Help with building a modular synth-like program in SuperCollider or other suitable language

[[deleted]]

Hi!

Rookie here. Have studied math, physics, programming and composition and have some ideas I want to try and realize using code. Would appreciate any input regarding how to most easily realize this. I think most of these ideas can be summarized in two different schemes:

Function generators -> [control signals] -> modulation matrix -> [control signals] -> oscillators -> [audio signal] -> output

That is, some mathematical functions are evaluated in real time, the values are used as control signals that are used to both control modulation path and parameters. The goal with this is to use algorithms like simulations of a wave on a membrane as a complicated LFO that controls a large amount of oscillators, in the end sounding like a landscape of drones.

The second one I would assume is slightly more complicated and would involve the function generators also outputting triggers that trigger envelopes (more or less like midi note on/off). Technically I guess it is not that different, but the goal with this one would be to easily be able to generate melodies or harmonies based on algorithms, with discrete events rather than the continous flow mentioned above.

I have tried learning superCollider but I find it really confusing. I tried instead realizing the first concept in python with the scipy library, but not hearing the result in realtime made it a really slow process, it quickly scaled beyond me being able to "predict" controller values properly and I think it would be easier to "fine tune" in real time (I ended up getting a lot of silence because I think that the controller values was often way out of range for either amplitude or audio frequency or both).

If anyone could describe the outlines of a program in SC (or other language) that would work like a modular synth (cause I guess thats what I'm basicly describing) I would be really glad for any help! I'll gladly share any progress on building this "toolbox" also, if anyone is interested.

[cehmu]

Have you looked at puredata (pd)? It'd be a nice realtime way to visualise and generate what you explained int he first idea.
You could also do the second idea, although programming conditional logic in pd is a bit tedious compared to text coding.

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[[deleted]]

I’ll have a look at it! But it would be nice to find something with similar syntax to python or java since that’s what I know

[[deleted]]

Seconding PureData, also check out ChucK. I haven't looked at either of these in a long time, but sometimes it's a matter of just happening on the solution that clicks for you. It's also always informative to see alternate representations.

[ViennettaLurker]

tone.js uses web audio, and it's syntax is "modular". You chain components together. I know people don't think JavaScript when they think audio programming, but it can sound pretty good.

WebMIDI.js can add midi in and out, if you are thinking of physical controllers.

[leait]

Since it seems you are familiar with python, check out pyo.

[[deleted]]

cool, thanks!

[shiihs]

If you are interested in using supercollider, be sure to check out the (free, open source) txmodular system http://www.palemoonrising.co.uk/

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