Groove Agent 5 vs sfizz
Groove Agent 5
steinberg.netsfizz
sfz.toolsSide by side
| Figure | Groove Agent 5 | sfizz |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Sampler Software | 7.7 (#14) | 8.4 (#4) |
| Standalone use | Steinberg’s version history states that Groove Agent SE 5 gained a standalone application; this entry is for the SE edition. | Advanced users can use sfizz as a standalone JACK client. |
Plans
In their own words
Groove Agent 5
Groove Agent 5 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
sfizz
sfizz is a sample-based musical synthesizer built around the SFZ instrument format. It can load existing SFZ libraries or support the creation of personal instruments. The software supports SFZv1 and has partial compatibility with SFZv2, so some features of the newer format may not work fully. sfizz is available as VST3i, Audio Unit and LV2 plugins, as well as a standalone JACK client. Instrument makers can use hot reload to revise custom instruments and check changes without manually operating the software. Its streaming system loads sounds when needed and reclaims memory once sounds are no longer in use. Developers can integrate the engine into other programs with C and C++ API bindings; it accepts an SFZ file and MIDI-type events and renders audio through successive callbacks. Downloads include Linux packages, Windows 32-bit and 64-bit installers, and a universal macOS package for Intel and Apple Silicon. The project requires no payment to use, with optional donations. Its repository was archived on June 21, 2026 and is read-only.