Timbres of Heaven Soundfont 2.0.2
Hi all,
I just wanted to point out to people this excellent sound font because I feel It deserves to be mentioned here. In my experience, it is very well balanced and put together. It is GM, GS and XG compatible and includes quite a few sound effects. In my opinion it is an excellent general purpose soundfont and I already replaced my system's default Sound Canvas set with it (Personally I think it stomps the FluidR3_GM set). It's a 250mb download (319.6mb uncompressed) which makes it a little large to be incorporated into the base install. But it definitely should be mentioned on the website. Also, make sure it's that full size when downloaded, as I have heard some difficulties when downloading from it's site.
Comments
Hmm it looks as though the copyright is a bit restricting - we're trying to build a library of soundfonts recommended for use with MuseScore, and downloadable from MuseScore.org, but it looks as though we wouldn't be able to do that with this one due to its copyright restrictions.
But thanks for the headsup - I'll give it a test run at the weekend when I have some time :)
In reply to Hmm it looks as though the by ChurchOrganist
We could ask for Don Allen's permission.
And we can link to that site from the handbook , like we do for several other soundfonts
Turning this one into an SF3 Format, for use with 2.0, might be nice, but for sure requires the author's permission.
In reply to Hmm it looks as though the by ChurchOrganist
Is a link to the main page not enough?
In any case, I'm no lawyer but I believe the only restriction is that you would have to get in contact with Don Allen first. :)
Heh, beat me too it!
In reply to Is a link to the main page by Joshua Pettus
Just out of curiosity, what would be the advantage of turning it into sf3 font? (A format created for MuseScore am I right?) From what I have seen from the nightlys, 2.0 uses fluidsynth which is more then capable of playing sf2, and seems to work just fine.
In reply to Just out of curiosity, what by Joshua Pettus
SF3 is Werner's compressed version of SF2, so the soundfont needs way less diskspace (and download resources). This might make it suitable for inclusion in the MuseScore base install. It certainly did for Fluid.
In reply to SF3 is Werner's compressed by Jojo-Schmitz
And no noticeable performance hit? Neat!
In reply to And no noticeable performance by Joshua Pettus
Check http://musescore.org/en/node/20818
In reply to Check by Jojo-Schmitz
Oh I see, I thought for a second that the whole file was compressed like .sfark or something. This makes sense. :)
Though if you want to compress it further, that could still be an option. MuseScore can use the zziplib or something to read zip archives without adding too much, if any, loading I believe.
Could shave off another 3 or so mb from FluidR_GM.sf3. :)
I've actually tried this soundfont (Twice over two months time) with several scores with set parameters (I.E reverb levels and volume levels are the same) and there is still a lot of work to be done with this soundfont. Some of the instruments are too quiet and get overwhelmed by the others and some stick out like sore thumbs in the mix (I.E, Bassoon. You're too loud.)
ATM, General User works perfect.
In reply to Um by Symphony2
Are you sure you are talking about the same version? I have worked with the Bassoon a lot in my woodwind quartet. (flute, oboe, clarinet and bassoon as it's a nonstandard group) I have noticed no issues with balancing. Well soprano Sax might be a little quiet, but that was with one file I tested, and not enough to make a final judgement.
Edit2: Never mind, It was indeed just the midi file in question.
In reply to Are you sure you are talking by Joshua Pettus
Yes sir, in fact, the second time I've tried it was yesterday. It seems that it's not my file, it's the soundfont. I often find myself turning the levels in the mixers up or down to get a consistent sound within sections. Hmm...I'll try it out some more and report back.
In reply to Yes, yes and yes by Symphony2
If you don't mind, please try it with this as well.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cidowspa6wla17j/Woodwind%20Quartet%20%20Mov.I…
It's a small group, but I think the balancing is alright. (Unless I am a moron which is entirely possible. XD). That said, I hear he is working on a new version out sometime soon. Maybe it will be better the next time around.