How to convert WAV files to SFZ (online)
SFZ is a text file that maps your WAV samples to keys, with the audio kept as separate WAV files alongside it. To convert WAVs to SFZ you assign each sample a root key and key range, set loop points, and write the SFZ definition that ties it together. Xampler does this automatically: it detects each sample's pitch, maps it, finds loops, and writes the SFZ — you download the .sfz plus its WAV samples, ready to load in any SFZ player. It runs in the browser with no upload.
- 1Drop your WAV samples into Xampler (named anything).
- 2It detects pitch, maps each to its key, and finds loops.
- 3Choose SFZ export.
- 4Download the .sfz plus the WAV samples it references; load it in any SFZ player.
01How do I convert my WAV samples into an SFZ instrument?
How do I convert my WAV samples into an SFZ instrument?
Each WAV needs a root key, a key range, and loop points, all written into an SFZ text file that references the WAVs. You can hand-write the SFZ, but for more than a few samples that's error-prone. Xampler reads your WAVs, detects pitch, maps the keys, finds loops, and generates the SFZ for you, then packages it with the samples.
02I keep getting errors converting WAV to SFZ — names not detected, mapping wrong. Why?
I keep getting errors converting WAV to SFZ — names not detected, mapping wrong. Why?
Most converters read the note from the file name and need a strict naming pattern (like violin_a2.wav); if the names don't match, you get a 'could not detect name' error or everything maps to one key. Xampler sidesteps that entirely — it detects the pitch from the audio, so file names don't matter and the mapping comes out right regardless of how your files are named.
03Does SFZ include the actual audio, or just the mapping?
Does SFZ include the actual audio, or just the mapping?
Just the mapping. An SFZ file is plain text — it points to external WAV files that hold the audio. So an SFZ 'instrument' is really the .sfz file plus its folder of WAVs; keep them together. Xampler exports both: the .sfz definition and the WAV samples it references.
04What can play an SFZ file?
What can play an SFZ file?
Plenty of free and paid players — sforzando, Sfizz and many samplers read SFZ. It's an open format, which is why it's popular for sharing instruments. Once Xampler exports your SFZ + WAVs, you load the .sfz in any of them.
05Can I convert WAV to SFZ without downloading any software?
Can I convert WAV to SFZ without downloading any software?
Yes. Xampler runs in the browser, so you drop your WAVs in, it builds the SFZ, and you download the result — nothing to install. The conversion happens on your machine; the audio isn't sent to a server.
06Can I edit the SFZ after it's made?
Can I edit the SFZ after it's made?
Yes — because SFZ is plain text, you can open the .sfz in any text editor and tweak key ranges, loop points or tuning by hand. That's one of SFZ's strengths over binary formats. Xampler gives you a clean, readable SFZ as a starting point, and you can refine it from there.
07Why convert to SFZ instead of SF2?
Why convert to SFZ instead of SF2?
SFZ is open, text-based and easy to edit, and it keeps your WAVs as real files you can swap. SF2 packs everything into one binary file, which is more portable but harder to tweak. If you want to read or adjust the mapping, or share an open instrument, SFZ is the better fit. Xampler exports both, so you can choose per project.