Editing SoundFont (section)

== Functionality ==

MIDI files do not contain any sounds, only instructions to play them. To play such files, sample-based MIDI synthesizers use recordings of instruments and sounds stored in a file or [[Read-only memory|ROM]] chip. SoundFont-compatible synthesizers allow users to use SoundFont banks with custom samples to play their music. 

Since MIDI files only contain instructions (akin to sheet music), SoundFonts can easily be swapped out to play MIDI files. Doing this changes the instrumentation (how it sounds), but retains the compositional integrity (how it is played). For example, a MIDI file with a sequence of chords might be rendered with a grand piano sound when using an orchestral SoundFont, or with a synthesizer-like tone when using an electronic SoundFont. The actual chords being played, however, do not change. This can be compared to word fonts, where switching the font changes the style of the letters, but keeps the original content.

A SoundFont bank contains base samples in [[Pulse-code modulation|PCM]] format (the audio data format most commonly used in [[WAV]] containers) mapped to sections on a musical keyboard. A SoundFont bank also contains other music synthesis parameters such as loops, [[vibrato]] effect, and velocity-sensitive volume changing.

SoundFont banks can conform to standard sound sets such as [[General MIDI]], or use other wholly custom sound-set definitions like [[Roland GS]] and [[Yamaha XG]].