Free VSTi sfz player (Multiplatform):
[UPDATE:] I now recommend using sforzando as your default sf2 player and using the internal engine to convert your sf2's to sfz's. Unlike the two alternatives listed below, it is well-supported and not terribly buggy.
Free VSTi SoundFont(sf2)/sfz player (Windows):
I recommend using sforzando, as above. However for legacy purposes the following is provided. In my experience SFZ, even in it's multi-core version, tends to cause horrific static, so be forewarned:
- sfz - Dual-core/Multi-core/hyperthreading version (somewhat buggy)
VSTSynthFont (Windows):
- VSTSynthfont
Synthfont is more advanced than sfz and can handle one soundbank to every MIDI channel, but has almost double the CPU usage. It also plays GigaStudio files. I have found it to crash Tracktion, but YMMV.
Free soundbank convertor:
- Chicken System's Translator Free
Has some limitations, but can convert soundbanks from one format to another seamlessly.
Often a good way to utilise free Gigastudio/Kontakt files is to translate them to rgc:audio's sfz format, then use the sfz VSTi above to play them. Low CPU usage, and free.
- sf2midi
Sf2midi is often the fastest way to find the kind of SoundFont you're looking for, requires free, painless registration.
Realtime Midi manipulation VST's
I have personally found Tobybear's Midibag VST plugins to be absolutely life-saving for MIDI-manipulation. The humanisator, in particular, comes in handy.
Another one is NiallM's ndcMIDI Pack.
Cheers,
M@