Real Life Bugs & Insects Issue List (2008-2011)

Although I originally made this blog for posts about MIDI synthesizers and SoundFonts, I figured I could use it for some posts on other subjects too.

Real Life Bugs & Insects was a partwork magazine series published by RBA Coleccionables, S.A. that originally ran for 69 issues from 2008-2011. Each issue came with a real arthropod encased in a block of resin. The series was re-issued in 2016 and extended to 85 issues. It is the original 69-issue run that I have, which features five complete display cases of preserved arthropods.

I have made a list of every issue of the original Australian run of this series, along with the specimen that was included with each magazine. I subscribed to the series from day one, and received every issue as they were originally released.

This list is purely for informational and reference purposes; the magazines and resin specimens are not for sale. Also, since I do not have the second run of this series, I do not know exactly what new specimens were added. I also cannot remember exactly which issues did or did not come with display case labels; the information in the list comes from the magazines themselves. Some duplicate labels were definitely included, and at one point I had to write to the publisher to receive a set of missing labels.

CSV link: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/htr1l2v8q02txd8iktpg6/Real-Life-Bugs-and-Insects-2008-2011.csv?rlkey=8vym19oepmsvjqrutus4uhao4&dl=0

Regarding the quality of this series, I must say I am pretty impressed with it. Some of the specimens unfortunately do have issues like silvering (in particular the American cockroach and demon spider), but others are preserved well and still have vibrant colors, especially the metallic beetles. The resin blocks have of course yellowed now from age, but this has not affected the view of the critters.

One criticism I have of the series is the inner trays in the display cases. The resin blocks are slightly inconsistent in size, meaning some have a loose fit in the trays' compartments, while others have a very, very tight fit. The compartments in the trays should have been made just slightly larger to compensate for the size variations of the resin blocks.

 

Beware of Scammers!

Someone--or something (a bot, perhaps)--has plagiarized my SoundFont blog on their site and added fake download buttons.  The site, which I found through a Google search relating to SoundFonts, is hosted on W**bly.  If you see text from this site copy-pasted to other websites without credit, then it was done without permission.  If you see buttons that read "Download the files", do not click them; they just lead to spam/ads.  I have already reported the site to W**bly.

List of Known Creative GM SoundFonts

 Last updated:  March 21, 2021

* 1MGM.SF2 (1.03 MB)
- Internal name: General MIDI
- Copyright: Copyright (c) E-mu Systems, Inc., 1993
- Official SoundFont of the AWE32's 1 MB ROM.  GM only.


These SoundFonts are from the AWE64 Gold installation CD:

* 2GMGSMT.SF2 (1.99 MB)
- Internal name: 2GMGS E-mu  Rev N
- Preset 128:099 = E-mu Systems '96
- Described in the AWE64 Gold readme as "Two MB General MIDI bank with GS variation tones."
- Has GM/GS melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.
- Has MT-32 instruments, plus CM-64/32 drumset.

* 4GMGSMT.SF2 (3.98 MB)
- Internal name: 4MB GMGSMT
- Designer: Tim Swartz, Mike Struble, Ed Dickie
- Copyright: E-mu Systems, Inc. 96
- Comments: Four MB General MIDI bankwith GS and MT32 variation tones..
- Has GM/GS melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.
- Has MT-32 instruments, plus CM-64/32 drumset.

* GM35REVc.SF2 (3.44 MB)
- Internal name: Creative 3.5mb GM
- Designer: E-mu Systems Sound Team
- Copyright: Creative/E-mu Systems, Inc. 1996
- Described in the AWE64 Gold readme as "Three and a half MB bank General MIDI bank."
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets.  Lacks SFX set.


These SoundFonts are from the E-mu General MIDI Collection CD:

* 2MBGMGS.SF2 (1.99MB)
- Older version of 2GMGSMT.SF2 (thanks to ceski for the information).

* 4MBGM.SF2 (3.98 MB)
- Internal name: 4MBGM E-mu Rev B
- Preset 128:099 = E-mu Systems '96
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets.  Lacks SFX set.

* 4MBGMSFX.SF2 (3.99 MB)
- Internal name: 4MBGMSFX E-mu Rev B
- Preset 128:099 = E-mu Systems '96
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.

* 8MBGM.SF2 (7.23 MB)
- Internal name: 8MBGM E-mu Rev B
- Preset 128:099 = E-mu Systems '96
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets.  Lacks SFX set.

* 8MBGMSFX.SF2 (7.22 MB)
- Internal name: 8MBGSFX E-mu Rev B
- Preset 128:099 = E-mu Systems '96
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.


These SoundFonts are from Creative installation CDs:

* CT2MGM.SF2 (2.06 MB)
- Internal name: 2GMGSMT Rev N++
- Designer: E-mu Sound Central
- Copyright: Copyright (c) E-mu Systems, Inc., 1995-1998
- Has GM/GS melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.
- Has MT-32 instruments, plus CM-64/32 drumset.

* CT4MGM.SF2 (3.98 MB)
- Identical to 4GMGSMT.SF2

* CT8MGM.SF2 (7.22 MB)
- Identical to 8MBGMSFX.SF2


Other Creative SoundFonts:

* EMUAPS_2meg_version.SF2 (2.06 MB)
- Internal name: 2GMGSMT Rev N+
- Designer: E-mu Sound Central
- Copyright: Copyright (c) E-mu Systems, Inc., 1995-1998
- Has GM/GS melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets and SFX set.
- Has MT-32 instruments, plus CM-64/32 drumset.

* EmuAPS_8MB.sf2 (7.25 MB)
- Internal name: 8MBGM E-Mu APS Rev B
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets.  Lacks SFX set.


This SoundFont is from the Creative X-Fi Vista installation CD:

* 28MBGM.SF2 (28.3 MB)
- Internal name: 28MB General MIDI
- Designer: Seok-Kwee Chew, Tim Swartz, & Janis Chaffin
- Copyright: (c) Creative Technology 2006
- Has GM melodic instruments, plus GS drumsets.  Lacks SFX set.
- Preset 000:034 (Picked Bass) is absent from this SoundFont.

List of Guitar Sample Libraries

This is a list of some of the major guitar virtual instruments, along with their features for comparison.  With the exception of Applied Acoustics Systems and Xhun Audio, these are all sample-based libraries.  This list is incomplete, but will be updated if/when new information becomes available.  The specifications here are based on those mentioned on official product pages. 

Please do not ask for free/illegal download links for any of these; I cannot provide them.

Last updated:  July 18, 2018

Note:  I am no longer updating this list as it is becoming too large and tedious to scroll through for a single post.  Many new virtual guitars have been released since I last updated this list, such as the Shreddage 3 Series by ISW and Cabal 8 by Wavelet Audio.

AMPLE SOUND

 

ABA
* Guitar:  Guild B-54 CE Acoustic Bass
* Type:  acoustic bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.89 GB

ABJ
* Guitar:  Fender Jazz Bass (John English Masterbuilt)
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  2,709
* Sample size:  3.71 GB

ABP
* Guitar:  Fender Precision Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  2,851
* Sample size:  3.60 GB

AGF
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster Custom
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  neck, bridge and neck
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.75 GB

AGG
* Guitar:  Gibson Les Paul R8 Custom
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck, bridge and neck (extension library)
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.9 GB

AGL
* Guitar:  Alhambra Luthier Classic
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  3.97 GB

AGM
* Guitar:  Martin D-41
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  5.83 GB

AGP
* Guitar:  PRS Artist Custom
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck (extension library), bridge and neck
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.7 GB

AGT
* Guitar:  Taylor 714
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  5.21 GB

AGTC
* Guitar:  Fender Telecaster (Master-built by John English)
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck (expansion)
* Samples:
* Sample size:  3.7 GB

AME
* Guitar:  ESP Eclipse I
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  3.5 GB

AMR
* Guitar:  Musicman Stingray 5 Classic Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.7 GB

APPLIED ACOUSTICS SYSTEMS

Strum Acoustic GS-1
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:
* String type:  nylon, steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  n/a
* Sample size:  n/a

Strum Electric GS-1
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Gibson Les Paul
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck, bridge and neck
* Samples:  n/a
* Sample size:  n/a

Strum GS-2
* Guitar:
* Type:   acoustic, electric
* # of strings:
* String type:  nylon, steel
* Pickup type:  single coil, humbucker
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck, bridge and neck
* Samples:  n/a
* Sample size:  n/a

CHOCOLATE AUDIO

BBassV Electric Bass
* Guitar:  Yamaha BB415
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  6517
* Sample size:  964 MB (lossless compression)

CORY BRUNNEMANN - PRODUCER'S BOUTIQUE

Massive Metal Bass
* Guitar:  Ernie Ball Music Man Bongo 6 Stealth
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

Texas Grind
* Guitar: Fender Deluxe Jazz Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type: GHS Boomers .125
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

Warlock Bass
* Guitar:  Custom Fender American Jazz Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

COLOSSAL BASS

Colossal Bass I
* Guitar:  Warwick Corvette Standard 5-String bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:  D'Addario Pro Steels
* Pickup type:  active MEC J/J pickups
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

Colossal Bass II
* Guitar:  Music Man StingRay Stealth 4 HH
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:  D'Addario Pro Steels
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

EASTWEST/QUANTUM LEAP

Ministry of Rock 1
* Guitars:  Fender Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Gibson Les Paul Deluxe, Ibanez Universe 7, PRS
* Basses:  Fender P-Bass Custom, Fender 5-String, Specter, Kubiki, Musicman
* Type:  electric guitars, electric basses, drumkits
* # of strings:  n/a
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  20 GB

Ministry of Rock 2
* Guitars:  Fender Jaguar, Fender Telecaster Thinline, Carvin 7-String, Baritone, Gibson Les Paul, Schecter 7-String
* Basses:  Fender, Hofner, Gibson, Silvertone, Rickenbacker, Musicman, Lakland, Musicman Stingray 5-String
* Type:  electric guitars, electric basses, drumkits
* # of strings:  n/a
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  57 GB

FRANK THE SMITH

FTS Edge Bass
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  1,200 per NKI patch
* Sample size:  927 MB zippped, 1.8 GB unzipped (DI patch)

HALF MOON PRODUCTIONS

ABZ 5 Bass Instrument
* Guitar:  Dingwall ABZ bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:  Kallium 185-50
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

ILYA EFIMOV PRODUCTION

Acoustic Guitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,660
* Sample size:  2.1 GB with NCW compression

Acoustic Strum
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  2,938
* Sample size:  2.2 GB with NCW compression

Classic Bass
* Guitar:  Fender Precision Bass Guitar '72
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,348
* Sample size:  2.85 GB with NCW compression

Fretless Bass
* Guitar:  F-Bass studio custom
* Type:  fretless bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  4,612
* Sample size:  2.37 GB with NCW compression

LP Electric Guitar
* Guitar:  Gibson Les Paul
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,969
* Sample size:  4.07 GB with NCW compression

LP Strum
* Guitar:  Gibson Les Paul
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,010
* Sample size:  3.7 GB with NCW compression

Modern Bass
* Guitar:  F-Bass studio custom
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,941
* Sample size:  3.74 GB with NCW compression

Nylon Guitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  nylon
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,452
* Sample size:  2.1 GB with NCW compression

Nylon Strum
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  2,663
* Sample size:  1.83 GB with NCW compression

Retro Bass
* Guitar:  Fender Bass Guitar '52
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,346
* Sample size:  1.17 GB with NCW compression

TC Electric Guitar
* Guitar:  Fender Telecaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  4,138
* Sample size:  2.93 GB with NCW compression

TC Strum
* Guitar:  Fender Telecaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,318
* Sample size:  2.71 GB with NCW compression

IMPACT SOUNDWORKS

Archtop: Hollowbody Electric Guitar
* Guitar:  Sadowsky Jim Hall
* Type:  archtop electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge and neck, custom blend
* Samples:
* Sample size:

Shreddage 2
* Guitar:  Music Man JP12
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  7
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge
* Samples:  7,000+
* Sample size:

Shreddage 2 IBZ
* Guitar:  Ibanez RG7421
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  7
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  13,000+
* Sample size:

Shreddage 2 SRP
* Guitar:  PRS SE Custom 24 7-String
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  7
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  15,000+
* Samples size:

Shreddage Bass - Picked Edition
* Guitar:  Music Man Sterling
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:  split Humbucker
* Pickup pos.:  bridge
* Samples:
* Sample size:

Shreddage Bass 2
* Guitar:  custom-made Muckelroy
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  11,000+
* Sample size:

Shreddage Classic
* Guitar:  Gibson SG Standard
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

LIQUID NOISE STUDIO

DjentBass ERG
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

MUSICLAB

RealGuitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  nylon, steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  555 MB

RealEight
* Guitar:  custom-made
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  8
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

RealLPC
* Guitar:  Gibson Les Paul Custom
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sampe size:

RealRick
* Guitar:  Rickenbacker
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

RealStrat
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS

 

Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass
* Guitar:  Officially-approved Rickenbacker 4003
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings: 4
* String type:  stainless steel Rotosound
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  6.75 (12 GB uncompressed)

ORANGE TREE SAMPLES

Cherry Electric Bass
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  2.5 GB (1.4 GB with NCW compression)

CoreBass Pear
* Guitar:
* Type:  upright bass
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  300 MB

Evolution Acoustic Guitar - Steel Strings
* Guitar:  Martin D16R
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  6.5 GB uncompressed

Evolution Dracus (formerly Evolution Banshee)
* Guitar:  Schecter Banshee
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  8
* String type:
* Pickup type:  Bare Knuckle Juggernauts
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  15,000+
* Sample size:  17 GB

Evolution Electric Bass - Rick
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  7+ GB (4.7 GB with NCW compression)

Evolution Electric Guitar - Stratosphere
* Guitar:  Fender American Deluxe Stratocaster HSS
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  10,000+
* Sample size:

Evolution Electric Guitar - Strawberry
* Guitar:  Hagstrom Select Swede
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  3+ GB (1.6 GB with NCW compression)

Evolution Flatpick 6
* Guitar:
* Type:  flatpicking acoustic guitar
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  10.4 GB (4.46 GB with NCW compression)

Evolution Modern Nylon
* Guitar:
* Type: acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  nylon
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  5+ GB (2.1 GB with NCW compression)

Evolution Rick 12
* Guitar:  semi-hollow maple body, rosewood fretboard
* Type: 12-string electric sitar
* # of strings: 12
* String type:
* Pickup type:  high-gain
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.25+ GB (1.8 GB with NCW compression)

Evolution Sitardelic
* Guitar:  semi-hollow pine body with a masonite top, Brazilian rosewood fretboard
* Type: electric sitar
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:  "lipstick" single-coil
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  4.65+ GB (1.87 GB with NCW compression)

Iconic Bass Jaco
* Guitar:
* Type:  fretless jazz bass
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  4,000
* Sample size:  2.5+ GB

SLIDE Acoustic
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  3 GB (uncompressed)

SLIDE Lap Steel
* Guitar:
* Type:  lap steel
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  1 GB

PANDA SOUND

 

Panda Bass
* Guitar:  Carvin LB75 5-String Active Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:  Forte Strings
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  2 GB

PETTINHOUSE

AcousticGuitar 2.0
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  5 GB

ClassicGuitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic, acoustic bass, percussion
* # of strings:
* String type:  nylon
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  1,000
* Sample size:

DirectBass 2.0
* Guitar:  YAMAHA TRB
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, neck, bridge and neck
* Samples:
* Sample size:

DirectGuitar 3.0
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  bridge, mid-bridge, mid, mid-neck, neck
* Samples:
* Sample size:  10 GB

FunkyGuitar 2.0
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  1.15 GB

HumbuckerGuitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:  humbucker
* Pickup pos.:  bridge
* Samples:  1,500
* Sample size:  2 GB

LittleGuitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  cavaquinho
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  549
* Sample size:

Powerchords
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

UkuleleGuitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  ukulele
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  585
* Sample size:

WarmJazz
* Guitar:
* Type:  hollow-body electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:  humbucker
* Pickup pos.:  neck
* Samples:  1,500
* Sample size:  2 GB

PRECISIONSOUND

Folk Lute Guitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  lute guitar
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  nylon
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  748
* Sample size:  665 MB (when compressed)

Owerland Guitar
* Guitar:
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  182
* Sample size:  140 MB (when compressed)

Monzter Bazz
* Guitar:  Warwick Thumb Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  361
* Sample size:  229 MB (when compressed)

Monzter Guitars
* Guitar:  Gibson Explorer 1994
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:  Gibson
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  192
* Sample size:  149 MB (when compressed)

Monzter Guitars II
* Guitar:  Gibson Explorer 1994
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:  Gibson
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  615
* Sample size:  704 MB (when compressed)

PROMINY

Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar
* Guitar:  Gibson 1963 Hummingbird
* Type:  acoustic
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  89,000
* Sample size:  80 GB (40.3 GB with NCW compression)

LPC Electric Distortion and Clean Guitar
* Guitar:  Gibson Les Paul Custom
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  150,000
* Sample size:  60 GB

SC Electric Guitar
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  123,000
* Sample size:  64+ GB (35 GB with NCW compression)

SR5 Rock Bass
* Guitar:  Music Man StingRay 5
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  14,000
* Sample size:  15 GB (8 GB with NCW compression)

V-METAL
* Guitar:  ESP Alexi Blacky
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:  EMG humbucker
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  26,000
* Sample size:  19 GB (10.4 GB with NCW compression)

SIGNALS AUDIO

ZomBass 1
* Guitar:  Fender Jazz Bass (Mexican)
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

ZomBass 2
* Guitar:  Fender Jazz Bass (American Standard)
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  4
* String type:  Pro-Steel
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

ZomBass 3
* Guitar:  Ibanez BTB Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  6
* String type:  RotoSound Steel (Drop Zone Plus)
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

ZomBass 4
* Guitar:  Warwick Corvette $$ Bass
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:  5
* String type:  D’Addario Nickel Wound
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

SOLEMN TONES

 

The Odin
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,500+
* Sample size:  600 MB

The Odin Deluxe
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,900+
* Sample size:  5 GB

The Loki Bass
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings: 5
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  3,000+
* Sample size:  4 GB

SPARTAN SOUND STUDIOS

Bass of the Gods
* Guitar:  Tobias
* Type:  electric bass
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:  2.4 GB

SUGAR BYTES

Guitarist
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster, Duesenberg Starplayer Special
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:
* Sample size:

THREE-BODY TECHNOLOGY

Heavier7Strings
* Guitar:
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  7
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:
* Samples:  10,000+
* Sample size:  8 GB

VIR2

Electri6ity
* Guitar:  Strat, Tele, P90, Les Paul, Rickenbacker, Danelectro Lipstick, ES335, L4
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:
* String type:
* Pickup type:
* Pickup pos.:  front, rear, front and rear
* Samples:  24,000+ per guitar
* Sample size:

XHUN AUDIO

IronAxe
* Guitar:  Fender Stratocaster, Fender Telecaster
* Type:  electric
* # of strings:  6
* String type:
* Pickup type:  variable
* Pickup pos.:  variable
* Samples:  n/a
* Sample size:  n/a

Roland Sound Canvas App

Roland recently released a Sound Canvas app which contains sounds from the classic Sound Canvas modules, including the original SC-55.  I listened to some recordings from it playing DOS game music, and it is extremely accurate (far better than the poor-quality VSC), so that's pretty cool.  Unfortunately, it's iOS exclusive.

Also, an unofficial SC-88 soundfont was released titled "JaZMan SF88".  I don't have it at this time, so I can't really comment on its accuracy.  And the price (as of this writing) is...$89.95 USD...Roland's Sound Canvas app on the other hand has a bajillion more sounds and features, and yet it is only like $20.

UPDATE:  Roland released Sound Canvas VA for Windows and Mac.  Here is a video:  https://youtu.be/wdQ2zYiO3eg

MS Synth - Is It Really That Bad?

On October 22, 1996, something terrible happened:  Roland licensed the Sound Canvas sound set for use as the default MIDI synthesizer for Micro$oft Windows operating systems.  This sound set was based on the Roland SC-55.  Many (but not all) classic video game soundtracks that used General MIDI were intended to be heard with the Roland SC-55.  If this sound set was based on the legendary SC-55, then it should have been perfect, right?  Nope.  Why was this relatively terrible?  Read on...

Roland had previously released the "Virtual Sound Canvas" earlier in 1996.  The VSC was Roland's official software emulator for the SC-55.  It featured reverb and chorus effects.  The quality of the instruments was not as good as the instruments from the real SC-55, but it was better than nothing, at least.

Anyway, this Sound Canvas sound set was then licensed for use in MS Windows, and was now known as the "Microsoft GS Software Wavetable Synthesizer", or simply MS (or MS) Synth.  The sounds were stored in a "gm.dls" (DownLoadable Sound format) file.  The gm.dls was 3.28 MB.  It had 495 samples, 235 instruments, and 235 presets.  And it sounded awful, or rather, that was my first opinion of it.

The MS Synth's Sound Canvas set was of sad quality.  It used mostly the same sounds from the Virtual Sound Canvas; the instrument sounds were still poor, and many of them still sounded nowhere near the quality of the real SC-55.  The MS Synth did not even support reverb or chorus effects!*  And to add insult to injury, some of the instruments in the MS Synth were actually worse than the Virtual Sound Canvas.  The result was that the MS Synth, with its licensed Sound Canvas set, was disappointing and very underwhelming.  The amazing (at the time) sound of the SC-55, was now reduced to a cheap, dry, plastic, ugly, MS software synthesizer.

In 2000, Roland released a new Virtual Sound Canvas.  It was basically the same quality as the previous VSC, but still better than the MS Synth, and it now had three sound sets to choose from:  SC-55 (354 sounds + 10 drumsets), SC-88 (546 sounds + 15 drumsets), and SC-88Pro (902 sounds + 26 drumsets).

Now, years later, with newer Windows operating systems like Windows 7 and Windows 8, the same MS Synth is still used.  They did not bother to ever properly update it.  Even though Roland released newer versions of the VSC, Windows still uses the horrendous MS Synth from 1996.

Even on the most recent Windows, the default MIDI synthesizer for playing back MIDI sounds cheap and unrealistic.  It is unfortunate that Windows had to end up with such a low quality sound set, especially when there were many other much "better" GM sound sets available...

Is it really that bad?  For a long time I considered the MS Synth to be the worst MIDI synthesizer ever.  Its lack of effects, its low quality sounds...I thought that just about every other GM sound set (from sound cards, modules, etc.) sounded better than the MS Synth.  I got sick of the MS Synth's sound, and developed an aversion to it.  AWE32, Gravis UltraSound, even FM Synthesis, everything was better than it, in my opinion.

Well, the MS Synth is now considered "authentic", and many MIDIs that are intended for playback on a Windows system with no fancy other GM synths, are optimized for it.  So, even though it's not amazing, it ended up being the default intended sound for MIDIs from games like Atomaders, Astrobatics, and Alien Sky, and even DOOM PWADs (composers for PWADs generally make sure their MIDIs are balanced for the MS Synth).

I still prefer to avoid the MS Synth, unless I'm composing MIDIs intended for balanced GM sound sets.  I still prefer using other sound sets for playback however, like Gravis, or Yamaha, or even the VSC.

When compared to huge realistic sound sets or the original SC-55 hardware, the MS Synth really is pretty dull.  On its own however, it is very well balanced and therefore perhaps the best synth (after real SC-55 hardware) to use for composing perfectly balanced MIDIs (unless one is composing MIDIs intended specifically for certain realistic soundfonts).

* The GM.DLS file is also available as a soundfont called scc1t2.sf2.  The soundfont version can be loaded into a good quality software synthesizer such as CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth, which features effects such as reverb and chorus.

All Commercial General MIDI Soundfonts

Squillions and squillions...that's about how many free custom General MIDI soundfont banks have been released.  They mostly use free or public domain samples, which are taken from various sources.  Besides these custom GM soundfonts, there are also commercial professional GM soundfonts; ones that are generally meant to be very high quality, and of course cost money.

So let's take a look at the commercial GM soundfonts that have been released.  Please note that it is impossible to fully explain the quality of a GM bank in text, and you may or may not agree with my opinions here...  My YouTube channel has some recordings of MIDI music (mostly DOOM) played with these GM banks.  Anyway, as far as I know, here are all commercial GM soundfont banks that have been released.  The size is based on the total size of the uncompressed sf2 file, and may vary slightly.  GM means the bank contains only the 128 standard instruments, and a standard drumset.  GS means the bank also contains additional GS instruments.  GS drumsets means the bank has GS drumsets only, but no melodic GS instruments.  Some of these banks also contain extra non-GM/GS instruments and drumsets.

EdgeSounds GeneVoice GM64Pro | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  59.9 MB

There are two versions of this soundfont:  16-bit and 24-bit.  The 24-bit version costs more.  This soundfont features two GM banks.  The instruments are mostly suited for synthy music like dance, disco, etc.

EdgeSounds SoniqBear GM120Pro | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  115 MB

This soundfont features four GM banks, and many different types of drumsets.  The instruments aren't exactly realistic, but they have some nice synthy sounds, making this soundfont great for dance/disco/electronic MIDI music.

JaZMan Genesys Pro8 | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  1.13 GB

This is a 24-bit soundfont featuring samples from the Roland SC-88 Pro.

JaZMan GM24 PRO | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  259 MB

A large 24-bit soundfont.  I have a review of it in another post on this blog.

JaZMan GMLiVE | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  300 MB (16-bit), 500 MB (24-bit)

JaZMan SF88 MINI GM/GS | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  500 MB

A Roland SC-88-based soundfont optimized for less powerful systems.

JaZMan SF88 Roland Edition | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  1.65 GB

A very large soundfont version of the Roland Sound Canvas SC-88 sound module.

JazMan SFXGM series | Standards:  GM/XG

A series of large Yamaha XG-based soundfonts.

• SFXGM PRO (1.80 GB) - 586 GM/XG instruments, 18 percussions kits + 2 fx sets, velocity layers.
• SFXGM LITE (1.10 GB) - 128 GM instruments, 12 percussion kits + 2 fx kits, velocity layers.
• SFXGM DEV (500 MB) - 128 GM instruments, 8 percussion kits + 2 fx kits, NO velocity layers.

JazMan SFXGM PRO MINI | Standards:  GM/XG | Size:  700 MB

An XG-based soundfont optimized for less powerful systems.

Merlin Symphony | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  163 MB

There are many soundfonts in the Merlin series, such as Creative, Elite, Gold, Gold Plus, Grand, Jupiter, Plus, Pro, Silver, Special, Vienna, and WXP.  I'm not sure what the "order" is of these soundfonts; i.e. the order of their release dates or quality, but here are how many credits each Merlin Pro soundfont costs:  Symphony - 50, Vienna - 25, Orchestra - 20, Grand - 15, Special - 10, GMPro - 8, Audigy - 4, Gold - 2.  I assume Symphony is the "best" one. Free soundfonts in the Merlin series include GM, Creative, and Silver.

NemeSys Conexant GM500 | Standards:  GM | Size:  350 MB (sf2 version)

A large GM bank that used to be sold on CD-ROM, in Giga format.  It is now discontinued.  A soundfont version of this is available.

NTONYX 32MB GM Stereo | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  30.9 MB

This soundfont is free, but I decided to list it here anyway.  It's made by the same company that did the EdgeSounds soundfonts.  Not really suited for MIDIs that require realistic sounding instruments; the instruments like the electric guitars and strings are better for synthy music.

Papelmedia GM 2007 | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  229 MB

Seems to be mainly focused on orchestral stuff.  Some GM instruments, such as the "synth voice", are usually unusable for playing MIDI files with, since this soundfont uses a very out of place female "Laa" sample for that instrument.

proVITAMIN | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  231 MB (rfl file)

A GM bank for Propellerhead Reason.  The MKII version has extra instruments.  The distortion guitar is horrible.

Sonic Reality OmniSynth | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  1.32 GB (OmniSynth 2, SampleTank), 250 MB (sf2 version)

A large GM set for SampleTank.  A soundfont version is also available.  OmniSynth 2 (SampleTank) features many extra instruments.

Sonido Media Monster GM! 12 MB | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  12.0 MB

Included on the "Soundfont Toolbox" CD.

Sonido Media Monster GM! 24 MB | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  24.0 MB

Included on the "Soundfont Toolbox" CD.

SONiVOX 24 MB GS | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  23.2 MB

A GS soundfont by SONiVOX.  Now discontinued.  The drums are nice and have a "big" sound, but the instruments mostly don't sound very realistic...still, it's a good GS bank.  There was also a 12 MB version, which was mostly the same as this one, except the 24 MB version has two differences:  Stereo Grand Piano, and Stereo Session Drums and Session Brush Drums.  Also, a small 4 MB soundfont was released by SONiVOX; this one only had GM presets and 1 drumset, and is lower quality than the 12/24 MB GS soundfonts.

SONiVOX 250 MB GS | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  251 MB

Well then.  This one was certainly bragged about.  I remember when articles were released on it, saying how gargantuan it terms of quality and quantity it was.  One of the most monumental GM banks ever produced?  Oh really?  Nope.  In reality, this one is poorly balanced and just "okay".  It does have some good instruments, especially the bagpipes, but it's mostly a mishmash of somewhat nice instruments and weak instruments.  The snares in the drumset also have poorly done velocity layers, so that in songs like E1M1 from DOOM, the sound of the snare annoyingly keeps changing:  "POK, blaft, POK, blaft, POK, POK".  I actually prefer the 24 MB SONiVOX soundfont over this one, because the 24 MB soundfont is much better balanced.  Some instruments actually sound better in the 24 MB soundfont with some MIDIs.  The overdriven guitar in this soundfont sounds a bit too clean in most MIDIs, and doesn't sound very good in MIDIs like DOOM that need a more aggressive sounding guitar.  Sadly, SONiVOX really didn't do a great job with their super awesome unbelievable ginormous 250 MB soundfont.  SONiVOX doesn't sell their soundfonts anymore...

SONiVOX Industrial Dance | Standards:  GM | Size:  4.06 MB

A small dance-themed General MIDI-compatible soundfont.  Does not exactly follow the GM standard in terms of specific instruments; uses a lot of synth sounds.

SONiVOX Retro Synth | Standards:  GM | Size:  3.99 MB

A small retro-themed General MIDI-compatible soundfont.  Does not exactly follow the GM standard in terms of specific instruments; uses a lot of synth sounds.

sYnerGi GS | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  43.6 MB

This soundfont is discontinued, unfortunately.  Pretty nice, powerful sound.  Unique samples.  A previous version of this soundfont was available titled sYnerGi 200, and a smaller version, titled sYnerGi 200LE, was included for free when purchasing sYnerGi GS.

Utopia Live! | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Size:  various - see below

Discontinued.  A commercial soundfont designed specifically for Sound Blaster Live! sound cards.  Intended to replace the default 2/4/8 MB E-mu and have the balance of a Roland Sound Canvas.  The electric guitars are kind of "muffly-froomfy" style.  Versions of this soundfont include the following:  LW P LE, LW P PE, LW P, LW S, VLQ Demo, WDM P LE, WDM P PE, WDM P, WDM S.  LW is for LiveWare drives, WDM fixes some issues when used with soft synths such as CoolSoft VirtualMIDISynth (strings cutting off on release, for example).

* WDM P LE (24.6 MB) - Stereo panned percussion (Light Edition).
* WDM P (27.5 MB) - Stereo panned percussion.
* WDM P PE (31.1 MB) - Stereo panned percussion and enhanced pianos.
* WDM S (31.6 MB) - StereoID percussion.

Voice Crystal 4 MB GM | Standards:  GM (with GS drumets) | Size:  3.99 MB

I like this one, partially because of nostalgia.  It's only 4 MB, but it's well balanced and nice.  It's made by EYE & I productions, and is actually based on the 4 MB bank from the Gravis UltraSound card.  A great, small soundfont, with an excellent "classic" sound, in my opinion.


And now for the really ginormous one...

East West Quantum Leap Colossus | Standards:  GM | Size:  32 GB

Thirty.  Two.  GigaBytes.  Yes.  32 GB.  A sample library with jillions of instruments.  And it's GM compatible.  Oh my.  However, keep in mind that this library actually contains many non-GM instruments, so that is the reason for the huge size.  The GM set is available in soundfont format.  Still, its GM set does take up quite a few GB...  Despite the size, the GM set really doesn't sound that great...bleh.  If you decide to get Colossus, do not get it just for the GM set.  If you really want to get the most out of it, then use it for its non-GM sounds instead.


Here are two more soundfonts that can be purchased from their authors online...

GMR | Standards:  GM/GS (with GS drumsets) | Size:  468 MB (Basico version 1.1)

A very nice soundfont, with a few GS sounds.  The Basico version is free, and there is a commercial "Latino" version that has some improved instruments.

Princess Soft | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets)

I don't have this soundfont, so I can't really say much about it.


Well, that's all the commercial GM soundfont banks.  So, let's look at some commercial GM VSTis/DXis/soft synths...

Coyote ForteDXi | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Formats:  DXi

A free trial is available.  Sounds pretty generic.

EDIROL Hyper Canvas | Standards:  GM2 | Formats:  VSTi, DXi

A GM2 soft synth by Roland.  Based on some sounds from the SC-88.  The electric snare in the drumsets is unfortunately not really suited for MIDIs that need a more acoustic sounding snare...that "pewf" sample sounds out of place in MIDIs from stuff like DOOM.

Sonic Cat (formerly LUXONIX) Purity | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Formats:  VSTi, standalone

A software workstation, that has a GM set.  Sounds okay, except for some MIDIs like Grabbag from Duke 3D, in which Purity's electric guitars sound awful and "bbraaapy".  However, since Purity is a workstation, its primary purpose is music composition.  As such, it includes a lot of great synth sounds that you won't hear if you just play General MIDI files.

M-Audio GM Module | Standards:  GM | Formats:  VSTi

A software GM module.  Has some nice sounds, I guess.  Like the Hyper Canvas, the electric snare is a "doof" sample that sounds out of place in a lot of MIDIs...

Native Instruments Bandstand | Standards:  GM (with GS drumsets) | Formats:  VSTi, DXi, standalone | Size:  ~2.5 GB

A large GM soft synth.  Discontinued.  You would expect it to sound great.  But, it's more like "okay" at best, to flat-out terrible at worst.  The huge GM sample library includes instruments from many well known audio companies.  Bandstand has a built-in MIDI player.  In terms of performance, it's not very good.  Bandstand takes quite a while to load the samples for the instruments, and this causes it to be problematic when playing MIDIs that use patch change commands.  Also, some notes on some instruments keep cutting out, which is obviously annoying.  As for quality, the samples are quite a mixed bag.  Some instruments are too loud, some are too soft; I really expected this to be better...