SoundFont 2.01 Technical Specification - Page 1 - 08/05/98 12:43 PM
SoundFont Technical Specification
Version 2.01
July 23, 1998
0 About This Document
0.1 Revision History
Rev. Date Description
2.01 July 23, 1998 Add specification for Modulators and standard NRPN implementation
2.00b May 2, 1997 Change nomenclature from layer/split to zone. See glossary
Fix a few typos
2.00a October 18, 1995 First publicly released draft
0.2 Disclaimers
THIS SPECIFICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITH NO WARRANTIES WHATSOEVER
INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, OR ANY WARRANTEE OTHERWISE ARISING OUT OF ANY PROPOSAL,
SPECIFICATION, OR SAMPLE.
A LICENSE IS HEREBY GRANTED TO COPY, REPRODUCE, AND DISTRIBUTE THIS
SPECIFICATION FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY. NO OTHER LICENSE EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
BY ESTOPPEL OR OTHERWISE, TO ANY OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS
GRANTED OR INTENDED HEREBY.
AUTHORS OF THIS SPECIFICATION DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY, INCLUDING LIABILITY
FOR INFRINGEMENT OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS, RELATING TO IMPLEMENTATION OF
INFORMATION IN THIS SPECIFICATION. AUTHORS OF THIS SPECIFICATION ALSO DO
NOT WARRANT OR REPRESENT THAT SUCH IMPLEMENTATION (S) WILL NOT INFRINGE
ON SUCH RIGHTS.
This preliminary document is being distributed solely for the purpose of review and solicitation of
comments. It will be updated periodically. No products should rely on the content of this version of the
document.
SoundFont and the SoundFont logo is a registered trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc. E-mu Systems
licenses a “SoundFont Compatibility” logo for a nominal fee; please contact E-mu’s SoundFont
administrator by FAX at (408) 439-0392 for more information. Users of the information contained
SoundFont 2.01 Technical Specification - Page 2 - 08/05/98 12:43 PM
herein should refer to files conforming to the specification as “SoundFont Compatible,” with appropriate
acknowledgment of trademark ownership.
0.3 Updates and Comments
Please visit
http://www.soundfont.com for specification updates, and please send comments via e-mail to
soundfont@emu.com.
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0.4 Table of Contents
0 ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT............................................................................................................................................................................. 1
0.1 REVISION HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 1
0.2 DISCLAIMERS .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
0.3 UPDATES AND COMMENTS .................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
0.5 ILLUSTRATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.1 SCOPE AND INTENDED PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT ................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.2 DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.3 SOUNDFONT 2 OBJECTIVES................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
1.4 SOUNDFONT 1.X................................................................................................................................................................................................ 6
1.5 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS TO THE SOUNDFONT 2 STANDARD .................................................................................................................................... 7
2 TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS.................................................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1 DATA STRUCTURE TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 SYNTHESIZER TERMINOLOGY............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
2.3 PARAMETER TERMINOLOGY .............................................................................................................................................................................. 13
3 RIFF STRUCTURE.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.1 GENERAL RIFF FILE STRUCTURE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2 THE SOUNDFONT 2 CHUNKS AND SUB-CHUNKS ................................................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 REDUNDANCY AND ERROR HANDLING IN THE RIFF STRUCTURE ............................................................................................................................ 15
4 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT ........................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT LEVEL 0....................................................................................................................................................... 16
4.2 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT LEVEL 1........................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.3 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT LEVEL 2........................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.4 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT LEVEL 3........................................................................................................................................................ 17
4.5 SOUNDFONT 2 RIFF FILE FORMAT TYPE DEFINITIONS.......................................................................................................................................... 19
5 THE INFO-LIST CHUNK............................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.1 THE IFIL SUB-CHUNK ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 20
5.2 THE ISNG SUB-CHUNK....................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
5.3 THE INAM SUB-CHUNK .................................................................................................................................................................................. 21
5.4 THE IROM SUB-CHUNK...................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.5 THE IVER SUB-CHUNK....................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.6 THE ICRD SUB-CHUNK................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.7 THE IENG SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.8 THE IPRD SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
5.9 THE ICOP SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................... 24
5.10 THE ICMT SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
5.11 THE ISFT SUB-CHUNK .................................................................................................................................................................................. 25
6 THE SDTA-LIST CHUNK.............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
6.1 SAMPLE DATA FORMAT IN THE SMPL SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................. 25
6.2 SAMPLE DATA LOOPING RULES......................................................................................................................................................................... 26
7 THE PDTA-LIST CHUNK.............................................................................................................................................................................. 26
7.1 THE HYDRA DATA STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................................................................................... 26
7.2 THE PHDR SUB-CHUNK.................................................................................................................................................................................. 26
7.3 THE PBAG SUB-CHUNK.................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
7.4 THE PMOD SUB-CHUNK................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
7.5 THE PGEN SUB-CHUNK.................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
7.6 THE INST SUB-CHUNK.................................................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.7 THE IBAG SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.8 THE IMOD SUB-CHUNK.................................................................................................................................................................................. 33
7.9 THE IGEN SUB-CHUNK ................................................................................................................................................................................... 34
7.10 THE SHDR SUB-CHUNK................................................................................................................................................................................ 35
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8 ENUMERATORS ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 37
8.1 GENERATOR AND MODULATOR DESTINATION ENUMERATORS ................................................................................................................................ 37
8.1.1 Kinds of Generator Enumerators.........................................................................................................................................................37
8.1.2 Generator Enumerators Defined..........................................................................................................................................................38
8.1.3 Generator Summary .............................................................................................................................................................................48
8.2 MODULATOR SOURCE ENUMERATORS ................................................................................................................................................................ 49
8.2.1 Source Enumerator Controller Palettes................................................................................................................................................50
8.2.2 Source Directions..................................................................................................................................................................................51
8.2.3 Source Polarities...................................................................................................................................................................................51
8.2.4 Source Types..........................................................................................................................................................................................51
8.3 MODULATOR TRANSFORM ENUMERATORS .......................................................................................................................................................... 52
8.4 DEFAULT MODULATORS ................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
8.4.1 MIDI Note-On Velocity to Initial Attenuation......................................................................................................................................53
8.4.2 MIDI Note-On Velocity to Filter Cutoff ...............................................................................................................................................53
8.4.3 MIDI Channel Pressure to Vibrato LFO Pitch Depth..........................................................................................................................54
8.4.4 MIDI Continuous Controller 1 to Vibrato LFO Pitch Depth...............................................................................................................54
8.4.5 MIDI Continuous Controller 7 to Initial Attenuation ..........................................................................................................................55
8.4.6 MIDI Continuous Controller 10 to Pan Position .................................................................................................................................55
8.4.7 MIDI Continuous Controller 11 to Initial Attenuation ........................................................................................................................56
8.4.8 MIDI Continuous Controller 91 to Reverb Effects Send......................................................................................................................56
8.4.9 MIDI Continuous Controller 93 to Chorus Effects Send .....................................................................................................................56
8.4.10 MIDI Pitch Wheel to Initial Pitch Controlled by MIDI Pitch Wheel Sensitivity................................................................................57
8.5 PRECEDENCE AND ABSOLUTE AND RELATIVE VALUES............................................................................................................................................. 57
9 PARAMETERS AND SYNTHESIS MODEL.............................................................................................................................................. 58
9.1 SYNTHESIS MODEL .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 58
9.1.1 Wavetable Oscillator............................................................................................................................................................................59
9.1.2 Sample Looping....................................................................................................................................................................................59
9.1.3 Low-pass Filter.....................................................................................................................................................................................59
9.1.4 Final Gain Amplifier ............................................................................................................................................................................60
9.1.5 Effects Sends.........................................................................................................................................................................................60
9.1.6 Low Frequency Oscillators...................................................................................................................................................................60
9.1.7 Envelope Generators............................................................................................................................................................................61
9.1.8 Modulation Interconnection Summary.................................................................................................................................................61
9.2 MIDI FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 62
9.3 PARAMETER UNITS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 63
9.4 THE SOUNDFONT GENERATOR MODEL................................................................................................................................................................ 65
9.5 THE SOUNDFONT MODULATOR CONTROLLER MODEL ........................................................................................................................................... 66
9.5.1 Controller Model Theory of Operation.................................................................................................................................................66
9.5.2 Pictorial Examples of Source Types......................................................................................................................................................70
9.5.3 Mappings of Modulator Sources to the SoundFont Controller Input Domain .....................................................................................74
9.6 SOUNDFONT 2.01 STANDARD NRPN IMPLEMENTATION...................................................................................................................................... 74
9.6.1 The NRPN Message...............................................................................................................................................................................74
9.6.2 The NRPN Select Values........................................................................................................................................................................75
9.6.3 The Default Data Entry Ranges ............................................................................................................................................................76
9.7 ON IMPLEMENTATION ACCURACY ....................................................................................................................................................................... 76
10 ERROR HANDLING ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
10.1 STRUCTURAL ERRORS .................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
10.2 UNKNOWN CHUNKS....................................................................................................................................................................................... 77
10.3 UNKNOWN ENUMERATORS.............................................................................................................................................................................. 77
10.4 ILLEGAL PARAMETER VALUES......................................................................................................................................................................... 77
10.5 OUT-OF-RANGE VALUES................................................................................................................................................................................. 78
10.6 MISSING REQUIRED PARAMETER OR TERMINATOR ............................................................................................................................................. 78
10.7 ILLEGAL ENUMERATOR.................................................................................................................................................................................... 78
11 SILICON SOUNDFONTS ............................................................................................................................................................................. 79
11.1 SILICON SOUNDFONT OVERVIEW..................................................................................................................................................................... 79
11.2 SILICON SOUNDFONT ROM HEADER FORMAT ................................................................................................................................................. 79
12 GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 80
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0.5 Illustrations
FIGURE 1: IDEAL FILTER RESPONSE................................................................................................................................................................................. 60
FIGURE 2: GENERATOR BASED MODULATION STRUCTURE ................................................................................................................................................. 62
FIGURE 3: SOUNDFONT MODULATOR BUILDING BLOCK .................................................................................................................................................... 67
FIGURE 4: DETAILED SOUNDFONT MODULATOR BUILDING BLOCK ..................................................................................................................................... 68
FIGURE 5: POSITIVE UNIPOLAR LINEAR PLOT................................................................................................................................................................... 71
FIGURE 6: POSITIVE BIPOLAR LINEAR PLOT..................................................................................................................................................................... 71
FIGURE 7: NEGATIVE UNIPOLAR PLOT ............................................................................................................................................................................ 72
FIGURE 8: SOUNDFONT MODULATOR SOURCE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................................. 73
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1 Introduction
1.1 Scope and Intended Purpose of this Document
This document is the definitive source for the SoundFont 2 standard. This document should provide
complete and accurate information to allow any user to correctly construct and interpret SoundFont 2
compatible banks. This document is not intended to provide any information on the design or
implementation of music synthesizers.
1.2 Document Organization
This document is organized such that sections 1 and 2 give introductory information about the
SoundFont 2 standard. Both new and seasoned musical engineers will get value from the review of
terminology provided in section 2. Sections 3 through 8 provide increasingly detailed descriptions of the
SoundFont 2 standard data structures. The sections will ultimately serve as reference, but can be
scanned in order to provide sufficient detail for any level of understanding. Section 9 deals with the
Synthesis model supported by the SoundFont standard, and will be of interest to anyone involved with
the synthesis engine or bank creation. Section 10 specifies error handling when dealing with SoundFont
compatible banks, and will be of interest primarily to programmers using the SoundFont standard. The
alphabetical glossary in section 11 can be used as a reference for any unfamiliar or confusing
terminology.
1.3 SoundFont 2 Objectives
The SoundFont 2 standard is intended to provide an extensible, portable, universal interchange format
for wavetable synthesizer “samples” and articulation data. The standard is made extensible largely by the
use of enumerated “generators” and “modulators” so that additional function units can be added as
requirements dictate. The standard is made portable and universal by the use of precisely defined and
hardware independent parameters, as well as by specific practices designed to provide support to a broad
range of technologies.
1.4 SoundFont 1.x
The SoundFont standard was originally released in its 1.0 embodiment with the Creative Labs AWE32
product using the EMU8000 music synthesis chip. This proprietary format proved very successful, but
experience brought a number of refinements. These initially were performed in an upward compatible
manner to revision 1.5.
However, due to increasing demand for a public downloadable sound interchange format, Creative
Technology determined that a public disclosure of the SoundFont format would be in its best interest.
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Because there were still more improvements required, many of which could not be supported in a
completely compatible manner, Creative decided to combine public disclosure with the step to a revised
format. The result is the SoundFont 2 standard.
There are several key enhancements contained in the SoundFont 2 standard. The first is the use of
relative parameters in the Preset level. This allows instruments to be adjusted without altering their selfconsistency, providing easy and effective user editing of instruments. The second is an improvement in
the data structures associated with the samples themselves, again providing key information which will
allow the sound designer to re-use samples with a minimum of difficulty. An increased specificity in the
rules for sample data produces enhanced portability across various sound engines. Finally, the addition
of modulators produces a robust structure which can express all the typical function in current and future
wavetable synthesizers.
1.5 Future Enhancements to the SoundFont 2 Standard
The SoundFont 2 standard is designed to allow for enhancements based on future wavetable synthesis
technology capabilities by additional enumerations of generators and modulators. This will be done as
required in an upwardly compatible manner. Suggestions for additions can be made via e-mail to
soundfont@emu.com. In general, our policy for updating the specification will be based on consumer
need, rather than technological idealism.
It is our expectation to maintain bi-directional compatibility within the SoundFont 2 standard for some
years.
2 Terms and Abbreviations
The following sections introduce terms used within this specification in a logical order. They are
provided both as an introduction to readers unfamiliar with wavetable synthesis implementation details,
as well as a review and reference for the expert. These and other terms and abbreviations can also be
found arranged alphabetically for reference in the glossary at the end of this specification.
2.1 Data Structure Terminology
bag - A SoundFont data structure element containing a list of preset zones or instrument zones
big endian - Refers to the organization in memory of bytes within a word such that the most significant
byte occurs at the lowest address. Contrast “little endian.”
byte - A data structure element of eight bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
BYTE - A data structure element of eight bits which contains an unsigned value from 0 to 255.
case-insensitive - Indicates that an ASCII character or string treats alphabetic characters of upper or
lower case as identical. Contrast “case-sensitive.”
case-sensitive - Indicates that an ASCII character or string treats alphabetic characters of upper or lower
case as distinct. Contrast “case-insensitive.”
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CHAR - A data structure of eight bits which contains a signed value from -128 to +127.
chunk - The top-level division of a RIFF file.
doubleword - A data structure element of 32 bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
DWORD - A data structure of 32 bits which contains an unsigned value from zero to 4,294,967,295.
enumerated - Said of a data element whose symbols correspond to particular assigned functions.
global - Refers to parameters which affect all associated structures. See “global zone”
global zone - A zone whose generators and modulators affect all other zones within the object.
header - A data structure element which describes several aspects of a SoundFont element.
hydra - A. A nine-headed mythical beast. B. The nine “pdta” sub-chunks which make up the
SoundFont articulation data.
instrument - In the SoundFont standard, a collection of zones which represents the sound of a single
musical instrument or sound effect set.
instrument zone - A subset of an instrument containing a sample reference and associated articulation
data defined to play over certain key numbers and velocities.
layer - An obsolete SoundFont term, now called a Preset Zone.
level - In the SoundFont structure, this refers either to the preset and preset zones (the preset level) or
the instrument and instrument zones (the instrument level).
little endian - A method of ordering bytes within larger words in memory in which the least significant
byte is at the lowest address. Contrast “big endian.”
object - Either an instrument or a preset, depending on what level (preset or instrument) is being
discussed.
orphan - Said of a data structure which under normal circumstances is referenced by a higher level, but in
this particular instance is no longer linked. Specifically, it is an instrument which is not referenced by any
preset zone, or a sample which is not referenced by any instrument zone.
preset - A keyboard full of sound. Typically the collection of samples and articulation data associated
with a particular MIDI preset number.
preset zone - A subset of a preset containing an instrument reference and associated articulation data
defined to play over certain key numbers and velocities.
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record - A single instance of a data structure.
RIFF - Acronym for Resource Interchange File Format. The recommended form for interchange files
such as SoundFont compatible files within Microsoft operating systems.
SHORT - A data structure element of sixteen bits which contains a signed value from -32,768 to
+32,767.
split - An obsolete SoundFont term, now called an Instrument Zone.
sub-chunk - A division of a RIFF file below that of the chunk.
terminator - A data structure element indicating the final element in a sequence.
WORD - A data structure of 16 bits which contains an unsigned value from zero to 65,535.
word - A data structure element of 16 bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
zone - An object and associated articulation data defined to play over certain key numbers and velocities.
2.2 Synthesizer Terminology
articulation - The process of modulation of amplitude, pitch, and timbre to produce an expressive
musical note.
artifact - A (typically undesirable) sonic event which is recognizable as not being present in the original
sound.
attack - That phase of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude increases from zero to a peak
value.
attenuation - A decrease in volume or amplitude of a signal.
AWE32 - The original Creative Technology Sound Blaster product which contained an EMU8000
wavetable synthesizer and supported the SoundFont standard.
balance - A form of stereo volume control in which both left and right channels are at maximum when
the control is centered, and which attenuates only the opposite channel when taken to either extreme.
bank - A collection of presets. See also MIDI bank.
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chorus - An effects processing algorithm which involves cyclically shifting the pitch of a signal and
remixing it with itself to produce a time varying comb filter, giving a perception of motion and fullness to
the resulting sound.
cutoff frequency - The frequency of a filter function at which the attenuation reaches a specified value.
data points - The individual values comprising a sample. Sometimes also called sample points. Contrast
“sample.”
decay - The portion of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude declines from a peak to steady
state value.
delay - The portion of an envelope or LFO function which elapses from a key-on event until the
amplitude becomes non-zero.
DC gain - The degree of amplification or attenuation a system presents to a static, or zero frequency,
signal.
digital audio - Audio represented as a sequence of quantized values spaced evenly over time. The values
are called “sample data points.”
downloadable - Said of samples which are loaded from a file into RAM, in contrast to samples which are
maintained in ROM.
dry - Refers to audio which has not received any effects processing such as reverb or chorus.
EMU8000 - A wavetable synthesizer chip designed by E-mu Systems for use in Creative Technology
products.
envelope - A time varying signal which typically controls the pitch, volume, and/or filter cutoff frequency
of a note, and comprises multiple phases including attack, decay, sustain, and release.
flat - A. Said of a tone that is lower in pitch than another reference tone. B. Said of a frequency
response that does not deviate significantly from a single fixed gain over the audio range.
interpolator - A circuit or algorithm which computes intermediate points between existing sample data
points. This is of particular use in the pitch shifting operation of a wavetable synthesizer, in which these
intermediate points represent the output samples of the waveform at the desired pitch transposition.
key number - See MIDI key number.
LFO - Acronym for Low Frequency Oscillator. A slow periodic modulation source.
linear coding - The most common method of encoding amplitudes in digital audio in which each step is
of equal size.
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loop - In wavetable synthesis, a portion of a sample which is repeated many times to increase the
duration of the resulting sound.
loop points - The sample data points at which a loop begins and ends.
lowpass - Said of a filter which attenuates high frequencies but does not attenuate low frequencies.
MIDI - Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. The standard protocol for sending
performance information to a musical synthesizer.
MIDI bank - A group of up to 128 presets selected by a MIDI “change bank” command.
MIDI continuous controller - A construct in the MIDI protocol.
MIDI key number - A construct in the MIDI protocol which accompanies a MIDI key-on or key-off
command and specifies the key of the musical instrument keyboard to which the command refers.
MIDI pitch bend - A special MIDI construct akin to the MIDI continuous controllers which controls the
real-time value of the pitch of all notes played in a MIDI channel.
MIDI preset - A “preset” selected to be active in a particular MIDI channel by a MIDI “change preset”
command.
MIDI velocity - A construct in the MIDI protocol which accompanies a MIDI key-on or key-off
command and specifies the speed with which the key was pressed or released.
mono - Short for “monophonic.” Indicates a sound comprising only one channel or waveform. Contrast
with “stereo.”
oscillator - In wavetable synthesis, the wavetable interpolator is considered an oscillator.
pan - Short for “panorama.” This is the control of the apparent azimuth of a sound source over 180
degrees from left to right. It is generally implemented by varying the volume at the left and right
speakers.
pitch - The perceived value of frequency. Generally can be used interchangeably with frequency.
pitch shift - A change in pitch. Wavetable synthesis relies on interpolators to cause pitch shift in a sample
to produce the notes of the scale.
pole - A mathematical term used in filter transform analysis. Traditionally in synthesis, a pole is equated
with a rolloff of 6dB per octave, and the rolloff of a filter is specified in “poles.”
Preditor - E-mu Systems’ proprietary SoundFont 2.00 compatible bank editing software.
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preset - A keyboard full of sound. Typically the collection of samples and articulation data associated
with a particular MIDI preset number.
Q - A mathematical term used in filter transform analysis. Indicates the degree of resonance of the filter.
In synthesis terminology, it is synonymous with resonance.
release - The portion of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude declines from a steady state to
zero value or inaudibility.
resonance - Describes the aspect of a filter in which particular frequencies are given significantly more
gain than others. The resonance can be measured in dB above the DC gain.
resonant frequency - The frequency at which resonance reaches its maximum.
reverb - Short for reverberation. In synthesis, a synthetic signal processor which adds artificial
spaciousness and ambience to a sound.
sample - This term is often used both to indicate a “sample data point” and to indicate a collection of
such points comprising a digital audio waveform. The latter meaning is exclusively used in this
specification.
soft - The pedal on a piano, so named because it causes the damper to be lowered in such a way as to
soften the timbre and loudness of the notes. In MIDI, continuous controller #66 which behaves in a
similar manner.
sostenuto - The pedal on a piano which causes the dampers on all keys depressed to be held until the
pedal is released. In MIDI, continuous controller #67 which behaves in a similar manner.
sustain - The pedal on a piano which prevents all dampers on keys as they are depressed from being
released. In MIDI, continuous controller #64 which behaves in a similar manner.
SoundFont - A registered trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc, indicating files, data, synthesizers, hardware
or software produced by E-mu that conform to the SoundFont Technical Specification.
SoundFont Compatible - Indicates files, data, synthesizers, hardware or software that conform to the
SoundFont Technical Specification.
stereo - Literally indicating three dimensions. In this specification, the term is used to mean two channel
stereophonic, indicating that the sound is composed of two independent audio channels, dubbed left and
right. Contrast monophonic.
synthesis engine - The hardware and software associated with the signal processing and modulation path
for a particular synthesizer.
synthesizer - A device capable of producing ideally arbitrary musical sound.
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tremolo - A periodic change in amplitude of a sound, typically produced by applying a low frequency
oscillator to the final volume amplifier.
triangular - A waveform which ramps upward to a positive limit, then downward at the opposite slope to
the symmetrically negative limit periodically.
unpitched - Said of a sound which is not characterized by a perceived frequency. This would be true of
noise-like musical instruments and of many sound effects.
velocity - In synthesis, the speed with which a keyboard key is depressed, typically proportionally to the
impact delivered by the musician. See also MIDI velocity.
vibrato - A periodic change in the pitch of a sound, typically produced by applying a low frequency
oscillator to the oscillator pitch.
volume - The loudness or amplitude of a sound, or the control of this parameter.
wavetable - A music synthesis technique wherein musical sounds are recorded or computed
mathematically and stored in a memory, then played back at a variable rate to produce the desired pitch.
Additional timbre adjustments are often made to the sound thus produced using amplifiers, filters, and
effect processing such as reverb and chorus.
2.3 Parameter Terminology
absolute - Describes a parameter which gives a definitive real-world value. Contrast to relative.
additive - Describes a parameter which is to be numerically added to another parameter.
attenuation - A decrease in volume or amplitude of a signal.
bipolar - Said of a controller which has a minimum value of -1 and a maximum value of 1. Contrast
“unipolar”
cent - A unit of pitch ratio corresponding to the twelve hundredth root of two, or one hundredth of a
semitone, approximately 1.000577790.
centibel - A unit of amplitude ratio corresponding to the two hundredth root of ten, or one tenth of a
decibel, approximately 1.011579454.
cutoff frequency - The frequency of a filter function at which the attenuation reaches a specified value.
decibel - A unit of amplitude ratio corresponding to the twentieth root of ten, approximately
1.122018454.
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octave - A factor of two in ratio, typically applied to pitch or frequency.
pitch - The perceived value of frequency. Generally can be used interchangeably with frequency.
pitch shift - A change in pitch. Wavetable synthesis relies on interpolators to cause pitch shift in a
sample to produce the notes of the scale.
relative - Describes a parameter which merely indicates an offset from an otherwise established value.
Contrast to absolute.
resonance - Describes the aspect of a filter in which particular frequencies are given significantly more
gain than others. The resonance can be measured in dB above the DC gain.
sample rate - The frequency, in Hertz, at which sample data points are taken when recording a sample.
semitone - A unit of pitch ratio corresponding to the twelfth root of two, or one twelfth of an octave,
approximately 1.059463094.
sharp - Said of a tone that is higher in pitch than another reference tone.
timecent - A unit of duration ratio corresponding to the twelve hundredth root of two, or one twelve
hundredth of an octave, approximately 1.000577790.
unipolar - Said of a controller which has a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 1. Contrast with
“bipolar”
3 RIFF Structure
3.1 General RIFF File Structure
The RIFF (Resource Interchange File Format) is a tagged file structure developed for multimedia
resource files, and is described in some detail in the Microsoft Windows SDK Multimedia Programmer’s
Reference. The tagged-file structure is useful because it helps prevent compatibility problems which can
occur as the file definition changes over time. Because each piece of data in the file is identified by a
standard header, an application that does not recognize a given data element can skip over the unknown
information.
A RIFF file is constructed from a basic building block called a “chunk.” In ‘C’ syntax, a chunk is
defined:
typedef DWORD FOURCC; // Four-character code
typedef struct {
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FOURCC ckID; // A chunk ID identifies the type of data within the chunk.
DWORD ckSize; // The size of the chunk data in bytes, excluding any pad byte.
BYTE ckDATA[ckSize]; // The actual data plus a pad byte if req’d to word align.
};
Two types of chunks, the “RIFF” and “LIST” chunks, may contain nested chunks called sub-chunks as
their data.
The ordering requirements of chunks and sub-chunks within a RIFF file is not well documented in the
RIFF file format. In SoundFont 2.0, the order of the sub-chunks within the INFO chunk is arbitrary, but
for consistency it is recommended that the sub-chunks be ordered as presented in this document. The
order of the all other chunks and sub-chunks is strictly defined and must be maintained as presented in
this document.
3.2 The SoundFont 2 Chunks and Sub-chunks
A SoundFont 2 compatible RIFF file comprises three chunks: an INFO-list chunk containing a number of
required and optional sub-chunks describing the file, its history, and its intended use, an sdta-list chunk
comprising a single sub-chunk containing any referenced digital audio samples, and a pdta-list chunk
containing nine sub-chunks which define the articulation of the digital audio data.
The SoundFont 2 standard allows that the sub-chunks within the INFO-list chunk may appear in
arbitrary order. However, the order of the three chunks, and the order of the sub-chunks within the
pdta-list chunk, is fixed.
The SoundFont 2 specification requires that implementations ignore unknown sub-chunks within the
INFO-list chunk. Note, however, that until such sub-chunks become defined in the specification,
inclusion of additional INFO-list sub-chunks will preclude the file from conforming to the SoundFont
standard.
A detailed description of the SoundFont 2 RIFF structure is provided in Section 4.
3.3 Redundancy and Error Handling in the RIFF structure
The RIFF file structure contains redundant information regarding the length of the file and the length of
the chunks and sub-chunks. This fact enables any reader of a SoundFont compatible file to determine if
the file has been damaged by loss of data.
If any such loss is detected, the SoundFont compatible file is termed “structurally unsound” and in
general should be rejected. SoundFont compatible software developers may produce utilities to recover
data from structurally unsound files, producing with or without user assistance a corrected and
structurally sound SoundFont 2 compatible file.
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4 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format
4.1 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format Level 0
<SFBK-form> -> RIFF (‘sfbk’ ; RIFF form header
{
<INFO-list> ; Supplemental Information
<sdta-list> ; The Sample Binary Data
<pdta-list> ; The Preset, Instrument, and Sample Header data
}
)
4.2 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format Level 1
<INFO-list> -> LIST (‘INFO’
{
<ifil-ck> ; Refers to the version of the Sound Font RIFF file
<isng-ck> ; Refers to the target Sound Engine
<INAM-ck> ; Refers to the Sound Font Bank Name
[<irom-ck>] ; Refers to the Sound ROM Name
[<iver-ck>] ; Refers to the Sound ROM Version
[<ICRD-ck>] ; Refers to the Date of Creation of the Bank
[<IENG-ck>] ; Sound Designers and Engineers for the Bank
[<IPRD-ck>] ; Product for which the Bank was intended
[<ICOP-ck>] ; Contains any Copyright message
[<ICMT-ck>] ; Contains any Comments on the Bank
[<ISFT-ck>] ; The SoundFont tools used to create and alter the bank
}
)
<sdta-ck> -> LIST (‘sdta’
{
[<smpl-ck.] ; The Digital Audio Samples
}
)
<pdta-ck> -> LIST (‘pdta’
{
<phdr-ck> ; The Preset Headers
<pbag-ck> ; The Preset Index list
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<pmod-ck> ; The Preset Modulator list
<pgen-ck> ; The Preset Generator list
<inst-ck> ; The Instrument Names and Indices
<ibag-ck> ; The Instrument Index list
<imod-ck> ; The Instrument Modulator list
<igen-ck> ; The Instrument Generator list
<shdr-ck> ; The Sample Headers
}
)
4.3 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format Level 2
<ifil-ck> -> ifil(<iver-rec>) ; e.g. 2.01
<isng-ck> -> isng(szSoundEngine:ZSTR) ; e.g. “EMU8000”
<irom-ck> -> irom(szROM:ZSTR) ; e.g. “1MGM”
<iver-ck> -> iver(<iver-rec>) ; e.g. 2.08
<INAM-ck> -> INAM(szName:ZSTR) ; e.g. “General MIDI”
<ICRD-ck> -> ICRD(szDate:ZSTR) ; e.g. “July 15, 1997”
<IENG-ck> -> IENG(szName:ZSTR) ; e.g. “John Q. Sounddesigner”
<IPRD-ck> -> IPRD(szProduct:ZSTR) ; e.g. “SBAWE64 Gold”
<ICOP-ck> -> ICOP(szCopyright:ZSTR) ; e.g. “Copyright (c) 1997 E-mu Systems, Inc.”
<ICMT-ck> -> ICMT(szComment:ZSTR) ; e.g. “This is a comment”
<ISTF-ck> -> ISFT(szTools:ZSTR) ; e.g. “:Preditor 2.00a:Vienna SF Studio 2.0:”
<smpl-ck> -> smpl(<sample:SHORT>) ; 16 bit Linearly Coded Digital Audio Data
<phdr-ck> -> phdr(<phdr-rec>)
<pbag-ck> -> pbag(<pbag-rec>)
<pmod-ck> -> pmod(<pmod-rec>)
<pgen-ck> -> pgen(<pgen-rec>)
<inst-ck> -> inst (<inst -rec>)
<ibag-ck> -> ibag(<ibag-rec>)
<imod-ck> -> imod(<imod-rec>)
<igen-ck> -> igen(<igen-rec>)
<shdr-ck> -> shdr(<shdr-rec>)
4.4 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format Level 3
<iver-rec> -> struct sfVersionTag
{
WORD wMajor;
WORD wMinor;
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};
<phdr-rec> -> struct sfPresetHeader
{
CHAR achPresetName[20];
WORD wPreset;
WORD wBank;
WORD wPresetBagNdx;
DWORD dwLibrary;
DWORD dwGenre;
DWORD dwMorphology;
};
<pbag-rec> -> struct sfPresetBag
{
WORD wGenNdx;
WORD wModNdx;
};
<pmod-rec> -> struct sfModList
{
SFModulator sfModSrcOper;
SFGenerator sfModDestOper;
SHORT modAmount;
SFModulator sfModAmtSrcOper;
SFTransform sfModTransOper;
};
<pgen-rec> -> struct sfGenList
{
SFGenerator sfGenOper;
genAmountType genAmount;
};
<inst-rec> -> struct sfInst
{
CHAR achInstName[20];
WORD wInstBagNdx;
};
<ibag-rec> -> struct sfInstBag
{
WORD wInstGenNdx;
WORD wInstModNdx;
};
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<imod-rec> -> struct sfInstModList
{
SFModulator sfModSrcOper;
SFGenerator sfModDestOper;
SHORT modAmount;
SFModulator sfModAmtSrcOper;
SFTransform sfModTransOper;
};
<igen-rec> -> struct sfInstGenList
{
SFGenerator sfGenOper;
genAmountType genAmount;
};
<shdr-rec> -> struct sfSample
{
CHAR achSampleName[20];
DWORD dwStart;
DWORD dwEnd;
DWORD dwStartloop;
DWORD dwEndloop;
DWORD dwSampleRate;
BYTE byOriginalKey;
CHAR chCorrection;
WORD wSampleLink;
SFSampleLink sfSampleType;
};
4.5 SoundFont 2 RIFF File Format Type Definitions
The sfModulator, sfGenerator, and sfTransform types are all enumeration types whose values are defined
in subsequent sections.
The genAmountType is a union which allows signed 16 bit, unsigned 16 bit, and two unsigned 8 bit
fields:
typedef struct
{
BYTE byLo;
BYTE byHi;
} rangesType;
typedef union
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{
rangesType ranges;
SHORT shAmount;
WORD wAmount;
} genAmountType;
The SFSampleLink is an enumeration type which describes both the type of sample (mono, stereo left,
etc.) and the whether the sample is located in RAM or ROM memory:
typedef enum
{
monoSample = 1,
rightSample = 2,
leftSample = 4,
linkedSample = 8,
RomMonoSample = 0x8001,
RomRightSample = 0x8002,
RomLeftSample = 0x8004,
RomLinkedSample = 0x8008
} SFSampleLink;
5 The INFO-list Chunk
The INFO-list chunk in a SoundFont 2 compatible file contains three mandatory and a variety of optional
sub-chunks as defined below. The INFO-list chunk gives basic information about the SoundFont
compatible bank that is contained in the file.
5.1 The ifil Sub-chunk
The ifil sub-chunk is a mandatory sub-chunk identifying the SoundFont specification version level to
which the file complies. It is always four bytes in length, and contains data according to the structure:
struct sfVersionTag
{
WORD wMajor;
WORD wMinor;
};
The WORD wMajor contains the value to the left of the decimal point in the SoundFont specification
version, the WORD wMinor contains the value to the right of the decimal point. For example, version
2.11 would be implied if wMajor=2 and wMinor=11.
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These values can be used by applications which read SoundFont compatible files to determine if the
format of the file is usable by the program. Within a fixed wMajor, the only changes to the format will
be the addition of Generator, Source and Transform enumerators, and additional info sub-chunks. These
are all defined as being ignored if unknown to the program. Consequently, many applications can be
designed to be fully upward compatible within a given wMajor. In the case of editors or other programs
in which all enumerators should be known, the value of wMinor may be of consequence. Generally the
application program will either accept the file as usable (possibly with appropriate transparent
translation), reject the file as unusable, or warn the user that there may be uneditable data in the file.
If the ifil sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not four bytes, the file should be rejected as structurally
unsound.
5.2 The isng Sub-chunk
The isng sub-chunk is a mandatory sub-chunk identifying the wavetable sound engine for which the file
was optimized. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two terminators of
value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. The default isng field is the eight bytes representing
“EMU8000” as seven ASCII characters followed by a zero byte.
The ASCII should be treated as case-sensitive. In other words “emu8000” is not the same as
“EMU8000.”
The isng string can be optionally used by chip drivers to vary their synthesis algorithms to emulate the
target sound engine.
If the isng sub-chunk is missing, or is not terminated with a zero valued byte, or its contents are an
unknown sound engine, the field should be ignored and EMU8000 assumed.
5.3 The INAM Sub-chunk
The INAM sub-chunk is a mandatory sub-chunk providing the name of the SoundFont compatible bank.
It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two terminators of value zero, so as
to make the total byte count even. A typical INAM sub-chunk would be the fourteen bytes representing
“General MIDI” as twelve ASCII characters followed by two zero bytes.
The ASCII should be treated as case-sensitive. In other words “General MIDI” is not the same as
“GENERAL MIDI.”
The inam string is typically used for the identification of banks even if the file names are altered.
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If the inam sub-chunk is missing, or not terminated in a zero valued byte, the field should be ignored and
the user supplied with an appropriate error message if the name is queried. If the file is re-written, a
valid name should be placed in the INAM field.
5.4 The irom Sub-chunk
The irom sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying a particular wavetable sound data ROM to
which any ROM samples refer. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two
terminators of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical irom field would be the six
bytes representing “1MGM” as four ASCII characters followed by two zero bytes.
The ASCII should be treated as case-sensitive. In other words “1mgm” is not the same as “1MGM.”
The irom string is used by drivers to verify that the ROM data referenced by the file is available to the
sound engine.
If the irom sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or its contents are an unknown
ROM, the field should be ignored and the file assumed to reference no ROM samples. If ROM samples
are accessed, any accesses to such intruments should be terminated and not sound. A file should not be
written which attempts to access ROM samples without both irom and iver present and valid.
5.5 The iver Sub-chunk
The iver sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying the particular wavetable sound data ROM
revision to which any ROM samples refer. It is always four bytes in length, and contains data according
to the structure:
struct sfVersionTag
{
WORD wMajor;
WORD wMinor;
};
The WORD wMajor contains the value to the left of the decimal point in the ROM version. The WORD
wMinor contains the value to the right of the decimal point. For example, version 1.36 would be implied
if wMajor=1 and wMinor=36.
The iver sub-chunk is used by drivers to verify that the ROM data referenced by the file is located in the
exact locations specified by the sound headers.
If the iver sub-chunk is missing, not four bytes in length, or its contents indicate an unknown or incorrect
ROM, the field should be ignored and the file assumed to reference no ROM samples. If ROM samples
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are accessed, any accesses to such instruments should be terminated and not sound. Note that for ROM
samples to function correctly, both iver and irom must be present and valid. A file should not be written
which attempts to access ROM samples without both irom and iver present and valid.
5.6 The ICRD Sub-chunk
The ICRD sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying the creation date of the SoundFont compatible
bank. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two terminators of value zero,
so as to make the total byte count even. A typical ICRD field would be the twelve bytes representing
“May 1, 1995” as eleven ASCII characters followed by a zero byte.
Conventionally, the format of the string is “Month Day, Year” where Month is initially capitalized and is
the conventional full English spelling of the month, Day is the date in decimal followed by a comma, and
Year is the full decimal year. Thus the field should conventionally never be longer than 32 bytes.
The ICRD string is provided for library management purposes.
If the ICRD sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
5.7 The IENG Sub-chunk
The IENG sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying the names of any sound designers or engineers
responsible for the SoundFont compatible bank. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes
including one or two terminators of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical IENG
field would be the twelve bytes representing “Tim Swartz” as ten ASCII characters followed by two zero
bytes.
The IENG string is provided for library management purposes.
If the IENG sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
5.8 The IPRD Sub-chunk
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The IPRD sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying any specific product for which the SoundFont
compatible bank is intended. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two
terminators of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical IPRD field would be the
eight bytes representing “SBAWE32” as seven ASCII characters followed by a zero byte.
The ASCII should be treated as case-sensitive. In other words “sbawe32” is not the same as
“SBAWE32.”
The IPRD string is provided for library management purposes.
If the IPRD sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
5.9 The ICOP Sub-chunk
The ICOP sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk containing any copyright assertion string associated with
the SoundFont compatible bank. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer bytes including one or two
terminators of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical ICOP field would be the 40
bytes representing “Copyright (c) 1995 E-mu Systems, Inc.” as 38 ASCII characters followed by two
zero bytes.
The ICOP string is provided for intellectual property protection and management purposes.
If the ICOP sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
5.10 The ICMT Sub-chunk
The ICMT sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk containing any comments associated with the SoundFont
compatible bank. It contains an ASCII string of 65,536 or fewer bytes including one or two terminators
of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical ICMT field would be the 40 bytes
representing “This space unintentionally left blank.” as 38 ASCII characters followed by two zero bytes.
The ICMT string is provided for any non-scatological uses.
If the ICMT sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
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copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
5.11 The ISFT Sub-chunk
The ISFT sub-chunk is an optional sub-chunk identifying the SoundFont compatible tools used to create
and most recently modify the SoundFont compatible bank. It contains an ASCII string of 256 or fewer
bytes including one or two terminators of value zero, so as to make the total byte count even. A typical
ISFT field would be the thirty bytes representing “Preditor 2.00a:Preditor 2.00a” as twenty-nine ASCII
characters followed by a zero byte.
The ASCII should be treated as case-sensitive. In other words “Preditor” is not the same as
“PREDITOR.”
Conventionally, the tool name and revision control number are included first for the creating tool and
then for the most recent modifying tool. The two strings are separated by a colon. The string should be
produced by the creating program with a null modifying tool field (e.g. “Preditor 2.00a:), and each time
a tool modifies the bank, it should replace the modifying tool field with its own name and revision
control number.
The ISFT string is provided primarily for error tracing purposes.
If the ISFT sub-chunk is missing, not terminated in a zero valued byte, or for some reason incapable of
being faithfully copied as an ASCII string, the field should be ignored and if re-written, should not be
copied. If the field’s contents are not seemingly meaningful but can faithfully reproduced, this should be
done.
6 The sdta-list Chunk
The sdta-list chunk in a SoundFont 2 compatible file contains a single optional smpl sub-chunk which
contains all the RAM based sound data associated with the SoundFont compatible bank. The smpl subchunk is of arbitrary length, and contains an even number of bytes.
6.1 Sample Data Format in the smpl Sub-chunk
The smpl sub-chunk, if present, contains one or more “samples” of digital audio information in the form
of linearly coded sixteen bit, signed, little endian (least significant byte first) words. Each sample is
followed by a minimum of forty-six zero valued sample data points. These zero valued data points are
necessary to guarantee that any reasonable upward pitch shift using any reasonable interpolator can loop
on zero data at the end of the sound.
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6.2 Sample Data Looping Rules
Within each sample, one or more loop point pairs may exist. The locations of these points are defined
within the pdta-list chunk, but the sample data points themselves must comply with certain practices in
order for the loop to be compatible across multiple platforms.
The loops are defined by “equivalent points” in the sample. This means that there are two sample data
points which are logically equivalent, and a loop occurs when these points are spliced atop one another.
In concept, the loop end point is never actually played during looping; instead the loop start point
follows the point just prior to the loop end point. Because of the bandlimited nature of digital audio
sampling, an artifact free loop will exhibit virtually identical data surrounding the equivalent points.
In actuality, because of the various interpolation algorithms used by wavetable synthesizers, the data
surrounding both the loop start and end points may affect the sound of the loop. Hence both the loop
start and end points must be surrounded by continuous audio data. For example, even if the sound is
programmed to continue to loop throughout the decay, sample data points must be provided beyond the
loop end point. This data will typically be identical to the data at the start of the loop. A minimum of
eight valid data points are required to be present before the loop start and after the loop end.
The eight data points (four on each side) surrounding the two equivalent loop points should also be
forced to be identical. By forcing the data to be identical, all interpolation algorithms are guaranteed to
properly reproduce an artifact-free loop.
7 The pdta-list Chunk
7.1 The HYDRA Data Structure
The articulation data within a SoundFont 2 compatible file is contained in nine mandatory sub-chunks.
This data is named “hydra” after the mythical nine-headed beast. The structure has been designed for
interchange purposes; it is not optimized for either run-time synthesis or for on-the-fly editing. It is
reasonable and proper for SoundFont compatible client programs to translate to and from the hydra
structure as they read and write SoundFont compatible files.
7.2 The PHDR Sub-chunk
The PHDR sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all presets within the SoundFont compatible file. It
is always a multiple of thirty-eight bytes in length, and contains a minimum of two records, one record
for each preset and one for a terminal record according to the structure:
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struct sfPresetHeader
{
CHAR achPresetName[20];
WORD wPreset;
WORD wBank;
WORD wPresetBagNdx;
DWORD dwLibrary;
DWORD dwGenre;
DWORD dwMorphology;
};
The ASCII character field achPresetName contains the name of the preset expressed in ASCII, with
unused terminal characters filled with zero valued bytes. Preset names are case sensitive. A unique
name should always be assigned to each preset in the SoundFont compatible bank to enable
identification. However, if a bank is read containing the erroneous state of presets with identical names,
the presets should not be discarded. They should either be preserved as read or preferably uniquely
renamed.
The WORD wPreset contains the MIDI Preset Number and the WORD wBank contains the MIDI Bank
Number which apply to this preset. Note that the presets are not ordered within the SoundFont
compatible bank. Presets should have a unique set of wPreset and wBank numbers. However, if two
presets have identical values of both wPreset and wBank, the first occurring preset in the PHDR chunk is
the active preset, but any others with the same wBank and wPreset values should be maintained so that
they can be renumbered and used at a later time. The special case of a General MIDI percussion bank is
handled conventionally by a wBank value of 128. If the value in either field is not a valid MIDI value of
zero through 127, or 128 for wBank, the preset cannot be played but should be maintained.
The WORD wPresetBagNdx is an index to the preset’s zone list in the PBAG sub-chunk. Because the
preset zone list is in the same order as the preset header list, the preset bag indices will be monotonically
increasing with increasing preset headers. The size of the PBAG sub-chunk in bytes will be equal to four
times the terminal preset’s wPresetBagNdx plus four. If the preset bag indices are non-monotonic or if
the terminal preset’s wPresetBagNdx does not match the PBAG sub-chunk size, the file is structurally
defective and should be rejected at load time. All presets except the terminal preset must have at least
one zone; any preset with no zones should be ignored.
The DWORDs dwLibrary, dwGenre and dwMorphology are reserved for future implementation in a
preset library management function and should be preserved as read, and created as zero.
The terminal sfPresetHeader record should never be accessed, and exists only to provide a terminal
wPresetBagNdx with which to determine the number of zones in the last preset. All other values are
conventionally zero, with the exception of achPresetName, which can optionally be “EOP” indicating
end of presets.
If the PHDR sub-chunk is missing, or contains fewer than two records, or its size is not a multiple of 38
bytes, the file should be rejected as structurally unsound.
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7.3 The PBAG Sub-chunk
The PBAG sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all preset zones within the SoundFont compatible
file. It is always a multiple of four bytes in length, and contains one record for each preset zone plus one
record for a terminal zone according to the structure:
struct sfPresetBag
{
WORD wGenNdx;
WORD wModNdx;
};
The first zone in a given preset is located at that preset’s wPresetBagNdx. The number of zones in the
preset is determined by the difference between the next preset’s wPresetBagNdx and the current
wPresetBagNdx.
The WORD wGenNdx is an index to the preset’s zone list of generators in the PGEN sub-chunk, and
the wModNdx is an index to its list of modulators in the PMOD sub-chunk. Because both the generator
and modulator lists are in the same order as the preset header and zone lists, these indices will be
monotonically increasing with increasing preset zones. The size of the PMOD sub-chunk in bytes will be
equal to ten times the terminal preset’s wModNdx plus ten and the size of the PGEN sub-chunk in bytes
will be equal to four times the terminal preset’s wGenNdx plus four. If the generator or modulator
indices are non-monotonic or do not match the size of the respective PGEN or PMOD sub-chunks, the
file is structurally defective and should be rejected at load time.
If a preset has more than one zone, the first zone may be a global zone. A global zone is determined by
the fact that the last generator in the list is not an Instrument generator. All generator lists must contain
at least one generator with one exception - if a global zone exists for which there are no generators but
only modulators. The modulator lists can contain zero or more modulators.
If a zone other than the first zone lacks an Instrument generator as its last generator, that zone should be
ignored. A global zone with no modulators and no generators should also be ignored.
If the PBAG sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of four bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound.
7.4 The PMOD Sub-chunk
The PMOD sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all preset zone modulators within the SoundFont
compatible file. It is always a multiple of ten bytes in length, and contains zero or more modulators plus
a terminal record according to the structure:
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struct sfModList
{
SFModulator sfModSrcOper;
SFGenerator sfModDestOper;
SHORT modAmount;
SFModulator sfModAmtSrcOper;
SFTransform sfModTransOper;
};
The preset zone’s wModNdx points to the first modulator for that preset zone, and the number of
modulators present for a preset zone is determined by the difference between the next higher preset
zone’s wModNdx and the current preset’s wModNdx. A difference of zero indicates there are no
modulators in this preset zone.
The sfModSrcOper is a value of one of the SFModulator enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates the source of data for the modulator. Note that this
enumeration is two bytes in length.
The sfModDestOper indicates the destination of the modulator. The destination a value of one of the
SFGenerator enumeration type values. Unknown or undefined values are ignored. Note that this
enumeration is two bytes in length.
The SHORT modAmount is a signed value indicating the degree to which the source modulates the
destination. A zero value indicates there is no fixed amount.
The sfModAmtSrcOper is a value of one of the SFModulator enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates the degree to which the source modulates the
destination is to be controlled by the specified modulation source. Note that this enumeration is two
bytes in length.
The sfModTransOper is a value of one of the SFTransform enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates that a transform of the specified type will be applied
to the modulation source before application to the modulator. Note that this enumeration is two bytes in
length.
The terminal record conventionally contains zero in all fields, and is always ignored.
A modulator is defined by its sfModSrcOper, its sfModDestOper, and its sfModSrcAmtOper. All
modulators within a zone must have a unique set of these three enumerators. If a second modulator is
encountered with the same three enumerators as a previous modulator with the same zone, the first
modulator will be ignored.
Modulators in the PMOD sub-chunk act as additively relative modulators with respect to those in the
IMOD sub-chunk. In other words, a PMOD modulator can increase or decrease the amount of an
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IMOD modulator. Section “9.5 The SoundFont Modulator Controller Model” contains the details of how this
application works.
Note for backward compatibility that in SoundFont 2.00, no modulators had been defined. So in
SoundFont 2.00 compatible rendering engines, the PMOD sub-chunk will always be ignored.
If the PMOD sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of ten bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound.
7.5 The PGEN Sub-chunk
The PGEN chunk is a required chunk containing a list of preset zone generators for each preset zone
within the SoundFont compatible file. It is always a multiple of four bytes in length, and contains one or
more generators for each preset zone (except a global zone containing only modulators) plus a terminal
record according to the structure:
struct sfGenList
{
SFGenerator sfGenOper;
genAmountType genAmount;
};
where the types are defined:
typedef struct
{
BYTE byLo;
BYTE byHi;
} rangesType;
typedef union
{
rangesType ranges;
SHORT shAmount;
WORD wAmount;
} genAmountType;
The sfGenOper is a value of one of the SFGenerator enumeration type values. Unknown or undefined
values are ignored. This value indicates the type of generator being indicated. Note that this
enumeration is two bytes in length.
The genAmount is the value to be assigned to the specified generator. Note that this can be of three
formats. Certain generators specify a range of MIDI key numbers of MIDI velocities, with a minimum
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and maximum value. Other generators specify an unsigned WORD value. Most generators, however,
specify a signed 16 bit SHORT value.
The preset zone’s wGenNdx points to the first generator for that preset zone. Unless the zone is a
global zone, the last generator in the list is an “Instrument” generator, whose value is a pointer to the
instrument associated with that zone. If a “key range” generator exists for the preset zone, it is always
the first generator in the list for that preset zone. If a “velocity range” generator exists for the preset
zone, it will only be preceded by a key range generator. If any generators follow an Instrument
generator, they will be ignored.
A generator is defined by its sfGenOper. All generators within a zone must have a unique sfGenOper
enumerator. If a second generator is encountered with the same sfGenOper enumerator as a previous
generator with the same zone, the first generator will be ignored.
Generators in the PGEN sub-chunk are applied relative to generators in the IGEN sub-chunk in an
additive manner. In other words, PGEN generators increase or decrease the value of an IGEN
generator. Section “9.4 The SoundFont Generator Model” contains the details of how this application works.
If the PGEN sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of four bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound. If a key range generator is present and not the first generator, it should be ignored.
If a velocity range generator is present, and is preceded by a generator other than a key range generator,
it should be ignored. If a non-global list does not end in an instrument generator, zone should be
ignored. If the instrument generator value is equal to or greater than the terminal instrument, the file
should be rejected as structurally unsound.
7.6 The INST Sub-chunk
The inst sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all instruments within the SoundFont compatible file.
It is always a multiple of twenty-two bytes in length, and contains a minimum of two records, one record
for each instrument and one for a terminal record according to the structure:
struct sfInst
{
CHAR achInstName[20];
WORD wInstBagNdx;
};
The ASCII character field achInstName contains the name of the instrument expressed in ASCII, with
unused terminal characters filled with zero valued bytes. Instrument names are case-sensitive. A unique
name should always be assigned to each instrument in the SoundFont compatible bank to enable
identification. However, if a bank is read containing the erroneous state of instruments with identical
names, the instruments should not be discarded. They should either be preserved as read or preferably
uniquely renamed.
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The WORD wInstBagNdx is an index to the instrument’s zone list in the IBAG sub-chunk. Because the
instrument zone list is in the same order as the instrument list, the instrument bag indices will be
monotonically increasing with increasing instruments. The size of the IBAG sub-chunk in bytes will be
four greater than four times the terminal (EOI) instrument’s wInstBagNdx. If the instrument bag indices
are non-monotonic or if the terminal instrument’s wInstBagNdx does not match the IBAG sub-chunk
size, the file is structurally defective and should be rejected at load time. All instruments except the
terminal instrument must have at least one zone; any preset with no zones should be ignored.
The terminal sfInst record should never be accessed, and exists only to provide a terminal wInstBagNdx
with which to determine the number of zones in the last instrument. All other values are conventionally
zero, with the exception of achInstName, which should be “EOI” indicating end of instruments.
If the INST sub-chunk is missing, contains fewer than two records, or its size is not a multiple of 22
bytes, the file should be rejected as structurally unsound. All instruments present in the inst sub-chunk
are typically referenced by a preset zone. However, a file containing any “orphaned” instruments need
not be rejected. SoundFont compatible applications can optionally ignore or filter out these orphaned
instruments based on user preference.
7.7 The IBAG Sub-chunk
The IBAG sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all instrument zones within the SoundFont
compatible file. It is always a multiple of four bytes in length, and contains one record for each
instrument zone plus one record for a terminal zone according to the structure:
struct sfInstBag
{
WORD wInstGenNdx;
WORD wInstModNdx;
};
The first zone in a given instrument is located at that instrument’s wInstBagNdx. The number of zones
in the instrument is determined by the difference between the next instrument’s wInstBagNdx and the
current wInstBagNdx.
The WORD wInstGenNdx is an index to the instrument zone’s list of generators in the IGEN sub-chunk,
and the wInstModNdx is an index to its list of modulators in the IMOD sub-chunk. Because both the
generator and modulator lists are in the same order as the instrument and zone lists, these indices will be
monotonically increasing with increasing zones. The size of the IMOD sub-chunk in bytes will be equal
to ten times the terminal instrument’s wModNdx plus ten and the size of the IGEN sub-chunk in bytes
will be equal to four times the terminal instrument’s wGenNdx plus four. If the generator or modulator
indices are non-monotonic or do not match the size of the respective IGEN or IMOD sub-chunks, the
file is structurally defective and should be rejected at load time.
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If an instrument has more than one zone, the first zone may be a global zone. A global zone is
determined by the fact that the last generator in the list is not a sampleID generator. All generator lists
must contain at least one generator with one exception - if a global zone exists for which there are no
generators but only modulators. The modulator lists can contain zero or more modulators.
If a zone other than the first zone lacks a sampleID generator as its last generator, that zone should be
ignored. A global zone with no modulators and no generators should also be ignored.
If the IBAG sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of four bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound.
7.8 The IMOD Sub-chunk
The IMOD sub-chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all instrument zone modulators within the
SoundFont compatible file. It is always a multiple of ten bytes in length, and contains zero or more
modulators plus a terminal record according to the structure:
struct sfModList
{
SFModulator sfModSrcOper;
SFGenerator sfModDestOper;
SHORT modAmount;
SFModulator sfModAmtSrcOper;
SFTransform sfModTransOper;
};
The zone’s wInstModNdx points to the first modulator for that zone, and the number of modulators
present for a zone is determined by the difference between the next higher zone’s wInstModNdx and the
current zone’s wModNdx. A difference of zero indicates there are no modulators in this zone.
The sfModSrcOper is a value of one of the SFModulator enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates the source of data for the modulator. Note that this
enumeration is two bytes in length.
The sfModDestOper indicates the destination of the modulator. The destination is a value of one of the
SFGenerator enumerations. Unknown or undefined values are ignored. Note that this enumeration is
two bytes in length.
The SHORT modAmount is a signed value indicating the degree to which the source modulates the
destination. A zero value indicates there is no fixed amount.
The sfModAmtSrcOper is a value of one of the SFModulator enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates the degree to which the source modulates the
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destination is to be controlled by the specified modulation source. Note that this enumeration is two
bytes in length.
The sfModTransOper is a value of one of the SFTransform enumeration type values. Unknown or
undefined values are ignored. This value indicates that a transform of the specified type will be applied
to the modulation source before application to the modulator. Note that this enumeration is two bytes in
length.
The terminal record conventionally contains zero in all fields, and is always ignored.
A modulator is defined by its sfModSrcOper, its sfModDestOper, and its sfModSrcAmtOper. All
modulators within a zone must have a unique set of these three enumerators. If a second modulator is
encountered with the same three enumerators as a previous modulator within the same zone, the first
modulator will be ignored.
Modulators in the IMOD sub-chunk are absolute. This means that an IMOD modulator replaces, rather
than adds to, a default modulator. However the effect of a modulator on a generator is additive, IE the
output of a modulator adds to a generator value.
Note for backward compatibility that in SoundFont 2.00, no modulators had been defined. So in
SoundFont 2.00 compatible rendering engines, the IMOD sub-chunk will always be ignored.
If the IMOD sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of ten bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound.
7.9 The IGEN Sub-chunk
The IGEN chunk is a required chunk containing a list of zone generators for each instrument zone within
the SoundFont compatible file. It is always a multiple of four bytes in length, and contains one or more
generators for each zone (except for a global zone containing only modulators) plus a terminal record
according to the structure:
struct sfInstGenList
{
SFGenerator sfGenOper;
genAmountType genAmount;
};
where the types are defined as in the PGEN zone above.
The genAmount is the value to be assigned to the specified generator. Note that this can be of three
formats. Certain generators specify a range of MIDI key numbers of MIDI velocities, with a minimum
and maximum value. Other generators specify an unsigned WORD value. Most generators, however,
specify a signed 16 bit SHORT value.
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The zone’s wInstGenNdx points to the first generator for that zone. Unless the zone is a global zone,
the last generator in the list is a “sampleID” generator, whose value is a pointer to the sample associated
with that zone. If a “key range” generator exists for the zone, it is always the first generator in the list
for that zone. If a “velocity range” generator exists for the zone, it will only be preceded by a key range
generator. If any generators follow a sampleID generator, they will be ignored.
A generator is defined by its sfGenOper. All generators within a zone must have a unique sfGenOper
enumerator. If a second generator is encountered with the same sfGenOper enumerator as a previous
generator within the same zone, the first generator will be ignored.
Generators in the IGEN sub-chunk are absolute in nature. This means that an IGEN generator replaces,
rather than adds to, the default value for the generator.
If the IGEN sub-chunk is missing, or its size is not a multiple of four bytes, the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound. If a key range generator is present and not the first generator, it should be ignored.
If a velocity range generator is present, and is preceded by a generator other than a key range generator,
it should be ignored. If a non-global list does not end in a sampleID generator, the zone should be
ignored. If the sampleID generator value is equal to or greater than the terminal sampleID, the file
should be rejected as structurally unsound.
7.10 The SHDR Sub-chunk
The SHDR chunk is a required sub-chunk listing all samples within the smpl sub-chunk and any
referenced ROM samples. It is always a multiple of forty-six bytes in length, and contains one record for
each sample plus a terminal record according to the structure:
struct sfSample
{
CHAR achSampleName[20];
DWORD dwStart;
DWORD dwEnd;
DWORD dwStartloop;
DWORD dwEndloop;
DWORD dwSampleRate;
BYTE byOriginalPitch;
CHAR chPitchCorrection;
WORD wSampleLink;
SFSampleLink sfSampleType;
};
The ASCII character field achSampleName contains the name of the sample expressed in ASCII, with
unused terminal characters filled with zero valued bytes. Sample names are case-sensitive. A unique
name should always be assigned to each sample in the SoundFont compatible bank to enable
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identification. However, if a bank is read containing the erroneous state of samples with identical names,
the samples should not be discarded. They should either be preserved as read or preferably uniquely
renamed.
The DWORD dwStart contains the index, in sample data points, from the beginning of the sample data
field to the first data point of this sample.
The DWORD dwEnd contains the index, in sample data points, from the beginning of the sample data
field to the first of the set of 46 zero valued data points following this sample.
The DWORD dwStartloop contains the index, in sample data points, from the beginning of the sample
data field to the first data point in the loop of this sample.
The DWORD dwEndloop contains the index, in sample data points, from the beginning of the sample
data field to the first data point following the loop of this sample. Note that this is the data point
“equivalent to” the first loop data point, and that to produce portable artifact free loops, the eight
proximal data points surrounding both the Startloop and Endloop points should be identical.
The values of dwStart, dwEnd, dwStartloop, and dwEndloop must all be within the range of the sample
data field included in the SoundFont compatible bank or referenced in the sound ROM. Also, to allow a
variety of hardware platforms to be able to reproduce the data, the samples have a minimum length of 48
data points, a minimum loop size of 32 data points and a minimum of 8 valid points prior to dwStartloop
and after dwEndloop. Thus dwStart must be less than dwStartloop-7, dwStartloop must be less than
dwEndloop-31, and dwEndloop must be less than dwEnd-7. If these constraints are not met, the sound
may optionally not be played if the hardware cannot support artifact-free playback for the parameters
given.
The DWORD dwSampleRate contains the sample rate, in hertz, at which this sample was acquired or to
which it was most recently converted. Values of greater than 50000 or less than 400 may not be
reproducible by some hardware platforms and should be avoided. A value of zero is illegal. If an illegal
or impractical value is encountered, the nearest practical value should be used.
The BYTE byOriginalPitch contains the MIDI key number of the recorded pitch of the sample. For
example, a recording of an instrument playing middle C (261.62 Hz) should receive a value of 60. This
value is used as the default “root key” for the sample, so that in the example, a MIDI key-on command
for note number 60 would reproduce the sound at its original pitch. For unpitched sounds, a
conventional value of 255 should be used. Values between 128 and 254 are illegal. Whenever an illegal
value or a value of 255 is encountered, the value 60 should be used.
The CHAR chPitchCorrection contains a pitch correction in cents that should be applied to the sample
on playback. The purpose of this field is to compensate for any pitch errors during the sample recording
process. The correction value is that of the correction to be applied. For example, if the sound is 4
cents sharp, a correction bringing it 4 cents flat is required; thus the value should be -4.
The value in sfSampleType is an enumeration with eight defined values: monoSample = 1, rightSample =
2, leftSample = 4, linkedSample = 8, RomMonoSample = 32769, RomRightSample = 32770,
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RomLeftSample = 32772, and RomLinkedSample = 32776. It can be seen that this is encoded such that
bit 15 of the 16 bit value is set if the sample is in ROM, and reset if it is included in the SoundFont
compatible bank. The four LS bits of the word are then exclusively set indicating mono, left, right, or
linked.
If the sound is flagged as a ROM sample and no valid “irom” sub-chunk is included, the file is
structurally defective and should be rejected at load time.
If sfSampleType indicates a mono sample, then wSampleLink is undefined and its value should be
conventionally zero, but will be ignored regardless of value. If sfSampleType indicates a left or right
sample, then wSampleLink is the sample header index of the associated right or left stereo sample
respectively. Both samples should be played entirely syncrhonously, with their pitch controlled by the
right sample’s generators. All non-pitch generators should apply as normal; in particular the panning of
the individual samples to left and right should be accomplished via the pan generator. Left-right pairs
should always be found within the same instrument. Note also that no instrument should be designed in
which it is possible to activate more than one instance of a particular stereo pair. The linked sample type
is not currently fully defined in the SoundFont 2 specification, but will ultimately support a circularly
linked list of samples using wSampleLink. Note that this enumeration is two bytes in length.
The terminal sample record is never referenced, and is conventionally entirely zero with the exception of
achSampleName, which should be “EOS” indicating end of samples. All samples present in the smpl
sub-chunk are typically referenced by an instrument, however a file containing any “orphaned” samples
need not be rejected. SoundFont compatible applications can optionally ignore or filter out these
orphaned samples according to user preference.
If the SHDR sub-chunk is missing, or its is size is not a multiple of 46 bytes the file should be rejected as
structurally unsound.
8 Enumerators
8.1 Generator and Modulator Destination Enumerators
Section 8.1 defines the generator and generator kinds. Section 9.4 defines the generator operation
model.
8.1.1 Kinds of Generator Enumerators
A Generator and a Modulator Destination are two terms meaning the same thing, a single synthesizer
parameter. Generator is used in the context of the IGen and PGen lists, Modulator Destination is used in
the context of the IMod and PMod lists.
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Five kinds of Generator Enumerators exist: Index Generators, Range Generators, Substitution
Generators, Sample Generators, and Value Generators. Modulator Destinations are exclusively the list of
Value Generators.
An Index Generator’s amount is an index into another data structure. The only two Index Generators
are Instrument and sampleID.
A Range Generator defines a range of note-on parameters outside of which the zone is undefined. Two
Range Generators are currently defined, keyRange and velRange.
Substitution Generators are generators which substitute a value for a note-on parameter. Two
Substitution Generators are currently defined, overridingKeyNumber and overridingVelocity.
Sample Generators are generators which directly affect a sample’s properties. These generators are
undefined at the preset level. The currently defined Sample Generators are the eight address offset
generators, the sampleModes generator, the Overriding Root Key generator and the Exclusive Class
generator.
Value Generators are generators whose value directly affects a signal processing parameter. Most
generators are value generators.
8.1.2 Generator Enumerators Defined
The following is an exhaustive list of SoundFont 2.00 generators and their strict definitions:
0 startAddrsOffset The offset, in sample data points, beyond the Start sample header
parameter to the first sample data point to be played for this instrument.
For example, if Start were 7 and startAddrOffset were 2, the first
sample data point played would be sample data point 9.
1 endAddrsOffset The offset, in sample sample data points, beyond the End sample header
parameter to the last sample data point to be played for this instrument.
For example, if End were 17 and endAddrOffset were -2, the last
sample data point played would be sample data point 15.
2 startloopAddrsOffset The offset, in sample data points, beyond the Startloop sample header
parameter to the first sample data point to be repeated in the loop for
this instrument. For example, if Startloop were 10 and
startloopAddrsOffset were -1, the first repeated loop sample data point
would be sample data point 9.
3 endloopAddrsOffset The offset, in sample data points, beyond the Endloop sample header
parameter to the sample data point considered equivalent to the
Startloop sample data point for the loop for this instrument. For
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example, if Endloop were 15 and endloopAddrsOffset were 2, sample
data point 17 would be considered equivalent to the Startloop sample
data point, and hence sample data point 16 would effectively precede
Startloop during looping.
4 startAddrsCoarseOffset The offset, in 32768 sample data point increments beyond the Start
sample header parameter and the first sample data point to be played in
this instrument. This parameter is added to the startAddrsOffset
parameter. For example, if Start were 5, startAddrsOffset were 3 and
startAddrsCoarseOffset were 2, the first sample data point played
would be sample data point 65544.
5 modLfoToPitch This is the degree, in cents, to which a full scale excursion of the
Modulation LFO will influence pitch. A positive value indicates a
positive LFO excursion increases pitch; a negative value indicates a
positive excursion decreases pitch. Pitch is always modified
logarithmically, that is the deviation is in cents, semitones, and octaves
rather than in Hz. For example, a value of 100 indicates that the pitch
will first rise 1 semitone, then fall one semitone.
6 vibLfoToPitch This is the degree, in cents, to which a full scale excursion of the
Vibrato LFO will influence pitch. A positive value indicates a positive
LFO excursion increases pitch; a negative value indicates a positive
excursion decreases pitch. Pitch is always modified logarithmically,
that is the deviation is in cents, semitones, and octaves rather than in
Hz. For example, a value of 100 indicates that the pitch will first rise 1
semitone, then fall one semitone.
7 modEnvToPitch This is the degree, in cents, to which a full scale excursion of the
Modulation Envelope will influence pitch. A positive value indicates an
increase in pitch; a negative value indicates a decrease in pitch. Pitch is
always modified logarithmically, that is the deviation is in cents,
semitones, and octaves rather than in Hz. For example, a value of 100
indicates that the pitch will rise 1 semitone at the envelope peak.
8 initialFilterFc This is the cutoff and resonant frequency of the lowpass filter in
absolute cent units. The lowpass filter is defined as a second order
resonant pole pair whose pole frequency in Hz is defined by the Initial
Filter Cutoff parameter. When the cutoff frequency exceeds 20kHz and
the Q (resonance) of the filter is zero, the filter does not affect the
signal.
9 initialFilterQ This is the height above DC gain in centibels which the filter resonance
exhibits at the cutoff frequency. A value of zero or less indicates the
filter is not resonant; the gain at the cutoff frequency (pole angle) may
be less than zero when zero is specified. The filter gain at DC is also
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affected by this parameter such that the gain at DC is reduced by half
the specified gain. For example, for a value of 100, the filter gain at
DC would be 5 dB below unity gain, and the height of the resonant
peak would be 10 dB above the DC gain, or 5 dB above unity gain.
Note also that if initialFilterQ is set to zero or less and the cutoff
frequency exceeds 20 kHz, then the filter response is flat and unity gain.
10 modLfoToFilterFc This is the degree, in cents, to which a full scale excursion of the
Modulation LFO will influence filter cutoff frequency. A positive
number indicates a positive LFO excursion increases cutoff frequency; a
negative number indicates a positive excursion decreases cutoff
frequency. Filter cutoff frequency is always modified logarithmically,
that is the deviation is in cents, semitones, and octaves rather than in
Hz. For example, a value of 1200 indicates that the cutoff frequency
will first rise 1 octave, then fall one octave.
11 modEnvToFilterFc This is the degree, in cents, to which a full scale excursion of the
Modulation Envelope will influence filter cutoff frequency. A positive
number indicates an increase in cutoff frequency; a negative number
indicates a decrease in filter cutoff frequency. Filter cutoff frequency is
always modified logarithmically, that is the deviation is in cents,
semitones, and octaves rather than in Hz. For example, a value of 1000
indicates that the cutoff frequency will rise one octave at the envelope
attack peak.
12 endAddrsCoarseOffset The offset, in 32768 sample data point increments beyond the End
sample header parameter and the last sample data point to be played in
this instrument. This parameter is added to the endAddrsOffset
parameter. For example, if End were 65536, startAddrsOffset were -3
and startAddrsCoarseOffset were -1, the last sample data point played
would be sample data point 32765.
13 modLfoToVolume This is the degree, in centibels, to which a full scale excursion of the
Modulation LFO will influence volume. A positive number indicates a
positive LFO excursion increases volume; a negative number indicates a
positive excursion decreases volume. Volume is always modified
logarithmically, that is the deviation is in decibels rather than in linear
amplitude. For example, a value of 100 indicates that the volume will
first rise ten dB, then fall ten dB.
14 unused1 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
15 chorusEffectsSend This is the degree, in 0.1% units, to which the audio output of the note
is sent to the chorus effects processor. A value of 0% or less indicates
no signal is sent from this note; a value of 100% or more indicates the
note is sent at full level. Note that this parameter has no effect on the
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amount of this signal sent to the “dry” or unprocessed portion of the
output. For example, a value of 250 indicates that the signal is sent at
25% of full level (attenuation of 12 dB from full level) to the chorus
effects processor.
16 reverbEffectsSend This is the degree, in 0.1% units, to which the audio output of the note
is sent to the reverb effects processor. A value of 0% or less indicates
no signal is sent from this note; a value of 100% or more indicates the
note is sent at full level. Note that this parameter has no effect on the
amount of this signal sent to the “dry” or unprocessed portion of the
output. For example, a value of 250 indicates that the signal is sent at
25% of full level (attenuation of 12 dB from full level) to the reverb
effects processor.
17 pan This is the degree, in 0.1% units, to which the “dry” audio output of the
note is positioned to the left or right output. A value of -50% or less
indicates the signal is sent entirely to the left output and not sent to the
right output; a value of +50% or more indicates the note is sent entirely
to the right and not sent to the left. A value of zero places the signal
centered between left and right. For example, a value of -250 indicates
that the signal is sent at 75% of full level to the left output and 25% of
full level to the right output.
18 unused2 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
19 unused3 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
20 unused4 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
21 delayModLFO This is the delay time, in absolute timecents, from key on until the
Modulation LFO begins its upward ramp from zero value. A value of 0
indicates a 1 second delay. A negative value indicates a delay less than
one second and a positive value a delay longer than one second. The
most negative number (-32768) conventionally indicates no delay. For
example, a delay of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
22 freqModLFO This is the frequency, in absolute cents, of the Modulation LFO’s
triangular period. A value of zero indicates a frequency of 8.176 Hz.
A negative value indicates a frequency less than 8.176 Hz; a positive
value a frequency greater than 8.176 Hz. For example, a frequency of
10 mHz would be 1200log2(.01/8.176) = -11610.
23 delayVibLFO This is the delay time, in absolute timecents, from key on until the
Vibrato LFO begins its upward ramp from zero value. A value of 0
indicates a 1 second delay. A negative value indicates a delay less than
one second; a positive value a delay longer than one second. The most
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negative number (-32768) conventionally indicates no delay. For
example, a delay of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
24 freqVibLFO This is the frequency, in absolute cents, of the Vibrato LFO’s triangular
period. A value of zero indicates a frequency of 8.176 Hz. A negative
value indicates a frequency less than 8.176 Hz; a positive value a
frequency greater than 8.176 Hz. For example, a frequency of 10 mHz
would be 1200log2(.01/8.176) = -11610.
25 delayModEnv This is the delay time, in absolute timecents, between key on and the
start of the attack phase of the Modulation envelope. A value of 0
indicates a 1 second delay. A negative value indicates a delay less than
one second; a positive value a delay longer than one second. The most
negative number (-32768) conventionally indicates no delay. For
example, a delay of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
26 attackModEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, from the end of the Modulation
Envelope Delay Time until the point at which the Modulation Envelope
value reaches its peak. Note that the attack is “convex”; the curve is
nominally such that when applied to a decibel or semitone parameter,
the result is linear in amplitude or Hz respectively. A value of 0
indicates a 1 second attack time. A negative value indicates a time less
than one second; a positive value a time longer than one second. The
most negative number (-32768) conventionally indicates instantaneous
attack. For example, an attack time of 10 msec would be
1200log2(.01) = -7973.
27 holdModEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, from the end of the attack phase
to the entry into decay phase, during which the envelope value is held at
its peak. A value of 0 indicates a 1 second hold time. A negative value
indicates a time less than one second; a positive value a time longer
than one second. The most negative number (-32768) conventionally
indicates no hold phase. For example, a hold time of 10 msec would be
1200log2(.01) = -7973.
28 decayModEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, for a 100% change in the
Modulation Envelope value during decay phase. For the Modulation
Envelope, the decay phase linearly ramps toward the sustain level. If
the sustain level were zero, the Modulation Envelope Decay Time
would be the time spent in decay phase. A value of 0 indicates a 1
second decay time for a zero-sustain level. A negative value indicates a
time less than one second; a positive value a time longer than one
second. For example, a decay time of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01)
= -7973.
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29 sustainModEnv This is the decrease in level, expressed in 0.1% units, to which the
Modulation Envelope value ramps during the decay phase. For the
Modulation Envelope, the sustain level is properly expressed in percent
of full scale. Because the volume envelope sustain level is expressed as
an attenuation from full scale, the sustain level is analogously expressed
as a decrease from full scale. A value of 0 indicates the sustain level is
full level; this implies a zero duration of decay phase regardless of
decay time. A positive value indicates a decay to the corresponding
level. Values less than zero are to be interpreted as zero; values above
1000 are to be interpreted as 1000. For example, a sustain level which
corresponds to an absolute value 40% of peak would be 600.
30 releaseModEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, for a 100% change in the
Modulation Envelope value during release phase. For the Modulation
Envelope, the release phase linearly ramps toward zero from the current
level. If the current level were full scale, the Modulation Envelope
Release Time would be the time spent in release phase until zero value
were reached. A value of 0 indicates a 1 second decay time for a
release from full level. A negative value indicates a time less than one
second; a positive value a time longer than one second. For example, a
release time of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
31 keynumToModEnvHold This is the degree, in timecents per KeyNumber units, to which the hold
time of the Modulation Envelope is decreased by increasing MIDI key
number. The hold time at key number 60 is always unchanged. The
unit scaling is such that a value of 100 provides a hold time which
tracks the keyboard; that is, an upward octave causes the hold time to
halve. For example, if the Modulation Envelope Hold Time were -7973
= 10 msec and the Key Number to Mod Env Hold were 50 when key
number 36 was played, the hold time would be 20 msec.
32 keynumToModEnvDecay This is the degree, in timecents per KeyNumber units, to which the hold
time of the Modulation Envelope is decreased by increasing MIDI key
number. The hold time at key number 60 is always unchanged. The
unit scaling is such that a value of 100 provides a hold time that tracks
the keyboard; that is, an upward octave causes the hold time to halve.
For example, if the Modulation Envelope Hold Time were -7973 = 10
msec and the Key Number to Mod Env Hold were 50 when key number
36 was played, the hold time would be 20 msec.
33 delayVolEnv This is the delay time, in absolute timecents, between key on and the
start of the attack phase of the Volume envelope. A value of 0
indicates a 1 second delay. A negative value indicates a delay less than
one second; a positive value a delay longer than one second. The most
negative number (-32768) conventionally indicates no delay. For
example, a delay of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
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34 attackVolEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, from the end of the Volume
Envelope Delay Time until the point at which the Volume Envelope
value reaches its peak. Note that the attack is “convex”; the curve is
nominally such that when applied to the decibel volume parameter, the
result is linear in amplitude. A value of 0 indicates a 1 second attack
time. A negative value indicates a time less than one second; a positive
value a time longer than one second. The most negative number (-
32768) conventionally indicates instantaneous attack. For example, an
attack time of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
35 holdVolEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, from the end of the attack phase
to the entry into decay phase, during which the Volume envelope value
is held at its peak. A value of 0 indicates a 1 second hold time. A
negative value indicates a time less than one second; a positive value a
time longer than one second. The most negative number (-32768)
conventionally indicates no hold phase. For example, a hold time of 10
msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
36 decayVolEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, for a 100% change in the
Volume Envelope value during decay phase. For the Volume
Envelope, the decay phase linearly ramps toward the sustain level,
causing a constant dB change for each time unit. If the sustain level
were -100dB, the Volume Envelope Decay Time would be the time
spent in decay phase. A value of 0 indicates a 1-second decay time for
a zero-sustain level. A negative value indicates a time less than one
second; a positive value a time longer than one second. For example, a
decay time of 10 msec would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
37 sustainVolEnv This is the decrease in level, expressed in centibels, to which the
Volume Envelope value ramps during the decay phase. For the Volume
Envelope, the sustain level is best expressed in centibels of attenuation
from full scale. A value of 0 indicates the sustain level is full level; this
implies a zero duration of decay phase regardless of decay time. A
positive value indicates a decay to the corresponding level. Values less
than zero are to be interpreted as zero; conventionally 1000 indicates
full attenuation. For example, a sustain level which corresponds to an
absolute value 12dB below of peak would be 120.
38 releaseVolEnv This is the time, in absolute timecents, for a 100% change in the
Volume Envelope value during release phase. For the Volume
Envelope, the release phase linearly ramps toward zero from the current
level, causing a constant dB change for each time unit. If the current
level were full scale, the Volume Envelope Release Time would be the
time spent in release phase until 100dB attenuation were reached. A
value of 0 indicates a 1-second decay time for a release from full level.
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A negative value indicates a time less than one second; a positive value
a time longer than one second. For example, a release time of 10 msec
would be 1200log2(.01) = -7973.
39 keynumToVolEnvHold This is the degree, in timecents per KeyNumber units, to which the hold
time of the Volume Envelope is decreased by increasing MIDI key
number. The hold time at key number 60 is always unchanged. The
unit scaling is such that a value of 100 provides a hold time which
tracks the keyboard; that is, an upward octave causes the hold time to
halve. For example, if the Volume Envelope Hold Time were -7973 =
10 msec and the Key Number to Vol Env Hold were 50 when key
number 36 was played, the hold time would be 20 msec.
40 keynumToVolEnvDecay This is the degree, in timecents per KeyNumber units, to which the hold
time of the Volume Envelope is decreased by increasing MIDI key
number. The hold time at key number 60 is always unchanged. The
unit scaling is such that a value of 100 provides a hold time that tracks
the keyboard; that is, an upward octave causes the hold time to halve.
For example, if the Volume Envelope Hold Time were -7973 = 10 msec
and the Key Number to Vol Env Hold were 50 when key number 36
was played, the hold time would be 20 msec.
41 instrument This is the index into the INST sub-chunk providing the instrument to
be used for the current preset zone. A value of zero indicates the first
instrument in the list. The value should never exceed two less than the
size of the instrument list. The instrument enumerator is the terminal
generator for PGEN zones. As such, it should only appear in the
PGEN sub-chunk, and it must appear as the last generator enumerator
in all but the global preset zone.
42 reserved1 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
43 keyRange This is the minimum and maximum MIDI key number values for which
this preset zone or instrument zone is active. The LS byte indicates the
highest and the MS byte the lowest valid key. The keyRange
enumerator is optional, but when it does appear, it must be the first
generator in the zone generator list.
44 velRange This is the minimum and maximum MIDI velocity values for which this
preset zone or instrument zone is active. The LS byte indicates the
highest and the MS byte the lowest valid velocity. The velRange
enumerator is optional, but when it does appear, it must be preceded
only by keyRange in the zone generator list.
45 startloopAddrsCoarseOffset The offset, in 32768 sample data point increments beyond the Startloop
sample header parameter and the first sample data point to be repeated
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in this instrument’s loop. This parameter is added to the
startloopAddrsOffset parameter. For example, if Startloop were 5,
startloopAddrsOffset were 3 and startAddrsCoarseOffset were 2, the
first sample data point in the loop would be sample data point 65544.
46 keynum This enumerator forces the MIDI key number to effectively be
interpreted as the value given. This generator can only appear at the
instrument level. Valid values are from 0 to 127.
47 velocity This enumerator forces the MIDI velocity to effectively be interpreted
as the value given. This generator can only appear at the instrument
level. Valid values are from 0 to 127.
48 initialAttenuation This is the attenuation, in centibels, by which a note is attenuated below
full scale. A value of zero indicates no attenuation; the note will be
played at full scale. For example, a value of 60 indicates the note will
be played at 6 dB below full scale for the note.
49 reserved2 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
50 endloopAddrsCoarseOffset The offset, in 32768 sample data point increments beyond the Endloop
sample header parameter to the sample data point considered equivalent
to the Startloop sample data point for the loop for this instrument. This
parameter is added to the endloopAddrsOffset parameter. For
example, if Endloop were 5, endloopAddrsOffset were 3 and
endAddrsCoarseOffset were 2, sample data point 65544 would be
considered equivalent to the Startloop sample data point, and hence
sample data point 65543 would effectively precede Startloop during
looping.
51 coarseTune This is a pitch offset, in semitones, which should be applied to the note.
A positive value indicates the sound is reproduced at a higher pitch; a
negative value indicates a lower pitch. For example, a Coarse Tune
value of -4 would cause the sound to be reproduced four semitones flat.
52 fineTune This is a pitch offset, in cents, which should be applied to the note. It is
additive with coarseTune. A positive value indicates the sound is
reproduced at a higher pitch; a negative value indicates a lower pitch.
For example, a Fine Tuning value of -5 would cause the sound to be
reproduced five cents flat.
53 sampleID This is the index into the SHDR sub-chunk providing the sample to be
used for the current instrument zone. A value of zero indicates the first
sample in the list. The value should never exceed two less than the size
of the sample list. The sampleID enumerator is the terminal generator
for IGEN zones. As such, it should only appear in the IGEN sub-
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chunk, and it must appear as the last generator enumerator in all but the
global zone.
54 sampleModes This enumerator indicates a value which gives a variety of Boolean
flags describing the sample for the current instrument zone. The
sampleModes should only appear in the IGEN sub-chunk, and should
not appear in the global zone. The two LS bits of the value indicate the
type of loop in the sample: 0 indicates a sound reproduced with no
loop, 1 indicates a sound which loops continuously, 2 is unused but
should be interpreted as indicating no loop, and 3 indicates a sound
which loops for the duration of key depression then proceeds to play
the remainder of the sample.
55 reserved3 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
56 scaleTuning This parameter represents the degree to which MIDI key number
influences pitch. A value of zero indicates that MIDI key number has
no effect on pitch; a value of 100 represents the usual tempered
semitone scale.
57 exclusiveClass This parameter provides the capability for a key depression in a given
instrument to terminate the playback of other instruments. This is
particularly useful for percussive instruments such as a hi-hat cymbal.
An exclusive class value of zero indicates no exclusive class; no special
action is taken. Any other value indicates that when this note is
initiated, any other sounding note with the same exclusive class value
should be rapidly terminated. The exclusive class generator can only
appear at the instrument level. The scope of the exclusive class is the
entire preset. In other words, any other instrument zone within the
same preset holding a corresponding exclusive class will be terminated.
58 overridingRootKey This parameter represents the MIDI key number at which the sample is
to be played back at its original sample rate. If not present, or if
present with a value of -1, then the sample header parameter Original
Key is used in its place. If it is present in the range 0-127, then the
indicated key number will cause the sample to be played back at its
sample header Sample Rate. For example, if the sample were a
recording of a piano middle C (Original Key = 60) at a sample rate of
22.050 kHz, and Root Key were set to 69, then playing MIDI key
number 69 (A above middle C) would cause a piano note of pitch
middle C to be heard.
59 unused5 Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered.
60 endOper Unused, reserved. Should be ignored if encountered. Unique name
provides value to end of defined list.
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8.1.3 Generator Summary
The following tables give the ranges and default values for all SoundFont 2.x defined generators.
# Name Unit Abs
Zero
Min Min
Useful
Max Max
Useful
Default
Def
Value
0 startAddrsOffset + smpls 0 0 None * * 0 None
1 endAddrsOffset + smpls 0 * * 0 None 0 None
2 startloopAddrsOffset + smpls 0 * * * * 0 None
3 endloopAddrsOffset + smpls 0 * * * * 0 None
4 startAddrsCoarseOffset + 32k smpls 0 0 None * * 0 None
5 modLfoToPitch cent fs 0 -12000 -10 oct 12000 10 oct 0 None
6 vibLfoToPitch cent fs 0 -12000 -10 oct 12000 10 oct 0 None
7 modEnvToPitch cent fs 0 -12000 -10 oct 12000 10 oct 0 None
8 initialFilterFc cent 8.176
Hz
1500 20 Hz 13500 20 kHz 13500 Open
9 initialFilterQ cB 0 0 None 960 96 dB 0 None
10 modLfoToFilterFc cent fs 0 -12000 -10 oct 12000 10 oct 0 None
11 modEnvToFilterFc cent fs 0 -12000 -10 oct 12000 10 oct 0 None
12 endAddrsCoarseOffset + 32k smpls 0 * * 0 None 0 None
13 modLfoToVolume cB fs 0 -960 -96 dB 960 96 dB 0 None
15 chorusEffectsSend 0.1% 0 0 None 1000 100% 0 None
16 reverbEffectsSend 0.1% 0 0 None 1000 100% 0 None
17 pan 0.1% Cntr -500 Left +500 Right 0 Center
21 delayModLFO timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
msec
22 freqModLFO cent 8.176
Hz
-16000 1 mHz 4500 100 Hz 0 8.176
Hz
23 delayVibLFO timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
msec
24 freqVibLFO cent 8.176
Hz
-16000 1 mHz 4500 100 Hz 0 8.176
Hz
25 delayModEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
msec
26 attackModEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
27 holdModEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
msec
28 decayModEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
29 sustainModEnv -0.1% attk
peak
0 100% 1000 0% 0 attk pk
30 releaseModEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
31 keynumToModEnvHold tcent/key 0 -1200 -oct/ky 1200 oct/ky 0 None
32 keynumToModEnvDecay tcent/key 0 -1200 -oct/ky 1200 oct/ky 0 None
33 delayVolEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
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msec
34 attackVolEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
35 holdVolEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 5000 20 sec -12000 <1
msec
36 decayVolEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
37 sustainVolEnv cB attn attk
peak
0 0 dB 1440 144dB 0 attk pk
38 releaseVolEnv timecent 1 sec -12000 1 msec 8000 100sec -12000 <1
msec
39 keynumToVolEnvHold tcent/key 0 -1200 -oct/ky 1200 oct/ky 0 None
40 keynumToVolEnvDecay tcent/key 0 -1200 -oct/ky 1200 oct/ky 0 None
43 keyRange @ MIDI ky# key#
0
0 lo key 127 hi key 0-127 full
kbd
44 velRange @ MIDI vel 0 0 min
vel
127 max
vel
0-127 all vels
45 startloopAddrsCoarseOffset
+
smpls 0 * * * * 0 None
46 keynum+@ MIDI ky# key#
0
0 lo key 127 hi key -1 None
47 velocity +@ MIDI vel 0 1 min
vel
127 mx vel -1 None
48 initialAttenuation cB 0 0 0 dB 1440 144dB 0 None
50 endloopAddrsCoarseOffset + smpls 0 * * * * 0 None
51 coarseTune semitone 0 -120 -10 oct 120 10 oct 0 None
52 fineTune cent 0 -99 -
99cent
99 99cent 0 None
54 sampleModes +@ Bit Flags Flags ** ** ** ** 0 No
Loop
56 scaleTuning @ cent/key 0 0 none 1200 oct/ky 100 semitone
57 exclusiveClass +@ arbitrary# 0 1 -- 127 -- 0 None
58 overridingRootKey +@ MIDI ky# key#
0
0 lo key 127 hi key -1 None
* Range depends on values of start, loop, and end points in sample header.
** Range has discrete values based on bit flags
+ This generator is only valid at the instrument level.
@ This generator is designated as a non-real-time parameter.
8.2 Modulator Source Enumerators
Section 8.2 defines the SoundFont modulator enumerations, Section 9.5 describes the SoundFont
Modulator theory of operation.
The SoundFont sfModulator enumeration values are actually a combination of an index value like the
sfGenerator enumeration values specifying source values with bit fields specifying source types and
source pallettes.
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The following diagram contains the bit-wise specific information contained within a 16 bit SoundFont
source enumeration:
15 14 13 12 11 10 09 08 07 06 05 04 03 02 01 00
Type P D CC Index
Type = A 6 bit value specifying the continuity of the controller
P = Polarity
D = Direction
CC = MIDI Continuous Controller Flag
Index = A 7 bit value specifying the controller source
8.2.1 Source Enumerator Controller Palettes
The SoundFont format supports two distinct controller palettes, based on the value of bit 7 in the source
enumeration field.
If the ‘C’ bit is set to 0, the General Controller palette of controllers is selected. The ‘index’ field value
corresponds to one of the following controller sources.
All values not listed are reserved for future use. If such a value is encountered, the entire modulator
structure should be ignored.
0 No Controller No controller is to be used. The output of this controller module should
be treated as if its value were set to ‘1’. It should not be a means to
turn off a modulator.
2 Note-On Velocity The controller source to be used is the velocity value which is sent from
the MIDI note-on command which generated the given sound.
3 Note-On Key Number The controller source to be used is the key number value which was
sent from the MIDI note-on command which generated the given
sound.
10 Poly Pressure The controller source to be used is the poly-pressure amount that is
sent from the MIDI poly-pressure command.
13 Channel Pressure The controller source to be used is the channel pressure amount that is
sent from the MIDI channel-pressure command.
14 Pitch Wheel The controller source to be used is the pitch wheel amount which is
sent from the MIDI pitch wheel command
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16 Pitch Wheel Sensitivity The controller source to be used is the pitch wheel sensitivity amount
which is sent from the MIDI RPN 0 pitch wheel sensitivity command.
If the ‘C’ bit is set to ‘1’, the MIDI Controller Palette is selected. The ‘index’ field value corresponds to
one of the 128 MIDI Continuous Controller messages as defined in the MIDI specification.
Note that in this case where C is set to 1, index values 0, 6, 32, 38, 98 through 101, and 120 through
127 are ILLEGAL due to their nature as a MIDI functions rather than true MIDI controllers. Also, index
values 33 through 63 should be reserved for LSB contributions of controller indices 1 through 31. If
these index values are encountered, the entire modulator structure should be ignored.
8.2.2 Source Directions
The SoundFont 2.01 format supports two directions for any controller. The direction is specified by bit 8
of the source enumeration field.
If the ‘D’ bit is set to 0, the direction of the controller should be from the minimum value to the
maximum value. So, for example, if the controller source is Key Number, then Key Number value of 0
corresponds to the minimum possible controller output, and Key Number value of 127 corresponds to
the maximum possible controller input.
If the ‘D’ bit is set to 1, the direction of the controller should be from the maximum value to the
minimum value. So, for example, if the controller source is Key Number, then a Key Number value of 0
corresponds to the maximum possible controller output, and the Key Number value of 127 corresponds
to the minimum possible controller input.
8.2.3 Source Polarities
The SoundFont 2.01 format supports two polarities for any controller. The polarity if specified by bit 9
of the source enumeration field.
If the ‘P’ bit is set to 0, the controller should be mapped with a minimum value of 0 and a maximum
value of 1. This is also called Unipolar. Thus it behaves similar to the Modulation Wheel controller of the
MIDI specification.
If the ‘P’ bit is set to 1, the controller sound be mapped with a minimum value of -1 and a maximum
value of 1. This is also called Bipolar. Thus it behaves similar to the Pitch Wheel controller of the MIDI
specification.
8.2.4 Source Types
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The SoundFont 2.01 format may be used to support various types of controllers. This field completes the
definition of the controller. A controller type specifies how the minimum value approaches the maximum
value.
Currently, there is one source types defined; thus bits 10 through 15 of the enumeration field are not
defined individually. They are instead reserved to support future source types. If any of bits 11 through
15 are set to 1, the modulator structure should be ignored.
The following are the definitions of the controller types:
0 Linear The SoundFont modulator controller moves linearly from the minimum
to the maximum value in the direction and with the polarity specified by
the ‘D’ and ‘P’ bits.
1 Concave The SoundFont modulator controller moves in a concave fashion from
the minimum to the maximum value in the direction and with the
polarity specified by the ‘D’ and ‘P’ bits. The negative unipolar concave
characteristic follows variations of the mathematical equation:
output = -20/96 * log((value^2)/(range^2))
where value = input value - min value
range = max value – min value
2 Convex The SoundFont modulator controller moves in a convex fashion from
the minimum to the maximum value in the direction and with the
polarity specified by the ‘D’ and ‘P’ bits. The convex curve is the same
curve as the concave curve, except the start and end points are
reversed.
3 Switch The SoundFont modulator controller output is at a minimum value
while the controller input moves from the minimum to half of the
maximum, after which the controller output is at a maximum. This
occurs in the direction and with the polarity specified by the ‘D’ and ‘P’
bits.
8.3 Modulator Transform Enumerators
The following values for the transform enumeration field are defined for SoundFont 2.01:
0 Linear The output value of the multiplier is to be fed directly to the summing
node of the given destination.
8.4 Default Modulators
The “default” modulators are described below. These modulator values are the default for the instrument
level; IE they are not default at the preset level. The default modulators at the preset level are such that
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there is no additional control over any parameter. “Default” modulators are also refered to as “General
MIDI” modulators because their settings and values match the MIDI specification.
Note that these modulators are implicit to the file format, so in order to turn them off one must explicitly
put modulators in the appropriate level of the hierarchy to either supersede or negate the effect of these
modulators.
Please review section 9.4, the SoundFont Modulator Controller Model Theory of Operations for a
detailed description of the general nature of these modulators, as well as the effect of Modulators upon
default modulators in different levels in the SoundFont hierarchy.
8.4.1 MIDI Note-On Velocity to Initial Attenuation
Source Enumeration = 0x0502 (type=1, P=0, D=1, CC=0, index = 2)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Attenuation
Amount = 960
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI key number is used as a Negative Unipolar source; thus the input value of 1 is mapped to a
value of 127/128, an input value of 127 is mapped to 0 and all other values are mapped between 127/128
and 0 in a concave fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator; thus its effect is the same as
the effect of multiplying the amount by 1. The amount of this modulator is 960 cB (or 96 dB) of
attenuation. Note that the MIDI specification is such that a note-on velocity amount of zero indicates a
note-off, thus it is not considered in this modulator.
The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the initial attenuation generator.
8.4.2 MIDI Note-On Velocity to Filter Cutoff
Source Enumeration = 0x0102 (type=0, P=0, D=1, CC=0, index = 2)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Filter Cutoff
Amount = -2400 Cents
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x502 (type=3, P=0, D=1, CC=0, index=2)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI key number is used as a Negative Unipolar source; thus the input value of 1 is mapped to a
value of 127/128, an input value of 127 is mapped to 0 and all other values are mapped between 127/128
and 1 in a linear fashion. The MIDI velocity number is also used as a secondary source for this
modulator; it is a negative unipolar switch. This has the effect of turning off velocity-to-filter for velocity
numbers less than 64. The amount of this modulator is -2400 Cents. Note that the MIDI specification is
such that a note-on velocity amount of zero indicates a note-off, thus it is not considered in this
modulator.
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The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the Initial Filter Cutoff generator summing node.
Please note that the stipulation in the previous specification where this default modulator does not occur
unless the volume envelope attack time is less than 7 msec has been removed. This stipulation may be
added as a synthesizer mode function in order to make your synthesizer AWE32 compatible, however it
is not required for SoundFont 2.01 compatibility. Also note that the definition of a “MIDI Velocity to
Initial Filter Cutoff” transform is not used. This linear transformation combined with the use of velocity
as a secondary source with a switch curve approximates the original functionality of the AWE32 very
closely.
8.4.3 MIDI Channel Pressure to Vibrato LFO Pitch Depth
Source Enumeration = 0x000D (type=0, P=0, D=0, CC=0, index = 13)
Destination Enumeration = Vibrato LFO to Pitch
Amount = 50 cents/max excursion
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 ( Linear)
The MIDI Channel Pressure data value is used as a Positive Unipolar source; thus the input value of 0 is
mapped to a value of 0, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128 and all other values are mapped
between 0 and 127/128 in a linear fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator; thus its
effect is the same as the effect of multiplying the amount by 1. The amount of this modulator is 50 cents
per max excursion of vibrato modulation.
The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the Vibrato LFO to Pitch generator summing node.
8.4.4 MIDI Continuous Controller 1 to Vibrato LFO Pitch Depth
Source Enumeration = 0x0081 (type=0, P=0, D=0, CC=1, index = 1)
Destination Enumeration = Vibrato LFO to Pitch
Amount = 50
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI Continuous Controller 1 data value is used as a Positive Unipolar source; thus the input value
of 0 is mapped to a value of 0, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128 and all other values are
mapped between 0 and 127/128 in a linear fashion. The MIDI Continuous Controller 33 data value may
be optionally used for increased resolution of the controller input.
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There is no secondary source for this modulator; thus its effect is the same as the effect of multiplying
the amount by 1.
The amount of this modulator is 50 cents/max excursion of vibrato modulation.
The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the Vibrato LFO to Pitch generator summing node.
8.4.5 MIDI Continuous Controller 7 to Initial Attenuation
Source Enumeration = 0x0587 (type=1, P=0, D=1, CC=1, index = 7)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Attenuation
Amount = 960
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI Continuous Controller 7 data value is used as a Negative Unipolar source; thus the input
value of 0 is mapped to a value of 127/128, an input value of 127 is mapped to 0 and all other values are
mapped between 127/128 and 0 in a concave fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator;
thus its effect is the same as the effect of multiplying the amount by 1. The amount of this modulator is
960 cB (or 96 dB) of attenuation.
The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the initial attenuation generator.
8.4.6 MIDI Continuous Controller 10 to Pan Position
Source Enumeration = 0x028A (type=0, P=1, D=0, CC=1, index = 10)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Attenuation
Amount = 1000 tenths of a percent
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI Continuous Controller 10 data value is used as a Positive Bipolar source; thus the input value
of 0 is mapped to a value of -1, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128 and all other values are
mapped between –1 and 127/128 in a linear fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator;
thus its effect is the same as the effect of multiplying the amount by 1. The amount of this modulator is
1000 tenths of a percent panned-right.
The product of these values is passed through a “Linear” transform (or is left uninhibited) and is then
added to the Pan generator summing node.
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8.4.7 MIDI Continuous Controller 11 to Initial Attenuation
Source Enumeration = 0x058B (type=1, P=0, D=1, CC=1, index = 11)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Attenuation
Amount = 960
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI Continuous Controller 11 data value is used as a Negative Unipolar source; thus the input
value of 0 is mapped to a value of 127/128, an input value of 127 is mapped to 0 and all other values are
mapped between 127/128 and 0 in a concave fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator;
thus its effect is the same as the effect of multiplying the amount by 1. The amount of this modulator is
960 cB (or 96 dB) of attenuation.
The product of these values is passed through a Linear Transform (or is left uninhibited) and is added to
the initial attenuation generator.
8.4.8 MIDI Continuous Controller 91 to Reverb Effects Send
Source Enumeration = 0x00DB (type=0, P=0, D=0, CC=1, index = 91)
Destination Enumeration = Reverb Effects Send
Amount = 200 tenths of a percent
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI key number is used as a Positive Unipolar source; thus the input value of 0 is mapped to a
value of 0, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128 and all other values are mapped between 0 and
127/128 in a linear fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator; thus its effect is the same as
the effect of multiplying the amount by 1.
The amount of this modulator is 200 tenths of a percent added reverb send.
The product of these values is passed through a “Linear” transform (or is left uninhibited) and is then
added to the Reverb Send generator summing node.
8.4.9 MIDI Continuous Controller 93 to Chorus Effects Send
Source Enumeration = 0x00DD (type=0, P=0, D=0, CC=1, index = 93)
Destination Enumeration = Chorus Effects Send (Effects Send 2)
Amount = 200 tenths of a percent
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0 (No controller)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
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The MIDI key number is used as a Positive Unipolar source; thus the input value of 0 is mapped to a
value of 0, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128 and all other values are mapped between 0 and
128 in a linear fashion. There is no secondary source for this modulator; thus its effect is the same as the
effect of multiplying the amount by 1.
The amount of this modulator is 200 tenths of a percent added chorus send.
The product of these values is passed through a “Linear” transform (or is left uninhibited) and is then
added to the Chorus Send generator summing node.
8.4.10 MIDI Pitch Wheel to Initial Pitch Controlled by MIDI Pitch Wheel Sensitivity
Source Enumeration = 0x020E (type=0, P=1, D=0, CC=0, index = 14)
Destination Enumeration = Initial Pitch
Amount = 12700 Cents
Amount Source Enumeration = 0x0010 (type=0, D=0, P=0, C=0, index=16)
Transform Enumeration = 0 (Linear)
The MIDI Pitch Wheel data values are used as a Positive Bipolar source; thus the input value of 0 is
mapped to a value of -1, an input value of 8191 is mapped to 8191/8192 and all other values are mapped
between -1 and 8191/8192 in a linear fashion.
The MIDI Pitch Wheel Sensitivity data values are used as a secondary source. This source is Positive
Unipolar; thus an input value of 0 is mapped to a value of 0, an input value of 127 is mapped to 127/128
and all other values are mapped between 0 and 127/128 in a linear fashion.
The amount of this modulator is 12700 Cents.
The product of these values is passed through a “Linear” transform (or is left uninhibited) and is then
added to the Initial Pitch generator summing node.
8.5 Precedence and Absolute and Relative values.
Most SoundFont generators are available at both the Instrument and Preset Levels, as well as having a
default value. Generators at the Instrument Level are considered “absolute” and determine an actual
physical value for the associated synthesis parameter, which is used instead of the default. For example,
a value of 1200 for the attackVolEnv generator would produce an absolute time of 1200 timecents or 2
seconds of attack time for the volume envelope, instead of the default value of -12000 timecents or 1
msec.
Generators at the Preset Level are instead considered “relative” and additive to all the default or
instrument level generators within the Preset Zone. For example, a value of 2400 timecents for the
attackVolEnv generator in a preset zone containing an instrument with two zones, one with the default
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attackVelEnv and one with an absolute attackVolEnv generator value of 1200 timecents would cause
the default zone to actually have a value of -9600 timecents or 4 msec, and the other to have a value of
3600 timecents or 8 seconds attack time.
There are some generators that are not available at the Preset Level. These are:
# Name
0 startAddrsOffset
1 endAddrsOffset
2 startloopAddrsOffset
3 endloopAddrsOffset
4 startAddrsCoarseOffset
12 endAddrsCoarseOffset
45 startloopAddrsCoarseOffset
46 keynum
47 velocity
50 endloopAddrsCoarseOffset
54 sampleModes
57 exclusiveClass
58 overridingRootKey
If these generators are encountered in the Preset Level, they should be ignored.
The effect of modulators on a given destination is always relative to the generator value at the
Instrument level. However modulators may supersede or add to other modulators depending on their
position within the hierarchy. Please see section 9.5 for details on the Modulator implementation and the
hierarchical details.
9 Parameters and Synthesis Model
The SoundFont 2 standard has been established with the intent of providing support for an expanding
base of wavetable based synthesis models. The model supported by the SoundFont 2 specification
originates with the EMU8000 wavetable synthesizer chip. The description below of the underlying
synthesis model and the associated parameters are provided to allow mapping of this synthesis model
onto other hardware platforms.
9.1 Synthesis Model
The SoundFont 2 specification Synthesis Model comprises a wavetable oscillator, a dynamic low-pass
filter, an enveloping amplifier, and programmable sends to pan, reverb, and chorus effects units. An
underlying modulation engine comprises two low frequency oscillators (LFOs) and two envelope
generators with appropriate routing amplifiers.
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9.1.1 Wavetable Oscillator
The SoundFont 2 specification wavetable oscillator model is capable of playing back a sample at an
arbitrary sampling rate with an arbitrary pitch shift. In practice, the upward pitch shift (downward
sample rate conversion) will be limited to a maximum value, typically at least two octaves. The pitch is
described in terms of an initial pitch shift which is based on the sample’s sampling rate, the root key at
which the sample should be unshifted on the keyboard, the coarse, fine, and correction tunings, the
effective MIDI key number, and the keyboard scale factor. All modulations in pitch are in octaves,
semitones, and cents.
9.1.2 Sample Looping
The wavetable oscillator is playing a digital sample which is described in terms of a start point, end point,
and two points describing a loop. The sound can be flagged as unlooped, in which case the loop points
are ignored. If the sound is looped, it can be played in two ways. If it is flagged as “loop during
release”, the sound is played from the start point through the loop, and loops until the note becomes
inaudible. If not, the sound is played from the start point through the loop, and loops until the key is
released. At this point, the next time the loop end point is reached, the sound continues through the loop
end point and plays until the end point is reached, at which time audio is terminated.
9.1.3 Low-pass Filter
The synthesis model contains a resonant low-pass filter, which is characterized by a dynamic cutoff
frequency and a fixed resonance (Q). Because there is tremendous variation within the industry as to
filter implementations, this filter is idealized rather than being specified as a particular realization.
The filter is idealized at zero resonance as having a flat passband to the cutoff frequency, then a rolloff at
6dB per octave above that frequency. The resonance, when non-zero, comprises a peak at the cutoff
frequency, superimposed on the above response. The resonance is measured as a dB ratio of the
resonant peak to the DC gain. The DC gain at any resonance is half of the resonance value below the
DC gain at zero resonance; hence the peak height is half the resonance value above DC gain at zero
resonance.
All modulations in cutoff frequency are in octaves, semitones, and cents.
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Resonance
Cutoff
Frequency
Rolloff
12 dB/oct
Figure 1: Ideal Filter Response
9.1.4 Final Gain Amplifier
The final gain amplifier is a multiplier on the filter output, which is controlled by an initial gain in dB.
This is added to the volume envelope. Additional modulation can also be added. The gain is always
specified in dB.
9.1.5 Effects Sends
The output of the final gain amplifier can be routed into the effects unit. This unit causes the sound to be
located (panned) in the stereo field, and a degree of reverberation and chorus to be added. The pan is
specified in terms of percentage left and right, which also could be considered as an azimuth angle. The
reverb and chorus sends are specified as a percentage of the signal amplitude to be sent to these units,
from 0% to 100%.
9.1.6 Low Frequency Oscillators
The synthesis model provides for two low frequency oscillators (LFOs) for modulating pitch, filter
cutoff, and amplitude. The “vibrato” LFO is only capable of modulating pitch. The “modulation” LFO
can modulate any of the three parameters.
An LFO is defined as having a delay period during which its value remains zero, followed by a triangular
waveshape ramping linearly to positive one, then downward to negative 1, then upward again to positive
one, etc.
Each parameter can be modulated to a varying degree, either positively or negatively, by the associated
LFO. Modulations of pitch and cutoff are in octaves, semitones, and cents, while modulations of
amplitude are in dB. The degree of modulation is specified in cents or dB for the full scale positive LFO
excursion.
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9.1.7 Envelope Generators
The synthesis model provides for two envelope generators. The volume envelope generator controls the
final gain amplifier and hence determines the volume contour of the sound. The modulation envelope
can control pitch and/or filter cutoff.
An envelope generates a control signal in six phases. When key-on occurs, a delay period begins during
which the envelope value is zero. The envelope then rises in a convex curve to a value of one during the
attack phase. When a value of one is reached, the envelope enters a hold phase during which it remains
at one. When the hold phase ends, the envelope enters a decay phase during which its value decreases
linearly to a sustain level. When the sustain level is reached, the envelope enters sustain phase, during
which the envelope stays at the sustain level. Whenever a key-off occurs, the envelope immediately
enters a release phase during which the value linearly ramps from the current value to zero. When zero
is reached, the envelope value remains at zero.
Modulation of pitch and filter cutoff are in octaves, semitones, and cents. These parameters can be
modulated to varying degree, either positively or negatively, by the modulation envelope. The degree of
modulation is specified in cents for the full-scale attack peak.
The volume envelope operates in dB, with the attack peak providing a full scale output, appropriately
scaled by the initial volume. The zero value, however, is actually zero gain. The implementation in the
EMU8000 provides for 96 dB of amplitude control. When 96 dB of attenuation is reached in the final
gain amplifier, an abrupt jump to zero gain (infinite dB of attenuation) occurs. In a 16-bit system, this
jump is inaudible.
9.1.8 Modulation Interconnection Summary
The following diagram shows the interconnections expressed in the SoundFont 2 specification synthesis
model:
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Oscillator Filter Amplifier
Modulation
Envelope
Reverb
Chorus
Vibrato
LFO
Modulation
LFO
Volume
Envelope
Pitch Fc Volume
Figure 2: Generator Based Modulation Structure
9.2 MIDI Functions
The response to certain MIDI commands is defined within the MIDI specification, and is therefore not
considered to be part of the SoundFont 2 specification. These MIDI commands may not be used as
sources for the Modulator implementation.
For completeness, the expected responses are given here.
Specification Version 2.00b Note:
• MIDI Key Number to Pitch, noted here in the 2.00a version of this specification, is the “Scale Tune”
parameter in the Generator list, is also considered a true Modulator and is therefore removed from
this list.
• MIDI Pitch Bend, noted here in the 2.00a version of this specification, is considered a true
Modulator and is therefore removed from here.
MIDI CC0 Bank Select - When received, the following program change should select the MIDI program
in this bank value instead of the default bank of 0.
MIDI CC6 - Data Entry MSB - When received, its value should be sent to either the RPN or NRPN
implementation mechanism depending on the Data Entry mode.
MIDI CC32 Bank Select LSB - When received, may behave in conjunction with CC0 Bank Select to
provide a total of 16384 possible MIDI banks of programs.
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MIDI CC38 Data Entry LSB - When received, its value should be sent to either the RPN or NRPN
implementation mechanism, depending on the Data Entry mode.
MIDI CC64 Sustain - ACTIVE when greater than or equal to 64. When the sustain function is active,
all notes in the key-on state remain in the key-on state regardless of whether a key-off command for the
note arrives. The key-off commands are stored, and when sustain becomes inactive, all stored key-off
commands are executed.
MIDI CC66 Soft - ACTIVE when greater than or equal to 64. When active, all new key-ons are
modulated in such a way to make the note sound “soft.” This typically affects initial attenuation and
filter cutoff is a pre-defined manner.
MIDI CC67 Sostenuto - ACTIVE when greater than or equal to 64. When sostenuto becomes active,
all notes currently in the key-on state remain in the key-on state until the sostenuto becomes inactive.
All other notes behave normally. Notes maintained by sostenuto in key-on state remain in key-on state
even if sustain is switched on and off.
MIDI CC98 NRPN LSB - When received, should be processed by the NRPN implementation
mechanism.
MIDI CC99 NRPN MSB - When received, should put the synthesizer in NRPN Data Entry mode and
then should be processed by the NRPN implementation mechanism.
MIDI CC100 RPN LSB - When received, should be processed by the RPN implementation mechanism.
MIDI CC101 RPN MSB - When received, should put the synthesizer in RPN Data Entry mode and then
should be processed by the RPN implementation mechanism.
MIDI CC120 All Sound Off - When received with any data value, all notes playing in the key-on state
bypass the release phase and are shut off, regardless of the sustain or sostenuto positions.
MIDI CC121 Reset All Controllers – Defined as Reset All Controllers as defined by the MIDI
specification. This typically resets the values of the MIDI continuous controllers to a power-on or
default state.
MIDI CC123 All Notes Off - When received with any data value, all notes playing in the key-on state
immediately enter release phase, pending their status in SUSTAIN or SOSTENUTO state.
9.3 Parameter Units
The units with which SoundFont generators are described are all well defined. The strict definitions
appear below:
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ABSOLUTE SAMPLE DATA POINTS - A numeric index of 16 bit sample data point words as stored
in ROM or supplied in the smpl-ck, indexing the first sample data point word of memory or the chunk as
zero.
RELATIVE SAMPLE DATA POINTS - A count of 16 bit sample data point words based on an
absolute sample data point reference. A negative value implies a relative count toward the beginning of
the data.
ABSOLUTE SEMITONES - An absolute logarithmic measure of frequency based on a reference of
MIDI key numbers. A semitone is 1/12 of an octave, and value 69 is 440 Hz (A-440). Negative values
and values above 127 are allowed.
RELATIVE SEMITONES - A relative logarithmic measure of frequency ratio based on units of 1/12 of
an octave, which is the twelfth root of two, approximately 1.059463094.
ABSOLUTE CENTS - An absolute logarithmic measure of frequency based on a reference of MIDI key
number scaled by 100. A cent is 1/1200 of an octave, and value 6900 is 440 Hz (A-440). Negative
values and values above 12700 are allowed.
RELATIVE CENTS - A relative logarithmic measure of frequency ratio based on units of 1/1200 of an
octave, which is the twelve hundredth root of two, approximately 1.000577790.
ABSOLUTE CENTIBELS - An absolute measure of the attenuation of a signal, based on a reference of
zero being no attenuation. A centibel is a tenth of a decibel, or a ratio in signal amplitude of the two
hundredth root of 10, approximately 1.011579454.
RELATIVE CENTIBELS - A relative measure of the attenuation of a signal. A centibel is a tenth of a
decibel, or a ratio in signal amplitude of the two hundredth root of 10, approximately 1.011579454.
ABSOLUTE TIMECENTS - An absolute measure of time, based on a reference of zero being one
second. A timecent represents a ratio in time of the twelve hundredth root of two, approximately
1.011579454.
RELATIVE TIMECENTS - A relative measure of time ratio, based on a unit size of the twelve
hundredth root of two, approximately 1.011579454.
ABSOLUTE PERCENT - An absolute measure of gain, based on a reference of unity. In SoundFont 2,
absolute percent is measured in 0.1% units, so a value of zero is 0% and a value of 1000 is 100%.
RELATIVE PERCENT - A relative measure of gain difference. In SoundFont 2, relative percent is
measured in 0.1% units. When the gain goes below zero, zero is assumed; when the gain exceeds 100%,
100% is used.
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9.4 The SoundFont Generator Model
Five kinds of Generator Enumerators exist: Index Generators, Range Generators, Substitution
Generators, Sample Generators, and Value Generators.
The following is the precedence of SoundFont generator in the SoundFont file format hierarchy.
• A ‘generator’ sets or offsets the value of a destination or a synthesis parameter. In exception
cases, it sets ranges (Range Generators), or sets values and never offsets values (Index
Generators, Sample Generators, and Substitution Generators).
• A generator is defined as identical to another generator if its generator operator is the same in
both generators.
• A generator in a global instrument zone that is identical to a default generator supersedes or
replaces the default generator.
• A generator in a local instrument zone that is identical to a default generator or to a generator
in a global instrument zone supersedes or replaces that generator.
• Points below (until noted) apply to Value Generators ONLY.
• A generator at the preset level adds to a generator at the instrument level if both generators are
identical.
• A generator in a global preset zone that is identical to a default generator or to a generator in
an instrument adds to that generator.
• A generator in a global preset zone which is not identical to a default generator and is not
identical to a generator in an instrument has its effect added to the given synthesis parameter.
• A generator in a local preset zone that is identical to a generator in a global preset zone
supersedes or replaces that generator in the global preset zone. That generator then has its
effects added to the destination-summing node of all zones in the given instrument.
• A generator in a local preset zone which is not identical to a default generator or a generator in
a global preset zone has its effects added to the destination summing node of all zones in the
given instrument.
• If the generator operator is a Range Generator, the generator values are NOT ADDED to
those in the instrument level, rather they serve as an intersection filter to those key number or
velocity ranges in the instrument that is used in the preset zone.
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• If the generator operator is a Substitution Generator or a Sample Generator, they are illegal at
the preset level. The only Index Generator legal at the Preset Level is ‘instrumentID’, whereas
the only Index Generator legal at the Instrument Level is ‘sampleID’
9.5 The SoundFont Modulator Controller Model
SoundFont Modulators are used to allow real-time control over the sound in sound designer
programmable manner. Each instance of a SoundFont modulator structure defines a real-time
perceptually additive effect to be applied to a given destination or synthesizer parameter.
9.5.1 Controller Model Theory of Operation
The SoundFont Modulator Controller model is a general-purpose mechanism intended to allow for
flexible and complex real-time control over the synthesis parameters provided. While SoundFont 2.00
provides a mechanism to set initial conditions for a wide variety of synthesis parameters or generators at
multiple levels of hierarchy (Preset/Instrument level, Global/Local zones, etc.), the addition of the
SoundFont Modulator Controller Model provides a mechanism to allow real-time control over those
same parameters at the same levels of hierarchy.
The SoundFont Modulator Controller model is what it takes to turn the rather simplistic generator based
synthesis model into a complex and much more interesting synthesis model.
The following diagram shows the general nature the SoundFont controller model:
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Transform
+
Amount
Secondary or
Amount Source
Primary Source
Generator,
or Destination
Summing Node
Norm T
Norm
Figure 3: SoundFont Modulator Building Block
The Primary Controller source is to be mapped into the -1 to 1 space based upon the controller direction
and controller type. The secondary controller source is also to be mapped into the -1 to 1 space based
upon its controller direction and controller type. The result of the secondary controller source input
should be multiplied by the given amount, and that value should be multiplied by the primary controller
source mapped value. This value should then be fed into a transform, which should be a mathematical
expression which knows of no minimum or maximum amounts, and the result of this transformation
should be added to the destination summing node.
In simpler terms, the equation for a given destination summing node is:
destination value += Transform(Amount * Map(primary source input) * Map(secondary source input))
where Map(x) takes maps the source input value from -1 to 1 based on the source type, polarity and
direction.
The diagram below shows this pictorially using the above control model diagram.
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Transform
+
Amount
Secondary or
Amount Source
Primary Source
Destination Summing
Node
Norm T
Norm
Input value in
native units
Input value mapped to a
value from -1 to 1
Amount value in the
units of the
destination.
Input value in
native units
Input value mapped to a
value from -1 to 1
Input to
transform is in
destination units
Output of
transform is in
destination units
Figure 4: Detailed SoundFont Modulator Building Block
The destination summing node consists of the sum of all given modulators with that destination as well
as the effect of the preset level of the SoundFont articulation data. This summed value should be added
to the value as defined in the instrument level of the SoundFont articulation data.
A few points of note here.
First, the SoundFont controller model makes no assumptions about the nature of the controller. So, for
example, MIDI controller values 0 to 127 are not mapped directly to synthesis parameters. MIDI
controllers are simply a mechanism designed to transmit information. The SoundFont controller model is
NOT designed to accommodate the MIDI controller data values, rather the MIDI controller values
should be translated to accommodate the SoundFont controller model. The same would be true for any
other possible controller source (such as a software LFO or a system timer). This makes the controller
model general purpose in nature.
Secondly, transform inputs are always in perceptually additive real-world units. Therefore transforms
may only be simple mathematical equations which know of no upper or lower limits to their potential
values.
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Third, with the exception of the file format size limits, there is no limit as to how many modulators may
be put into the SoundFont file format, or where in the hierarchy a SoundFont modulator may be placed.
As a result, there is no limit as to how many times a given destination may be affected by a given
modulator source. Also, there is no limit as to how many ways a given destination may be affected by a
modulator source. Also there is no limit as to how many destinations may be affected by a single source,
whether that source is used as a primary or as a secondary source. Again, to make the controller model
general in nature.
Fourth, in case it is not clear in the general description of the SoundFont hierarchy, the following is the
precedence of SoundFont modulators in the hierarchy.
• The ranges that modulators are active are defined in the Generator list, which is referenced by
the same Bag structure from which the modulator list is indexed.
• A series of Modulators modifies the value of a destination in the following manner:
Destination = Generator Value + Mod() + Mod() + Mod().
Where Mod(source, dest, amount source, transform) = Transform(source * amount * amount source)
IE Initial Attenuation = Generator 48 + Mod(source=CC7, dest=48) + Mod (source=CC11, dest=48) + ...
• A Modulator is defined as identical to another modulator if its source, destination, amount
source, and transform are the same in both modulators.
• The result of a modulator “adding to” another modulator equivalent to the result of a single
modulator whose the amount is the sum of the amounts in the two modulators which are
“added”. In other words Mod((amount = a + b)) = Mod(amount = a) + Mod(amount = b). This
operation is only legal if both modulators are identical.
• All Modulators applied to a Destination need not be identical, however if two or more
modulators applied to a destination are not identical, their amounts may NOT be summed into
a single modulator.
• A modulator, contained within a global instrument zone, that is identical to a default modulator
supersedes or replaces the default modulator.
• A modulator in a global instrument zone with the same destination but different source or
transform parameters has its effects added to the destination.
• A modulator, that is contained in a local instrument zone, which is identical to a default
modulator or to a modulator in a global instrument zone supersedes or replaces that modulator.
• A modulator in a local instrument zone with the same destination but different source or
transform parameters has its effects added to the destination.
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• A modulator at the preset level adds to a modulator at the instrument level if both modulators
are identical. Otherwise, the effects of a modulator at the preset level are added to the effects
of a modulator at the instrument level.
• A modulator, contained within a global preset zone, that is identical to a default modulator or
to a modulator in an instrument adds to that modulator.
• A modulator in a global preset zone in an preset which is not identical to a default modulator
and is not identical to a modulator in an instrument has its effect added to the given destination.
• A modulator, contained within a local preset zone, that is identical to a modulator in a global
preset zone supersedes or replaces that modulator in the global preset zone. That modulator
then has its effects added to the destination summing node of all zones in the given instrument.
• A modulator in a local preset zone which is not identical to a default modulator or a modulator
in a global preset zone has its effects added to the destination summing node of all zones in the
given instrument.
Finally, since the amount value must match the units of the destination, and since the controller model
requires all units to be of a perceptually additive nature, new generators and destinations that follow this
revision of the specification must take on perceptually additive units as well.
9.5.2 Pictorial Examples of Source Types
In order to make the concept of the source types, directions, and polarities perfectly clear, the following
pictorial examples are provided.
Figure 5 below shows the response to a Positive Unipolar Linear Source:
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Controller Source Native Values
SoundFont
Modulator
Input
Values
1
1/2
0
Min Mid = (Max+Min)/2 Max
Figure 5: Positive Unipolar Linear Plot
(type=0, D=0, P=0)
Figure 6 below shows the response to a Positive Bipolar Linear Source:
Controller Source Native Values
SoundFont
Modulator
Input
Values
1
0
-1
Min Mid = (Max+Min)/2 Max
Figure 6: Positive Bipolar Linear Plot
(type=0, D=0, P=1)
Note the difference caused by flipping the ‘P’ bit is a change in the “bias”, as well as cutting the
resolution of the source controller in half.
Figure 7 below shows the response of a Negative Unipolar Linear source:
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Controller Source Native Values
SoundFont
Modulator
Input
Values
1
1/2
0
Min Mid = (Max+Min)/2 Max
Figure 7: Negative Unipolar Plot
(type=0, D=1, P=0)
Note the difference caused by flipping the ‘D’ bit is a change in the slope, or a mirror image of the
original controller.
Likewise, a Negative Bipolar Linear plot would have a negative slopping bipolar characteristic.
The concave curves take on similar characteristics.
The figure below contains a summary of the approximate shapes of all supported controller types. Note
that Section “8.2.4 Source Types” contains the mathematical formula for the convex and concave curves.
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Linear Controller Curves
for given Directions and Polairities
Positive Unipolar Negative Unipolar Positive Bipolar Negative Bipolar
Concave Controller Curves
for given Directions and Polairities
Positive Unipolar Negative Unipolar Positive Bipolar Negative Bipolar
Convex Controller Curves
for given Directions and Polairities
Positive Unipolar Negative Unipolar Positive Bipolar Negative Bipolar
Switch Controller Curves
for given Directions and Polairities
Positive Unipolar Negative Unipolar Positive Bipolar Negative Bipolar
Figure 8: SoundFont Modulator Source Summary
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9.5.3 Mappings of Modulator Sources to the SoundFont Controller Input Domain
The following table shows how SoundFont modulator sources are mapped to the SoundFont controller
minimum and maximum values.
Note that due to the fact that MIDI has an even number of distributed points in their controllers, the
maximum position can not correspond to exactly 1.
Table 2: Controller Native to Input Value Mappings
9.6 SoundFont 2.01 Standard NRPN Implementation
Although the SoundFont 2.01 Modulator implementation gives a large degree of flexibility to real-time
control over sounds, by itself it precludes the ability to have some dynamic real-time control over the
suite of synthesis parameters without having to do sound design or customization. Therefore this NPRN
implementation will be a standard NRPN implementation to be used in any SoundFont 2.01 compatible
synthesizer.
NRPN stands for Non Registered Parameter Number. The MIDI specification has defined this series of
continuous controllers to permit General MIDI compatible synthesizers to take advantage of their
proprietary hardware by using these messages to control the non-General MIDI compatible aspects of
their hardware. The SoundFont 2.01 specification uses these messages to allow arbitrary real-time
control over all SoundFont synthesis parameters.
This specification outlines a general approach on how to select generators and what resolutions they may
be controlled. This way, there need not be any adjustments to this portion of the specification in order to
accommodate new generators.
Note that this NRPN implementation is not compatible with NRPN implementations provided with other
SoundFont 2.0 compatible products such as Creative Labs Sound Blaster AWE32.
9.6.1 The NRPN Message
A NRPN message is a series of standard Continuous Controller messages, which are order dependent. A
maximum of 4 messages is necessary to complete a single NRPN message. The NRPN message format
allows the use of the same 4 controllers to control an infinite number of parameters.
Modulator Source Native Position SoundFont Mapped
Unipolar Position
SoundFont Mapped
Bipolar Position
7 bit MIDI Controller Min 0 0 -128/128 = -1
Data Value Max 127 127/128 = +0.992 127/128 = +0.992
14 bit MIDI Controller Min 0 0 -8192/8192 = -1
Data Value Max 8191 8191/8192 = 0.99999 8191/8192 = 0.99999
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The Continuous Controller Messages that make up a NRPN message (in order) are as follows:
NRPN SELECT MSB: Continuous controller 99
NRPN SELECT LSB: Continuous controller 98
DATA ENTRY LSB: Continuous controller 38
DATA ENTRY MSB: Continuous controller 6
A NRPN message follows the running-status paradigm. In other words, if a NRPN SELECT LSB is
received, it should be used in conjunction with the most recently sent NRPN SELECT MSB, regardless
of whether the MSB command was the most previously sent message. The same goes for the other
messages.
9.6.2 The NRPN Select Values
The SoundFont 2.01 standard defines the following values that must be recognized and responded to by any synthesizer
that is SoundFont 2.01 compatible. These values should not conflict with values used in standard and/or widely available
MIDI synthesizers today.
The NRPN Select MSB message value is 120. This message indicates that a NRPN Message that follows will be a
SoundFont 2.01 NRPN message.
The NRPN Select LSB message with data less than 100 corresponds to the generator enumeration value, modulo 100, if
and only if the most recently sent NRPN Select MSB message was 120. The NRPN Select LSB message with data greater
than or equal to 100 is used to permit selecting of generator values greater than 100.
0 – 99: Indicates the generator value
100: Indicates a single multiple of 100 for generator value selection
101: Indicates a single multiple of 1,000 for generator value selection
102: Indicates a single multiple of 10,000 for generator value selection
103 – 127: Undefined, unused, should be ignored if encountered
Note that NRPN Select LSB greater than 100 are for setup only, and should not be used on their own in order to select a
generator parameter.
So, to have a NRPN message control the Initial Filter Cutoff parameter, the following NRPN Select parameters are sent:
NRPN Select MSB: 120
NRPN Select LSB: 8
And, if a generator value is defined by the SoundFont Specification with a value of 100, the following NRPN Select
parameters are sent:
NRPN Select MSB: 120
NRPN Select LSB: 100
NRPN Select LSB: 0
And, if a generator value is defined by the SoundFont Specification with a value of 250, the following NRPN Select
parameters are sent:
NRPN Select MSB: 120
NRPN Select LSB: 100 (generator 100)
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NRPN Select LSB: 100 (generator 200)
NRPN Select LSB: 50 (generator 250)
Running status does not include multiple sends of values greater than 100. IE you cannot use a single message to select
251 if the most recently sent message selected generator 250:
NRPN Select LSB: 100
NRPN Select LSB: 100
NRPN Select LSB: 50 (Selects generator 250)
NRPN Select LSB: 51 (Selects generator 51, NOT 251)
If a parameter is selected which is unrecognized, or is not designated as a real-time controller or synthesizer parameter
(such as overriding root key, key number, etc), or cannot be controlled in real-time by a synthesizer, either at all or without
causing audio artifacts, the LSB selection should be ignored but the status of the MSB selection, being that of a
SoundFont 2.01 NRPN controller, should remain unchanged.
9.6.3 The Default Data Entry Ranges
The Data Entry values, which follow the NRPN Select messages, have the following significance.
Data Entry values are ONLY applied as SoundFont 2.01 controllers if and only if the most recently sent NRPN MSB and
LSB message comprises a SoundFont 2.01 message AND an RPN LSB/MSB message combination was NOT sent more
recently than the SoundFont 2.01 NRPN LSB/MSB message.
The Data Entry values are used to send an ADDITIVE response to a generator value, exactly the same as a modulator.
Since you have 2 controllers for a Data Entry message, the Data Entry values make up a single 14-bit value. The Data
Entry value is “applied” to a generator at the time the MSB message is sent in. In other words, when the MSB message is
sent, this value is combined with the most recently sent LSB message and then added to the appropriate generator value.
Data Entry values have zero-offset at 0x2000. This value always means add 0 or do not influence the parameter.
Data Entry value spans the “useful” range as outlined in section 8.1.3, and in the same perceptually-additive-real-world
units. In the case where the meaningful range consists of more than 8192 perceptually-additive-real-world units, the range
of the NRPN control of that parameter is decreased by a factor of two until the adjusted range consists of 8192 or less of
the perceptually-additive-real-world units. In the case where the meaningful range consists of less than 8192 perceptuallyadditive-real-world units, the range of the NRPN control of that parameter is left unchanged, and the synthesizer may or
may not permit the control to exceed that range.
9.7 On Implementation Accuracy
While the SoundFont 2 standard is well defined, it must be recognized that there are a large variety of
practices and features within the wavetable music synthesis industry that are not conducive to exact
implementation of the specification as defined. Some examples of impediments include the order of
interpolation of sample data points, the exact shape and number of segments of envelopes, the filter
implementation, and the details of the implementation of loops.
Additionally, all real implementations are likely to have less accuracy than the SoundFont 2 standard
itself. The units for the standard have been chosen to exceed the accuracy required for high fidelity
applications. It should be recognized that in rendering a SoundFont 2 compatible file, a best practical
reproduction is all that is expected.
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As such, implementers of SoundFont 2 compatible rendering engines will have to determine based on
their own perceptual criteria the degree to which their implementation meets the standard.
Approximations may take a variety of forms. In many cases, the resolution of the rendering engine will
be less than that of the corresponding SoundFont unit. Also, it will frequently be the case that a line
segment approximation will be made to a continuous curve. In the case of filters, the order of the filter
may vary from the SoundFont 2 standard, and an optimum audible equivalent will have to be
heuristically constructed. All such problems are left to the ingenuity of the implementers.
10 Error Handling
10.1 Structural Errors
Structural Errors are errors which are determined from the implicit redundancy of the SoundFont RIFF
file structure, and indicate that the structure is not intact. Examples are incorrect lengths for the chunks
or sub-chunks, pointers out of valid range, or missing required chunks or sub-chunks for which no error
correction procedure exists.
In all cases, files should be checked for structural errors at load time, and if any are found the files should
be rejected. Separate tools or options can be used to “repair” structurally defective files, but these tools
should validate that the reconstructed file is not only a valid SoundFont compatible bank but also
complies with the intended timbral results in all cases.
10.2 Unknown Chunks
In parsing the RIFF structure, unknown but well formed chunks or sub-chunks may be encountered.
Unknown chunks within the INFO-list chunk should simply be ignored. Other unknown chunks or subchunks are illegal and should be treated as structural errors.
10.3 Unknown Enumerators
Unknown enumerators may be encountered in Generators, Modulator Sources, or Transforms. This is
to be expected if the ifil field exceeds the specification to which the application was written. Even if
unexpected, unknown enumerators should simply cause the associated Generator or Modulator to be
ignored.
10.4 Illegal Parameter Values
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Some SoundFont parameters are defined for only a limited range of the possible values which can be
expressed in their field. If the value of the field is not in the defined range, the parameter has an illegal
value.
Illegal values for may be detected either at load or at run time. If detected at load time, the file may
optionally be rejected as structurally unsound. If detected at run time, the default value for the
parameter should be used if the parameter is required, or the entire Generator or Modulator ignored if it
is optional. Certain parameters may have more specific procedures for illegal values as expressed
elsewhere in this specification.
10.5 Out-of-range Values
SoundFont parameters have a specified minimum and useful range the span the perceptually relevant
values for the associated sonic property. When the parameter value is exceeds this useful range, the
parameter is said to have an out of range value.
Out of range values can result from two distinct causes. An out of range value can be actually present as
a SoundFont generator value, or the out of range value can be the result of the summation of instrument
and preset values.
Out of range values should be handled by substituting the nearest perceptually relevant or realizable
value. SoundFont compatible banks should not be created with out of range values in the instrument
generators. While it is acceptable practice to create SoundFont banks which produce out of range values
as a result of summation, it is undesirable and should be avoided where practical.
10.6 Missing Required Parameter or Terminator
Certain parameters and terminators are required by the SoundFont specification. If these are missing,
the file is technically not within specification. If such a problem is detected at load time, the file may
optionally be rejected as structurally unsound. If detected at run time, the instrument or zone for which
the required parameter is missing should simply be ignored. If this causes no sound, the corresponding
key-on event is ignored.
10.7 Illegal enumerator
Certain enumerators are illegal in certain contexts. For example, key and velocity ranges must be the
first generators in a zone, instruments are not allowed in instrument zones, and sampleIDs are not
allowed in preset zones. If such a problem is detected at load time, the file may optionally be rejected as
structurally unsound. If detected at run time, the enumerator should simply be ignored.
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11 Silicon SoundFonts
11.1 Silicon SoundFont Overview
A “Silicon SoundFont Bank” is an implementation of a SoundFont compatible bank realized in nonvolatile memory with slight format additions. On initialization of a system using a Silicon SoundFont,
the host processor navigates the Silicon SoundFont ROM format in sample memory space, determines
the number of SoundFont Banks installed, and, when appropriate, reads the articulation data of the
SoundFont files out of the Preset Data Chunks into its local RAM. The sample headers in the Silicon
SoundFont point to the sample address offsets relative to the start of the Sample Chunk in the
SoundFont compatible bank. The loader adds the appropriate offset to the sample addresses as part of
its data management. Then, the system operates like any other SoundFont compatible system.
The format of a Silicon SoundFont file intended to be burned into non-volatile memory is a hybrid
between a standard ROM header and a modification of the standard SoundFont compatible bank file
format. The ROM header contains data used for diagnostic tests, a ROM name, a size, and checksum
information, and a sine wave sample to test audio outputs of a circuit. This is the first block of data
found in the SoundFont ROM (address 0). The structure of the data contained in the ROM header is
shown below.
Because sample memory space is word oriented, the endian nature of the resulting word reads is
processor independent. However, the organization of bytes within a word, or words within a
doubleword may vary on both the way the data has been encoded in the ROM and the endian nature of
the processor. To handle all eventualities, it is recommended that the initialization software both
recognize and adapt for endian variations.
11.2 Silicon SoundFont ROM Header Format
typedef struct romHdrType{
DWORD romRsrc; // unused
DWORD romByteSize; // ROM size in bytes
CHAR interleaveIndex; // for use in case of interleaved ROMs
CHAR revision[3]; // for revision control
CHAR id[4]; // matched with the IROM chunk in SF file format
SHORT checksum; // to check ROM integrity
SHORT checksum2sComplement; // for updating checksum variable w/o changing file
// checksum value
CHAR bankFormat; // unused
CHAR product[16]; // product name (either system or SoundFont)
BYTE sampleCompType; // indicates type of sample precompensation used
CHAR filler1[2]; // future use
CHAR style[16]; // sound library style
CHAR copyright[80]; // copyright notice
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DWORD sampleStart; // beginning byte address of the SoundFont bank
DWORD sineWaveStart; // beginning byte address of the sine wave sample
DWORD filler2[124]; // future use
SHORT sineWave[SINEWAVESIZE]; // sine wave sample data
} romHdr;
12 Glossary
absolute - Describes a parameter which gives a definitive real-world value. Contrast to relative.
additive - Describes a parameter which is to be numerically added to another parameter.
articulation - The process of modulation of amplitude, pitch, and timbre to produce an expressive
musical note.
articulation data – Single term indicating generators and modulators.
artifact - A (typically undesirable) sonic event which is recognizable as not being present in the original
sound.
attack - That phase of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude increases from zero to a peak
value.
attenuation - A decrease in volume or amplitude of a signal.
AWE32 - The original Creative Technology Sound Blaster product which contained an EMU8000
wavetable synthesizer and supported the SoundFont standard.
bag - A SoundFont data structure element containing a list of zones.
balance - A form of stereo volume control in which both left and right channels are at maximum when
the control is centered, and which attenuates only the opposite channel when taken to either extreme.
bank - A collection of presets. See also MIDI bank.
bipolar - In the SoundFont standard, said of a modulator source whose minimum is -1 and whose
maximum is 1. Contrast “unipolar”
bi-directional compatibility - Simultaneous upward and downward compatibility. This refers to the fact
that a properly designed SoundFont compatible program can appropriately handle files written to either a
lower or higher revision of the specification.
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big endian - Refers to the organization in memory of bytes within a word such that the most significant
byte occurs at the lowest address. Contrast “little endian.”
byte - A data structure element of eight bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
BYTE - A data structure element of eight bits which contains an unsigned value from 0 to 255.
case-insensitive - Indicates that an ASCII character or string treats alphabetic characters of upper or
lower case as identical. Contrast “case-sensitive.”
case-sensitive - Indicates that an ASCII character or string treats alphabetic characters of upper or lower
case as distinct. Contrast “case-insensitive.”
cent - A unit of pitch ratio corresponding to the twelve hundredth root of two, or one hundredth of a
semitone, approximately 1.000577790.
centibel - A unit of amplitude ratio corresponding to the two hundredth root of ten, or one tenth of a
decibel, approximately 1.011579454.
CHAR - A data structure of eight bits which contains a signed value from -128 to +127.
chorus - An effects processing algorithm which involves cyclically shifting the pitch of a signal and
remixing it with itself to produce a time varying comb filter, giving a perception of motion and fullness to
the resulting sound.
chunk - The top-level division of a RIFF file.
convex - A curve which is bowed in such a way that it is steeper on its lower portion. Contrast with
“concave” and “linear.”
concave - (1) A curve which is bowed in such a way that it is steeper on its upper portion. (2) In the
SoundFont standard, said of a modulator source whose shape is that of the amplitude squared
characteristic. Contrast with “convex” and “linear.”
cutoff frequency - The frequency of a filter function at which the attenuation reaches a specified value.
data points - The individual values comprising a sample. Sometimes also called sample points. Contrast
“sample.”
decay - The portion of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude declines from a peak to steady
state value.
decibel - A unit of amplitude ratio corresponding to the twentieth root of ten, approximately
1.122018454.
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delay - The portion of an envelope or LFO function which elapses from a key-on event until the
amplitude becomes non-zero.
destination - The generator to which a modulator is applied.
DC gain - The degree of amplification or attenuation a system presents to a static or zero frequency
signal.
digital audio - Audio represented as a sequence of quantized values spaced evenly over time. The values
are called “sample data points.”
doubleword - A data structure element of 32 bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
downloadable - Said of samples which are loaded from a file into RAM, in contrast to samples which are
maintained in ROM.
dry - Refers to audio which has not received any effects processing such as reverb or chorus.
DWORD - A data structure of 32 bits which contains an unsigned value from zero to 4,294,967,295.
EMU8000 - A wavetable synthesizer chip designed by E-mu Systems for use in Creative Technology
products.
envelope - A time varying signal which typically controls the pitch, volume, and/or filter cutoff frequency
of a note, and comprises multiple phases including attack, decay, sustain, and release.
enumerated - Said of a data element whose symbols correspond to particular assigned functions.
extensible - Said of a format whose feature set can be expanded without impact on existing function.
flat - A. Said of a tone that is lower in pitch than another reference tone. B. Said of a frequency
response that does not deviate significantly from a single fixed gain over the audio range.
generator - In the SoundFont standard, a parameter which directly affects sound reproduction. Contrast
with “modulator.”
global - Refers to parameters which affect all associated structures. See “global zone.”
global zone - A zone whose generators and modulators affect all other zones within the object.
header - A data structure element which describes several aspects of a SoundFont element.
hydra - A. A nine-headed mythical beast. B. The nine “pdta” sub-chunks which make up the
SoundFont articulation data.
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instrument - In the SoundFont standard, a collection of zones which represents the sound of a single
musical instrument or sound effect set.
instrument zone - A sample and associated articulation data defined to play over certain key numbers and
velocities.
interpolator - A circuit or algorithm which computes intermediate points between existing sample data
points. This is of particular use in the pitch shifting operation of a wavetable synthesizer, in which these
intermediate points represent the output samples of the waveform at the desired pitch transposition.
key number - See MIDI key number.
layer - An obsolete SoundFont term, now called a Preset Zone.
level - In the SoundFont structure, this refers either to the preset and preset zones (the preset level) or
the instrument and instrument zones (the instrument level.)
LFO - Acronym for Low Frequency Oscillator. A slow periodic modulation source.
linear - In the SoundFont standard, said of a modulator source whose shape is that of a straight line.
Contrast with “concave” and “convex.”
linear coding - The most common method of encoding amplitudes in digital audio in which each step is
of equal size.
little endian - A method of ordering bytes within larger words in memory in which the least significant
byte is at the lowest address. Contrast “big endian.”
loop - In wavetable synthesis, a portion of a sample which is repeated many times to increase the
duration of the resulting sound.
loop points - The sample data points at which a loop begins and ends.
lowpass - Said of a filter which attenuates high frequencies but does not attenuate low frequencies.
modulator - In the SoundFont standard, a parameter which routes an external controller to dynamically
alter the setting of a “generator.” Contrast with “generator.”
monotonic - Continuously increasing or decreasing. Said of a sequence which never reverses direction.
MIDI - Acronym for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. The standard protocol for sending
performance information to a musical synthesizer.
MIDI bank - A group of up to 128 presets selected by a MIDI “change bank” command.
MIDI continuous controller - A construct in the MIDI protocol.
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MIDI key number - A construct in the MIDI protocol which accompanies a MIDI key-on or key-off
command and specifies the key of the musical instrument keyboard to which the command refers.
MIDI pitch bend - A special MIDI construct akin to the MIDI continuous controllers which controls the
real-time value of the pitch of all notes played in a MIDI channel.
MIDI preset - A “preset” selected to be active in a particular MIDI channel by a MIDI “change preset”
command.
MIDI velocity - A construct in the MIDI protocol which accompanies a MIDI key-on or key-off
command and specifies the speed with which the key was pressed or released.
modulator - In the SoundFont standard, a set of parameters which affect a particular generator. Contrast
with “generator.”
mono - Short for “monophonic.” Indicates a sound comprising only one channel or waveform. Contrast
with “stereo.”
negative - In the SoundFont standard, said of a modulator which has a negative sloping characteristic.
Contrast with “positive.”
object - Either an instrument or a preset, depending on the context.
octave - A factor of two in ratio, typically applied to pitch or frequency.
orphan - Said of a data structure which under normal circumstances is referenced by a higher level, but in
this particular instance is no longer linked. Specifically, it is an instrument which is not referenced by any
preset zone, or a sample which is not referenced by any instrument zone.
oscillator - In wavetable synthesis, the wavetable interpolator is considered an oscillator.
pan - Short for “panorama.” This is the control of the apparent azimuth of a sound source over 180
degrees from left to right. It is generally implemented by varying the volume at the left and right
speakers.
pitch - The perceived value of frequency. Generally can be used interchangeably with frequency.
pitch shift - A change in pitch. Wavetable synthesis relies on interpolators to cause pitch shift in a
sample to produce the notes of the scale.
pole - A mathematical term used in filter transform analysis. Traditionally in synthesis, a pole is equated
with a rolloff of 6dB per octave, and the rolloff of a filter is specified in “poles.”
positive - In the SoundFont standard, said of a modulator source which has a positive sloping
characteristic. Contrast “negative.”
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Preditor - E-mu Systems’ proprietary SoundFont 2.00 compatible bank editing software.
preset - A keyboard full of sound. Typically the collection of samples and articulation data associated
with a particular MIDI preset number.
preset zone - A subset of a preset containing generators, modulators, and an instrument.
proximal - Closest to. Proximal sample data points are the data points closest in either direction to the
named point.
Q - A mathematical term used in filter transform analysis. Indicates the degree of resonance of the filter.
In synthesis terminology, it is synonymous with resonance.
RAM - Random Access Memory. Conventionally, this term implies read-write memory. Contrast
“ROM.”
record - A single instance of a data structure.
relative - Describes a parameter which merely indicates an offset from an otherwise established value.
Contrast to absolute.
release - The portion of an envelope or sound during which the amplitude declines from a steady state to
zero value or inaudibility.
resonance - Describes the aspect of a filter in which particular frequencies are given significantly more
gain than others. The resonance can be measured in dB above the DC gain.
resonant frequency - The frequency at which resonance reaches its maximum.
reverb - Short for reverberation. In synthesis, a synthetic signal processor which adds artificial
spaciousness and ambience to a sound.
RIFF - Acronym for Resource Interchange File Format. The recommended form for interchange files
such as SoundFont compatible files within Microsoft operating systems.
ROM - Acronym for Read Only Memory. A memory whose contents are fixed at manufacture, and
hence cannot be written by the user. Contrast with RAM.
sample - This term is often used both to indicate a “sample data point” and to indicate a collection of
such points comprising a digital audio waveform. The latter meaning is exclusively used in this
specification.
sample rate - The frequency, in Hertz, at which sample data points are taken when recording a sample.
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semitone - A unit of pitch ratio corresponding to the twelfth root of two, or one twelfth of an octave,
approximately 1.059463094.
sharp - Said of a tone that is higher in pitch than another reference tone.
SHORT - A data structure element of sixteen bits which contains a signed value from -32,768 to
+32,767.
soft - The pedal on a piano, so named because it causes the damper to be lowered in such a way as to
soften the timbre and loudness of the notes. In MIDI, continuous controller #66 which behaves in a
similar manner.
sostenuto - The pedal on a piano which causes the dampers on all keys depressed to be held until the
pedal is released. In MIDI, continuous controller #67, which behaves in a similar manner.
sustain - The pedal on a piano which prevents all dampers on keys as they are depressed from being
released. In MIDI, continuous controller #64, which behaves in a similar manner.
SoundFont - A registered trademark of E-mu Systems, Inc, indicating files, data, synthesizers, hardware
or software produced by E-mu that conform to the SoundFont Technical Specification.
SoundFont Compatible - Indicates files, data, synthesizers, hardware or software that conform to the
SoundFont Technical Specification.
source - In a SoundFont modulator, the enumerator indicating the particular real-time value which the
modulator will transform, scale, and add to the destination generator.
split - An obsolete SoundFont term. Please see “Instrument Zone”
stereo - Literally indicating three dimensions. In this specification, the term is used to mean two channel
stereophonic, indicating that the sound is composed of two independent audio channels, dubbed left and
right. Contrast with monophonic.
sub-chunk - A division of a RIFF file below that of the chunk.
synthesis engine - The hardware and software associated with the signal processing and modulation path
for a particular synthesizer.
synthesizer - A device ideally capable of producing arbitrary musical sound.
terminator - A data structure element indicating the final element in a sequence.
timecent - A unit of duration ratio corresponding to the twelve hundredth root of two, or one twelve
hundredth of an octave, approximately 1.000577790.
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transform - In a SoundFont modulator, the enumerator indicating the particular transfer function through
which the source will be passed prior to scaling and addition to the destination generator.
tremolo - A periodic change in amplitude of a sound, typically produced by applying a low frequency
oscillator to the final volume amplifier.
triangular - A waveform which ramps upward to a positive limit, then downward at the opposite slope to
the symmetrically negative limit periodically.
unipolar - In the SoundFont standard, said of a modulator source whose minimum is 0 and whose
maximum is 1. Contrast with “bipolar.”
unpitched - Said of a sound which is not characterized by a perceived frequency. This would be true of
noise-like musical instruments and of many sound effects.
velocity - In synthesis, the speed with which a keyboard key is depressed, typically proportionally to the
impact delivered by the musician. See also MIDI velocity.
vibrato - A periodic change in the pitch of a sound, typically produced by applying a low frequency
oscillator to the oscillator pitch.
volume - The loudness or amplitude of a sound, or the control of this parameter.
wavetable - A music synthesis technique wherein musical sounds are recorded or computed
mathematically and stored in a memory, then played back at a variable rate to produce the desired pitch.
Additional timbre adjustments are often made to the sound thus produced using amplifiers, filters, and
effect processing such as reverb and chorus.
WORD - A data structure of 16 bits that contains an unsigned value from zero to 65,535.
word - A data structure element of 16 bits without definition of meaning to those bits.
zone - An object and associated articulation data defined to play over certain key numbers and velocities.!
