# Other synths
In general we recommend to use [FluidSynth](/user-guide/sounds/using-fluidsynth.md): no setup and decent sounds.
But if you have a high-quality hardware or software synth (VST, AU, AAX, ...), you can use it with JJazzLab via a Midi cable or a a virtual Midi cable/device (such as LoopMIDI for Windows).
In the **Midi** tab of the **Options/Preferences :**
* Unselect "use FluidSynth"
* Select a Midi OUT device
* Select an Output Synth which describes the capabilities of the connected synth.
The **Output Synth** information allows JJazzLab to directly display and select synth sounds/instruments from the mix console. The information is also used to remap drums notes when needed (Yamaha styles use XG drum maps, but your synth may not).
{% hint style="danger" %}
If you hear wrong instruments (for example piano notes instead of bass notes, etc.), or if you can't select instruments from the [mix console](/user-guide/editors/mix-console.md), it usually means that your **Output Synth** information does not match your connected synth. For example you connected a non-GM synth but the **Output Synth** is set to GM Synth.
{% endhint %}
There is a predefined list of Output Synths as shown below. If your synth has more capabilities, you can use "**Add a synth from file...**" to load a Midi synth definition file (.ins). See below for more information on the .ins file format.
{% hint style="info" %}
When using a software synth (e.g. VST plugin), you might prefer to control sound selection and mix settings (volume, effects, etc.) directly from the VST plugin interface. In this case you should [Disable all Midi parameters](/user-guide/editors/mix-console.md#menu-midi) from the JJazzLab mix console, so that JJazzLab only sends Midi notes.
{% endhint %}
## Midi synth definition files (.ins)
JJazzLab can read **Cakewalk instrument definition files** (.ins). Those files are used by many DAWs, search the web for more information about the .ins format.
An **.ins** file defines a **Midi synth** with its list of instruments and how to select them via Midi (Bank Select/Program Change values).
### JJazzLab .ins format extensions
{% hint style="info" %}
These .ins format extensions are not mandatory to use for JJazzLab to work. But they are required if you have a custom .ins file and want to fully benefit from the JJazzLab features in order to get better sounding backing tracks.
{% endhint %}
The standard .ins file format lacks some information for JJazzLab to fully optimize instrument selection and **drum map** conversion.
For an optimum use JJazzLab needs:
1. For melodic instruments: its **GM substitute** instrument\
Example: the **GM substitute** for the XG instrument ‘12 String Guitar’ is the GM instrument ‘Steel Guitar’
2. For percussion instruments/drum kits: its **type** and its **drum key map**
Therefore some (optional) keyword extensions have been introduced, "{{ xxxx }}", as shown in the examples below.
```
;
; {{ SubGM1= }}
;
[PRE1]
0=Pn:Full Concert Grand {{ SubGM1=0 }} ; substitute = GM Acoustic Piano
1=Pn:Rock Grand Piano {{ SubGM1=1 }} ; substitute = GM Bright Piano
2=Pn:Mellow Grand Piano {{ SubGM1=0 }} ; substitute = GM Acoustic Piano
5=Pn:Aggressive Grand {{ SubGM1=1 }} ; substitute = GM Bright Piano
...
18=Pn:CP 1979 {{ SubGM1=3 }} ; substitute = GM Electric Grand Piano
19=Pn:CP70 Chorus {{ SubGM1=3 }} ; substitute = GM Piano
...
```
```
;
; {{ DrumKit= type, keymap }}
; type=STANDARD, POWER, ROOM, ELECTRONIC, ANALOG, JAZZ, BRUSH, ORCHESTRA, SFX
; keymap=GM, GS_GM2, XG
;
[DR:PRE]
0=Dr:Power Standard Kit 1 {{DrumKit=POWER, XG}}
1=Dr:Power Standard Kit 2 {{DrumKit=POWER, XG}}
2=Dr:Hyper Standard Kit {{DrumKit=STANDARD, XG}}
3=Dr:Dry Standard Kit {{DrumKit=ROOM, XG}}
...
```
There are also 2 special keyword extensions if your synth is GS compatible:
```
; For GS-compatible synths only
; {{ UseGsInstruments }} => For melodic instrument selection a GS Sysex message will be sent to make sure channel is in melodic mode
; {{ UseGsDrumsInstruments }} => For drums instrument selection a GS Sysex message will be sent to make sure channel is in percussion mode
;
[JJazzLab SoundFont (GS)]
BankSelMethod=1 ; Use Bank Select MSB only
Patch[0]=GM Bank {{ UseGsInstruments }} ; This bank stores GS melodic instruments
Patch[128]=Bank 1 {{ UseGsInstruments }} ; This bank stores GS melodic instruments
Patch[256]=Bank 2 {{ UseGsInstruments }} ; This bank stores GS melodic instruments
...
Patch[*]=Drums {{ UseGsDrumsInstruments }} ; This bank stores GS drums instruments
...
```
---
# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:
```
GET https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/sounds/other-synths.md?ask=
```
The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.