Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
This is a new 2025 Audiophile build. The "insert VST3" command returns a pop up box that says there are no VST3s and requires a scan. The scan proceeds for maybe five seconds and then BiaB shuts down.

I've reset to default settings. Scanning for VST2/DXIs works fine.

Any thoughts?

THANKS!

UPDATE: Oddly, I reported this in December with a different build of BiaB on a different PC. At that time I was (apparently) able to select "NO" for the scan, modify the VST3 search path so that the search worked. However, now the pop up window will only allow me to "OK" a scan that will result in a program crash.

UPDATE 2: Per above, the VST3 pop up I get only has an "OK" prompt. But the one in the VST3 video has a "YES" or "NO" prompt. If I could say "NO" I MIGHT be able to go to options, modify the search path and get through this..[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in].

UPDATE 3: Reinstalled 2025 Audiophile build 1128. The VST3 scan pop up behaves exactly as before.

Last edited by DC Ron; 05/31/25 03:34 PM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
I've put in a request for re-adding the Yes/No choice, id# 5018.

Do you happen to know which plugin is causing the crash? If so, as a workaround you could delete that plugin before running the scan then undelete it after.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
Simon, can see a VERY fast scan flashing by and then...poof! So unfortunately no clue as to which plugin is causing the issue.

Checked the BiaB PluginScanLog file but it does not update on this crash.

One idea: Is there an editable BiaB file that the VST3 scan search paths are pulled from? In my December report of the same issue one of the two default search paths did not exist. Once I clicked "NO" to the search query and removed the non-existent search path, the VST3 search completed without issue. Just trying to think of a way to get there quicker than a developer action.

THANKS for the response and the developer request!

Last edited by DC Ron; 06/02/25 11:16 AM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by DC Ron
Simon, can see a VERY fast scan flashing by and then...poof! So unfortunately no clue as to which plugin is causing the issue.

Checked the BiaB PluginScanLog file but it does not update on this crash.

One idea: Is there an editable BiaB file that the VST3 scan search paths are pulled from? In my December report of the same issue one of the two default search paths did not exist. Once I clicked "NO" to the search query and removed the non-existent search path, the VST3 search completed without issue. Just trying to think of a way to get there quicker than a developer action.

THANKS for the response and the developer request!
The preferences for the VST3 scanner are located at: C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\BBVST3 Host\BBVST3 Host.props

This file looks to be in XML format, so it can be edited in Notepad. If you're unfamiliar with XML some care will be needed while editing - however, if you mess something up you can either restore a copy of the original file or simply delete it and the VST3 scanner will start from scratch. On my file, the search paths are at the bottom.

If that doesn't help, another approach would be to divide and conquer. Temporarily delete/move half of your VST3 files, then open BB and run the scan. If it doesn't crash, restore the files and delete/move the other half. If it crashes now, remove half of what you have left and try again, and continue removing some files until you've narrowed it down to the one.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
Simon, hmmm. There is not a VST3 folder in that location.

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

I'll ponder your divide-and-conquer suggestion unless there is another place to look.

THANKS again!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
The folder might be hidden - try typing the address into the explorer address bar, or try showing hidden files: https://www.howtogeek.com/446/show-hidden-files-and-folders-in-windows/


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
The Show Hidden Items toggle is already on, so I'm not sure what's going on...

[Linked Image - Only viewable when logged in]

Last edited by DC Ron; 06/02/25 03:24 PM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
I'm going to mark this as "resolved" but there's still something off with the VST3 scan.

Here's what I did...

1. Checked my old DAW build to see what the VST3 scan directories were. Renamed directory C:/Program Files/Common Files/VST3 so that it couldn't be found. Reran the VST3 search window in BiaB and it did not crash. But it did not find any VST3s either, naturally. However, I could now get past the prompt screen and access the VST3 search window Options.
2. Restored the VST3 directory name and removed VST3 files by manufacturer, one group at a time. Figured out it was one of the Wave shells that was the culprit.
3. With Waves plugins omitted, the only VSTis detected were the BiaB plugin and Sforzando.
4. Pointed the BiaB VST3 search to the directory with the Roland Sound Canvas VA 64-bit plugin and did a rescan, but it was not detected, which is weird because I'm sure I somehow had it loaded as the default synth yesterday.

So there are still some odd results in how the VST3 search prompts are behaving, and #4 above is a particular issue since my old DAW build, using the same BiaB build, detected and ran Sound Canvas VA perfectly. I'll start a new thread on that if necessary.

THANKS, Simon!!


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by DC Ron
2. Restored the VST3 directory name and removed VST3 files by manufacturer, one group at a time. Figured out it was one of the Wave shells that was the culprit.
Hmm. I didn't previously have any Waves plugins on this system, but I installed a few and the Waveshell 12.8 worked for me (which is the only one available). Perhaps an older version doesn't work as well?

Originally Posted by DC Ron
3. With Waves plugins omitted, the only VSTis detected were the BiaB plugin and Sforzando.
4. Pointed the BiaB VST3 search to the directory with the Roland Sound Canvas VA 64-bit plugin and did a rescan, but it was not detected, which is weird because I'm sure I somehow had it loaded as the default synth yesterday.
The Sound Canvas VA is VST2, not VST3. Try looking in the VST2/DXi plugin window. Do you have any other instrument plugins that you know are VST3?

Originally Posted by DC Ron
THANKS, Simon!!
Happy to help!


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Originally Posted by DC Ron
The Show Hidden Items toggle is already on, so I'm not sure what's going on...
Hmmmm very strange, I'll have to look into that. Meanwhile I spoke to the developers and they are going to add back the Yes/No prompt, so that should help in the long term at least.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
Simon, hate to update a "resolved" thread but you are correct. Even though the Roland Sound Canvas VA files are loaded by default in the Program Files directory, not the Program File (x86) directory, it is a VST2 plugin. Pointed the BiaB VST2 plugin search to the appropriate directory and it picked it up (on the 2nd try, which is odd). Also, I have wave shells for V9-V14, but I'm not worried about adding these. So I'm good to go. For now. smile THANKS again!

Last edited by DC Ron; 06/03/25 11:52 AM.

DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Good to hear you're up and running!

FYI the difference between VST2 and VST3 isn't anything to do with 32-bit vs 64-bit, as both VST2 and VST3 can be either 32-bit or 64-bit! They're simply different formats, like MP3 vs MP4 for example.


I work here
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
DC Ron Offline OP
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,313
Simon, THANKS for the clarification on VST2 vs VST3 and 32-bit vs 64-bit. Very old misunderstanding on my part. Nice to be a LITTLE smarter now. smile


DC Ron
BiaB Audiophile
Presonus Studio One
ASUS I9-12900K DAW, 32 GB RAM
Presonus Faderport 16
Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 2,766
No worries, always happy to clarify and educate!


I work here
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.

ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.

PG Music News
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!

Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!

We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 process 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, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!

There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.

Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.

Happy New Year!

Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.

Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!

Season's Greetings!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!

The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.

Team PG

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window

In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe

This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®

With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
  • Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)

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)

Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

Video: New User Interface (GUI)

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!

Watch the video.

You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,550
Posts793,236
Members39,911
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
BADGUD, carletto, David Hall, Venantius, Donny123456789000
39,910 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 175
DC Ron 109
Noel96 76
jpettit 73
rsdean 69
Today's Birthdays
jazzandgospelsinger
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5