Convert an SF2 to SFZ

Here are instructions for converting an SF2 to SFZ for use with Cakewalk / Sonar software.

1. Unpack the SF2 if it is compressed
2. Use sfZed to import the SF2 using File / Import Soundfonts…  Then convert to SFZ using File / Save As.  This will prompt you to save the samples.  The resulting SFZ and wav samples will be saved to the folder that you choose.
3. Organize the samples:
   
   • Move the wav samples to a new folder called “samples“
   • Edit the SFZ file with notepad and include the following lines near the top of the file:
     
     <control>
     default_path=samples\
     
     
   • The resulting SFZ should look something like:
     
     //  ***** Luke’s Tin Whistle – Tin Whistle *****
     //  Download from https://app.box.com/shared/5kojv3x0ko
     //  Soundfont converted using sfZed
     //  SoundFont version 2.1
     //  EMU8000
     //  Using Awave Studio v10.1
     
     <control>
     default_path=samples\
     
     <group>
     loop_mode=loop_continuous
     ampeg_release=1.234
     
     <region>
     sample=1_2.wav
     lokey=f#4
     hikey=f#4
     pitch_keycenter=f#4
     
     . . .

Now you can simply drag the sfz into the sequencer (e.g. Dimension Pro Sonar)