Convert EXB to SF2

Understanding EXB and SF2 file formats

EXB files are proprietary sound bank files used by KORG Pa-Series keyboards. These files contain custom samples, instrument data, and user-created sounds for use on KORG arranger keyboards. SF2 (SoundFont 2) files, on the other hand, are a widely supported format for storing sampled instrument sounds, commonly used in digital audio workstations (DAWs), MIDI synthesizers, and music production software.

Why convert EXB to SF2?

Converting EXB to SF2 allows musicians and producers to use KORG Pa-Series sounds in a broader range of software and hardware that supports the SoundFont 2 format. This enhances compatibility and creative flexibility.

How to convert EXB to SF2

There is no direct, automated converter for EXB to SF2 due to the proprietary nature of EXB files. However, you can follow these steps:

1. Load the EXB file onto a compatible KORG Pa-Series keyboard.
2. Export the individual samples or multisamples as WAV files using the keyboard's export function (Media → Save → Export Samples).
3. Use a SoundFont editor such as Polyphone (free, Windows/Mac/Linux) to create a new SF2 file:
• Open Polyphone and create a new SoundFont project.
• Import the exported WAV samples.
• Map the samples to the desired keys and velocity layers.
• Save the project as an SF2 file (File → Save as).

Recommended software for conversion

• Polyphone – Free, open-source SoundFont editor for creating and editing SF2 files.
• KORG Pa-Series keyboard – Required for accessing and exporting EXB samples.

Summary

While there is no one-click solution to convert EXB to SF2, you can manually export samples from your KORG keyboard and use Polyphone to build a SoundFont. This process enables you to use your favorite KORG sounds in any software or hardware that supports the SF2 format.