Free samples, sample-players, and where to find them2007-08-19T03:04:30+00:00Somebody seems to need this information every five minutes so a very kind moderator made it a sticky.
Free VSTi sfz player (Multiplatform):
[UPDATE:] I now recommend using sforzando as your default sf2 player and using the internal engine to convert your sf2's to sfz's. Unlike the two alternatives listed below, it is well-supported and not terribly buggy.
Free VSTi SoundFont(sf2)/sfz player (Windows):
I recommend using sforzando, as above. However for legacy purposes the following is provided. In my experience SFZ, even in it's multi-core version, tends to cause horrific static, so be forewarned:
sfz - Dual-core/Multi-core/hyperthreading version (somewhat buggy)
sfz is one of the only free SoundFont player (other than the one below) which accurately plays SoundFonts and uses the internal loop/ADSR characteristics. Its CPU usage in draft mode (still very good quality) is quite low. Turn 'effects' off for even better CPU usage. May crash your host in DFD mode (use SF or PR modes instead).
VSTSynthFont (Windows):
VSTSynthfont
Synthfont is more advanced than sfz and can handle one soundbank to every MIDI channel, but has almost double the CPU usage. It also plays GigaStudio files. I have found it to crash Tracktion, but YMMV.
A variety of other sample players are available here , - some wav, some soundfont - be aware that the other soundfont players are either incompatible with a wide variety of sf2's, buggy, or do not implement internal ADSR or looping (tested). This includes Kontakt - which does not play back stereo samples in soundfonts, rendering them in mono instead.
Free soundbank convertor:
Chicken System's Translator Free
Has some limitations, but can convert soundbanks from one format to another seamlessly.
Often a good way to utilise free Gigastudio/Kontakt files is to translate them to rgc:audio's sfz format, then use the sfz VSTi above to play them. Low CPU usage, and free.
Free SoundFonts(sf2):
sf2midi
Sf2midi is often the fastest way to find the kind of SoundFont you're looking for, requires free, painless registration.
There are, of course, an absolute ton of other sample sites out there on the net, as detailed in many, many other threads, for example here (SoundFonts only) , and here (samples in general) .
Realtime Midi manipulation VST's
I have personally found Tobybear's Midibag VST plugins to be absolutely life-saving for MIDI-manipulation. The humanisator, in particular, comes in handy.
Another one is NiallM's ndcMIDI Pack .
Cheers,
M@metamorphosishttps://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=54189
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In Session Audio offering free guitar taster for Kontakt (full version required)
We are offering three free loop suites from our upcoming Lowdown Groove Guitar collection.
The loop library blends funk, R&B, jazz and rock influences into 500+ licks in the 70-105 BPM range.
I do have to agree with metamorphosis and Eduardo and the points they are making about hiding from an unknown possibility.
Quite a few years have passed since the original creation of this thread but just wanted to say in case the creator is still reading replies. Thank you for this post, it will be and has been a great help. Thank you for the post, just one small opinion among hundreds of replies but thank you!