I'm just wondering, since there seem to be loads of free Kontakt sets out there if any of you have ever examined the idea of converting those to the sfz format?
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
When you convert one format to another you may lose some or many attributes and nuances of that patch. Thus although you can convert the final sound may or may not be the same as the original.
FWIW-you can use those free Kontakt sounds with the free Kontakt player. Personally that is the way I would proceed.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
When you convert one format to another you may lose some or many attributes and nuances of that patch. Thus although you can convert the final sound may or may not be the same as the original.
FWIW-you can use those free Kontakt sounds with the free Kontakt player. Personally that is the way I would proceed.
Probably not. Only NI licensed libraries get to use the free Kontakt player except for the free libraries that NI includes.
All those free sounds are designed for use in the paid version of Kontakt.
NI does not want people to convert their libraries and make it very difficult to do so.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
I'm just wondering, since there seem to be loads of free Kontakt sets out there if any of you have ever examined the idea of converting those to the sfz format?
Why would you even want to do that? I guess you want the free Kontakt sets and the ability to play them huh?
Why not just get the FREE KONTAKT player? On the NI site.... there are a few free players for their stuff. Not as full featured but totally free and "full working versions" none the less.
...there seem to be loads of free Kontakt sets out there...
Originally Posted By: MarioD
but if those wavs are copyright protected then you would be breaking the law...
If they are free they are free.
We went through all this with Frank (Seeker), he was put off creating UserTracks forever after someone said "you would be breaking the law", I got in touch with the company and found out from them that it wasn't the case.
I know, I was trying to avoid having to grasp their convoluted interface, I s'pose, particularly since we got that blissfully simple sfz interface already. I'll give that link a shot, Pipeline, although that too seems like more new things to grasp, so I dunno
Anyway, thanks to all who chimed in, I just might end up just sticking with the decent stuff I already got for sforzando, so write this one out to general curiosity more than dire need (which it certainly wasn't).
Just because you can, doesn't mean you should! ---------------------------------------------------------------------- BBox 2022 Audiophile, Mac Pro Intel, OSX 10.6.8, 800x600 (TV VGA)
"J-311 free Kontakt drum library requires a full version of Native Instruments Kontakt. In the free Kontakt Player version, it will be functional only 15 minutes with each opening. If you don’t own Kontakt, no problem, you can use the included one-shot drum samples (311 WAV files) in any drum sampler of your choice."
"Details The Pack Contains 1 Grand Piano instrument for NI Kontakt (5+ Full).
93Mb Download Size 210Mb Total Size (unrared) Free"
ESC has many import formats but is only for Win unless you use something like WineBottler ?
For those who want to convert other formats to SFZ.
From the Soundiron Venus Women's Choir:
"While you can reprogram the samples or presets to other formats, we always recommend using Kontakt for best results, since it widely considered the industry standard and easily the most powerful sample programming and playback platform on the market. However, if you wish to convert or reprogram the wav files and instrument presets into any other sampler or softsynth format, including free and open-source standards like SFZ, then there are a variety of great tools that you can use to customize this library, such as Extreme Sample Converter and Chickensys Translator. Just be aware that not all settings and properties will translate accurately, reliably or even at all from one instrument or audio format to the next, due to vast differences in standards, behaviors, structures and capabilities that each platform relies on."
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 11 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
Here's a Mac WineBottle Extreme Sample Converter. It's a Standalone ESC.app It may take a while before the gui comes up. if it works you know the full will.
I've converted a number of Kontakt samples into sfz instruments. My motivation was to be able to use them with my USB EWI, which uses an underpowered netbook as the sound source.
In some cases, I've been able to use Kontakt to export the samples as .wav files, which is convenient. Getting the samples by playing them through Kontakt means you're getting a second generation sample, at best.
When there's just a single sample per note, I set up a <group> trigger=first for one set of samples, and <group> trigger=legato using the same samples, but with legato parameters for the second group.
I've not had to deal with loop points. Those values are visible in Kontakt, but often samples are long enough (several seconds) that it not been a problem for me.
When the sample set contains true legato samples, it's a lot more work. That's mostly because transitions are shared between notes. For example, the transition from A4 to D4 might be shared by the notes F#4, G4, G#4, A4 and A#4. There are a lot of sampled legato transitions, so my solution was to write a Java program to figure out the the best mappings and generate the .sfz file.
If I'm feeling particular clever, I'll also create round robins from the nearest notes.
Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40 Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows!
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Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Windows or for Mac are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
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Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
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Special Extended Until September 15, 2026! Save over 40% on XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs for Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac!
We've extended our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs sale until September 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 offer a wide range of genres designed to work seamlessly with your project. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 11 PAKs for only $149 (reg. $299)!
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with ANY version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-11 includes 1,100 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 for Mac or for Windows are on special for only $29 each (reg. $49 ea), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! .
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 includes 3,900 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
Note: XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs include additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® that work seamlessly with your project. Xtra Styles PAKs and XPro Styles PAKs are NOT included in any Band-in-a-Box® package!
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
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Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
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No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
zplane recently interviewed Peter Gannon, the founder and creator of Band-in-a-Box, about the software's early days, what sets it apart from AI, how zplane's audio algorithms are used in Band-in-a-Box, and more!
Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
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