Well, here is an update on my progress: I have managed to make a tune with my mini midi controller. I have had to use the controller's software because I could not find a way in BIAB to make the controller sound when I press the key, not after supper. I then managed to get the midi file onto the melody track in BIAB and used the notation editor to adjust the time and notes and... anyway getting that far took hours! The melody time kept shifting; it seems when you save you have to choose the "save patches....etc. Then I got to a MGU file which I was happy with and, like always, exported to MP3. which is my preferred format for backing tracks and Lo and Behold......there is no melody. Imagine my dismay? Now, please, how can I convince Band in a box that the melody track which contains the midi tune, is part of the backing track?
So, I updated last night to BB2018 build 520. As midi input driver I have LPK25, which is an Akai LPK25 mini midi controller, however, that is out of the BB equation since I created the midi file with its custom software. The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked. I tried exporting the song as audio, but it makes no difference. Exporting the song in track actions > save track as Wav, saves the melody, but with piano, not with Harmonica which it plays correctly in the mgu file. In short, the MGU file is perfect and all I want to do is save it to an audio file, that should not be so difficult.
When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track.
That is a clue. If you check the Use VSTi/DXi synth box, you should be able to hear all tracks .. and render it as such. Do you have the other settings as in the below image? Or did you miss the additional settings?
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome Make your sound your own!
The output driver is Microsoft GS Wavetable,and the Sybth is Coyote Wave table DXi. When I play the MGU file in BAIB, then Use VST/DXi Synth must be unticked, otherwise there is no sound from the track. When I save the file to MP3 or WAV, BB insists that the Vst box be ticked.
I'll clarify "synth" here before I start. We are not talking about the Moog-type synthesisers that make the 'synthesiser sounds' we know. We're talking typically about sound engines that use samples of instruments to build a passable-to-good sound of any instrument, traditional or synthesiser.
I think the "Microsoft GS Wavetable synth" is about as 'legacy' as one can get (Win98 I think). I set the output driver to "no MIDI driver", or whatever the words are, and use the VSTi/DXi synth and I'm pretty sure most people would use BIAB that way.
CoyoteWT is the default synth bundled with BIAB, will render OK and sounds OK but not great. There are better synth available, one is even bundled with BIAB but rather hidden away.
I suggest sticking with CoyoteWT whilst you find your way around getting MIDI to work for you, then probably exploring other synths in the future. The one bundled is VSTSynthFont and you'll find instructions in the BIAB manual. It uses a soundfont and there are a number available on the 'Net, mostly free.
Where using a MIDI driver may be useful is if you have a hardware MIDI->audio generator that you would prefer to use, rather than the VSTi/DXi. Then you would set the driver to control that hardware device. Be aware, though, that BIAB itself will then no longer render, the external hardware will, so you would need to record the output from that hardware.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
I think I have now learnt what I did, or did not do. It's very difficult to explain to someone something you don't know? The VST box must be checked if I use a VST! and not an output driver. So I set the output driver to no midi output. Then I learnt that using a VST requires that it must not be empty. I must select an instrument from the VST interface. I loaded a midi style and generated a melody. Saved it as an MP3, and, fingers crossed, it sounds the same as the MGU file. Now I am back to my very original problem but at least now I know what to ask. Where do I get decent sounds that work with the VST's I have. The VST's that work at present are szorfando which seems to contain very few instruments, and synktronic, which has many sounds, but all are synths and no traditional instruments it seems. So how do I go about finding a nice mellow cello or glitzy, brassy sax? You guys have been great in guiding me sofar and I am most grateful (or is that greatful?)
vstsynthfont is bundled with BIAB. it will load soundfonts which are availlbe free - a nice one is timbres of heaven.
however read Peter Gannon's sticky post 'no brainer'. It will tell you how to download the TTS1 GM soft synth. lots of people will tell you its old and out of date - yes it is old - but lots of us like it.
according to Dr Gannon it's the synth PG use to test design and balnce their midi styles so it can't be that bad.
try the TTS1 and see if you like the sounds. it might be what you are looking for and its easy to install and use. once you've donwloaded and installed it BIAB will find it automatically and all you have to do is choose it as the default synth. its easy to have a go and see what you think.
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
I have searched hi and low even on the original bb hard drive, but I cannot find vstsynthfont. Was it maybe only bundled wit BB after 2018? Is there a place one can download it from....or maybe I should just jump straight in and find TTS1 GM.I don't mind old and out of date, I fall into that category, but I still work!
It may be after 2018, but I thought it was there then. It would be in /bb/Data/libx64
I've just looked in the 2018 manual and it isn't mentioned, so I guess it's a later addition.
It's available +++ here +++ . The one PGM bundles is "VSTSynthFont [3]", but it's a pay-for, though with a free trial. Consider the TTS1 that Bob Calver mentioned. It's old, but popular.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Thank you Gordon. From what I can gather, both are 64-bit. My BB is 32 bit. I'm trying to find out from BB if there is a free upgrade. I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
I just cannot afford or justify upgrading to later BAIB versions and made the decision back then that my upgrade from 2014 to 2018 would be the last.
Sforzando is free and bundled with BIAB. Looking around the 'Net a bit, several "best free..." commend it. I know some users find it rather 'odd', but it's definitely worth exploring.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
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!
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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)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
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Note: 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.
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 as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac 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 100 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
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
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 Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
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