is better than crap midi, even if you pay me to try the crap midi...lol
The Toontracks website is very unclear about what comes with this Synthwave instrument. They infer an upgrade to EZKeys 2 when it gets here. They don't say how that would actually work or what it cost, or if you are buying this instrument as an add-on to your current EZKeys stuff. The added value stuff is only indicated when clicking "add to cart." Even then, it does not tell you anything. There is no value at $179 for standard if you own EZKeys.
Here is my take: What you just purchased will not change the cost of the upgrade which will be $79. At the same time anything you already have purchased will be fully compatible with the upgrade. I think it will all be a good thing in the end.
I ASSUME Cakewalk still has a ton of usable drum midi. I have not used that DAW for a long time. In the Sonar days, it had something called a session drummer, which had a pretty extensive midi collection plus an easy way to separate each drum on a separate track.
I ASSUME you could get to the midi files and use them in EZDrummer.
I ASSUME Cakewalk still has a ton of usable drum midi. I have not used that DAW for a long time. In the Sonar days, it had something called a session drummer, which had a pretty extensive midi collection plus an easy way to separate each drum on a separate track.
I ASSUME you could get to the midi files and use them in EZDrummer.
Billy
Wrong assumption. Cakewalk by Bandlab does not include the Session Drummer plugin use to be included with Sonar. However, any third party content you may have from Sonar packages work with Cakewalk by Bandlab.
Cakewalk by Bandlab does include drums as one of the 4 virtual instruments of drums, bass, electric keys and strings included in the Studio Instruments suite. However, none of the virtual instruments include much midi content.
Yes, my assumption was incorrect. No free lunch...lol
As a test, I tried to download the old paid version of Sonar. The files and the serial numbers are still there on cakewalk.com. It actually loaded up but would not run correctly. The session drummer was there in the program. Perhaps it would run on an older version of Windows.
I think if I remember correctly, things like Dimension Pro 1.5 would work even in other DAWs. Not sure.
I no longer have Cakewalk by Bandlab.
Billy
EDIT: Just as a test, I downloaded the old paid Sonar program on my Win 10 machine. It runs without issue, and all the Session Drummer midi is there. Not that I think I will have a lot of use for it. It looks like all the other stuff I paid money for still exists for download.
The Toontracks website is very unclear about what comes with this Synthwave instrument. They infer an upgrade to EZKeys 2 when it gets here. They don't say how that would actually work or what it cost, or if you are buying this instrument as an add-on to your current EZKeys stuff. The added value stuff is only indicated when clicking "add to cart." Even then, it does not tell you anything.
I initially thought buying an expansion might qualify me for the free upgrade because their webpage is a bit unclear!
But I quickly understood this is NOT the case based on this text at the bottom of the EZ Keys 2 page (I bolded the key part),
Quote:
Buy EZkeys, get the EZkeys 2 upgrade included **This offer is valid now until EZkeys 2 is released on May 16, 2023. This offer applies to any “Regular” version of EZkeys as well as currently available bundle configurations any such variant may be included in. EZkeys Sound Expansion purchases do not include an upgrade to EZkeys 2. Offer is for a digital download only, no physical copy is distributed. EZkeys download is available upon purchase/registration. Upgrade download will be available on release day (on May 16, 2023). Advertised savings may differ depending on currency and currency changes may create price discrepancies. Pricing and availability are subject to change during the course of the promotion. We reserve the right for any printing errors, spelling mistakes or inaccuracies in images or text relating to this offer. Promotion void where prohibited.
Hundreds if not thousands of keyboard midi tracks and always huge sales... These all work in EZKeys the same way that EZkeys packs work.
Just place an order one time, and you will get on the list for ever!
You guys know me, I would never tell anyone what to do. But in this case, do your self a favor. Go to https://www.mediamusicmastery.com/ and download the free pack. Just insert the midi library folder into the "Browser" option in the EZkeys menu. You may be pleasently surprized. This is good stuff. Oh, by the way, your emial will start getting hit. But maybe in a good way for you.
OK, now I do have to apologize. I maybe have been a bit overly vocal on this topic. I don't want to be considered a Fanboy who just goes on and on about a specific app. Unfortunately, it maybe too late for me to do anything about that. But that was never my intention.
So I am going to leave this topic and turn the floor over to this guy who covers this far better than I ever could.
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
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Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
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Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
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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.
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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)
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