Well, here is an update on my progress: I have managed to make a tune with my mini midi controller. I have had to use the controller's software because I could not find a way in BIAB to make the controller sound when I press the key, not after supper. I then managed to get the midi file onto the melody track in BIAB and used the notation editor to adjust the time and notes and... anyway getting that far took hours! The melody time kept shifting; it seems when you save you have to choose the "save patches....etc. Then I got to a MGU file which I was happy with and, like always, exported to MP3. which is my preferred format for backing tracks and Lo and Behold......there is no melody. Imagine my dismay? Now, please, how can I convince Band in a box that the melody track which contains the midi tune, is part of the backing track?
So, I updated last night to BB2018 build 520. As midi input driver I have LPK25, which is an Akai LPK25 mini midi controller, however, that is out of the BB equation since I created the midi file with its custom software. The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked. I tried exporting the song as audio, but it makes no difference. Exporting the song in track actions > save track as Wav, saves the melody, but with piano, not with Harmonica which it plays correctly in the mgu file. In short, the MGU file is perfect and all I want to do is save it to an audio file, that should not be so difficult.
When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track.
That is a clue. If you check the Use VSTi/DXi synth box, you should be able to hear all tracks .. and render it as such. Do you have the other settings as in the below image? Or did you miss the additional settings?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked.
I'll clarify "synth" here before I start. We are not talking about the Moog-type synthesisers that make the 'synthesiser sounds' we know. We're talking typically about sound engines that use samples of instruments to build a passable-to-good sound of any instrument, traditional or synthesiser.
I think the "Microsoft GS Wavetable synth" is about as 'legacy' as one can get (Win98 I think). I set the output driver to "no MIDI driver", or whatever the words are, and use the VSTi/DXi synth and I'm pretty sure most people would use BIAB that way.
CoyoteWT is the default synth bundled with BIAB, will render OK and sounds OK but not great. There are better synth available, one is even bundled with BIAB but rather hidden away.
I suggest sticking with CoyoteWT whilst you find your way around getting MIDI to work for you, then probably exploring other synths in the future. The one bundled is VSTSynthFont and you'll find instructions in the BIAB manual. It uses a soundfont and there are a number available on the 'Net, mostly free.
Where using a MIDI driver may be useful is if you have a hardware MIDI->audio generator that you would prefer to use, rather than the VSTi/DXi. Then you would set the driver to control that hardware device. Be aware, though, that BIAB itself will then no longer render, the external hardware will, so you would need to record the output from that hardware.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I think I have now learnt what I did, or did not do. It's very difficult to explain to someone something you don't know? The VST box must be checked if I use a VST! and not an output driver. So I set the output driver to no midi output. Then I learnt that using a VST requires that it must not be empty. I must select an instrument from the VST interface. I loaded a midi style and generated a melody. Saved it as an MP3, and, fingers crossed, it sounds the same as the MGU file. Now I am back to my very original problem but at least now I know what to ask. Where do I get decent sounds that work with the VST's I have. The VST's that work at present are szorfando which seems to contain very few instruments, and synktronic, which has many sounds, but all are synths and no traditional instruments it seems. So how do I go about finding a nice mellow cello or glitzy, brassy sax? You guys have been great in guiding me sofar and I am most grateful (or is that greatful?)
vstsynthfont is bundled with BIAB. it will load soundfonts which are availlbe free - a nice one is timbres of heaven.
however read Peter Gannon's sticky post 'no brainer'. It will tell you how to download the TTS1 GM soft synth. lots of people will tell you its old and out of date - yes it is old - but lots of us like it.
according to Dr Gannon it's the synth PG use to test design and balnce their midi styles so it can't be that bad.
try the TTS1 and see if you like the sounds. it might be what you are looking for and its easy to install and use. once you've donwloaded and installed it BIAB will find it automatically and all you have to do is choose it as the default synth. its easy to have a go and see what you think.
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
It may be after 2018, but I thought it was there then. It would be in /bb/Data/libx64
I've just looked in the 2018 manual and it isn't mentioned, so I guess it's a later addition.
It's available +++ here +++ . The one PGM bundles is "VSTSynthFont [3]", but it's a pay-for, though with a free trial. Consider the TTS1 that Bob Calver mentioned. It's old, but popular.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Thank you Gordon. From what I can gather, both are 64-bit. My BB is 32 bit. I'm trying to find out from BB if there is a free upgrade. I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
Sforzando is free and bundled with BIAB. Looking around the 'Net a bit, several "best free..." commend it. I know some users find it rather 'odd', but it's definitely worth exploring.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2025 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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!
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!
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!
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!
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!
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.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 60 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until December 31, 2025. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49. Browse the full contents of each package and listen to demos here.
XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs Special Extended Until August 31st!
The XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs special offers are now available until August 31st at 11:59pm PDT!
Ready to take your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 experience to the next level? Now’s the perfect time! Expand your style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs—packed with a wide variety of genres to inspire your next musical creation.
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 1-9 includes 900 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). With over 3,500 styles (and 35 MIDI styles) included in Xtra Styles PAKs 1-20, the possibilities are endless!
Get the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 9 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 Windows or for Mac.
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.
Get Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 20 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 19 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Listen to demos and order now! For Windows or for Mac.
Note: 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 because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Don’t miss this chance to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box setup—at a great price!
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