midi synthetizer for windows

[hayabusa]

hi, is there any software based midi sound engine for windows? the microsoft gs wavetable kinda sucks. i remember sometime ago in the final fantasy 7 pc version there is a driver called yamaha xg soft. where can i get it today? or is there any better one other than that?

 

[utano]

I think you are referring to a general midi soundset for PC? I don't know if XG is still available but the soundset is available on the yamaha synthesizers and should be using XG2.

I think one of the best soundsets out there is Native Instruments Bandstand

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS : Products : Sampling Line : Bandstand

 

[gutturalpiss]

Yeah, if your soundcard can't do MIDI, you'll have to rely on a better MIDI software synth. We have discussed this a lot of times already.

 

[Cheez]

Easiest way is to get a better soundcard with a better GM wavetable. Otherwise, there are lots of software that does GM - from the really cheap to the really expensive. Some of them are meant for sequencing and therefore not easy for you to play your midi files. You want something that seamlessly plays midi (ie loaded into the windows midi wavetable).

Also, you need to make sure that it does GM (ie General Midi). While XG (Yamaha) and GS (Roland) may have good sounds, if the software don't also support GM, you're still stuck as midi files are usually in GM format.