SFIZZ~ a Sampler for Max
The sfizz~ object provides a way to load, construct, and use polyphonic sample-based instruments in Max.
At its simplest, this enables easy access to more interesting sounds for MIDI-oriented Max patches. Going deeper, sfizz~ also enables authoring and prototyping your own sample-based instruments to use in Max either through standard .sfz files or using a Max Dictionary.
A Sound Module for MIDI
Add an sfizz~ object to your custom sequencers to enable rich sounding outputs without the extra trouble of developing your own sound engine. You can load any SFZ-based sample instruments into sfizz~ and immediately hear high-quality results. For those working through the "Step By Step" book, sfizz~ provides a simple, drop-in sound output for your experiments.
Create your own samplers
SFZ is a simple text format for defining sample-based instruments that respond to MIDI messages. This format uses opcode tags similar to HTML or XML. Use region tags to link a sample file and map it to specific MIDI keys. From there, you can fine tune sample playback with controls for things like pitch, starting point, looping control, and envelopes. Explore more at sfzformat.com
See it in action
Watch the video to see an example of sfizz~ used as the sound engine for a drum sequencer patch created by Tom Hall. Download the patch to try it out yourself and discover how sfizz~ integrates with Max.
Dictionary Support for Custom Instruments
With dictionary support, sfizz~ offers the ability to generate sampler instruments dynamically. Use the new array objects along with dictionary tools to create patches that simplify creation of custom instruments with sfizz~.
A folder of samples could be mapped to a range of keys on the keyboard, or a single sample can be sliced up to map sections of audio to individual notes.
The full range of SFZ opcodes are available in sfizz~, giving a deep range of possibilities here for realtime instrument creation.