I've got Band-in-a-Box 2020 on a PC with Windows 10.
I use a Clavinova CVP as master keyboard and sound module (the Clavinova being connected to the PC through an Edirol MIDI/Audio interface).
With an external sound module, I can change the instrument of a MIDI track during the playing of a song via the "Bar settings, Patch Changes" menu (for example to switch from a piano for the intro to a sax for the theme).
But if I want to use a VSTi, currently Sforzando with Garritan JABB3, instead of the Clavinova sound module, then if I choose "Use VSTi/Dxi Synth" in the "Options, MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup" menu and assign Sforzando with a given instrument to the Melodist or Soloist MIDI track, how to set a patch change during the playing of the song ?
I am just guessin here, but I would think that you would need to use two different styles. Identical in all ways except the patches used for the track. Then in the Bar Settings (F5) you can change styles at any bar to inplement the different patch. Or look close in F5 for options to change patches. Could it be that easy?
BIAB – 2025, Reaper (current), i7-12700F Processor, 32GB DDR4-3200MHz RAM, Motu Audio Express 6x6 - My SoundCloud (Tip: No need to create a SC account to hear music - just hit ESC ).
But if I want to use a VSTi, currently Sforzando with Garritan JABB3, instead of the Clavinova sound module, then if I choose "Use VSTi/Dxi Synth" in the "Options, MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup" menu and assign Sforzando with a given instrument to the Melodist or Soloist MIDI track, how to set a patch change during the playing of the song ?
Thanks in advance for your answers.
OK issue #1 neither Sforzando or JABB3 are GM. #2 - JABB3 uses the mod wheel (CC1) as a volume control. #3 - Sforzando can only load one sound at a time
The best way to achieve this is to use a DAW and put each patch on a different track.
If you want to stay in BiaB then you must put each patch on a different utility track and then use automation to raise and lower the volume of each track as needed. Note I have never done this as I do this kind of work in my DAW.
I hope this helps.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
I am just guessin here, but I would think that you would need to use two different styles. Identical in all ways except the patches used for the track. Then in the Bar Settings (F5) you can change styles at any bar to inplement the different patch. Or look close in F5 for options to change patches. Could it be that easy?
Thanks for your suggestion Dan. But, - if I understood it correctly -, I think it does not correspond to my problem: what I want is to change the patch of the melody or soloist track in which I myself entered notes; unless I am mistaken, changing the style will not change the instrument used to play these tracks.
I'm not used to using a DAW, and, for convenience, or laziness ;-), I do everything with Band in a Box.
So I understand that what I want to do is not possible with Sforzando driving JABB because Sforzando is single-track and JABB is not General MIDI.
In your opinion, would this be possible with VSTSynthfont64 which is multi-track coupled with a soundfont like Compifont which is GM?
But indeed, the best solution is to put the parts of the song that I want to be played by different instruments on different BiaB tracks and to assign different instruments to these tracks.
With BiaB 2020, I only have two MIDI utility tracks (melody and soloist) but I know that BiaB now offers 16 other editable tracks.
So I'm going to give myself the gift of BiaB 2025 for Christmas and forget my current problem!
..................................... In your opinion, would this be possible with VSTSynthfont64 which is multi-track coupled with a soundfont like Compifont which is GM?
................................................
With BiaB 2020, I only have two MIDI utility tracks (melody and soloist) but I know that BiaB now offers 16 other editable tracks.
Yes that would be possible using VSTSynthfont64 and a good GM soundfont. BUT VSTSynthfont64 is 64 bit and I don't remember if BiaB 2020 was 64 bit so you would have to check that out.
Originally Posted by Lazy Bird
So I'm going to give myself the gift of BiaB 2025 for Christmas and forget my current problem!
Have a good day !
Yes, this is the best way to do this. Also if you are on a PC Realband is a much better option for this kind of work.
I got banned from Weight Watchers for dropping a bag of M&Ms on the floor. It was the best game of Hungry Hippos I've ever seen!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Because you said this and it's not posted in the Wishlist forum:
Originally Posted by Lazy Bird
Hello MarioD,
Thanks for your answer.
I'm not used to using a DAW, and, for convenience, or laziness ;-), I do everything with Band in a Box.
So I understand that what I want to do is not possible with Sforzando driving JABB because Sforzando is single-track and JABB is not General MIDI.
In your opinion, would this be possible with VSTSynthfont64 which is multi-track coupled with a soundfont like Compifont which is GM?
But indeed, the best solution is to put the parts of the song that I want to be played by different instruments on different BiaB tracks and to assign different instruments to these tracks.
With BiaB 2020, I only have two MIDI utility tracks (melody and soloist) but I know that BiaB now offers 16 other editable tracks.
So I'm going to give myself the gift of BiaB 2025 for Christmas and forget my current problem!
Have a good day !
I'll share for you and others that prefer to work in BIAB for total productions, that everything you understand at this point and all the advice provided is true. But the issue isn't BIAB can't do it, It is likely that BIAB can do it.
It's all in the workflow. It was possible back in 2013/14 when you and I came aboard the BIAB Forum community. The principles, processes, tools and techniques have been included as far back as then if not earlier. I wasn't here prior to that.
The key is understanding the BIAB Mixer is equivalent to a stand-alone, digital, multitrack recorder.
In 2020 and before, when the Mixer was eight tracks, the BIAB Mixer shared the same benefits and limitations with stand-alone units. So workaround solutions to maximize the benefits and overcome the limitations are similar or the same. Stand-alone multitrack recorders are superior with remote and mobile recording and some recorders have higher sample and bit rate specs but in nearly every other aspect, the BIAB Mixer is superior to these devices.
The BIAB digital mixer can utilize processes like bouncing, busing, sub-groups, overdubbing and punch-ins as well as virtual tracks the same as stand-alone digital mixers. It's clear knowing this, the BIAB Mixer isn't limited to only eight tracks. BIAB can produce internally, with the aid of a DAW, as many tracks as desired of both midi or RealTracks as needed for a song project. There is also no sound degradation as was a problem with analog mixers. All of these processes are digital so there's no loss of quality.
BIAB became a digital multitrack recorder in 2014 when PG Music introduced audio recording. Another important element to allow this transformation to a digital multitrack recorder, is the Artist Performance File. The Artist Performance File allows audio files to moved to any other BIAB Mixer Track which allows the single Audio Track to be used over and over again. he same is true for the Midi Melody and Soloist tracks. Artist Performance Files are a conversion media file with audio qualities unique to BIAB.
Another concept available for midi as well introduced in your 2020 version is the Multiriff feature. Multiriff takes advantage of seven BIAB Mixer Tracks to comp a single track from. It's a manual process to Multiriff for midi but it's easy and fast. The Artist Performance File is a powerful and versatile tool that works with every type of media that BIAB recognizes, like WAV, Mp4, M4a, Mp3, wma, midi, loops, etc. Mixtures of these media types can be mixed and converted to Artist Performance Files. There is also Artist Performance Tracks which is the same as Artist Performance Files but are created by PG Music.
There are books printed back in the early 1990's and that still remain in print today that provide the theory, processes, and techniques of digital multitrack recording that can be applied to the BIAB digital multitrack recorder for those users that wish to do all of their work only in BIAB.
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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