Why Musescore synthesizer never sounds like Fluid?
Hello.
I've noticed that when I listen to a score in Musescore using a soundfont of my choice it doesn't sound the same as playing the MIDI file with another soundfont player (like fluidsynth) using the same soundfont.
Even if I disable the effects from the mixer and the synthesizer it still sounds kind of chorussy and beepy or just less realistic compared to using the same soundfont with another soundfont player.
I'm wondering if there's anything else I need to disable/change so that listening in Musescore will sound just the same as using a soundfont player with the same soundfont.
This is what I'm talking about:
Using Musescore: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1m5d3knrG6TMEcxNWUzcjVyZlU
Using Fluidsynth: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1m5d3knrG6TWV9aLTJzd204Y00
Notice the change of brightness at second 20. In the Musescore version you don't hear this change
By the way, I couldn't export the file as audio. Musescore kept using the default mono soundfont to export instead of the piano one I chose. I tried using other piano soundfonts but it still used the default soundfont. Then I tried with GM soundfonts and it exported with them, but only as mono. In the end I had to record with Audacity to get the audio from Musescore.
Comments
Did you try changing the soundfont file into the MuseScore Synthesizer panel?
You have to put your specific soundfont file at the upper position of the soundfonts list to get the sound you want. Or, you can delete the soundfont file(s) you don't want to hear.
Of course, there is a MuseScore Preference Menu where you have to teach MuseScore where on your PC you have your soundfont files. This have to be done before any change in the Synthesizer.
BTW, I've used MuseScore 2.0.0 under Windows XP and 7, and Linux (Ubuntu) and I've never had problems to save audio files from MuseScore directly. I guess you're missing some step in the process. Of course, it is more convenient to perform this using "Parts" (to save each instrument into its own audio file). Then I use Audacity to mixdown all the "tracks". But... I insist, you wouldn't have problems to save audio from MuseScore directly. Try again!
jotape, I'm doing it exactly the way you describe.
Did you listen to the audio files I uploaded? they have no parts because it's a solo piano piece, one of the demos: Reunion
And I could export the file using GM soundfonts, though all exported as mono, not stereo, but that's not the main problem
In reply to jotape, I'm doing it exactly by BlindNed
I can't speak to why they sound different (if it's definitely the same SoundFont and effects are disabled in MuseScore, my guess would be that there are effects applied in FluidSynth)—but I do know that to export audio files with non-default Synthesizer settings, you need to use the "Save to Score" button in the Synthesizer first. Hope this helps.
In reply to I can't speak to why they by Isaac Weiss
Ah, that's what I was missing. Still it sounds a bit different, the Musescore version still being a little inferior:
Musescore (2nd take): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1m5d3knrG6TRWwtM1V3cUlMdkU
Fluidsynth (2nd take): https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B1m5d3knrG6TeERCd0RXWXFGU2c
I don't understand. I hear the difference you are talking about, but it sounds like fluidsynth is the one messing up. There is no reason for any sound change at 0:20. Seems lie MuseScore is getting it right, no?
In reply to I don't understand. I hear by Marc Sabatella
You're right. Using other soundfont players I didn't hear the brightness change, but it still sounds a bit different. See my comment above to listen again.
In reply to You're right. Using other by BlindNed
I'm not a programmer and I don't have any clue about how exactly MuseScore synthesizer works, but... as an old recording studio technician, I think that the different sounds here is something related to equalization (balance between the different frecuencies we are hearing).
There is something between the original sound from the soundfont file and the final MuseScore synthesizer sound we get.
I repeat, I don't have any clue about why and/or how to fix it, but... there is something to "revisited" here.
Whatever, with the typical classical orchestra instruments, I just protest about the brass. But, the sounds we get from the soundfont files we have, are absolutely "endurables" (to all of us whom can't pay real musicians, hehehehe!!!)