Hi All! Here are some SFZ tips.
Rule 1: Download a fresh Zynthian image.
This usually fixes crashes.
Rule 2: Start simple.
Download to your desktop a few sfz files from /zynthian/zynthian-data/soundfonts/sfz/
You can also download a zip file from zynthian.local Library Presets and Soundfonts.
Start with /Brass/SynthBrass.
Open the sfz in a text editor and study the arrangement of the opcodes.
You will see master, global, group, region and sample.
At the master, global or group level:
Add pitch LFO. Assign CC1 to pitch lfo:
pitchlfo_freq=8.176
pitchlfo_depth=0
pitchlfo_depth_oncc1=200
Assign CC 74 to filter cutoff
fil_type=lpf_4p
cutoff=2400
cutoff_cc74=9600
Add velocity to volume
Amp_veltrack=65
Save the sfz file with a new name, in the same folder as the wav files.
Copy the folder to /zynthian/zynthian-my-data/soundfonts/sfz/
Test your edits, keep editing until you are happy with the response.
You can also use the desktop version of Sfizz to test your edits.
Rule 3: Now look at multiple velocity levels
Download the /Pianos/Salamander or Stereo Rhodes
You might find samples grouped by velocity (1-63, 64-95, 96-115, 116-127).
Or you might find sample grouped by key range (G#3-A#3, B3-C#4,D4-E4).
Arrange the regions based on your needs (splits or velocity switches).
You can apply vibrato, filter, LFO at the global, group, region or sample level.
Rule 4: Now look at Unison, Legato, WAV vs FLAC
Legato uses multiple groups and turns them on and off.
Unison involves duplication, transposition and detuning.
Use the WAV format first, because it just works.
Consider FLAC if you have lots of samples and need to save space .
Rule 5: Test the Opcodes
Some work in Linuxsampler, others work differently in Sfizz.
Some don’t work in either…
Be patient as you learn what works.
Hope this helps!
Sam in NJ USA