|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 16
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 16 |
Dear Anyone.
Saw soundfonts being talked about on this forum so I'm hoping SOMEONE will be able to answer this dumbass noob question...
I have the Cakewalk (I think!) SFz+ Soundfont Player and a ton of Soundfonts. But there's something I don't understand about the SFz+ Player and I know I'm gonna kick myself when someone tells me...
It's got 16 channels, so you can have up to 16 soundfonts on the go at once, I've got that understood. BUT - and here's the bit I DON'T understand - it's only got 8 outs! As far as I can understand, in effect that means you can only use 8 soundfonts if you want to EQ (or whatever) them individually because otherwise you're doubling-up on the outs, no? So you start having to use effects on things in pairs, not individually, because you're out of outs, am I right in this?
What's the purpose - and there had to be one originally - of having twice as many channels as outs? Why isn't it 16 outs so you got one per channel?
Now I know, deep inside, that's one dumbass question. I just don't see this. Can anyone put me outta their misery by answering it?
Yours hopefully and Happy Christmas
Chris.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354 |
Chris,
I haven't used soundfonts in years. You've prompted me to go and have a look at them again. I have the sfz+ player (Cakewalk took it over from RGC if my memory is correct).
I'm caught up right now but I'll come back to this in 3 or 4 hours and write you a brief tutorial on how to get the soundfonts happening... if that will help.
To get 16 channels of sounds playing you'd need to use 16 different instances of sfz (at least as far as I understand it) - I'm not sure how sturdy the program is and whether it could cope with that.
Anyway.... back a little later...
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354 |
Getting started... 1. Load the SFZ+ DXi or VST in your host program. 2. Once loaded, left click on the area show below.  2. Now navigate to the directory where you have sf2 files stored and select one. I'm going to select the "accordion" just as an example.  3. The accordion will now appear as a file in the window you clicked on to start.  4. Some sf2 files will have multiple instrumental choices, some will only have one. To access any choices that are available (if they exist), click on the arrowhead beside the word "Program".  5. A dropdown menu of choices will open. Select one from the list (if there is more than one).  6. Now set the midi channel that you want SFZ to play the midi on by clicking on the arrowhead beside "Channel". For example, if SFZ is loaded in the Piano slot in BIAB (immediately below the bass), SFZ will need to be set to midi channel 3 since BIAB sets the the Piano track to midi channel 3  Click ok and exit. You should be able to get a sound now if you play the midi file. Hopefully this will get you going so that you can experiment. As I said initially, to get 16 channels playing back, my understanding is that you'll need to have 16 lots of SFZ set up. I stand to be corrected on this. All the best, Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354 |
more information...
I've playing around with loading in multiple sf2 files and it does look as thought it's possible to load more than one sf2 in a single instance of SFZ. Since I only have 4GB of RAM in total though, I'm limited with what I can do on my computer.
My plan of attack would be to load independent soundfonts and then render them to an audio file.
Hope you have enough information to be able to experiment further.
Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 4
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 4 |
Hi Noel,
I don't claim to understand SFZ and/or SF2 that well, although I do use a large, General MIDI compatible SF2 file for CoolSoft Virtual MIDI Synth (CVMS) to play all my MIDI songs. And it sounds pretty darn good!
It seems to me that you may need to create (by playing) or to "obtain" samples of the instruments you need in a particular song and then use a Soundfont Editor (apparently there are several free ones out there) to create your own song specific, SF2 file.
BIAB or RealBand could then use CVMS (for example) to play all MIDI sounds - if "Use VSTi/DXi Synth" is not selected in MIDI/Audio Drivers Setup.
It would then be sort of like using the old DLS (downloadable sounds) format to provide specific instrument samples for each MIDI song. I hope I've got some of this right, and if so - that it helps!
Cyan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,285 |
I haven't worked with SF2s is a long time but I remembered that you can have more than one SF2 playing at the same time. I just had to figure out how again.  Thus here is what you do: 1-file> load either the SF2 sound or a bank of sounds-note that I loaded a GM band. 2-mode> be sure that this is set at SF32 otherwise you may get an out of memory message 3-channel> pick your MIDI channel between 1-16, when using with BiaB make sure this channel and the one in BiaB match. You can have up to 16 channels playing simultaneously. 4-bank> if you loaded a multi banked group of fonts you can pick which bank to choose your SF2 from but most all of the time this should be set at 0. 5-program> if you picked a SF2 bank you can pick which sound you want here - if you picked a single sound it will be automatically loaded here. 6-poly> pick the amount of polyphony you want. Note I did make a mistake on my selection as it should not be 32 but more like 4 or 5 but keeping it at 32 with a few sSF2s is ok. As you add more SF2s you may run out of polyphony. Now you can either keep the SF2 as received or you can tweak the sound with the sliders. Note that there is a quality window in the master section. You can change the sound somewhat with that by setting it at a higher level-I did not do that in the picture.
Principal: Your child always causes trouble in school.
Me: My child causes trouble at home, do I ever call you?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132 |
What's the purpose - and there had to be one originally - of having twice as many channels as outs? Why isn't it 16 outs so you got one per channel? So for most purposes, eight outs is plenty. The fact that it happens to be half of sixteen is probably only related to it being a power of two, as are most computer-based numbers. If you're using the SFz+ player within a DAW, you'll generally put a different instance of the player on each track. Most DAWs give the option on splitting a MIDI file into multiple tracks. It's a lot simpler than routing the MIDI track outs to other tracks to apply effects - it's easy to lose track of things. Plus, it's simpler to edit the MIDI data if it's split out. I use the rcg:audio sfz player in my DAW, but you've got to set the MODE to DFD to load large sample sets. I also rather like the sforzando player. The sfz format is a bit easier to understand than the sf (SoundFont) format. It's plain text, which is nice. I've ported a slew of instruments from different formats over to the sfz format, and use it to play my EWI on an old netbook.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 20,354 |
Thanks, Mario and David. You given me a great education in soundfonts. Appreciate it.
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,498 |
Besides what David said about sforzando
and besides being free the program comes with standalone as well as both 32 and 64 bit VSTi flavors and RTAS, is powered by same ARIA engine as used by the Garritan ARIA player and will play all Garritan, Dim Pro, and Finale banks/sounds, can render MIDI files, and a lot more.
Larry
Win10Pro,i9,64GB,2TBSSD+20TBHDDs,1080TI,BIAB'24,Scarlett18i8,Montage7,Fusion 8HD,QS8,Integra7,XV5080,QSR,SC-8850,SPLAT,FL21&others,Komp.14,IK suite&others, just a guitar player-AXE FX III &FM9T, FishmanTP, MIDIGuitar2, GK2/3'sw/GI20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Soundfonts are like rotary telephones. Does anyone even use them anymore?
I used soundfonts for a time when I was searching for better sounds coming out of synths like TTS. Once I found sample players, I stopped using fonts. I look at fonts now as low quality samples. They very often are basic and while they sound better than a synth generated instrument, they pale in comparison to the nice 3rd party samplers on the market. I'm not knocking them as they were a very important part of my musical education with digital recorded music.
At the time, I used the smaller "free" SFZ player. It was a single channel player. I now have SFZ+ but seriously, I have never opened it. Not even to check it out. It was included with the DAW but along with several other things, I don't use them for how I work. I also found other that there were 2 different formats of SFZ files and not all of the files would work properly. Some didn't work at all. These issues caused me to start looking for a better way to do things.
To the point......You can load as many SFZ instances as the computer & software will support.
Regarding the output number vs the number of available channels.... rather than try to use one instance of SFZ to play 12 tracks, I would opt to have 2 instances with the 12 channels split among them. 8+4 or 6+6.... that way you have control of every track as needed.
my 2 cents
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 674 |
do you have a large collection of soundfonts which are superior sounds? from my experience years ago with soundfonts, they were typically better sounding than some of the GM softsynths like Roland Soundcanvas (or even Coyote, IMO), however there are better alternatives now such as SampleTank, Kontakt, many many others. even TTS-1 has better sounds than a lot of the soundfonts I used years ago.
You've gotten great advice above on how to get your soundfonts to work, but I would advise "breaking out of your soundfont shell" and see what else is available today! you will probably be pleasantly surprised!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,725 |
Yep... got to agree with Beagle......
Time to move on from fonts. Let them be a step in the process. Now, check out the really nice samplers. Start with Kontakt or perhaps the entire Komplete Kollection from NI.
So many third party companies are making sample libraries for Kontakt, and it is a professional grade synth. It will give you the most open doors and bang for the buck and you won't be disappointed in it's sound quality.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows 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)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
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)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,734
Posts795,436
Members39,941
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean