However, there is a hidden gem: (Preview stage as of 2024). Microsoft is finally rewriting the MIDI stack to be low-latency and professional. This could, theoretically, remove the need for gm.dls entirely in the future, replacing it with a modern, multi-gigabyte virtual instrument. For now, though, the ghost remains.
The sound set was licensed from Roland . It is a heavily compressed and cut-down version of the samples found in the legendary Roland SC-55 (Sound Canvas) hardware.
| Soundfont | Size | Best For | Vibe | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | 150 MB | Classical, jazz, pop | Warm, realistic, reverb-heavy | | GeneralUser GS | 38 MB | General MIDI files | The spiritual successor to Roland SC-55 | | Arachno Soundfont | 127 MB | Fantasy / RPG scores | Dramatic, cinematic, strong brass | | SGM v2.01 | 180 MB | Modern pop / EDM | Clean, punchy, polished | | Windows Default (gm.dls) | 4 MB | Retro games, demoscene | Pure nostalgia |