csound

sound synthesis and audio programming language

TLDR

Render orchestra and score to audio

$ csound [orchestra.orc] [score.sco]

Render unified csd file

$ csound [file.csd]

Output to WAV file

$ csound -o [output.wav] [file.csd]

Real-time audio output

$ csound -odac [file.csd]

Set sample rate

$ csound -r [44100] [file.csd]

Set control rate

$ csound -k [4410] [file.csd]

csound is a sound synthesis program and audio programming language. It generates audio from text-based scores and orchestras, enabling precise control over sound generation and processing.The system uses two main components: an orchestra defining instruments with synthesis algorithms, and a score specifying when and how to play them. Modern usage typically combines these in CSD (unified) files.

PARAMETERS

-o file

Output audio file (use dac for realtime).

-i file

Input audio file (use adc for realtime).

-r rate

Sample rate in Hz.

-k rate

Control rate in Hz.

-b size

Software buffer size.

-B size

Hardware buffer size.

-d

Suppress displays.

-m level

Message level (0-231).

-W

Create WAV format output.

-A

Create AIFF format output.

--midi-device= dev

MIDI input device.

INSTALL

sudo apt install csound

sudo pacman -S csound

sudo zypper install csound

brew install csound

nix profile install nixpkgs#csound

CAVEATS

Steep learning curve for synthesis programming. Real-time performance depends on buffer settings. Orchestra errors can be cryptic. Requires audio system configuration.

HISTORY

Csound was developed by Barry Vercoe at MIT in 1986, based on earlier Music N languages dating to 1957. It descends from Max Mathews' MUSIC series at Bell Labs. Csound remains actively developed, used in academic research, electronic music, and multimedia installations.