Using SoundFonts in your DAW

in soundfonts •  7 years ago 

When you think of adding orchestral instruments to a production, you probably think of Kontakt. However, there is another option that is free. SoundFonts are a format that were originally developed in the early 1990’s.

If you are on a budget, SoundFonts are the optimal choice. They lack the articulations and detail of Kontakt instruments, but can be used to create fairly convincing orchestral mock-ups. They are not limited to orchestral instrumentation either. You can find collections of synth, 8 bit, band, and other instrument sounds online.

See my example video below showing how to use SoundFonts in Reaper.

Below is a list of Free SoundFont collections as well as some DAW plugins that will allow you to play them back on different platforms.

Free SoundFont collections

Soundfont Players

All the options below are free.

  • Sforzando
    • Windows/OS X compatible.
    • Will play SFZ and SF2 format files.
      Standalone, VST, AU, RTAS, AAX supported.
  • LinuxSampler Project
    • Linux only.
    • Supports SFZ files and has an unfinished implementation of SF2 support.
Authors get paid when people like you upvote their post.
If you enjoyed what you read here, create your account today and start earning FREE STEEM!
Sort Order:  

Nice to meet another "sound loving, DAW using music creative" here on Steemit. I´ll follow you right away! Enjoy your time! Rolf from CZ

Thanks for watching! I'm enjoying your modular synthesis videos about the Softtube VST. They are very in depth.

Oh, I´m glad to hear that. There will be more of that and more series like that. I´m working hard to get my new website ready. there are going to be some new services as well. Have a good time! Rolf