Convert DSF to SF

Understanding DSF and SF file formats

DSF (Direct Stream Digital Stream File) is an audio file format used primarily for high-resolution audio, especially in the context of Super Audio CD (SACD) rips. DSF files store audio in the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format, which is known for its high fidelity and is favored by audiophiles.

SF (SoundFont) files, on the other hand, are not audio recordings but rather collections of audio samples and instrument definitions used for MIDI playback. SF files are commonly used in music production to emulate real instruments in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and MIDI synthesizers.

Can you convert DSF to SF?

Direct conversion from DSF (audio) to SF (SoundFont) is not straightforward because they serve fundamentally different purposes. DSF is a high-resolution audio format, while SF is a sample-based instrument format. To create an SF file from a DSF, you would need to:

• Extract audio samples from the DSF file (usually by converting DSF to WAV or FLAC).
• Edit and map these samples to notes and velocities to create a SoundFont instrument.

Step-by-step conversion process

1. Convert DSF to WAV: Use an audio converter like Foobar2000 with the SACD plugin or Audacity (with the appropriate plugin) to open and export the DSF file as WAV.
2. Create a SoundFont (SF) file: Use a SoundFont editor such as Polyphone (free, cross-platform) to import the WAV samples and map them to MIDI notes, then export as an SF2 file.

Recommended software for DSF to SF conversion

• Foobar2000 (with SACD plugin): For converting DSF to WAV. Use File → Convert to export audio.
• Polyphone: For creating and editing SoundFont files. Use File → New to start a new SoundFont, Sample → Import to add WAV files, and File → Save to export as SF2.

Summary

While there is no direct one-step DSF to SF converter, you can achieve this by first converting DSF to WAV and then using a SoundFont editor to create an SF file. Foobar2000 and Polyphone are the best tools for this workflow.