The following are some basic troubleshooting steps to try if you are unable to hear demos or generated tracks from within the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin - regardless of the DAW you are working in.
*Please try the following with all programs closed.
Step 1: Please install the latest Band-in-a-Box build update from the support page HERE . Our developers are always busy working on bug fixes and functional improvements - be sure to check back regularly for updates!
Step 2: Open Band-in-a-Box, go into your Style Picker and click "rebuild - fast rebuild". Once completed, please close Band-in-a-Box.
Step 3: Open your DAW and load the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin to an empty track. Within the plugin, go to File | Preferences and make sure your folders are all set correctly. The default folders are suggested there - but if you have Band-in-a-Box installed to a different location, you'll need to make adjustments.
Step 4: Click "Select" then "Select a Style" to launch your Style Picker Dialog. Select a style and press the green Play Demo button. If you hear it play back, great! Click OK to add the style to your song and then generate your tracks. Press play and see if you can hear the new arrangement.
If the issue of demos or generated tracks not being heard with the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin persists...
Step 4: Troubleshoot audio
When you open a dialog like the Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin StylePicker within a DAW, you are actually opening an invisible version of Band-in-a-Box (bbw4.exe). If using ASIO drivers for an external sound card or audio interface, this can cause issues because that device is set to give exclusive control of audio sounds to only one program at a time.
If you need to use those ASIO drivers exclusively, you'll have to find a setting either in your DAW or in your Computer's Playback device settings to prevent exclusive control of audio sounds or use a different audio driver.
A good place to start would be in your Windows Playback Devices "Advanced" settings. The "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" options should be unchecked.
If you have tried all the above steps and still can't hear playback from within the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin, please email us at support@pgmusic.com for further assistance.
There has been at least one instance where a forum user posted a report of a Band-in-a-Box plugin crashing because one or more of the plugin file location windows was blank instead of containing the default file location.
That was several updates ago and that was the only failure of its kind reported in the forum that I am aware of. The issue was resolved once the forum user filled in the file location.
You can verify the file locations by selecting "File" > "Preferences". If your file locations do not match the defaults click in a window type the correct path or press "Select" to open a file explorer window and navigate to the correct location.
I've had the same problem. The solution for me was to set the Windows Audio driver to the same sample rate as my DAW (Studio One.) Now they're both at 4100kHz and I can hear everthing. Another issue may be that you need to close other programs when opening BIAB to prevent conflicts.
I have tried all the above to get the plugin to work but this has not made any difference. It appears that every time we have a major upgrade there are new issues with the vst plugin. Last year were numerous crashes issues which were not really resolved until very much near the end of the year. The I/O issue has never happened in last upgrades!… so… what has changed in this upgrade this time to cause this problem? How long will it be before we can get a fix. Please. I want to get back to my favourite DAW plugin.
My setup:- AMD Ryzen 7 5800 8 core Processor 16 GB ran Focusrite 2i2(3rdgen) Nectar Impact LX88 keyboard
Running Windows 11 Home edition Software:- FL Studio 21. Band In A Box Ultra pack 2023. Using the very latest update (3rd of March.
I think I have found the problem which is causing the I/O issue in FL studio.
in the Vst. DAW Settings.
1. go to Preferences 2. go to DAW settings 3. select the last item "Send MIDI Data to Embedded Synth" and select "enable".(This should really be the default. Me think!...) 4. select OK this should fix the I/O issue.
I cannot say if this will work with other DAWs but, no harm giving it a try.
Robert, Good detective work. As far as default that is only true of those using embedded synth. For those using things like kontact or any other software or hardware solution they would find that to be a problem. Still I wonder what the ratio of embedded or not embedded is. Glad you got it fixed. Maybe post a thread asking who uses embedded vs non embedded and see how that comes out. It could give PGM some food for thought.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Rob Helms. Since the plugin is being used in a DAW already, Surely using third party software would not be loaded in the BAIB plugin. this will be done within the DAW itself. You may be able to drag a MIDI version of a real track into your DAW, and then use Kontakt or other 3rd party software to play the MIDI data. There is also the fact that Kontact and various others can be used in the main BAIB program with no problems. My only wish is to be able to use Yamaha's Vocaloid software as a vst in the main BAIB program. AS of now this is not yet available. now that would be just perfect.
Robert I get you on the plugin. As far VOCALOID and it not working, do you use Real Band at all? I wonder it is works there? That may be a way to test it with BiaB files until that changes. Since RB opens BiaB files without the need for the plugin it may be a useful tool. A great way to create before moving on to another DAW. Who knows it may become your go to, or at least a big part of your process.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 03/27/2302:58 AM.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2025, Realband, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 9 32c , Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app.
Rob Helms, To be honest I have dabbled with Real Band in the past, and realised this could be a great part of the BAIB package. But as with all other software, I find it a little complex, I would much rather use BAIB/FL Studio/ Vocaloid as my setup for now. As I find it comfortable working with them as a whole set up, as well as stand alone packages. I am not dismissing Real Band at all. It is just that I cannot afford the time to figure out how it would fit in to my workflow at the minute.:-)
We’ve expanded the Band-in-a-Box® RealTracks library with 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 449-467) across Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Pop, Rock, Country, Americana, and Praise & Worship—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Blues & World (Sets 449–455):
These RealTracks includes “Soul Jazz” with Neil Swainson (bass), Mike Clark (drums), Charles Treadway (organ), Miles Black (piano), and Brent Mason (guitar). Enjoy “Requested ’60s” jazz, classic acoustic blues with Colin Linden, and more of our popular 2-handed piano soloing. Plus, a RealTracks first—Tango with bandoneon, recorded in Argentina!
Rock & Pop (Sets 456–461):
This collection includes Disco, slap bass ‘70s/‘80s pop, modern and ‘80s metal with Andy Wood, and a unique “Songwriter Potpourri” featuring Chinese folk instruments, piano, banjo, and more. You’ll also find a muted electric guitar style (a RealTracks first!) and “Producer Layered Guitar” styles for slick "produced" sound.
Country, Americana & Praise (Sets 462–467):
We’ve added new RealTracks across bro country, Americana, praise & worship, vintage country, and songwriter piano. Highlights include Brent Mason (electric guitar), Eddie Bayers (drums), Doug Jernigan (pedal steel), John Jarvis (piano), Glen Duncan (banjo, mandolin & fiddle), Mike Harrison (electric bass) and more—offering everything from modern sounds to heartfelt Americana styles
And, if you are looking for more, the 2025 49-PAK (for $49) includes an additional 20 RealTracks with exciting new sounds and genre-spanning styles. Enjoy RealTracks firsts like Chinese instruments (guzheng & dizi), the bandoneon in an authentic Argentine tango trio, and the classic “tic-tac” baritone guitar for vintage country.
You’ll also get slick ’80s metal guitar from Andy Wood, modern metal with guitarist Nico Santora, bass player Nick Schendzielos, and drummer Aaron Stechauner, more praise & worship, indie-folk, modern/bro country with Brent Mason, and “Songwriter Americana” with Johnny Hiland.
Plus, enjoy user-requested styles like Soul Jazz RealDrums, fast Celtic Strathspey guitar, and Chill Hop piano & drums!
With your version 2025 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Or upgrade to the 2025 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 2025 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 33 new RealTracks and 65+ new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 29 new RealTracks and 45+ new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 20 new RealStyles.
Look Ma! More MIDI 13: Country & Americana
Instrumental Studies Set 22: 2-Hand Piano Soloing - Rhythm Changes
MIDI SuperTracks Set 44: Jazz Piano
Artist Performance Set 17: Songs with Vocals 7
Playable RealTracks Set 4
RealDrums Stems Set 7: Jazz with Mike Clark
SynthMaster Sounds and Styles (with audio demos)
128 GM MIDI Patch Audio Demos.
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyles,
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
Look Ma! More MIDI 14: SynthMaster,
Instrumental Studies Set 23: More '80s Hard Rock Soloing,
MIDI SuperTracks Set 45: More SynthMaster
Artist Performance Set 18: Songs with Vocals 8
RealDrums Stems Set 8: Pop, Funk & More with Jerry Roe
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Mac!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Mac!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
New! Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher for Windows!
Xtra Styles PAK 20 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 and greatest in the all new Xtra Styles PAK 20 for Band-in-a-Box! This fresh installment is packed with 200 all-new styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres you've come to expect, as well as the exciting inclusion of electronic styles!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Minimalist Modern Funk, New Wave Synth Pop, Hard Bop Latin Groove, Gospel Country Shuffle, Cinematic Synthwave, '60s Motown, Funky Lo-Fi Bossa, Heavy 1980s Metal, Soft Muted 12-8 Folk, J-Pop Jazz Fusion, and many more!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 209 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 20 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.
New! XPro Styles PAK 9 for Band-in-a-Box 2025 and higher for Windows!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 9 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 29 RealTracks/RealDrums!
We've been hard at it to bring you the latest and greatest in this 9th installment of our popular XPro Styles PAK series! Included are 75 styles spanning the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres (25 styles each) that fans have come to expect, as well as 25 styles in this volume's wildcard genre: funk & R&B!
If you're itching to get a sneak peek at what's included in XPro Styles PAK 9, here is a small helping of what you can look forward to: Funky R&B Horns, Upbeat Celtic Rock, Jazz Fusion Salsa, Gentle Indie Folk, Cool '60s Soul, Funky '70s R&B, Smooth Jazz Hip Hop, Acoustic Rockabilly Swing, Funky Reggae Dub, Dreamy Retro Latin Jazz, Retro Soul-Rock Fusion, and much more!
Special Pricing! Until July 31, 2024, all the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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!
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.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: VST3 Plugin Support
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® now includes support for VST3 plugins, alongside VST and AU. Use them with MIDI or audio tracks for even more creative possibilities in your music production.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Macs®: VST3 Plugin Support
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®: Using VST3 Plugins
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