[linux-audio-user] Software for Sine Wave Generation

From: Douglas Ward <dwdraw@email-addr-hidden>
Date: Wed Oct 05 2005 - 06:00:09 EEST

What is an easy way to generate sets of precise sine waves?

I like to generate (currently, slowly) separate sets of sine waves each
consisting of a fundamental and 2 - 3 pseudo harmonics (really only
justly-tuned perfect fifths, octaves, and a third--major or minor, depending
upon the type of drone I want). The goal is to produce examples of
justly-tuned chords that are easy to practice and teach with. And, sine waves
are the easiest waveform for brass instruments to play along with. (This is
very useful for orchestral brass instruction, and brass chamber ensemble
exercises.)

My current toolchain is clunky: XMMS --> ToneGen[erator] plug-in --> Hard Disk
playback --> Audacity (to add an envelope to the front of each set).
I would like to find a way to make this process more streamlined. I would love
to be able to write scripts to do the dirty work.

What program is suggested for replacing this toolchain? I think Csound can
accomplish this. (Can this be accomplished with Audacity+Nyquist, too? Is
there a plug-in that will play multiple frequencies at once?) Are there any
favourite command line applications that can be used to produce multiple sine
waves at once? Csound seems overly complex for this application, but I do not
know of alternatives. Is there anything other than Csound? I just want to
make sure I'm not overlooking a great specialized program before digging into
Csound.

Thanks a lot,
Douglas Ward
Received on Wed Oct 5 08:15:05 2005

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