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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
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C:\bb\BBPlugin\Files\Band-in-a-Box DAW Plugin Standalone.exe
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
Ah - didn't know that was there. So did they just put a VST Host wrapper code around the VST instance? I don't see a mixer - is there one?
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
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No but hopefully there should be one there soon and maybe plugins so it will load the same plugins as well as any Utility tracks saved in the main Biab app.
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
As it is now seems like the main use is for developer regression testing outside of a specific VST host. Is there some other advantage, versus putting it in a DAW? Among other things, I don't see a way to generate output audio/MIDI files.
I was thinking earlier today it would be nice to have one really good/complete UI and app, and that focusing on VST might be the way to go for the future. Then it could be hosted in some standalone VST host if all the functionality were in place. There are so many nooks and crannies of functionality in the main BiaB app - keyboards, guitar displays, improved AudioEdit window, style editing - it didn't really seem practical to get totally away from the standalone app. But perhaps a more streamlined version for 95% of users - one that would be more accessible. I have a couple of musician friends I've tried to turn on to BiaB in the last few months, but they've given up after a short time.
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
I have a couple of musician friends I've tried to turn on to BiaB in the last few months, but they've given up after a short time. Yes I had the same experience. This is Biab Lite. It's not overwhelming like the Biab main app. You just drag to render, stereo mix, separate tracks or all tracks.
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
I took the latest plugin (3.3.5) for a quick spin this morning, and still ran into some things that are showstoppers for me. Here some observations:
1. I started with a song that I had put together in the app, all RealTracks. It took the app 7 seconds to generate. The plugin took 40 seconds - regardless of whether using standalone plugin or inside Cakewalk. I'm guessing the VST is single threaded, whereas I think multithreading has been implemented in the app. (I'm running with an 8 core processor.)
2. I often change time signatures in a song, so in this one I made the last 8 bars 3/4 (from 4/4). I also slowed tempo down by 20%. When I played the song from the plugin (not Synced with DAW), playback just stopped at the third 3/4 measure. When I turned on sync and let the DAW provide the clock, it played through the end, but was noticeably different from the version in the app in that the real drums kept going in 4/4. Also I think there will always be an issue with syncing time and tempo, since I don't think there's a two-way sync capability (VST-to-DAW) for those kinds of things. So I didn't expect the tempo to slow down, and it didn't :-) (It did slow down when I played the same song via the Standalong Plugin, but still stopped after the second 3/4 measure.)
3. The + and - buttons for resizing the chord chart in the plugin don't work very well. I couldn't get the chords showing as large as I wanted them, and it seemed to stop resizing after a few hits.
Last edited by cwiggins999; 01/05/21 06:36 AM.
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,378
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OP
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 11,378 |
I took the latest plugin (3.3.5) for a quick spin this morning, and still ran into some things that are showstoppers for me. Here some observations:
1. I started with a song that I had put together in the app, all RealTracks. It took the app 7 seconds to generate. The plugin took 40 seconds - regardless of whether using standalone plugin or inside Cakewalk. I'm guessing the VST is single threaded, whereas I think multithreading has been implemented in the app. (I'm running with an 8 core processor.)
Have to agree with much of what you have said. I can only add based on working with the VST for over two years that the BIAB-VST can indeed be stubborn and demanding regarding workflow. Whereas BIAB is known for having multiple ways to do the same thing, the BIAB-VST can only do things its way. So you have to adjust your workflow or be willing to jump back and forth between the standalone and VST. However, your item 1 does not sound like a correct assumption. I am seeing much quick regens in the VST then you report. I get times which are comparable to the Standalone , especially with V3 which is now much quicker than V2. I imagine it is dependent on the number of RTs and number of bars. I generally will only have a handful for short sections. In addition, the standalong has historically had a unique algorithm where it will start playing a tune prior to completion of the generation. In RB and now the VST the generation has to be fully completed before it will play. Otherwise, the VST just another tool to use. DAn
Dan, BIAB2024, SoundCloud Win11, i7(12thGen), 32GB, 1TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD), 2TB Libraries, 1 TB(WD-Black), 2TB SSD(M.2 NVMe SSD)Data, Motu Audio Express, Keystation 61, SL88 Studio, Reaper
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954
Veteran
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Veteran
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 7,954 |
The Plugin is still in development but is getting there. There is a suggestion here I was trying to get them to implement A VST to send Tempo/Play/Stop/Loop/Continue to main Biab app from DAW it should be relatively easy to do. What you can do with the BBPlugin is have another instance of the Plugin start sync at any bar by clicking the little arrow under Sync. This way you can have another style or time signature and start sync at the bar where there is a time signature change, you can copy chords from one instance to the other. You just uncheck the lead-in and ending if the song section does not need it. The only issue is with the current version it's cutting the last bar off too soon so you don't get a seamless play, BUT hopefully that should be fixed soon. This also allows you to regenerate sections, this is quicker than generating the whole song. With generate time in the Plugin compared to Biab, Biab will chose the sections of RT from the source files, generate into RAM then start playing, BUT the Plugin will do that, wait for it to finish generating the whole track, then render to wav. Here's is a better way that would be quicker than Biab: Instant Generate & Play of RealTracks/Drums in BiabVST
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Band-in-a-Box VST and Pro Tools/AAX DAW Plugin (Windows)
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Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259
Apprentice
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Apprentice
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 259 |
However, your item 1 does not sound like a correct assumption. I am seeing much quick regens in the VST then you report. I get times which are comparable to the Standalone , especially with V3 which is now much quicker than V2. I imagine it is dependent on the number of RTs and number of bars. I generally will only have a handful for short sections. In addition, the standalong has historically had a unique algorithm where it will start playing a tune prior to completion of the generation. In RB and now the VST the generation has to be fully completed before it will play.
I do see some references to parallel processing (SIMD) of rendered tracks in the enhancements list for 2021. This is a common technique for multithreaded audio and graphic rendering. I could easily see why this might not be enabled in a VST since most DAWs are managing threads and cores. But just speculating. My songs are almost exclusively RealTrack based. “4X's faster audio DSP processing (using SIMD), allowing smoother playback & faster rendering for a larger number of tracks.”
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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.
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Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!
The Newest RealBand 2024 Update is Here!
The newest RealBand 2024 Build 5 update is now available!
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.
This free update is available to all RealBand 2024 users. To learn more about this update and download it, head to www.pgmusic.com/support.realband.htm#20245
The Band-in-a-Box® Flash Drive Backup Option
Today (April 5) is National Flash Drive Day!
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!
Learn more about this free update for Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows at www.pgmusic.com/support_windowsupdates.htm#1111
Band-in-a-Box® 2024 Review: 4.75 out of 5 Stars!
If you're looking for a in-depth review of the newest Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows version, you'll definitely find it with Sound-Guy's latest review, Band-in-a-Box® 2024 for Windows Review: Incredible new capabilities to experiment, compose, arrange and mix songs.
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!
Congratulations to the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
We've just announced the 2023 User Showcase Award Winners!
There are 45 winners, each receiving a Band-in-a-Box 2024 UltraPAK! Read the official announcement to see if you've won.
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.
Thank you to everyone who has contributed!
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