I have Soundiron "Emotional Piano" installed on my Win 10 PC. When I click on a piano in the Instruments folder (a Kontakt V5 player .nki file) Kontakt comes up, it loads and plays fine.
But in BIAB when I try to add it as a VST in Options it doesn't show up. I've tried searching the directory where the instruments are and it doesn't find a VST.
What am I doing wrong ? Is the VST somewhere else and how do I find it ? I've got about 5 drives- should I search them all ?
Bob, are you using the 32 bit or 64 bit Win 10? Note that you must match the version of Kontakt 5 Player to the OS, i.e. 32 or 64 bit.
Question #2 - Does Kontakt 5 player come with a 32 bit version? If yes and you are using the 64bit BiaB the 32 bit Kontakt player will not show up. Also if Kontakt is a VST3 BiaB will not see it.
As far as your 5 HDs, take one of them and put all of your VSTs on it. That would make your life a lot easier. Put all of the 32 bit VSTs in a folder like C:/Program Files (32)/VST, your 64 bit VSTi2s in C/Program Files/VST, and your VST3s in C/Program Files/Common Files/VST3. This works for me. YMMV
Note that you could use a wrapper to convert the the Kontakt 5 Player to either 32 to 64 bit or 64 to 32 bit but in the past I have found them to be problematic. With everything going to 64 bit wrappers are no longer needed.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
MarioD- I'm using 64 bit Win 10. I will check tomorrow, but pretty sure the Kontakt 5 is also 64 bit. Pretty sure Kontakt isn't a VST3, but will also double check. What is the best, quickest way to find all the VSTs ? Is there someway to do a global search of the drives for "VST" rather than manually going through all the files ? I think some VST 2's are buried after install in the folder of the instrument, right ? Will a general search in the Windows search function find them all ?
MarioD- I'm using 64 bit Win 10. . What is the best, quickest way to find all the VSTs ? Is there someway to do a global search of the drives for "VST" rather than manually going through all the files ? I think some VST 2's are buried after install in the folder of the instrument, right ? Will a general search in the Windows search function find them all ?
MarioD- I'm using 64 bit Win 10. I will check tomorrow, but pretty sure the Kontakt 5 is also 64 bit. ..................................................... Bob
OK great. What version of BiaB are you using? You must be running the 64 bit BiaB to see a 64 bit VSTi like your Kontakt Player. If you are running the 32 bit BiaB it will not find a 64 bit VSTi like your Kontakt.
It takes courage for a man to admit his wife was wrong.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Here is the definitive answer from Simon at PGMusic Tech Support as to why I was not able to get Kontakt plugins like my Emotional Piano to show up in BIAB.
Much more complex than just hunting for my VSTi in BIAB "Options". Explains completely why this was NOT the solution.
From Simon's note to me:
******************************************************* Plugins like Kontakt need to be "added" to BIAB - they are not automatically added. To do this, please look at the "Plugins Options" section of this manual page: https://www.pgmusic.com/manuals/bbw2024full/chapter4.htm#mixer
In short, you'll need to open the Plugins Options window, then add the plugin from there. By default the VST2 plugins from Native Instruments are installed to "C:\Program Files\Native Instruments\VSTPlugins 64 bit", however yours may be located elsewhere. Adding the plugin to BIAB only needs to be done once.
Once the plugin is added to BIAB, you will need to add the plugin to each track you wish to use it on. As Kontakt is not a General MIDI plugin, it will not work as the default synth, and must be added to individual tracks. Please see this tutorial video: In particular, 3:18 explains details of what types of plugins will work in BIAB, then 5:36 explains how to add a plugin to a track. *********************************************************
Tomorrow I will be following his instructions precisely and hopefuly it will end my saga of floundering for several days with what seemed to be a very simple, straightforward task. Especially since I got several VSTi's to work immediately in BIAB....EXCEPT for the Kontakt based ones.. Very eye opening and frustrating to this Newb how complex and confusing this stuff can get. And no amount of searching the Web and Forums can seem to help in some of these issues.
Anyway, hope this benefits others with the same issue. And Kudos to Simon for a very clear explanation. There is NO WAY I would have figured this out otherwise. God Bless BIAB Tech Support !!!!!
Just finished following Tech Support Simon's instructions and happy (no... DELIRIOUS) to report it WORKED. No way I could have figured this out without Simon's support. And it came the same day I put in a support request.
I now have access to all my Kontakt instruments in BIAB. I am blown away. Couldn't stand knowing it was possible but having to forego all those Kontakt libs I've got in BIAB.
Persistence, persistence. My take away from diddling with BIAB. Just unfortunate how complex it can be.
You might consider to open your original post and click the 'Mark As Resolved' button. This can help others find solutions in the future.
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
I tried but cannot find the "Mark as Resolved" button. Where is it ?
It should be at the bottom of your Original Post. It should look exactly like this:
Is it not there?
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Professional & Windows 11, Sonar Platinum, Cakewalk by Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M Monitors, Pioneer Active Monitors
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!
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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!
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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
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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!
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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.
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Mac 2025 Special Upgrade Offers Extended Until August 15th!
It's not too late to upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® and save! We've extended our special until August 15, 2025!
We've added many major new features to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, including advanced AI tools like the amazing BB Stem Splitter and AI Lyrics Generator, as well as VST3 plugin support, and Equalize Temp. Plus, there’s a new one-stop MIDI Patches Picker with over 1,100 MIDI patches to choose from, all neatly categorized by GM numbers. The MultiPicker Library is enhanced with tabs for the SongPicker, MIDI Patch Picker, Chord Builder, AI Lyrics Generator, and Song Titles Browser, and the tabs are organized into logical groups. The Audiophile Edition is enhanced with FLAC files , which are 60% smaller than AIFF files while maintaining identical audio quality, and now ships on a fast 1TB SSD, and much more!
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Learn more about the Bonus PAKs!
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