Published on MuseScore.org

Synthesizer

    Overview

    MuseScore's synthesizer creates audio using the sample-based synthesis(wikipedia) and virtual instrument technology. MuseScore 3 comes with the free MuseScore_General.sf3 sound library (sample library) file, see the SoundFonts and SFZ files chapter.

    Clicking on top toolbar's play button, or exporting an audio file etc instructs Musescore 3.6.2 to uses the current program session synthesizer settings. The Synthesizer window contains these settings, they include:

    To display the Synthesizer window, select View→Synthesizer. It has the following tabs:

    Synthesizer settings

    The Synthesizer window contains settings that Musescore uses during the current program session. Settings can be saved into and loaded from two types of places:

    Auto and manual loading

    Clicking on top toolbar's play button, or exporting an audio file etc instructs Musescore 3.6.2 to uses these current program session synthesizer settings. The synthesizer settings data existed in the score file (if any) are not used.

    The only time any synthesizer settings are automatically loaded is when the user opens the Musescore program. During program startup, the synthesizer settings saved on the operating system (the "default" profile) are loaded.

    Opening a score file does not automatically load its synthesizer settings data inside into the current session. Also, in the case of multiple opened score files in one program session, switching to view another score does not automatically update the current session synthesizer settings to those data saved inside the score file.

    Auto and manual saving

    Changed settings are never automatically saved. User must uses the buttons at the bottom of the Synthesizer window.

    Save and load buttons

    Use the buttons at the bottom of the Synthesizer window to manage settings under all tabs (see overview):

    Button Function
    Set as Default Saves the current synthesizer settings into the operating system (the "default" profile). The "default" profile will be automatically loaded during MuseScore startup next time. Subsequent changes in the synthesizer window are not automatically saved into the operating system (the "default" profile).
    Load Default Loads the last saved synthesizer settings inside the operating system (the "default" profile) into the current session.
    Save to Score Saves the current synthesizer settings into the score file that the user is currently viewing only, but not into other opened score files. The score file synthesizer setting data is never automatically loaded or utilized directly.
    Load from Score Loads the synthesizer settings data existed inside the score file (if any) into the current session.

    Ordering of the sound libraries

    When arranging the sound libraries to the list under Fluid tab or Zerberus tab, keep in mind that the order of sound libraries affects audio generation:

    Fluid (SF2/SF3)

    Fluid in Synthesizer

    The Fluid tab allows users to load, rearrange or disable SF2 and SF3 files for the current session for playback and audio export purpose. By default, the list shown one and only one item, the built-in MuseScore_General.sf3. To use a custom sound library, it must be installed onto the machine first, see the SoundFonts and SFZ files chapter.

    Using a new SF2/SF3 in the current session

    1. Make sure the SF2/SF3 is installed.
    2. Click on the Add button
    3. Select the SF2/SF3 file.

    Reordering the SF2/SF3s

    1. Click on an item on the list
    2. Use the up/down arrows (on the right-hand side) to adjust the order.
    3. Repeat if required.
    4. Or use the double up arrow (on the top right-hand side) to move any item to the top of the list.

    NOTE: Reordering SF2/SF3 is usually unneccessary, as explained in the "Ordering of the sound libraries" session.

    Disabling a SF2/SF3 for the current session

    1. Click on an item on the list
    2. Click on the Delete button.

    NOTE: Disabling SF2/SF3 is usually unneccessary. Disabling a higher ordered item changes the list's ordering and affects playback of Musescore instruments that utilize lower ordered items, as explained in the "Ordering of the sound libraries" session.

    Zerberus (SFZ)

    The Zerberus tab allows users to load, rearrange or disable SFZ files for the current session in a similar way to SF2/SF3 in the Fluid tab.

    Effects

    The Master Effects tab allows user to add and adjust reverb and compression post-processing effect.

    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

    Tuning in Synthesizer

    The Tuning tab allows user to adjust the current session's synthesizer master tuning. To use a custom tuning system, see the Tuning systems, microtonal notation system, and playback chapter.

    To change the Master tuning:

    Dynamics (versions 3.1 and above)

    Dynamics in Synthesizer

    Some dynamics symbols have a non-zero "Velocity change" property. When set up properly, it creates an Attack envelope simulation effect on note playback on certain instruments, eg sfz symbol on violins, see Dynamics for more information.
    MuseScore also utilizes 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 Hairpins
    This mechanism utilizes 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

    To ensure all dynamics symbols (eg. sfz) and hairpins create correct audio on a score using the built-in MuseScore_General.sf3, use the default options.

    Volume

    The slider on the right of the Synthesizer controls the master playback volume (gain). Tread lightly, as the output volume changes dramatically with small adjustment.

    See also