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Synthesizer

    Overview

    To display the Synthesizer: from the menu, select View→Synthesizer.

    The Synthesizer controls MuseScore's sound output and allows you to:

    The Synthesizer window is divided into the following sections/tabs:

    Save/Load Synthesizer settings

    A set of synthesizer settings includes the order of SoundFonts and SFZ files, effects set-up, master tuning and volume, it is the configuration of the audio engine of one running MuseScore program. Only one set of settings can be in effect (per running MuseScore program).
    The buttons at the bottom of the Synthesizer window have the following functions:

    Button Function
    Set as Default Saves all current synthesizer settings as the default settings. These will be automatically applied when you open MuseScore next time. This button works like a save button Save to Default profile : subsequent changes in the current synthesizer settings will not be saved as default until you press this button again.
    Load Default Loads the last saved default settings to the Synthesizer.
    Save to Score Saves all current synthesizer settings to the current score only. These will not be automatically applied next time you open the score.
    Load from Score Loads the settings from the current score to the synthesizer.

    Notes: Changes to synthesizer settings will not be heard in exported audio files unless saved to the score first.
    See also Tuning

    Fluid (SF2/SF3)

    Fluid in Synthesizer

    Click on the Fluid tab to access the control panel for SF2/SF3 SoundFont sample libraries. Load, rearrange or delete soundfonts as required. By default, the SoundFont MuseScore_General.sf3 should already be loaded.

    Ordering the soundfonts

    When adding soundfonts to the Fluid synth tab (above), you should keep in mind the following points:

    To load a soundfont

    1. Make sure your soundfont is installed in your Soundfonts folder.
    2. Click on the Add button
    3. Click on a soundfont in the list.

    To reorder the soundfonts

    1. Click on a soundfont
    2. Use the up/down arrows (on the right-hand side) to adjust the order.
    3. Repeat with other soundfonts in the list if required.
    4. Or use the double up arrow (on the top right-hand side) to move any SoundFont to the top of the list.

    To remove a soundfont

    1. Click on the name of the soundfont
    2. Click on the Delete button.

    Note: Removing a soundfont from the synthesizer does not uninstall it from the Soundfonts folder: it will still be available if you wish to reload it later.

    Zerberus (SFZ)

    Click on the Zerberus tab to access the control panel for SFZ sound sample libraries. You can add, delete or reorder files in a similar way to the Fluid tab. Note that, as with Fluid, the SFZ files must first be installed in your soundfonts folder before they can be loaded into the synthesizer.

    Effects

    The Master Effects tab of the Synthesizer allows you to add reverb and compression to your score.

    Master Effects in Synthesizer Zita1 and SC4
    Master Effects with Zita1 Reverb and SC4 Compressor.

    To turn an effect on or off:

    To store and load effects configurations, use the buttons at the bottom of the Synthesizer window. See Synthesizer settings (above) for details.

    Zita 1 reverb

    The Zita 1 stereo reverb module allows you to simulate the ambience of anything from a small room to a large hall. The pre-delay, reverb time and tone of the reverb can be finely tuned using the controls provided:

    Note: EQ1 and EQ2 affect the tone of the reverb only, not the dry (unprocessed) signal.

    To quickly set up an effects patch, set "Output" to "Mix" and adjust the "Mid RT60" control to the desired reverb time. Then fine tune the effect as explained above.

    SC4 compressor

    The SC4 stereo compressor gives you fine control over the playback's dynamic range, reducing the volume variation between loud and soft sounds. It offers the following controls:

    To quickly set-up, try setting RMS = 1, Threshold = -20 db, Ratio = 6. Increase Gain to restore the lost volume. Then fine-tune as explained above.

    Tuning

    The Tuning tab is where you can adjust the program's master tuning. For Concert Pitch instruments, A4 = 440 Hz by default. To use a custom tuning system, visit Tuning systems, microtonal notation system, and playback.

    Tuning in Synthesizer

    To change the Master tuning:

    Notes: (1) This tuning applies to all scores in the current session only. To make this the program default or to store it to a particular score, see Save/Load Synthesizer settings. (2) To apply the new tuning to exported audio files (WAV, MP3, OGG), press Save to Score before exporting.

    Dynamics (versions 3.1 and above)

    Dynamics in Synthesizer

    Some dynamics symbols have non-zero "Velocity change" property. When setup properly, it creates an Attack envelope simulation effect on note playback on certain instruments, eg sfz symbol on violins, more info see Dynamics
    Musescore also utilize the same audio creation mechanism to simulate a variation of loudness effect on certain instruments eg crescendo on one violin long note, more info see Reguladores
    This mechanism utilize the MIDI Continuous Controller / Control Change (MIDI CC) Messages (wikipedia) technology

    This tab contains settings for this audio creation mechanism. See also Different meanings of SNDs

    Volume

    The slider on the right of the Synthesizer controls the playback volume: any changes made here last only to the end of the session, unless saved to the score or set as the new default.

    See also