Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread
Print Thread
Go To
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
Hi Fellows.
I decided to share the results of my quest to find a flexible GM alternative to TTS1 SYNTH. There are few plugins that exist that support GM utilizing SF2/SFZ files or banks, but only a tiny handful that are 64bit VSTs. I found only one that is truly flexible and had been actively developed / updated. It is VSTSynthfont plugin created by a pioneer of this technology, the same developer that made Synthfont software.This is a fantastic tool/synth for playback of midi and GM based compositions utilizing your own SF2, Gig, SFZ files or banks. It is far more than just a VST synth.

It has many powerful features, such as:
64 Bit! (there is also a 32 Bit version available)
GM compatible!!
Mixer
Individual channel transposition
Layering
Scenario saves
Multi file SF2 bank support
Sorting instruments by "Instrument Type" with corresponding instrument
icons (given that the bank was assembled with GM structure).
Individual or mixed output for all 16 channels. You can actually
stream/record 16 independent audio channels simultaneously into Daw.
Lock channel sound
Mute / Solo tracks
And many other great features.

Demo is available at: http://www.synthfont.com/

There are simply no other tools like this to work with SF2/SFZ files that are 64 bit and have so many features. It is priced very
reasonably and most importantly the developer is a caring man, listening to customers and fixing bugs in a timely manner.

Scroll down to the middle of the page. The plugin is called: VSTSynthFont [3] P.S. Developer mentioned that people who bought original version of VST plugin are entitled for an upgrade at no cost.

P.S.S. It is still a bit young, so do not be to harsh on critique. If you find any bugs or have suggestions, please write to the developer directly, I am sure he will take it seriously.

Here are some screenshots:





Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
I've been a registered Synthfont user for a very long time now. Synthfont certainly can meet the need for a GM sound module, but you can also substitute any sounds you want in any slot you want. And there are some good soundfonts out there as well, and unlike the hardware Creative card that we used to have run soundfonts on, Synthfont doesn't care how big the sample is.

And yes, Kenneth Rundt (the developer) really cares about his program. And he also has the Viena utility (essentially his version of the Creative Vienna utility) for bundling and managing soundfont files. So you can easily create your own single soundfont file composed of sounds from many other files. Makes managing your sounds that much easier. I think I've got about 100GB of soundfonts that I've collected over the years (some downloads, others purchased).


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,856
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 25,856
Thanks for posting this.

Audio demos for several styles are available. It has a 30-day free trial, and to buy a lifetime license is very inexpensive.


BIAB 2024 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 6.5 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6; Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Roland Integra-7, Presonus Studio 192, Presonus Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Just downloaded this, do you need to now download the instruments /sounds if so where do you download them from still new to things like this.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
I think there are some links on the site to download instruments.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Thanks John are there any good ones to purchase that anyone knows about ?.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
Beatmaster, the VSTSynthfont is a very specific tool. Three main reasons for use:
1)Utilize SF2/SFZ files
2) As sound module for playback of General MIDI protocol (including patch/program changes) stuff.
3)It can record 12 audio tracks simultaneously from GM / midi files.

There are plenty of sounds available either free or at fair prices. Do not expect "Kontakt" experience out of it, but for what it is, this is the most powerful VST that is GM and can handle large SF2 banks / Files.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Rustyspoon

Thanks for posting just love working with midi and new ways to do it.


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
While not perfect, it's on par with the TTS-1 sounds - google for the 32-MB Reality Soundfont (some sites list it as 031.9MB). That's a good one to get started with.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
Veteran
OP Offline
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 5,777
The main and the biggest issue with TTS1 is that it is 16 years old and you can not add sounds to it, just tweak whatever is there. Most likely it will never be updated.

VSTSynthfont is a synth that allows you to bring your own SF2/SFZ soundfonts of large size. I have tried very large soundfont bank with it and it did not choke.

Do not go for tiny soundfonts...
There are plenty good sampled ones available for free.

Try this site:
https://coolsoft.altervista.org/en/virtualmidisynth


In the middle of the page, there are plenty of free ones, that are complete banks.

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Expert
Offline
Expert
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,682
Were do you put the downloaded sound files ?.

Do you make a new folder or..?


win 10 64 bit 16gb,i7 chip, ssd 500gb, m-audio air, ,Roland BK-7M, 1000,shure sm7b,sonar,acid,mixcraft, variety of plugins.Sample tank 3,Kontakt. TC Helicon Voicelive 3 2 .
https://beatmaster1.bandcamp.com/releases

Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Veteran
Offline
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,583
Just create a soundfonts folder on your computer and then point the program to load the soundfont from there.


John

Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 2x2TB, 1x4TB SSD
Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 2x1.5TB, 2x2TB, 1x4TB SATA

BB2024/UMC404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/MixBus/Notion/Finale/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK

http://www.sus4chord.com
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 413
Journeyman
Offline
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 413
I found a free 4GB! GM soundfont / Sf2
https://sites.google.com/site/strixsoundfont/dsoundfont
scroll to the ultimate dsoundfont.
4 versions from lite to ultimate

Last edited by rodipoet; 12/29/18 06:52 AM.

Rob de Klerk, Dutch singer-songwriter
https://www.robdeklerk.nl

Biab 2023, Cakewalk, N.I. Komplete 14, Win 10,64, Ozone 9 elements suite, Presonus studio 24c
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Go To

Link Copied to Clipboard
ChatPG

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.

PG Music News
Update Your PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 Today!

Add updated printing options, enhanced tracks settings, smoother use of MGU and SGU (BB files) within PowerTracks, and more with the latest PowerTracks Pro Audio 2024 update!

Learn more about this free update for PowerTracks Pro Audio & download it at www.pgmusic.com/support_windows_pt.htm#2024_5

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!

Forum Statistics
Forums66
Topics81,565
Posts734,474
Members38,493
Most Online2,537
Jan 19th, 2020
Newest Members
Fender601, VIPBET사설토토, GlebeGreg, michel vermeulen, Mikanh132
38,492 Registered Users
Top Posters(30 Days)
MarioD 196
DC Ron 110
dcuny 99
Today's Birthdays
IAN WILLIAMS, larochep
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5