Just a Sample vs sfizz

Just a Sample is a free, open-source audio sampler designed around one audio source and one region. It runs as a plugin on Windows, macOS, and Linux, in VST3 and AU formats; there is no standalone app. Its editing tools let users zoom to set sample playback bounds, with waveform drawing optimized for large samples. The integrated Bungee time stretcher changes time and pitch independently and can slow playback to 0.01x. A routable effects chain includes reverb, chorus, distortion, and EQ. Playback controls include waveform mode, editable attack and release curves, equal-power cross-fade looping, pitch bend, and fine-tuning. Users can record samples into the plugin and try experimental auto-tuning to A440, which works best on simple sounds. Samples can be stored in plugin state to avoid external file dependencies, or that option can be disabled. The project uses the MIT License. Its installers are self-signed and may trigger operating-system warnings.

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.