CSound Composition - "Arrow to the Ear"

This composition was created entirely in CSound using custom instruments based around the oscil opcode and several grains, as well as a .wav audio loop.


custom Instruments

The first set of tones heard after the drum loop is a simple oscil opcode running with frequencies ranging from 440-880hz.

The second set of tones was created with additive synthesis. the a3 variable recieves its input from an oscil opcode which had a fluctuating amplitude parameter. This amplitude input parameter was obtained from a seperate oscillator with a frequency of 10Hz and an amplitude of 10000 amps. This oscillator was also recieving an amplitude input from yet another oscilator that had a similar range of 10000 amps, but had a frequency of 100Hz. This 3-oscillator chain gives the instrument an irregular wobble and can be used to generate this particular wobble pattern at different frequencies.

Several grains were also used on an audio file of ambient noise in a public transit station. The amplitude, frequency, pitch, grain size, and placement rate were all adjusted in combination using the line function. This allowed for the creation of distorted voices and stretched noises.

Finally, an acoustic drum loop was included to give the composition some sense of rhythm. The loop was enveloped and repeated several times.

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