samplv1 vs sfizz

samplv1 is a free, open-source, all-digital polyphonic sampler synthesizer for Linux with stereo effects. It runs as a standalone JACK client with JACK-session and NSM session management, accepting MIDI through JACK MIDI or ALSA MIDI. It is also available as an LV2 instrument plugin. The project is licensed under GNU GPL version 2 or later, and its listed free plan costs nothing. The home page lists version 1.5.0, released September 15, 2026, with a package for factory and community presets and updated theme options. Qt and libsndfile are required to build and run it. JACK, ALSA, LV2, FFTW3, Rubber Band, and liblo are optional build components; liblo is needed for NSM support. CMake instructions cover building from the source tarball, using /usr/local by default. User settings are stored in $HOME/.config/rncbc.org/samplv1.conf. The project says bugs remain but considers the software production and stable. Development matters go through its SourceForge project page.

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.