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One of the programs I use (Guitar Pro) relies on the basic Windows XP GM soundsets for MIDI. This program is not for recording, so the quality of the sound is not particularly important. However, the GM MIDI soundset is a pretty sad thing to listen to under ANY circumstances ;).

Does anyone know how I can upgrade the default soundset so when Windows plays midi it does it a bit more appealingly? ie. Where to download a replacement and how to install?

I use Sonar PE5, Reason 2.5, and Sampletank just in case ...

Thanks.

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pr0gr4m Mon, 04/03/2006 - 11:39

There are two things you can do.

1. Replace your existing sound card with one of better quality. For computers, internal MIDI sounds come from your sound card. If you've got built in audio, it's generally got crappy sounds. Some sound cards support what is called Soundfonts. Soundfonts are basically sets of sounds that can be loaded into your soundcard. You can get some pretty good sounds using soundfonts and they have some good GM (General MIDI) soundsets.

2. Get an external MIDI device to use for your MIDI sounds. Although this clutters up the desk, sounds from an external device (keyboard, sound module) will generally sound far better than those from your sound card.

anonymous Tue, 04/04/2006 - 01:22

I have Delta 1010 and I've no plans to buy a Soundfont compatible extra soundcard or outboard gear.

When I enter sound settings in control panel, MIDI playback is currently going to "Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth."

I was hoping there might be a better sounding synth I could install XP would recognize in this field to handle my MIDI sounds.

Thoughts?