First post, by rmenessec
I realize some of this has been rehashed other places, but I'm having trouble integrating the tiny bits of information into a working solution.
Bearing in mind that I'm using Windows 7 amd64 on a notebook, and wouldn't use Creative Labs product in any case-- can someone recommend a softsynth to replace the default Windows MIDI softsynth? I've run into a variety of problems:
- qsynth (FluidSynth front-end) always fails to create its MIDI driver.
I can't find a decent replacement DLS soundbank.
I can't convert SoundFont or GUS or anything else to DLS.
Replacing the default GM.DLS is a huge pain anyway.
At this point, I'm perilously close to agreeing to just purchase a softsynth, so long as it includes at least one good general purpose sound bank from 8-256MB or so.
Finding a decent sound bank is its own hair-pulling problem already (the Timidity++ links are useless / broken / in Japanese Google can't translate / all of the above). If I found a decent sound bank, I wouldn't be able to plug it into DirectMusic.
Until / unless DOSBox and ScummVM and various other software that has uses for MIDI under Windows simply integrate FS / TM++, the path of least resistance looks like finding or buying a reasonable softsynth that, whether or not it works as a VSTi plugin, also works as a Windows DirectSound/DirectMusic-usable MIDI driver. (Either with its own soundbank or with links to quality soundbanks that don't come on four DVDs.)
My laptop's mobility is already limited by external speakers, and hardware synth seems to cost an arm, a leg, a spleen, and both kidneys in any case. I just want wavetable synth + Windows driver + at least one nice sound bank. Will pay money to someone if required. Might even pay finder's fee for really slick solution. Google is not helping at all today in this quest. At the point of giving up and finding a comfortable corner to be grumpy and hateful in.