Improve DOOM Music! MIDI Soundfont Tutorial w/ VirtualMIDISynth

[@markklem]

This guy explains things the way you need them to be explained. He is great. Always sub to this dude and get all his updates. For what it is worth, he is my favorite person called DoomKid. Hands down. No joke.

[@DoomKid]

And you're my favorite of the Klems!!

[@markklem]

😂

[@NotHere2SellCookies]

Not long ago I followed a different tutorial for this but was doing it for the Tie Fighter pc game. I forgot all about it until I played Doom for the first time in months the other day and the music sounds SO SICK.

[@asais1024]

An alternative to soundfonts are VSTi's/software synthesizers, albeit basically only two are relevant anymore: SOUND Canvas VA, emulates a hardware SC-8820, which contains backwards compatibility modes for the SC-55, SC-88 and SC-88Pro (and SC-8820 obviously). But the only really relevant for DOOM is SC-55, since it's what Bobby Prince wrote the game's music on. It's not 100% accurate due to this being based on SC-8820, because the hardware version had a different later synth engine and limited ROM space disallowed the full original SC-55 set, so some instruments are slightly different because they're from later SOUND Canvases, but those are minor instruments that still sound similar. I can't put a link here due to it being tied to a cloud service (paid product) (Roland Cloud), but if you're searching for a download, find a version of 1.03 or later because the early versions had a bug where the mapping mode would get stuck to the SC-8820 (native) mode if it would receive a GS reset, which DOS games do frequently. I recommend this for well, almost, everything. You see, Roland dominated the MIDI market in the 80's (with the MT-32 and derivatives) and the 90's (with the SOUND Canvas series), the SC-55 was the first GM compatible synthesizer and MT-32 provided way more options to composers than Adlib/Sound Blaster/PC speaker ever did. Albeit for MT-32 emulation I recommend MUNT, because the SOUND Canvases (including this one) don't support MT-32 SysEx messages which later DOS MT-32-compatible games (starting with Space Quest III) almost always use, so those games on the non-SysEx compatible devices will sound like what I thought all MIDI music sounded a long time ago. Yamaha S-XYG50 (or S-XYG100, but that has extra features that are only relevant to composers), emulates the Yamaha MU series, not based on a specific model (because later Yamaha MU hardware units simply added more sounds rather than redesigning the existing ones AND adding new ones like Roland did). It is useful for Yamaha XG MIDI playback, but very few games support the standard. It still supports GM, so that's why it's still relevant for DOOM. And the drums in this one are godlike, take a listen to this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mpg32Ph519n9U It is abandonware, you can download it here: veg.by/en/projects/syxg50/ To get these 2 running: You need LoopMIDI: www.tobias-erichsen.de/software/loopmidi.html Falcosoft SoundFont MIDI Player (32 bit version for Yamaha (due to how old it is), 64 bit for Roland, older versions of Roland SCVA supported 32 bit but new ones have dropped it): falcosoft.hu/softwares.html#midiplayer You should read the documentation to learn it, as it's a bit complicated to get into due to the many features, but those are needed, like if you set the correct instrument patch sets for the synthesizer you're using, this MIDI player will offer Capital Tone Fallback, a feature that fixes missing instruments in certain games with modern synths like these two. And optional, but VERY recommended is: CoolSoft MIDIMapper: coolsoft.altervista.org/en/midimapper It lets you set the LoopMIDI port so you can force games to use it, which otherwise couldn't find the LoopMIDI port and would just use MS GS Wavetable Synth (which has the SC-55 instruments, but in horrible quality, missing effects like reverb and chorus, and the volume balancing is earrape)

[@averagedoomguy7280]

Nice vid and tutorial, I used to use VirtualMIDISynth for changing the soundfont for a number of classic FPS games. You can also convert midi files to mp3 with it! I believe support for soundfont loading was added in new versions of Eduke32 and GZDoom/LZDoom. Though for other source ports for example we got to stay with this one. Thanks for linking the soundfonts, will be sure to check them out! SGMV2.01 the current one I use for Doom has a good balance between the guitars and the drums, but it may differ a bit sometimes

[@DoomKid]

SGM is my favorite one aside from SCC1T2, definitely does justice to 99% of what I throw at it!

[@averagedoomguy7280]

​@@DoomKid Definitely! it gives any midi file you put into it awesome quality, Airfont comes close to it but the sound is a bit too loud sometimes for example.

[@alanruzich9625]

As soon as I downloaded the Soundfonts from your previous video, I got this software to use them both in Crispy Doom and Winamp... Ended up having some nasty volume issues in both, especially in Crispy, which remains broken up until now (not the first time it happens anyways). It was fun nonetheless. Thanks for the Soundfonts! Oh also nice desktop you've got there, it's rare to see them so clean.

[@Mr.Doggo83]

Yeah, I'm also having issues with Crispy. I can't hear sound effects anymore. Were you able to fix it?

[@alanruzich9625]

@@Mr.Doggo83 Needless to say, that was looong ago, so I don't really remember. Try the latest Crispy release in case you're not using it, and if that fails, try a development build.

[@Mr.Doggo83]

@@alanruzich9625 I have the latest version 6.00. I tried to see if anyone knows how to fix it on the Doomworld forums. Thanks though 👍

[@zekerokz969]

This shit right here is borderline mandatory if you want to use the Midi option in Crispy Doom, thanks for showing us how to set it all up.

[@DoomKid]

No prob at all!

[@nathanbeets8229]

This makes me so happy. Now I can play crispy doom and have it actually sound proper. Thank you.

[@DoomKid]

Late reply from me, but I'm glad to hear it!

[@nathanbeets8229]

@Doomkid Crispy Doom is my favorite port, and this solves the only problem. ❤️

[@ThatGuy-a48]

This video really helped me thanks!

[@MrGhoulster]

I honestly still haven't figured out to properly chain stuff except for drums. I might have to learn how to combine soundfont stuff myself. Otherwise this was extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@urrova8261]

Doom with Touhou.sf2 xDDDD

[@pussy_destroyer666]

xD

[@theheadpriest]

I like how they're called "CoolSoft" which soundsl ike ur gonna get 10 viruses but you dont :)

[@asais1024]

Sounds like a site where you may download funny toolbars Joel would be disappointed if he thought this site was that

[@theheadpriest]

@@asais1024 when they have a smileyface you know its *G U D*

[@HueyStinkFinger]

I totally missed that volume option under the soundfont. Thanks for helping me fix my volume issues with Crispy Doom!

[@c0unt_sn4ckula]

This is the coolest thing ever!!! Thank you!

[@DoomKid]

(Late reply from me) you're welcome!

[@advictoriams]

I run N-Track on my phone. Midi is just so much fun. Been playing with Argent Metal in SCC1T2

[@elcreyo]

This video improved my DOOM Music.

[@DoomKid]

Mission accomplished!

[@Mr.Doggo83]

I come from the future, and after a day of searching on forums and modifying my computer's files, I can tell you, DO NOT DOWNLOAD VIRTUALMIDISYNTH THAT THING MESSED UP MY LAPTOP. Only like another 2 people share my problem, but in a short story, it deleted the soundfont folder from my computer and I am trying to manually fix it. I can tell the long story if anyone wants to hear it.

[@DoomKid]

That sucks, if you want to tell the long story please feel free

[@Churdizard]

If you want to convert your MIDI into MP3 with your soundfonts, like if you use Slade for example. You can use Keppy’s MIDI Converter like I did.

[@DoomKid]

That does work super well

[@hector4457]

helped alot my man, many thanks.

[@AbsoluteLambda]

I made a cool little tutorial recently for Using Nuked-SC55 with Classic DOS games, example being (Z)Doom in my video.

[@ytreview4390]

Thank for useful links and nice explanation

[@DoomKid]

No problem!

[@raiden_real6218]

Quick question what source port do you use? I use GZdoom and Prboom + usually I prefer GZdoom for it's less strict mapping rules

[@DoomKid]

I usually use Zandronum for the online play, as well as ZDaemon and Odamex. but for SP I enjoy DSDA-Doom for reminding me of a souped-up vanilla doom.

[@raiden_real6218]

@@DoomKid thanks!

[@flaktaryd7731]

So I did follow the tutorial and tested by playing the midis on windows explorer, it works like a charm and sounds just like the original. However, when I use the VirtualMIDISynth #1 plugin via latest version of GZDoom, some of the midis are off note. For instance when Jimmy's Quicksilver is playing in BTSX, some of the instruments in the beginning is either missing or very subdued, just as if it sounded like the default midi device. So I'm not sure what I have done wrong.

[@Tycitron]

This is good, but it sucks if i try to stream the game through discord (using crispy doom) there isnt any music.

[@DoomKid]

Hmm... I wish I knew what caused that. Does it happen with other ports or just Crispy?

[@Tycitron]

@@DoomKid Ah i actually figured it out, i just updated Crispy and installed fluidynth and had it use my .sf2 of choice, and it worked nicely. although i dont know if VMS works now. Although its a shame because Crispy 5.11.1 removed a feature from 5.10.3 that i really liked, so i preferred playing that version. Oh well.

[@Mr.Doggo83]

​@@DoomKid with Crispy the sound effects disappear

[@adamast0r183]

Another great video, as usual, Doomkid. Could you just change your Fun Skins for Doom link? I can't seem to get to the page as it goes through too many redirects.

[@DoomKid]

I'll fix that, thanks for letting me know! (as a rule of thumb, if you ever a find a wad with a broken link, you'll probably be able to find it on wad-archive.com)

[@DoomKid]

Here's the direct link: doomshack.org/wads/60skins.wad

[@adamast0r183]

@@DoomKid Thanks. I'll keep that in mind for future reference. By the way, these might interest you as well: drive.google.com/file/d/19EG9zFy8gIC2aRZ-0eNk5-UHKCFfGXmB/view?usp=sharing

[@elFranCisMaster24]

How i can select a bank, like the 127 for the drums of a soundfont if i dont like the ones that my soundfont has?

[@coolmanbritt]

What is the best soundfont to use? I use Fluidr3 GM.SF2

[@DoomKid]

Sorry for late response, my favorites are SGM and RlndGM.sf2

[@coolmanbritt]

@r33mote Are these in the Soundfonts linked in the Description of the video? If they arent, where can I find them?

[@no-man_baugh]

God I wish there VirtualMidiSynth was on macOS, those machines have such a crap synth in them these days Any recommended equivalents for mac you know of? can VLC work as a virtual midi?

[@DoomKid]

I'm really sorry about my lack of Mac knowledge - try searching for "Mac soundfont loader", that should hopefully yield some results

[@doomingwithdoogie9624]

does this work in prboom?

[@DoomKid]

It does, just make sure to pick “general midi” as your music device (it’s been a while since I’ve used PrBoom but I’m sure it works)

[@DesertThing]

What program do you use to make your MIDI's? I'm new to this and I need a bit of help

[@DoomKid]

Late reply from me, but Sekaiju + VMS!

[@aolmsn]

Hi Doomkid, how can I compose a custom MIDI with a sound font chosen by me (like the one on the Roland SC-55)? Is there a software that allows me to create DooM MIDIs?

[@DoomKid]

I'm very late, but there is, it's called Sekaiju (or TuxGuitar). They both let you set your MIDI device, so you can select VirtualMIDISynth, with any soundfont.

[@silentzorah]

Airfont 380 is the shit.

[@Twenteeeee]

Hey is there an Earthbound sound font out there

[@DoomKid]

Not that I know of, but I'd love one

[@Twenteeeee]

@@DoomKid I think I found it musical-artifacts.com/artifacts/665/Earthbound_NEW.sf2

[@Twenteeeee]

And I think this is the drum font I'm not sure yet musical-artifacts.com/artifacts/676/Earthbound_NEW_Percussion.sf2

[@facundoaguirre1834]

Please make a vídeo of super Mario all stars soundfonts and download links for the super Mario all stars soundfonts

[@jayd1os400]

Does this work with, Duke nukem 3d aswell?

[@DoomKid]

Sorry I'm late, but yes!

[@JamieHendrickson-v7m]

can you use on lzdoom?

[@DoomKid]

Yes!

[@muizzsiddique]

Would you know why for every midi I play with this the first beat is slower than the rest of the song?

[@DoomKid]

I’m very sorry to say, I’m not sure what would cause that. Wish I could be more help

[@muizzsiddique]

@@DoomKid It might be the "additional output buffer" setting. I turned that to 0 and now it seems to no longer be an issue.

[@baxterbunny4403]

There a sponge Bob doom mod look really good

[@yfmfan2254]

Mr. Doom kid I cant change the sound font

[@DoomKid]

What part is giving you trouble? In VMS, make sure the "MIDI Mapper" tab has "VritualMIDISynth #1" selected for both boxes. Sometimes this bit gets skipped over. Hopefully this helps!

[@yfmfan2254]

In gz doom I tried to change the sound font but there's no option

[@Azazel0664]

I’m Doom Guy

[@asais1024]

Found an ultra-accurate SC-55 soundfont, github.com/trevor0402/SC55Soundfont/releases It was made by a guy comparing how the soundfont sounds compared to his real SC-55mkII by ear, and using the only recently decrypted SC-55 ROMs from the VOGONS forums. People say it's even more accurate than the Roland's own Sound Canvas VA's SC-55 mapping mode.

[@DoomKid]

Thank you, I’ve actually been following the Doomworld thread about this, definitely a fantastic soundfont

[@Aresydatch]

EmperorGrieferus's Soundfont sounds So much better than this one

[@asais1024]

@@Aresydatch Yes, because it has problems (currently, updates are in progress) with certain instruments and games. That's because it has uses the DIRECT samples of the SC-55's ROM, rather than featuring recordings (which would bloat the size and be inaccurate if not tweaked right) or using samples from different synthesizers that mimic SC-55's ones, like how EmperorGrieferus' soundfont uses some from SOUND Canvas VA, which while having a SC-55-compatible mapping mode, also has some instruments from later SOUND Canvas models, namely SC-88 (one of these is Crash Cymbals, it's not too noticeable, but it is different), because it's a SC-8820 emulator and so limited ROM space on the original hardware did it's thing. Patch93's if I understood correctly used the samples from Microsoft GS Wavetable Synth/Roland Virtual Sound Canvas, if I understood correctly, the original version of the Virtual Sound Canvas, the VSC-55, which only emulates the SC-55 has most the samples from the SC-55, but in horrible quality. That's what SC-55 Deemster/Presets/gzdoom.sf2/raze.sf2/gm.sf2/scc1t2.sf2 are. But I'm not sure if it ALL the samples, I heard that the distortion guitar on the MSGS Synth is actually the SC-88Pro's, but it's in so horrible quality I can't tell. I personally use the SOUND Canvas VA's SC-55 mapping mode, because most of the different instruments are barely noticeable (except for the strings used in E1M5/Suspense, the track sounds so bad on the SCVA when you're used to how it sounds on a legitimate SC-55). Also becauseVirtualMIDISynth/FluidSynth/Timidity can't emulate certain SOUND Canvas' quirks.

[@Aresydatch]

@@asais1024 Ooh so It's WIP and accurate but the samples currently are in Crap quality, got it!

[@asais1024]

@@Aresydatch Yea they aren't tweaked properly because direct conversion to SF2 of the samples is a completely new thing

[@ViviDotArchive]

Time to put dumb sound fonts over the soundtrack

[@glenn_danzig]

Imma use the snes soundfont, or the genesis soundfont

[@TheFellerHasAChannelGodDamnIt]

St. Anger DOOM