Need Help with simple soundfont editing

[blackguard999]

Hello there
I have downloaded various sf2 files that I like and I would like to make one sf2 file that has my favorite sounds on the same bank (mostly for percussion sounds)
how can I do that? I tried vienna but it must export the sample in wav format and import it again...too much trouble.There must be an easier way to do this...I would only need to edit they key range that each sound would be applied to.
Any recommendations? what software would work best for this task?
Thanks a lot for reading this

[Klemperer]

I found Awave studio pretty easy. But it is a software that is there for converting 200+ formats into each other (extreeeemely useful for me, I love it) and not exactly cheap. Find it HERE. There is a list on the left, click Avave studio.
I don't know what the demo can do, maybe it can do this...so you might have a look at it. there are cheaper alternatives, but I don't own them. For creating soundfonts after your wish it is a breeze. I used it to convert so many things in so many others, and never regretted buying it, but well, for one task it might just be a bit too much, so try it yourself.

[foulaire]

If all your files are sf2 already then there should be no need to export/import waves. In fact you don't need to concern yourself with the samples at all except to delete any unused ones.

The heart of the sf2 is the Instrument pool. Most of the programming is done there including key mapping, modulation, tuning etc.

You should be able to copy and paste the imported instrument and it will take all associated samples with it and add them to the sample pool automatically.

You might try Viena (one n) from http://www.synthfont.com/. It allows
up to four sf2's open at a time in a tabbed environment. That might make it easier than having to open Vienna's import window. Viena is free and you don't need a Creative sound card to use it.

[Klemperer]

Indeed, what foulaire wrote is great advice. I thought you'd want to arrange all of your sf2 (cutting this, adding that and so on), but as Synthfont and Viena are free/donationware, this might be the much better way to go. I never really tried Viena, might have a go myself sometimes

[bobsled]

Another vote for SynthFont. Check out this info from the Viena help file.

Viena main functions
Toolbar buttons:

Open a SoundFont file. The file will be opened into the current tab in area A. Use the drop down list to pick an SF2 loaded into SynthFont.

Create a new SF2 file in memory. Give a name to the file. At this moment no actual file will be created on the disk.

Save the SF2 file. In the File manu you can find a Save As... command.

Create a new preset. A dialog will open. In this dialog you can select bank, program number and name for the preset. Then you can select from which SF2 you want to take the instruments, and finally select the instruments. Each instrument will create one layer in the preset.

Create a new instrument. A dialog will open. In this dialog you can givet a name to the instrument. Then you can select from which SF2 you want to take the source material. You can select two different kinds of sources: audio samples, to create new splits, or existing splits, if you want to copy splits from another instrument (in the same or another SF2). Finally select the samples or splits.

Add new audio samples. You create a new audio sample by importing a WAV file from the disk. Note that audio samples are always monophonic so if you import a stereophonic sample, Viena will create two new audio samples.

Create new preset layer. This button is enabled only when you have selected a preset. In the dialog box, select the SF2 source and the instruments you want to use. If the instruments are in another SF2, all the necessary audio samples wil be copied as well. Each layer in a preset references one instrument. Layers can overlap, both in the key range and in the velocity range. Typical use of layers is to pan one to the left and the other to the right for a stereophonic sound. Layers can also be used to created completely new sounds out of a few instruments.

Create new instrument splits. This button is enabled only when you have selected an instrument. In the dialog box, select the SF2 source and wether you want to use (copy) existing splits or create new splits from audio samples. If the splits are in another SF2, all the necessary audio samples wil be copied as well. Each split in an instrument eferences one audio sample. Splits can overlap, both in the key range and in the velocity range. Splits can be used in the same way as layers (above). Please note that one instrument may be used by many presets!

Go back to previous level. This is a navigation tool. IF you double-click on a layer in a preset, you will be taken to the corresponding instrument (as a layer is a shortcut to the instrument). Use this button to get backt to the preset.

Copy item and Paste item. Any item in the tree view can be selected and copied (except from the top level nodes). The copied item can then be pasted into the same or another SF2.

Copy and Paste presets. This is a handy tool for copying presets, with all associated instruments and audio samples, from one SF2 to paste it into another.

Press this button to switch to SynthFont's main window. Then, in SynthFont, press the Viena button to go back.

Seems like just the thing for what you're trying to do.

[tomg]

I would like to make one sf2 file that has my favorite sounds on the same bank (mostly for percussion sounds)

what software would work best for this task?
Thanks a lot for reading this

What you need is SoundFont Librarian, just create a new bank and drag your favorites where you want 'em.

SoundFont Librarian
http://developer.creative.com/landing.a ... =35&top=52