microsoft software synth

[halfwaycat]

When I try to enable microsoft GS wavetable software synth from the Traction- settings - midi devices I get the message couldn't open device. I am using a Mackie spike connected to a Windows Xp PC. I can play midi files external to Traction through the spike via the Microsoft software synth
Many thanks

[bassport]

download a free soft synth (there are tons out there). don't use the ms synth... can't come much good from this.

[herodotus]

Actually, the glockenspiel (and ONLY the glockenspiel) on the native XP softsynth is usable within a two octave range. I think that I've downloaded nearly every (VSTi) freebie there is and I haven't found a better glock than this one. But yeah, the rest is pretty crappy. Try Synth 1. (Easily found in the "Quick Instrument Links"

[halfwaycat]

I have a lot of midi drum samlpes conforming to GM standard, which the GS wavetable software synth played back, but as I stated not within Tracktion. Can any one recomend a VST synth that would be suitable (preferably free)

[braj]

I have a lot of midi drum samlpes conforming to GM standard, which the GS wavetable software synth played back, but as I stated not within Tracktion. Can any one recomend a VST synth that would be suitable (preferably free)

Pick up sfx and some quality soundfonts. A better but more complex option would be to create your own GM-mapped preset for Tracktion's built-in sampler. Do it once and then you'd always have it there, and no plug-in woes. (maybe someone can point you to the kits available on the web, though I don't know if they are GM mapped or not).

[chico.co.uk]

The usual suggestion is sfz, a freebie soundfont player, and then your choice of drum soundfont, there's loads available on the web.

SFZ from here;
http://www.rgcaudio.com/sfz.htm

A great starting point from freebie ("real" sounding) drums is the NsKit in one of it's various variations

http://www.naturalstudio.co.uk/sampled.html

Google will bring you many more than you'd ever need. The other options include CM's SR202, DS404 and the drum synth that i forget the name of, free with a copy of Computer Music magazine (about a fiver).

Kvr also lists loads of other alternatives

Chico

[C00kie]

Yeah, the XP softsynth is utter crap. Supposed it would open ok, it would output anything with a delay of nearly one second.

If SFZ can't play your drums (load SF2 GM/GS banks, I recall you should change to bank #127 for the drums?) then try a search on free samplers that play soundfonts.

Or maybe setup a drumkit in Tracktions native sampler? Haven't played a lot with that one...

[chardin]

This forum is the best. I had been wondering if I could use my Sonic Implants soundfonts in Tracktion. I had to set the bank to 128 to get the drums to work in sfz.

If I have 4 MIDI tracks, do I have to have a separate sfz filter for each track? Would I save CPU by sending all 4 to one instance of sfz?

[chico.co.uk]

I believe you'd save memory by routing 4 midi tracks to one instance of sfz, as you'd only load one instance of the soundfont into memory. But i've not tested it, it just seems likely.

[chardin]

I should have added another question: How do I route several MIDI tracks to one sfx filter? I'm still learning the in's and out's of Tracktion. Thanks for all your help.