Re: [fluid-dev] More than 16 instruments?

[Aere Greenway]

On 11/14/2013 11:33 PM, David Henningsson wrote:
> On 11/15/2013 03:14 AM, Dave wrote:
> > I am using FluidSynth to create raw sound files from midi files (LOVE
> > FluidSynth, works great!). The midi file are generated from an
> > algorithm, and can contain multiple tracks and channels. The program
> > also creates a FluidSynth configuration file which links the channels to
> > soundfonts and instruments (via the “select” command).
> >
> >   
> >
> > Is it possible to have more than 16 instruments? For example, could two
> > different tracks use channel 0, and somehow assign a different
> > instrument to each track-channel combination?
> It is possible to have more than 16 instruments within the FluidSynth
> engine, but you would then have to use the engine directly rather than
> using midi files. I e, the problem is that the midi file specification
> allows for 16 channels only (and we have not implemented any
> non-standard extension that would do what you suggest).
>
> // David
>
>
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I don't know what environment you're using Fluidsynth in, but I 
routinely do what I think you're asking for, using the Qsynth wrapper of 
Fluidsynth.  In Qsynth, you just add one (or more) additional 'engines', 
and route your MIDI to that other engine (with its own 16 channels).

I'm not as experienced using the command-line interface, but I speculate 
you could run (in separate terminal sessions) additional instances of 
Fluidsynth, and route your MIDI to each.

I actually use this in performing, to produce what I call "composite 
voices", where the main voice is a piano or guitar, and the secondary 
voice is String Ensemble 1, or Metallic Pad, at a much lower volume.  
The sound is like a piano with a hint of strings in the background.

I route the same keyboard MIDI performance data to both instances of 
Fluidsynth simultaneously.

Depending on the secondary voice you use, it can be useful to have a 
MIDI filter in-between to filter-out sustain pedal control signals - 
useful if the secondary voice is a type of Pad.

--
Sincerely,
Aere