SFZ vs SF2 vs Korg KMP — which sample format should you use?
The three formats do the same job — map samples to keys to make a playable instrument — but package it differently. SFZ is a text file plus separate WAV samples (open, easy to edit). SF2 (SoundFont) is a single binary file with the audio baked in (one file, widely supported). Korg KMP/KSF is Korg's native multisample format for Pa, Kronos and Triton hardware. Which to pick depends on what's going to play it: software sampler → SFZ or SF2; Korg workstation → KMP. Xampler exports all three from one project, so you don't have to choose up front.
- 1Software sampler, want to edit by hand → SFZ (text + WAVs).
- 2Software sampler, want one portable file → SF2 (SoundFont).
- 3Korg Pa / Kronos / Triton hardware → KMP/KSF.
- 4Not sure → export all three from Xampler and use whichever fits.
01What's the difference between SFZ and SF2?
What's the difference between SFZ and SF2?
SF2 is one self-contained binary file — samples and mapping bundled together. SFZ is a plain-text file that references external WAV files. SF2 is easier to move around (single file); SFZ is easier to read and edit by hand. Both support key mapping, loops and velocity layers. Same instrument, different container.
02Which is better, SFZ or SF2?
Which is better, SFZ or SF2?
Neither is universally better — it depends on use. Choose SF2 if you want one portable file and broad compatibility (most samplers and lots of hardware read it). Choose SFZ if you want to tweak the mapping in a text editor or share an open-format instrument. For a Korg workstation, neither — you need KMP.
03What is Korg KMP and when do I need it?
What is Korg KMP and when do I need it?
KMP is Korg's native multisample format (with KSF sample files), used by Pa, Kronos, Triton and Trinity workstations. You need it when the instrument is going to be played on Korg hardware — those keyboards don't read SFZ or SF2 for user multisamples. KMP carries the key map, loops and tuning the same way SFZ/SF2 do, just in Korg's structure.
04Can I convert between SFZ, SF2 and KMP?
Can I convert between SFZ, SF2 and KMP?
They hold the same kind of information (samples + mapping + loops), so converting is possible, though some details don't carry perfectly between formats. The most useful direction is building any of them from your raw WAVs. Xampler exports SFZ, SF2 and KMP from the same set of samples, so you get whichever the target needs without a separate conversion step.
05I'm sending this to a friend or loading it elsewhere — which format travels best?
I'm sending this to a friend or loading it elsewhere — which format travels best?
SF2, because it's a single file with everything inside — nothing to lose. SFZ travels as a folder (the .sfz plus its WAVs), so keep them zipped together. KMP is for Korg hardware specifically. Xampler lets you export the format that fits where it's going.
06Does the format affect how the instrument sounds?
Does the format affect how the instrument sounds?
Not the samples themselves — the audio is the same regardless of container. There are minor differences in how each format handles envelopes (SF2 uses an exponential curve, SFZ a linear one), but for a basic mapped-and-looped instrument the sound is effectively the same. Pick the format by where it's going to play, not by sound.
07Is SFZ or SF2 better for hardware samplers?
Is SFZ or SF2 better for hardware samplers?
It depends on the hardware. Many older and current hardware samplers read SF2 because it's a single self-contained file. SFZ support on hardware is rarer. Korg workstations need their own KMP. Check what your unit reads, then export that format. Xampler covers SFZ, SF2 and Korg KMP, which between them hit most targets.