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 BIAB2026 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 BIAB2026 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 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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.
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