BFD/DFHS Soundfont?

SFrond · Feb 24, 2006, 12:05 AM

As I understand it, soundfonts are more or less the collection of samples? I am using BFD drumming software with a set of electronic drums. Now do I need to load a BFD soundfont? Or is the rewire funtion sufficiant with Sonar? I ask because I cant seem to find any appropriate BFD files to load through the KX soundfont window. Any push in the right direction is appreciated. THANKS!

Maddogg6 · Feb 24, 2006, 12:37 AM

1) Yes - Sondfonts (.SF2 - Files) are a synth voice 'package' file containging multiple samples, as well as ASDR, Filter, FX Send, Velocity layering/Scaling, Modulation routing.. etc..
2) I think BFD is a different file format - while may contain samples as well, it probably also contains other synth parameters, I'd imagine is much different than SF2 or KX synth params as well.
3) .SF2 files are loaded via the KX SF Mixer applet - as well as dynamically loaded per project in sonar.
4) These loaded SF2 files can be heard by using the corresponding KX SYNTH 1 (or 2) MIDI OUT PORT. Set this in each track in Sonar. While there are 2 KX Synths that are SF2 compatable, sonar can only load SF2's for the top most SF device in the MIDI setup.

thomasabarnes · Feb 24, 2006, 01:03 AM

BFD is available in all popular formats, VSTi, for example, when you install it, make sure you install the VSTi version. In SONAR on the toolbar, go to Insert Softsynths, and select the VSTi vesrsion.

Lex Nahumury · Feb 24, 2006, 01:31 AM

I don't see what BFD (a VSTi drumkit using very large samples) has to do with SoundFonts.

thomasabarnes · Feb 24, 2006, 02:09 AM

I think this guy thinks BFD is a soundfont, and that is surprising.

SFrond · Feb 24, 2006, 11:15 AM

lol. I can always count on Driver Haven for a response. Thanks guys.

I didnt think BFD as a whole was a soundfont, its alltogether too large. I was thinking however that there might be a "dummy" soundfont or something to load through KX. Thought maybe it wouldnt work without it? (as far as translating midi to sound).
So now VSti . . you say this is a format. How does the Virtual Studio Tech format compare to the SoundFont format?

Lex Nahumury · Feb 24, 2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFrond

So now VSti . . you say this is a format. How does the Virtual Studio Tech format compare to the SoundFont format?

NOT!
Totaly different things. VST isn't even a 'format'.
It is a platform for programming all kinds of audio procceses.
Just because BFD uses drum samples internaly does not necesarely mean it has anything to do with *any* existing sampler format like soundfonts or whatever.

Maddogg6 · Feb 24, 2006, 05:38 PM

Ok - it sounds like BFD is a file format used by a SOFT SYNTH (A VSTi)

Now - KX use Soundfonts - which are used by the KX HARDWARE Synths - not a VSTi - so its a little more responsive with 0 latency. KX cant load BFD Soundbanks - and I assume is true for vise-versa also.

There ARE however - VSTi's that emulate the KX HARDWARE Synths - that CAN load SOUNDFONT or '.SF2' files.

Lex Nahumury · Feb 24, 2006, 06:13 PM

Last try..

>>Ok - it sounds like BFD is a file format used by a SOFT SYNTH (A VSTi)
No, BFD is as VSTi. Not a file format!

>>KX HARDWARE Synths ...so its a little more responsive with 0 latency.
Not entirly true and definitly not 0 latency.
Hardware synths add ~2 to 8 ms easily.
VSTi can even be faster.
Less CPU usage,.. Yes, but perse faster,.. No.

>>KX cant load BFD Soundbanks
Nothing except BFD itself can 'load' it's sample content.
There is no such thing as 'BFD Soundbanks' in the context used here.

thomasabarnes · Feb 24, 2006, 07:47 PM

When I said BFD is available in all popular formats, I meant plugin formats such as:

• VST plugin

• DXi plugin
• Standalone application
• RTAS plugin
• ReWire

Not audio file formats. When one mentions formats, I guess one has to be more specific, but since I mentioned VSTi, I thought it would be clear what I meant.

SFrond · Feb 25, 2006, 03:37 AM

Thanks! This is the best kind of response. Direct . . gets to the bottom of things. Alot of what you guys clarified I guess I already knew. Just thought maybe there was something else to it. And you could load the BFD samples through other software if you wanted (they are just waves). You could use their midi files in another program as well. Like take their predesignesd loops which are nice and catagorized for you already and use them in lets say Acid. Its just why the hell would you want to. BFD is such a bangin interface.I was also sort of asking why "format" because it IS more of an interface . . .

Anyway . . now I can record sound (Sonar) from a mic but something in my DSP doesnt let me hear it after its recorded?! What the fudge . . Ive been playing around with the in and outs on the ASIO and the kt2l or whatever (dunno if thats right 'spelling') and I cant seem to get it to work. Any ideas?

You should be able to elp me Im using the sample DSP from this tutorial; Sonar and kX setup guide at thomasbarnes.beplaced.com ::winkwink:: AND the front (line2?) mic input on my Audigy 2 plat.