Converting Sampletank to .sfz

[marcaze]

Hey all!

I'm thinking of converting my ST/SS2/Philharmonik libraries to the sfz format to use them within Dimension Pro, since it is my main synth; I like its expression engine and I wanted to kind of "centralize" my sample collections. Question is... I love the effects used on presets on SampleTank 2.5 and I know I'll loose them while converting, and the effects on Dimension Pro are weak IMO. Is there a way to "conserve" the effects settings? (I don't think so, but had to ask anyway). The idea of reprograming each preset doesn't attract me at all.

And even if I can't conserve the effects, do you think it's worth the effort of converting the libraries? Or should I stick with the ST engine?

Thanks in advance

[stephenpaulharper]

You could get Extreme Sample Converter and use its VST converter which will convert the ouput with FX, but man, that's gonna be quite a task patch-by-patch. I have some issues with ST myself, but the FX can't be beat. Plus you'd have no control over them in the converted sample. I have DP LE which came with SONAR, but haven't used it yet. What advantage does it have over ST?

Good Luck.

Steve

[Bassballjg]

Actually, ESC only works with ST 1 sounds, not ST2. There is nothing I am aware of that converts FROM ST2, although I'm pretty sure that Translator will convert into it.

I definitely understand the appeal of getting both sample libraries under one(both) roof(s). I have both ST and D-Pro, and each has its strengths. With ST it's effects, the synth engines and multis, with Dimension, it's ease of use, the deep power of the sfz spec and sound quality. You can get a lot of great music out of that team.

[marcaze]

Yup, I wasn't aware that ESC can't convert ST2. I guess I'll stick with Sampletank some more

[Reverend Rhythm]

Just to add my two cents, I'm pretty sure that ST is a closed system. I've worked with different colors for the ST interface, and finally I have come to peace with it. It is really east to edit patches, and, as you said, the effects are nice.

[stephenpaulharper]

Actually, ESC only works with ST 1 sounds, not ST2. There is nothing I am aware of that converts FROM ST2, although I'm pretty sure that Translator will convert into it.

It won't convert from ST2 files on their own, but you can load an instance of ST2 (or any VST) into ESC's VST converter and convert the samples - with FX - that way. Trust me, it's easy. ESC converts the audio output of the VST to a destination format, so the original ST2 files remain intact.

Cheers.

Steve

[Bassballjg]

Actually, ESC only works with ST 1 sounds, not ST2. There is nothing I am aware of that converts FROM ST2, although I'm pretty sure that Translator will convert into it.

It won't convert from ST2 files on their own, but you can load an instance of ST2 (or any VST) into ESC's VST converter and convert the samples - with FX - that way. Trust me, it's easy. ESC converts the audio output of the VST to a destination format, so the original ST2 files remain intact.

Cheers.

Steve

I sample VSTs in ESC all the time, and love it; however, you can only do one at a time, and you have to loop the samples yourself, which is easier in ESC than almost anything else, but is an extra step and with effects it the loop will probably not come out sounding the same as the looped dry sample with effects added. And considering the massive scale of what the OP wants to do as far as library management, resampling seems an impractical solution for getting SS2 and Miroslav Philharmonik in sfz. However, were one to create one's own ST multis and Child Presets, your suggestion is a brilliant creative alternative.