The following are some basic troubleshooting steps to try if you are unable to hear demos or generated tracks from within the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin - regardless of the DAW you are working in.
*Please try the following with all programs closed.
Step 1: Please install the latest Band-in-a-Box build update from the support page HERE . Our developers are always busy working on bug fixes and functional improvements - be sure to check back regularly for updates!
Step 2: Open Band-in-a-Box, go into your Style Picker and click "rebuild - fast rebuild". Once completed, please close Band-in-a-Box.
Step 3: Open your DAW and load the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin to an empty track. Within the plugin, go to File | Preferences and make sure your folders are all set correctly. The default folders are suggested there - but if you have Band-in-a-Box installed to a different location, you'll need to make adjustments.
Step 4: Click "Select" then "Select a Style" to launch your Style Picker Dialog. Select a style and press the green Play Demo button. If you hear it play back, great! Click OK to add the style to your song and then generate your tracks. Press play and see if you can hear the new arrangement.
If the issue of demos or generated tracks not being heard with the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin persists...
Step 4: Troubleshoot audio
When you open a dialog like the Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin StylePicker within a DAW, you are actually opening an invisible version of Band-in-a-Box (bbw4.exe). If using ASIO drivers for an external sound card or audio interface, this can cause issues because that device is set to give exclusive control of audio sounds to only one program at a time.
If you need to use those ASIO drivers exclusively, you'll have to find a setting either in your DAW or in your Computer's Playback device settings to prevent exclusive control of audio sounds or use a different audio driver.
A good place to start would be in your Windows Playback Devices "Advanced" settings. The "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" and "Give exclusive mode applications priority" options should be unchecked.
If you have tried all the above steps and still can't hear playback from within the Band-in-a-Box VST DAW Plugin, please email us at support@pgmusic.com for further assistance.
There has been at least one instance where a forum user posted a report of a Band-in-a-Box plugin crashing because one or more of the plugin file location windows was blank instead of containing the default file location.
That was several updates ago and that was the only failure of its kind reported in the forum that I am aware of. The issue was resolved once the forum user filled in the file location.
You can verify the file locations by selecting "File" > "Preferences". If your file locations do not match the defaults click in a window type the correct path or press "Select" to open a file explorer window and navigate to the correct location.
I've had the same problem. The solution for me was to set the Windows Audio driver to the same sample rate as my DAW (Studio One.) Now they're both at 4100kHz and I can hear everthing. Another issue may be that you need to close other programs when opening BIAB to prevent conflicts.
I have tried all the above to get the plugin to work but this has not made any difference. It appears that every time we have a major upgrade there are new issues with the vst plugin. Last year were numerous crashes issues which were not really resolved until very much near the end of the year. The I/O issue has never happened in last upgrades!… so… what has changed in this upgrade this time to cause this problem? How long will it be before we can get a fix. Please. I want to get back to my favourite DAW plugin.
My setup:- AMD Ryzen 7 5800 8 core Processor 16 GB ran Focusrite 2i2(3rdgen) Nectar Impact LX88 keyboard
Running Windows 11 Home edition Software:- FL Studio 21. Band In A Box Ultra pack 2023. Using the very latest update (3rd of March.
I think I have found the problem which is causing the I/O issue in FL studio.
in the Vst. DAW Settings.
1. go to Preferences 2. go to DAW settings 3. select the last item "Send MIDI Data to Embedded Synth" and select "enable".(This should really be the default. Me think!...) 4. select OK this should fix the I/O issue.
I cannot say if this will work with other DAWs but, no harm giving it a try.
Robert, Good detective work. As far as default that is only true of those using embedded synth. For those using things like kontact or any other software or hardware solution they would find that to be a problem. Still I wonder what the ratio of embedded or not embedded is. Glad you got it fixed. Maybe post a thread asking who uses embedded vs non embedded and see how that comes out. It could give PGM some food for thought.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
Rob Helms. Since the plugin is being used in a DAW already, Surely using third party software would not be loaded in the BAIB plugin. this will be done within the DAW itself. You may be able to drag a MIDI version of a real track into your DAW, and then use Kontakt or other 3rd party software to play the MIDI data. There is also the fact that Kontact and various others can be used in the main BAIB program with no problems. My only wish is to be able to use Yamaha's Vocaloid software as a vst in the main BAIB program. AS of now this is not yet available. now that would be just perfect.
Robert I get you on the plugin. As far VOCALOID and it not working, do you use Real Band at all? I wonder it is works there? That may be a way to test it with BiaB files until that changes. Since RB opens BiaB files without the need for the plugin it may be a useful tool. A great way to create before moving on to another DAW. Who knows it may become your go to, or at least a big part of your process.
Last edited by Rob Helms; 03/27/2302:58 AM.
Lenovo Win 10 16 gig ram, Mac mini with 16 gig of ram, BiaB 2022, Realband, Harrison Mixbus 32c version 9.1324, Melodyne 5 editor, Presonus Audiobox 1818VSL, Presonus control app, Komplete 49 key controller.
Rob Helms, To be honest I have dabbled with Real Band in the past, and realised this could be a great part of the BAIB package. But as with all other software, I find it a little complex, I would much rather use BAIB/FL Studio/ Vocaloid as my setup for now. As I find it comfortable working with them as a whole set up, as well as stand alone packages. I am not dismissing Real Band at all. It is just that I cannot afford the time to figure out how it would fit in to my workflow at the minute.:-)
Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!
Download and install this to your RealBand 2024 for updated print options, streamlined loading and saving of .SGU & MGU (BB) files, and to add a number of program adjustments that address user-reported bugs and concerns.
Did you know... not only can you download your Band-in-a-Box® Pro, MegaPAK, or PlusPAK purchase - you can also choose to add a flash drive backup copy with the installation files for only $15? It even comes with a Band-in-a-Box® keychain!
For the larger Band-in-a-Box® packages (UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition), the hard drive backup copy is available for only $25. This will include a preinstalled and ready to use program, along with your installation files.
Backup copies are offered during the checkout process on our website.
Already purchased your e-delivery version, and now you wish you had a backup copy? It's not too late! If your purchase was for the current version of Band-in-a-Box®, you can still reach out to our team directly to place your backup copy order!
Note: the Band-in-a-Box® keychain is only included with flash drive backup copies, and cannot be purchased separately.
Handy flash drive tip: Always try plugging in a USB device the wrong way first? If your flash drive (or other USB plug) doesn't have a symbol to indicate which way is up, look for the side with a seam on the metal connector (it only has a line across one side) - that's the side that either faces down or to the left, depending on your port placement.
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows® Today!
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows for free with build 1111!
With this update, there's more control when saving images from the Print Preview window, we've added defaults to the MultiPicker for sorting and font size, updated printing options, updated RealTracks and other content, and addressed user-reported issues with the StylePicker, MIDI Soloists, key signature changes, and more!
A few excerpts:
"The Tracks view is possibly the single most powerful addition in 2024 and opens up a new way to edit and generate accompaniments. Combined with the new MultiPicker Library Window, it makes BIAB nearly perfect as an 'intelligent' composer/arranger program."
"MIDI SuperTracks partial generation showing six variations – each time the section is generated it can be instantly auditioned, re-generated or backed out to a previous generation – and you can do this with any track type. This is MAJOR! This takes musical experimentation and honing an arrangement to a new level, and faster than ever."
"Band in a Box continues to be an expansive musical tool-set for both novice and experienced musicians to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs, as well as an extensive educational resource. It is huge, with hundreds of functions, more than any one person is likely to ever use. Yet, so is any DAW that I have used. BIAB can do some things that no DAW does, and this year BIAB has more DAW-like functions than ever."
Convenient Ways to Listen to Band-in-a-Box® Songs Created by Program Users!
The User Showcase Forum is an excellent place to share your Band-in-a-Box® songs and listen to songs other program users are creating!
There are other places you can listen to these songs too! Visit our User Showcase page to sort by genre, artist (forum name), song title, and date - each listing will direct you to the forum post for that song.
If you'd rather listen to these songs in one place, head to our Band-in-a-Box® Radio, where you'll have the option to select the genre playlist for your listening pleasure. This page has SoundCloud built in, so it won't redirect you. We've also added the link to the Artists SoundCloud page here, and a link to their forum post.
We hope you find some inspiration from this amazing collection of User Showcase Songs!
Our User Showcase Forum receives more than 50 posts per day, with people sharing their Band-in-a-Box songs and providing feedback for other songs posted.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
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