Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Just question to PG in BIAB 2026 about this menu for default MIDI SYNTH.

Clearly a scan will add the DXi synths (not many left after all these years) and VST2 VSTi synths but why is there no way to ADD a default VST3 synth to THIS menu? Especially now that for last two or so releases of BIAB it supports VST3 plugins.

Thanks.

Larry

PS - yes I know I can insert VST3 VSTi's individually in the mixer plugin window just interested in the default MIDI options menu


Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Hi Larry,

My understanding is the VST MIDI Synth option will be used to select polyphonic, multi-timbral and GM/GM2 complaint. Do you know of any VST3 synths that meet those requirments?


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 7) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,806
Jim - I use the Steinberg Halion Sonic VST3 as my alternate to the TTS-1 DXi synth (which currently does not work, but understand will in an upcoming build).

I think the question is more of simplicity for selecting the synth. When you select a default synth, the only things in the list are available VSTi (VST2) or OS-appropriate DXi (e.g. 64-bit) synths.

To choose a VST3 synth as the default, you need to make sure that the "Default Synth" slot is visible either in the mixer of the tracks window, right click on the first of four VST selections, and then click "Choose VST3 Plugin" from the popup menu. From there, you get another menu to choose VST3 only synths.

I have the same concern. BIAB already knows what DXi, VST2, and VST3 synths and plugins you have scanned for; why can't it just list it in the initial list (and indicate what kind it is next to it, as many other audio programs do).


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA

BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Like John said, Halion Sonic VST3, as well as my Montage M VST3 GM mode (the Yamaha Montage M, mine's an M 7, series of synths gives you the complete Montage M synth soundsets as a VST3 synth plugin - which, when coupled with the HW synth gives me overkill of 32 channels plus all that extra polyphony.

John - glad you also noticed the issue with 64-bit TTS-1 - I had to run both BIAB 2025 and 2026 (renaming the folders back and forth) to confirm it works in 2025. In 2026 TTS-1 either 1) comes up, shows notes being played in the poly count in the right-hand TTS-1 window, but there is no sound forthcoming, or 2) TTS-1 comes up and immediately 2026 crashes to the desktop when I hit play. BTW PG does say they are working this issue.

Actually, I called up a few other VSTi synths in 2026 and got the same issue (crash to desktop as soon as I hit play) but then using 2025 with the same plugin, same song, same everything (it's on the same drive, in the same computer, using the same ASIO HW audio I/O, etc.) but zero issues- no crashes to desktop. (I'm still looking at logs and other things to see if it IS ME somehow).


Larry

PS: I screwed up the display on my regular Montage 7 (dumb accident) and while waiting for parts to replace my touch screen, I do all my own maintenance, I just bought a Montage M 7 - so now I have essentially 3 Montages: the original 7, the M7 and now the VSTi of the M - LOL, plus all my other HW synths and most commercial plugins.

PPS - I know folks wanted a "modern" interface and a lot here seem to like it now (although what they'll whine about now only He knows), but for me, with 35 years (BIAB DOS V2 '90) of using BIAB, all that mouse muscle memory is now gone! I hate having to relearn where stuff is and hunt it down. Yes, I'm old and one of those 2A "get off my lawn" guys.


Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
Band-in-a-Box for Windows
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 10,973
Larry and John,

Thank you both for the additional details. Now Larrys original post makes much more sense.


Jim Fogle - 2026 BiaB (Build 1224) RB (Build 7) - Ultra+ PAK
DAWs: Cakewalk Sonar - Standalone: Zoom MRS-8
Desktop: i7 Win 11, 12GB ram 256GB SSD, 4 TB HDD
Music at: https://fogle622.wix.com/fogle622-audio-home
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 End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!

Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!

We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!

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 new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.

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!

Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!

Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 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 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®!

Forum Statistics
Forums57
Topics85,751
Posts795,778
Members39,950
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
Newest Members
BB Wilbur, anonymously, TinaLBZ, Guitarzan26, Metro6
39,950 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 165
DC Ron 109
Noel96 106
rsdean 105
dcuny 100
DrDan 92
Today's Birthdays
idon'tunderstand, Kelly Sapergia, Michl, der Dolmetsch, Totally Savage
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5