Yes, that was a special version of BiaB that was hard coded to work with the "Adlib" FM sound chip. It didn't have preset sounds, you needed to set the parameters and make the sounds yourself. It was fun to figure out how to make those sounds by tweaking numbers on the chip. This used a Yamaha 8bit FM synth chip as I recall.
Adlib was a pioneering, innovative Canadian sound card company (Quebec) around 1989-91 that made lots of sound cards, and then everyone else copied them and made "Adlib compatible" soundcards. For awhile, it was an absolute must that a soundcard be Adlib compatible. This was all pre-Internet, so all the discoveries were made in magazines (EM, Keyboard) or trade shows (NAMM,Comdex) .
When people need to actually explain the "pre-internet" world....I feel so OLD!
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
I remember how amazing BIAB DOS version already sounded when paired with MT-32, as well as how Lucasarts games (X-wing, Day Of The Tentacle, Indiana Jones etc) rocked with GM module. That was the time when you either had beeps, short hissing wav-noises or you were fortunate enough to own Gravis Ultrasound... well, my dad owned MT, so I got the best music of town, but couldn't hear any sound effects
I remember how amazing BIAB DOS version already sounded when paired with MT-32, as well as how Lucasarts games (X-wing, Day Of The Tentacle, Indiana Jones etc) rocked with GM module. That was the time when you either had beeps, short hissing wav-noises or you were fortunate enough to own Gravis Ultrasound... well, my dad owned MT, so I got the best music of town, but couldn't hear any sound effects
What is the MT you mentioned? I've got a feeling I'm going to go DUH! when you answer.
I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas. Can't really remember the right model, but still...
))) I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas.
One of my best memories of that era was receiving a test version of the Roland Sound Canvas. It was housed in a mt 32 case, and had the serial number 005 written on it. Roland was and is a great company to work with - this is over 29 years!
))) I meant Roland MT-32 module, but actually now that I checked this to make sure, I think he owned Roland Sound Canvas.
One of my best memories of that era was receiving a test version of the Roland Sound Canvas. It was housed in a mt 32 case, and had the serial number 005 written on it. Roland was and is a great company to work with - this is over 29 years!
I still have (and use with BIAB) the external module Roland SC-55 MKII. Purchased in 1992 and still compatible with BIAB today.
According to Wikipedia, the SC-55MKii sound set was also released as the SCC-1B and came bundled with Band-in-a-Box and BalladeGS software.
It might be fun to release a 2017 Biab based all midi song generated into the SC-55 MKii. Merge the old with the new...
We also have loads of different versions of BIAB and almost whole set of Norton expansions in disks. BIAB update-chain is seemingly almost unbreaken, apparently having only ~3-5 versions missing.
PG, anything worth trading for forthcoming 2018 update (customer loyalty well preserved)?
- Janne & Jouko (son & dad)
Epilogue:
Jouko is still using 2006 version of BIAB with XP as his warhorse for most live gigs. This combo has prven to be most reliable when using only MIDI-styles. You cannot even access internet with this piece of brick in order to completely isolate it from time. Heavily modified Windows boots up quickly and never gets bluescreen nor unwanted Windows updates. It's still running with Roland SC8850 -module... and that combo has earned him almost an house with ~60-100 gigs a year.
He also uses the latest version for recording new songs and performing with other singer.
Why not create a testimonial video and submit it to PG Music? PG Music will help with the editing if needed. I can't think of any better testimony than "the product paid for my home". At one time, PG Music was offering the Everything Pak in exchange for videos they publish on their testimony YouTube channel.
Well, you never know... I have recently bought professional movie camera (BMPCC), so I'm covered for shooting small professional-level documentary. I simply wonder if I would be able to persuade him to front of camera, as his likes to be quite invisible within social media & forums.
Even if this would happen it's going to take quite a while until I would be taking the next trip to his house, as I live quite far away and have work & family of my own down here. Still, it's an interesting idea - he has pretty exciting performing setup built over the years for his gigs. He is quite a "Gyro Gearloose", as he has come up even playing style of his own with guitar by using reverse-triggered sustain pedal for having control of reverb the way piano players use sustain pedal of piano
Update your Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows® Today!
If you’ve already purchased Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®, great news—a new update is now available! This update introduces a handy new feature: a vertical cursor in the Tracks window that shows the current location across all tracks, and more.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator
With Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®, we've introduced an exciting new feature: the AI Lyrics Generator! In this video, Tobin guides you step-by-step on how to make the most of this new tool.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Boot Camp: The AI Lyrics Generator video.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins
Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows® now includes support for VST3 plugins, bringing even more creative possibilities to your music production. Join Simon as he guides you through the process in this easy-to-follow demonstration!
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using VST3 Plugins
Video: Band-in-a-Box 2025 for Windows: Using The BB Stem Splitter!
In this video, Tobin provides a crash course on using the new BB Stem Splitter feature included in Band-in-a-Box 2025® for Windows®. During this process he also uses the Audio Chord Wizard (ACW) and the new Equalize Tempo feature.
Video: Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows®: Using the BB Stem Splitter
Check out the forum post for some optional Tips & Tricks!
Congrats to Misha (Rustyspoon)…downloaded/installed a full Audiophile 2025!
Breaking News!
We’re thrilled to announce that Rustyspoon has made PG history as the very first person to successfully complete the download and install of the full Band-in-a-Box 2025 Windows Audiophile Edition (with FLAC files)—a whopping 610GB of data!
A big shoutout to Rustyspoon for stepping up to be our test "elf!"
With the launch of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows, we're adding new videos to our YouTube channel. We'll also share them here once they are published so you can easily find all the Band-in-a-Box® 2025 and new Add-on videos in one place!
Whether it's a summary of the new features, demonstrations of the 202 new RealTracks, new XPro Styles PAK 8, or Xtra Styles PAKs 18, information on the 2025 49-PAK, or detailed tutorials for other Band-in-a-Box® 2025 features, we have you covered!
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Windows is here, packed with major new features and an incredible collection of available new content! This includes 202 RealTracks (in Sets 449-467), plus 20 bonus Unreleased RealTracks in the 2025 49-PAK. There are new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 4, two new sets of “RealDrums Stems,” XPro Styles PAK 8, Xtra Styles PAK 19, and more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2025 with savings of up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special—available until December 31, 2024! Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
2025 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
We've packed our Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK with some incredible Add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is automatically included with most Band-in-a-Box® for Windows 2025 packages, but for even more Add-ons (including 20 Unreleased RealTracks!) upgrade to the 2025 49-PAK for only $49. You can see the full lists of items in each package, and listen to demos here.
If you have any questions, feel free to connect with us directly—we’re here to help!
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean