Use a soundfont that has the effects defaults low, or off. So to work around those problems, you have some options: The strength of these effects are applied based on the defaults set in the soundfont, instead of any settings set in MIDI files.įluidsynth is also pretty loud, which isn't a big deal but does get annoying with some loud MIDIs.ĭespite this, it's still your best option for ports like Chocolate and Crispy Doom. You can't change these effects settings or even disable them unless the program calling fluidsynth (sdl2-mixer in this case) gives you an interface to do so. Chorus in particular makes any sounds that use it extremely loud. The defaults for its reverb and chorus effects are very strong. Unfortunately, Fluidsynth has some potentially major problems: The long version: A lot of words here, but only because I'm trying to be thorough.Īny port that uses SDL2 can use soundfonts via Fluidsynth. If you want more soundfonts, try Doomkid's mega soundfont pack, but be aware that Fluidsynth could make some sound bad. Start GZDoom, set Options -> Sound Options -> MIDI device to Fluidsynth, then go to Advanced options -> Midi player options -> Fluidsynth and pick SC-55-fluidsynth Leave the 'Timidity configuration file' field blank.įor PrBoom+, go to Options -> General, and set Preferred MIDI file player (at the bottom of the first page) to SDL.įor other ports, probably set it like in PrBoom+.įor GZDoom, copy the soundfont to ~/.config/gzdoom/soundfonts/ (make this directory first if it doesn't exist). The package is probably called 'fluidsynth'Įdit ~/.bashrc with a text editor and add this line, then log out.Įxport SDL_SOUNDFONTS=/full/path/to/soundfont/SC-55-fluidsynth.sf2įor Chocolate and Crispy, run the setup program, and under Sound Configuration choose Native MIDI or MIDI/MP3/OGG/FLAC, depending on your version.

Most of this can be applied to Windows as well, with some changes, but you're really better off just using Virtual MIDI Synth.) (This might also work for Mac users too, but I'm not sure. I figure here is a good place to post this.

How to use a soundfont