Using Virtual Instruments in BandLab

BandLab comes with built-in software instruments, including synths, pianos, strings, drums and more — all playable with a MIDI controller or your computer keyboard. In this tutorial you will learn how to integrate them in your production.

Virtual Instruments

To add a (build-in) virtual instrument track:

1. Click Virtual Instruments from the Quick Start menu

Or …

1. Click + Add Track.
2. Select Virtual Instruments.
3. Choose from categories like Piano, Synth, Strings, Bass, Drums, etc.

Virtual Instruments Presets

Another way to choose virtual instruments in your project is by selecting from Presets. These presets already include effects that shape the sound of the Virtual instrument.

1. Add a Virtual Instrument track.
2. Click FX Effects.
3. Choose a Preset.
4. Adjust the parameters of the effects to your liking.

Play Notes using your Computer Keyboard

Use the on-screen keyboard and the Musical Typing feature to play notes from your computer keyboard.

Tip: You can also connect a MIDI controller (via USB, a MIDI-to-USB adapter or a MIDI interface) to your computer to play notes and control the virtual instruments in BandLab.

Smart Keys to Play in Scale

Make playing in scale easier by using Smart Keys

1. Select Smart Keys.
2. Select a Scale.
3. Play the notes in the selected scale without bothering about black and white keys of the piano keyboard.

Turn Musical Typing on/off

Use the Musical Typing button (top left) to turn ON/OFF the music input from your computer keyboard.

Using External Plug-ins (VSTs)

BandLab currently does not support third-party VST plug-ins directly in the browser version. However:

• You can use the built-in sounds and presets, which are high quality and cover a broad range of styles.
• You can import audio rendered/bounced/exported from external VST instruments in another DAW into BandLab via Import Audio.

Next

Now that you know all about using virtual instruments in BandLab, start learning about adding effects to polish your tracks.