When you think of adding orchestral instruments to a production, you probably think of Kontakt. However, there is another option that is free. SoundFonts are a format that were originally developed in the early 1990’s.
If you are on a budget, SoundFonts are the optimal choice. They lack the articulations and detail of Kontakt instruments, but can be used to create fairly convincing orchestral mock-ups. They are not limited to orchestral instrumentation either. You can find collections of synth, 8 bit, band, and other instrument sounds online.
See my example video below showing how to use SoundFonts in Reaper.
Below is a list of Free SoundFont collections as well as some DAW plugins that will allow you to play them back on different platforms.
Free SoundFont collections
Soundfont Players
All the options below are free.
- Sforzando
- Windows/OS X compatible.
- Will play SFZ and SF2 format files.
Standalone, VST, AU, RTAS, AAX supported.
- FluidSynth
- Linux only.
- Supports SF2 files.
- LinuxSampler Project
- Linux only.
- Supports SFZ files and has an unfinished implementation of SF2 support.