sfizz

sfizz is a sample-based synthesizer for playing and building instruments in the SFZ format. It suits musicians with SFZ libraries and developers who want an embeddable sample engine. Its plugin and JACK options are broad, but partial SFZv2 support and an archived repository are important caveats.

Overview

sfizz can load existing SFZ instrument libraries or serve as a tool for making personal instruments. It supports SFZv1 and is only partially compatible with SFZv2, so it is a better fit for libraries that do not depend on unsupported newer-format features. The project requires no financial return for use and accepts optional donations through Open Collective.

The GitHub repository was archived on June 21, 2026 and is read-only. That makes sfizz less appealing to users who want a project with an active development path.

Key features

• Workstation and standalone options: VST3i, Audio Unit and LV2 plugins fit common workstation workflows; advanced users can also run it as a standalone JACK client.
• Instrument iteration: Hot reload lets makers edit a custom instrument and test changes without manually interacting with the software between edits, which is useful during repeated revisions.
• On-demand streaming: Sounds load as needed, and memory for sounds no longer in use is dynamically reclaimed. This can help manage memory when working with larger sample collections.
• Mapping and playback: Sample mapping and round-robin playback support instruments that use mapped samples and rotating variations.
• Sample formats: WAV, FLAC and WavPack are supported.
• Developer integration: The engine accepts an SFZ file and MIDI-type events, then renders audio through successive callback calls. C and C++ API bindings let developers integrate it into another program; the project also describes use in LV2 hosts such as Carla or Ardour.

Pricing

The sfizz plan costs nothing. It requires no financial return for use, and donations are optional. There is no free trial because the product is already free; no paid tier is described.

That makes it a straightforward choice for musicians who want SFZ playback without a required payment and developers considering the library for a project. The trade-off is not a paid upgrade path but the partial SFZv2 compatibility and read-only repository, which may matter more than cost to users relying on future development.

Platforms

sfizz is offered for Linux, Windows and macOS, with Linux packages for a wide variety of distributions, Windows installers for 32-bit and 64-bit editions, and a universal macOS package for Intel and Apple Silicon. Windows support is Windows 7 and later. The Linux plugin file requester depends on the zenity package; without it, selecting an SFZ or Scala file may do nothing.

The project also identifies API and web platforms. Plugin support includes VST3i, Audio Unit and LV2, while standalone use is through JACK.

Who it's for

sfizz is best suited to musicians already choosing SFZ libraries, instrument makers who benefit from hot reload, and developers who want C or C++ bindings for a sample engine. It is a weaker fit for users whose libraries require full SFZv2 compatibility or who prefer software backed by an actively maintained repository.

Pros and cons

• Pro: VST3i, Audio Unit, LV2 and standalone JACK use give musicians several ways to fit sfizz into a setup.
• Pro: On-demand streaming and dynamic reclamation of unused sound memory can help avoid keeping every sample loaded.
• Pro: Use has no required financial return, and optional donations leave the decision to the user.
• Con: SFZv2 compatibility is partial, which can prevent newer-format instruments from working fully.
• Con: The repository is archived and read-only, a concern for users who prioritize ongoing project development.
• Con: On Linux, the plugin file requester may fail to select files if zenity is absent.

Alternatives

Decent Sampler is a free option for readers whose libraries use its DecentSampler format (.dspreset and .dslibrary), rather than SFZ.

TX16Wx Software Sampler offers a free sampler plug-in and a trial, with an unrestricted professional licence also available at custom pricing. Choose it if that licensing structure suits better than sfizz's free-only plan.

Vaporizer 2 is a free GPL-3.0 option with standalone and plug-in formats for macOS, Linux and Windows; it may suit readers seeking that alternative licensing and delivery model.

LinuxSampler is a free option across Linux, macOS, Windows, API and self-hosted platforms, but commercial hardware or software use requires prior written permission. That condition matters to commercial users comparing it with sfizz.

Just a Sample is another free option for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Momentum offers a free plan and runs on web, Windows and macOS.

Sample Dicer is a free option for Windows and macOS.

Sitala has a free plan and runs on Windows, macOS and iOS.

Browse more options in Sampler Software.

Verdict

Choose sfizz if you want a no-required-payment SFZ synthesizer with several plugin formats, standalone JACK use or developer bindings. Look elsewhere if full SFZv2 compatibility or an actively maintained project is essential.