How do I use soundfonts?

[88fingers]

I got some good soundfonts ( I assume they're good from the demos I listened to), and I got sfark to decompress them, but how do I use them with MIDI and Cubase?

[etnoziroh]

I don't know how Cubase runs soundfonts because I don't use it but you can download the free sfz VST plugin and you can load soundfonts into it. Do a search here in the forums, I'm sure this question has been asked and answered before.

[AlChuck]

There are two ways:

(1) Use a soundcard that has a Sound Font synth on it -- SoundBlaster Live or Audigy.

(2) Use a VST sample playback softsynth that can load Sound Fonts.

[88fingers]

I use a Delta1010, which I'm not positive whether or not it uses soundfonts. What's an example of a VST plugin that would use them?

[AlChuck]

The Delta 1010 does not, it has no on-board synth hardware.

Google "VSTi sound font" and I bet you'll find all you need.

[cordura21]

Originally Posted by 88fingers

I got some good soundfonts ( I assume they're good from the demos I listened to), and I got sfark to decompress them, but how do I use them with MIDI and Cubase?

This is a great, free, sample player that handles soundfonts.
http://www.rgcaudio.com/sfz.htm

Cheers, Andrés

[johnnymegabyte]

Ironic how Soundblasters have on-board synth module (E-MU), which seems like a great option, yet they miss the boat as a high-end sound card, and what other cards like Delta 1010 has in features and specs.

For the low-tech / home / not-too-serious or broke musicians out there, a SB using soundfonts is a great "starter" set-up, before investing in more expensive high-end sound cards, software, plug-ins, synth modules etc.

If you simply want to play midi tracks (backing tracks), and add yourself singing and playing guitar, for example, and record in stereo on PC (quick "demo") ... a SB Live for $35, with its bundled software, isn't too bad to experiment in the digital world of recording.

[Carter]

Im so use to running Pro Tools most of the time, but if I recall Cubase can run sountfonts, I also have Cubase SE in my studio and I thought for sure all you have to do is load them in the correct folder.

as Alchuck said
(2) Use a VST sample playback softsynth that can load Sound Fonts.
and I thought this was part of the program.

Could be wrong though I never used sound fonts

[AlChuck]

if I recall Cubase can run sountfonts, I also have Cubase SE in my studio and I thought for sure all you have to do is load them in the correct folder.

This is the same thing that SONAR and probably other apps do. It just allows you to load sound sets readily from within the application. You still need a sound font-savvy device, either hardware or software, to actually play them.