# Other synths
In general we recommend to use [FluidSynth](https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/sounds/using-fluidsynth): 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](https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/editors/mix-console), 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](https://jjazzlab.gitbook.io/user-guide/editors/mix-console#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
...
```
