Jump to content

Loading SoundFont at boot


tubasoldier
 Share

Recommended Posts

This applies to Soundblaster AWE, Live, and Audigy soundcards.

 

I have been frustrated with the inability to load a soundfont at boot time in Mandriva LE 2005. I also recently found out that this applies to Mandriva 2006. In order to load one I would have to go into Kcontrol and to the sound setup. There I would select the midi output I wanted to use. I would have to actually re-select it. Then I would press apply. I would have to do all of this before I could load a soundfont.

 

With recent trial and error I have found a solution for all you soundfont loving, midi loving, music writing, musicians who want to use the abilities of thier soundcard.

 

1- Install kmid urpmi kmid

 

2- lauch Kcontrol. (configure your desktop)

Go to Sound --> Sound System --> click the hardware tab --> check the use midi mapper box. The path to the midi mapper is as follows: /usr/share/apps/kmid/maps/gm.map

 

3 - If you have not already, install the awesfx package. urpmi awesfx This will enable you to load soundfonts.

 

4 - Place a soundfont you would like to load in a directory that you will be familiar with. I placed mine in /home/user/.midi/soundfont.sf2 However you can place it in any directory that suits you.

 

5 - In /ect/rc.local a few commands must be added at the end of the file:

modprobe snd-emu10k1-synth - It seems that this was left out of the Alsa configuration. This command will allow a soundfont to be loaded intstead of getting the error message that "No Awe synth device found".

aweset init - This command initializes the AWE chip and state.

sfxload /path/to/your/soundfont/soundfont.sf2 - This command actually loads the soundfont.

You must edit this file as root to be able to save it.

 

Here is an example of what should be added to the rc.local file:

 

modprobe snd-emu10k1-synth

aweset init

sfxload /path/to/soundfont/soundfont.sf2

 

Following these simple steps will allow those of you with soundfonts, who want to use that feature, to load them at boot time.

 

Enjoy! And happy music writing.

Edited by tubasoldier
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...
  • 3 months later...

TiMidity has very nice other options. You mus download better soundfonts e.g

 

Fluid_R3GM.SF2 (150Mb) and,

 

touch in your home directory file e.g sfx.cfg

 

Write in one line

 

soundfont /home/user/Fluid_R3GM.SF2

 

And now run in Console as user e.g.:

 

timidity -c /home/user/sfx.cfg song.mid

 

Nocommercial soundbank here

http://www.geocities.jp/shansoundfont/soundfont.html

......Lex

Edited by Lexicon
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...