Hi Mg
Glad to hear that you got the link.Regarding your "pfffft" problems:
I am not quite sure, but probably might be related to the so called
"polyphonic limitations " of some Soundblaster synth engines when using either large soundfont banks and/or multiple track compositions.In the worst situation some instruments just won´t "play " or either distorted or badly
anyway.That´s the main reason that I don´t use the SB synth engine anymore,rather defaulting to other ( free or donation )software synths, either as stand alone or VST version ( with a suitable VST host and virtual cable).
In my humble opinion, using the Merlin Creative (with limited 32 Mb polyphonic " capacity" )will probably not solve the problem because your multiple track/voice compositions might exceed the( polyphonic) limitations of the soundfont bank and/or your soundcard.
But this is only a non-tech opinion and surely Dave or Herbert and others may have a more technical and to the point answer to the "pffft" problem.
Could you give me some samples with "pffft" sounds on the tympani/cymbals ?
Not much of help, I am afraid, but always a pleasure meeting you on this Forum.
Take care,and regards
Djim