I slightly disagree with you on this one Pete, cakewalk is a typical DAW like a Studio one, Cubase, Reaper, etc. Realband has the BiaB engine internal so you can regenerate and add in a DAW things quickly. At some point the VSTi might make it unnecessary but still it has a lot of powerful options no other DAW has. It might not be as polished as the main DAWs but it does a lot more in some areas. I am hoping that the plugin brings this capability to main stream DAWs, but till then RB is still a great tool in the bag.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Realband has the BiaB engine internal so you can regenerate and add in a DAW things quickly.
That's is the only thing I use Realband for. After I set up the chords and style in BiaB, I load it into RB and add any Real Tracks that might work and export to my DAW.
I have the Edirol Hypercanvas 32 bit version and I'm surprised that the known bug with the kick drum not responding to velocity changes wasn't fixed on the port to a 64 bit version. but as jazzmammal says all you need to do is change the default in BIAB preferences or if you have exported a track already transpose the dud midi kick drum to the one that works. personally i can't hear the difference between the two in a mix
The hypercanvas was originally 32 bit and both vst and dxi versions came in the same box (i've got it upstairs!).
this site claims to offer a vst version for free so jbridge will make it work with BIAB 64 bit - just use a virus scanner when you download but as the program is now available for free download with cakewalk it probably isn't too likely to be a scam
The TTS-1 is 15 years old and is a Roland product. Roland stopped updating it years ago so nobody's going to fix that kick drum bug. They won't even provide a Win 10 driver for my Sonic Cell. Roland makes some excellent products but their lack of follow on updates sucks.
Can someone clarify for me? I am apprehensive of downloading this entire content in order to get the TTS-1 synth sounds. I don't need a new DAW since Reaper is my go to. But this TTS-1 may be needed since I am losing CoyteForte due to the new BB64.
So what exactly am I signing up for if I download the "Cakewalk by Bandlab"? Is this a on-line service? Sorry for all the questions, I actually am feeling very old trying to keep up with all this stuff and wondering if this effort is of any real value to my music....
Dan, I was a very long-time user of SONAR and Cakewalk Pro Audio before that. I jumped ship when I saw the BandLab site - it looked like it was for kids with no music theory. If you want to feel old and tired, look at that.
Then Cakewalk by Bandlab was released, and this turns out to be SONAR Platinum, repackaged without third party plugins, and all for free. For a while, the old SONAR User Forum held on as the only place for support. Last week BandLab created a new forum, so it looks like they really will start to be a complete solution. So, don't let the BandLab iPhone app appearance put you off. Cakewalk by Bandlab is a great product and a deal. And I think you could figure out how to keep the TTS synth if you decided to delete Cakewalk.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
Privacy and the ability to use the DAW program offline were concerns raised in the Cakewalk forum when the sale was first announced. Those concerns appear to have been fully addressed by BandLab through changes made to the BandLab Assistant.
BandLab has both online and offline components. Online participation is completely voluntary and is not necessary except to check, download and install updates.
An email address and password is needed to open a BandLab account. A BandLab account is required to download the BandLab Assistant program. The BandLab Assistant program acts as an account and file manager so it needs to be installed to download and install the Cakewalk by BandLab program file.
Once the Cakewalk by BandLab program file is installed it's yours. You may choose to uninstall the BandLab Assistant program and Cakewalk by BandLab will still run without any limitations. However, should you want to check for updates you would need to install the BandLab Assistant program once more. You may also choose to exit and close the BandLab Assistant program by clicking on the "X" icon in the top, right corner of the program header. A different choice is to leave BandLab Assistant installed but set it to run only when you want it to.
The BandLab Assistant program has a round, cogwheel settings icon in the top left corner of the header. Click to open the settings button.
The settings window also has a "Sign Out" button that will sign you out of your BandLab account. If you press this button, the next time you start the BandLab Assistant program it will prompt you for the email address and password you provided when you set up your BandLab account.
The "Launch on startup" switch is set to the on position the BandLab Assistant program automatically runs whenever you turn on your computer. Place the switch in the off position to disable automatic startup.
The middle of the settings window has a large "Quit" button that closes down and exits the BandLab Assistant program. Of course the BandLab Assistant settings window also has the exit "X" icon in the top, right header location.
Thanks Jim, I have gotten comfortable with installing and jumping through lots of hoops and installing file managers which connect to the mother-site for upgrades and version management and authorization. It is a burden we bare if you to get many of the modern applications. My concern here is do I want this burden for this product. I am still on the fence, but this info you have provided is helpful in saving me a lot of time in figuring this out. Thanks much.
Dan, to point out another option understand the TTS-1 is ok but the sounds are still a bit dated. Decent yes but not really all that great. If you want to use BB64 you have the new SynthFont 64. The soundfont that's included with it sounds decent but not that great either. The big deal here is it's capable of loading in huge soundfont libraries like over 2 gigs. A 2 gig soundfont should sound pretty good. They're not free though, you would have to do some google searches and check them out.
Dan, to point out another option understand the TTS-1 is ok but the sounds are still a bit dated. Decent yes but not really all that great. If you want to use BB64 you have the new SynthFont 64. The soundfont that's included with it sounds decent but not that great either. The big deal here is it's capable of loading in huge soundfont libraries like over 2 gigs. A 2 gig soundfont should sound pretty good. They're not free though, you would have to do some google searches and check them out.
Bob
A big advantage of using soundfonts is that you can personalize them. For example you can have one just to orchestration, one for rock, one for jazz, etc. Also you can change individual patches. For example if you find a better trumpet soundfont you can replace the one in your GM soundfont. Also you can replace those helicopter and other mostly useless sounds with patches like more strings, brass, choirs etc. In other words with soundfonts, although dated like the TTS-1, you have a lot more options available.
Just my opinion and YMMV.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
A big advantage of using soundfonts is that you can personalize them. For example you can have one just to orchestration, one for rock, one for jazz, etc. Also you can change individual patches. For example if you find a better trumpet soundfont you can replace the one in your GM soundfont. Also you can replace those helicopter and other mostly useless sounds with patches like more strings, brass, choirs etc. In other words with soundfonts, although dated like the TTS-1, you have a lot more options available.
Just my opinion and YMMV.
Mario, have you ever tried making your own soundfont set? I haven't, although I imagine it to be an extremely time-consuming, passion-driven task, isn't? Bless the hearts of those brave folks that did it and decided to share it with the world!
I was sampled back in the early 70s on my flugelhorn. It was painstaking. And that was only one sound per pitch. Imagine how difficult it is now, with all the nuances of playing that are available (volume, timbre, attack etc. ).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
A big advantage of using soundfonts is that you can personalize them. For example you can have one just to orchestration, one for rock, one for jazz, etc. Also you can change individual patches. For example if you find a better trumpet soundfont you can replace the one in your GM soundfont. Also you can replace those helicopter and other mostly useless sounds with patches like more strings, brass, choirs etc. In other words with soundfonts, although dated like the TTS-1, you have a lot more options available.
Just my opinion and YMMV.
Mario, have you ever tried making your own soundfont set? I haven't, although I imagine it to be an extremely time-consuming, passion-driven task, isn't? Bless the hearts of those brave folks that did it and decided to share it with the world!
I did make many of them back in the day when I was using soundfonts as my main sound source. It is very easy. You just use the soundfont librarian https://soundfont-librarian.software.informer.com/ and move soundfonts around. You copy from one soundfont from one set into your target soundfont set.
If you mean recording an instrument and making it into a soundfont then no.
There are many soundfonts available, many free, some shareware and some pro ones for purchase.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
My take on cakewalk is that much like sonar it is a rich and powerful DAW, however I always found it to be really cluttered and required a lot of fiddling around to make it useable to my workflow. I did record a few nice tracks in it back a couple years ago, but found I got a ton of work done with far less fiddling around in Studio one. Sometimes I still miss the old Multitrack studio program I used for a long time that Mac suggested. It was the most stable program I ever used. And simple as can be.
HP Win 11 12 gig ram, Mac mini Sonoma with 16 gig of ram, BiaB/RB 2026, Reaper 7, Harrison Mixbus 11 , Presonus Audiobox USB96
Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) has a few features that can help simplify and declutter the look of the GUI.
One is to right click on the Control Bar and select modules. Everything on the control bar belongs in a module so by selecting and deselecting modules the control bar can be as simple or complex as you desire. Then there are the windows that perform similar to the Windows in Band-in-a-Box or RealBand. You can have a window for tracks, window for loops, window for mixing and so on. So the next suggestion is to have open only the windows you need to perform whatever task you are doing.
Once you've set up the screen to perform whatever task you want to perform save a screenset. A screenset is a snapshot of the current layout of various views and windows in a project, including which windows are open, their size, position, zoom level and whether they are docked or floating. You can create up to 10 screensets per project and freely switch between screensets at any time.
There is also templates. Templates make it easy to create new projects with predefined settings.
On another subject, the MultiTrack Studio daw (MTS) is alive and well. For those seeking a powerful but easy to use DAW, MTS has a lot to offer. It's claim to fame is a built-in midi soft synth and the program is not computer resource hungry. The synths are modeled instruments so the program does not occupy a lot of storage space. +++ HERE +++ is a link to learn more about the program. The 3 minute video demonstration is a lot of fun to watch and listen to!
MarioD <<< A big advantage of using soundfonts is that you can personalize them. For example you can have one just to orchestration, one for rock, one for jazz, etc. Also you can change individual patches. For example if you find a better trumpet soundfont you can replace the one in your GM soundfont. Also you can replace those helicopter and other mostly useless sounds with patches like more strings, brass, choirs etc. In other words with soundfonts, although dated like the TTS-1, you have a lot more options available. >>>
I played around with creating sfz files and was able to create one fairly quickly and without knowing what I was doing by finding a tutorial on YouTube and the instructor had a screen shot of a sfz that was larger and more complex than what I had the ability to do myself. I paused the screen and copied his text. Then I inserted my samples I had made so the file used my samples to sound out. It worked quite well and I had a fairly complex and complete sfz.
MarioD <<<If you mean recording an instrument and making it into a soundfont then no. >>>
Mario, the conversation led me along this train of thought from your quote,"For example if you find a better trumpet..." to Can I make a better trumpet part for my song?
For Example, you have a song with a trumpet RealTrack that you wish it could play a more complex or recognizable riff than what the RT itself can generate. It seems possible to me that using a template such as I did above, I could generate 7 tracks of trumpet RT playing over my project chord chart and take samples from those track generations and insert them into my sfz template thus creating an sfz modeled from my project Chord Chart and RealTrack instrument.
Could I not use a mixture of RT Trumpet and six tracks of midi trumpet creating more complex riffs and chords and mute/unmute between the seven tracks to generate, render and export a WAV mix of my Chord Chart BIAB project creating a custom track to be imported back into my BIAB project as a Performance Track?
I recall a BIAB tutorial video from a few years back where a midi bass riff was used to place a specific riff into a bar replacing the BIAB RT Bass for that bar using this method and it was indistinguishable.
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)
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