SoundFont suggestion
The latest versions of VLC, the open source media player, have added support for playing MIDI files. They recommend a SoundFont I hadn't come across before:
http://www.schristiancollins.com/generaluser.php
I might add it to the list of suggestions on the SoundFont page if others don't spot any problems with it. (Unfortunately the license is not compatible with GNU GLP so it can't be packaged with MuseScore).
Comments
I tried it (version Fluidsynth 1.43) with MuseScore 0.9.6.2 under Windows XP and it works.
Now, I know I'm picky about SoundFonts and the quality of this one is not comparable with larger Soundfonts; however, it fulfills what it promises and it is an improvement over the TimGM6mb coming with the programme. If memory is scarce, it is an alternative worth considering.
Hoping it helps,
M.
I updated the handbook to include GeneralUser
I replaced Unison.sf2 because it posed a problem for Mac users , and GeneralUser is both better sounding and smaller.
In reply to I updated the handbook to by David Bolton
(Completley unrelated to MuseScor, I admit. Just out of my general interest with soundfont.)
It is indeed a nice soundfont in a fairly small package. In particular, the all-important grand piano is very pleasing. But of course, like any other collections, there are a few presets I am not fond of. Just out of nosiness, I did a few modifications to it:.
- Replaced viola with viola from a340.
- Replaced choirAahs with choirAahs from Sinfonia.
- Replaced trumpet with Trumpet-JL.
- Replaced Orchestra (percussion) with Orhcestra from Sinfonia
(All replacement presets are free stuff. )
- Deleted all presets in banks > 0 except Solo French Horn (001:060) and Madolin (016:025). How many people even know they are in the soundfont?
- Deleted all the lead and pad presets (000:80 - 000:103), which I know I will never use.
Well, I still end up with a soundfont of size 28,767,122. It is not GM/GS, but I am unlikely to miss what I shed.
This soundfont is wonderful, specially for chamber music. I think that some instruments (violin) are louder than others, I compensate on the mixer.