synthio – Support for multi-channel audio synthesis

At least 2 simultaneous notes are supported. samd5x, mimxrt10xx and rp2040 platforms support up to 12 notes.

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class synthio.EnvelopeState
ATTACK: EnvelopeState

The note is in its attack phase

DECAY: EnvelopeState

The note is in its decay phase

SUSTAIN: EnvelopeState

The note is in its sustain phase

RELEASE: EnvelopeState

The note is in its release phase

synthio.BlockInput

Blocks and Notes can take any of these types as inputs on certain attributes

A BlockInput can be any of the following types: Math, LFO, builtins.float, None (treated same as 0).

class synthio.Envelope(*, attack_time: float | None = 0.1, decay_time: float | None = 0.05, release_time: float | None = 0.2, attack_level: float | None = 1.0, sustain_level: float | None = 0.8)

Construct an Envelope object

The Envelope defines an ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) envelope with linear amplitude ramping. A note starts at 0 volume, then increases to attack_level over attack_time seconds; then it decays to sustain_level over decay_time seconds. Finally, when the note is released, it decreases to 0 volume over release_time.

If the sustain_level of an envelope is 0, then the decay and sustain phases of the note are always omitted. The note is considered to be released as soon as the envelope reaches the end of the attack phase. The decay_time is ignored. This is similar to how a plucked or struck instrument behaves.

If a note is released before it reaches its sustain phase, it decays with the same slope indicated by sustain_level/release_time (or attack_level/release_time for plucked envelopes)

Parameters:
  • attack_time (float) – The time in seconds it takes to ramp from 0 volume to attack_volume

  • decay_time (float) – The time in seconds it takes to ramp from attack_volume to sustain_volume

  • release_time (float) – The time in seconds it takes to ramp from sustain_volume to release_volume. When a note is released before it has reached the sustain phase, the release is done with the same slope indicated by release_time and sustain_level. If the sustain_level is 0.0 then the release slope calculations use the attack_level instead.

  • attack_level (float) – The level, in the range 0.0 to 1.0 of the peak volume of the attack phase

  • sustain_level (float) – The level, in the range 0.0 to 1.0 of the volume of the sustain phase relative to the attack level

attack_time: float

The time in seconds it takes to ramp from 0 volume to attack_volume

decay_time: float

The time in seconds it takes to ramp from attack_volume to sustain_volume

release_time: float

The time in seconds it takes to ramp from sustain_volume to release_volume. When a note is released before it has reached the sustain phase, the release is done with the same slope indicated by release_time and sustain_level

attack_level: float

The level, in the range 0.0 to 1.0 of the peak volume of the attack phase

sustain_level: float

The level, in the range 0.0 to 1.0 of the volume of the sustain phase relative to the attack level

synthio.from_file(file: BinaryIO, *, sample_rate: int = 11025, waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, envelope: Envelope | None = None) MidiTrack

Create an AudioSample from an already opened MIDI file. Currently, only single-track MIDI (type 0) is supported.

Parameters:
  • file (BinaryIO) – Already opened MIDI file

  • sample_rate (int) – The desired playback sample rate; higher sample rate requires more memory

  • waveform (ReadableBuffer) – A single-cycle waveform. Default is a 50% duty cycle square wave. If specified, must be a ReadableBuffer of type ‘h’ (signed 16 bit)

  • envelope (Envelope) – An object that defines the loudness of a note over time. The default envelope provides no ramping, voices turn instantly on and off.

Playing a MIDI file from flash:

import audioio
import board
import synthio

data = open("single-track.midi", "rb")
midi = synthio.from_file(data)
a = audioio.AudioOut(board.A0)

print("playing")
a.play(midi)
while a.playing:
  pass
print("stopped")
synthio.midi_to_hz(midi_note: float) float

Converts the given midi note (60 = middle C, 69 = concert A) to Hz

synthio.voct_to_hz(ctrl: float) float

Converts a 1v/octave signal to Hz.

24/12 (2.0) corresponds to middle C, 33/12 (2.75) is concert A.

synthio.waveform_max_length: int

The maximum number of samples permitted in a waveform

class synthio.Biquad(b0: float, b1: float, b2: float, a1: float, a2: float)

Construct a normalized biquad filter object.

This implements the “direct form 1” biquad filter, where each coefficient has been pre-divided by a0.

Biquad objects are usually constructed via one of the related methods on a Synthesizer object rather than directly from coefficients.

https://github.com/WebAudio/Audio-EQ-Cookbook/blob/main/Audio-EQ-Cookbook.txt

class synthio.LFO(waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, *, rate: BlockInput = 1.0, scale: BlockInput = 1.0, offset: BlockInput = 0.0, phase_offset: BlockInput = 0.0, once=False, interpolate=True)

A low-frequency oscillator block

Every rate seconds, the output of the LFO cycles through its waveform. The output at any particular moment is waveform[idx] * scale + offset.

If waveform is None, a triangle waveform is used.

rate, phase_offset, offset, scale, and once can be changed at run-time. waveform may be mutated.

waveform must be a ReadableBuffer with elements of type 'h' (16-bit signed integer). Internally, the elements of waveform are scaled so that the input range [-32768,32767] maps to [-1.0, 0.99996].

An LFO only updates if it is actually associated with a playing Synthesizer, including indirectly via a Note or another intermediate LFO.

Using the same LFO as an input to multiple other LFOs or Notes is OK, but the result if an LFO is tied to multiple Synthtesizer objects is undefined.

In the current implementation, LFOs are updated every 256 samples. This should be considered an implementation detail, though it affects how LFOs behave for instance when used to implement an integrator (l.offset = l).

waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None

The waveform of this lfo. (read-only, but the values in the buffer may be modified dynamically)

rate: BlockInput

The rate (in Hz) at which the LFO cycles through its waveform

offset: BlockInput

An additive value applied to the LFO’s output

phase_offset: BlockInput

An additive value applied to the LFO’s phase

scale: BlockInput

An multiplier value applied to the LFO’s output

once: bool

True if the waveform should stop when it reaches its last output value, false if it should re-start at the beginning of its waveform

This applies to the phase before the addition of any phase_offset

interpolate: bool

True if the waveform should perform linear interpolation between values

phase: float

The phase of the oscillator, in the range 0 to 1 (read-only)

value: float

The value of the oscillator (read-only)

retrigger()

Reset the LFO’s internal index to the start of the waveform. Most useful when it its once property is True.

class synthio.MathOperation

Operation for a Math block

SUM: MathOperation

Computes a+b+c. For 2-input sum, set one argument to 0.0. To hold a control value for multiple subscribers, set two arguments to 0.0.

ADD_SUB: MathOperation

Computes a+b-c. For 2-input subtraction, set b to 0.0.

PRODUCT: MathOperation

Computes a*b*c. For 2-input product, set one argument to 1.0.

MUL_DIV: MathOperation

Computes a*b/c. If c is zero, the output is 1.0.

SCALE_OFFSET: MathOperation

Computes (a*b)+c.

OFFSET_SCALE: MathOperation

Computes (a+b)*c. For 2-input multiplication, set b to 0.

LERP: MathOperation

Computes a * (1-c) + b * c.

CONSTRAINED_LERP: MathOperation

Computes a * (1-c') + b * c', where c' is constrained to be between 0.0 and 1.0.

DIV_ADD: MathOperation

Computes a/b+c. If b is zero, the output is c.

ADD_DIV: MathOperation

Computes (a+b)/c. For 2-input product, set b to 0.0.

MID: MathOperation

Returns the middle of the 3 input values.

MAX: MathOperation

Returns the biggest of the 3 input values.

MIN: MathOperation

Returns the smallest of the 3 input values.

ABS: MathOperation

Returns the absolute value of a.

__call__(a: BlockInput, b: BlockInput = 0.0, c: BlockInput = 1.0) Math

A MathOperation enumeration value can be called to construct a Math block that performs that operation

class synthio.Math(operation: MathOperation, a: BlockInput, b: BlockInput = 0.0, c: BlockInput = 1.0)

An arithmetic block

Performs an arithmetic operation on up to 3 inputs. See the documentation of MathOperation for the specific functions available.

The properties can all be changed at run-time.

An Math only updates if it is actually associated with a playing Synthesizer, including indirectly via a Note or another intermediate Math.

Using the same Math as an input to multiple other Maths or Notes is OK, but the result if an Math is tied to multiple Synthtesizer objects is undefined.

In the current implementation, Maths are updated every 256 samples. This should be considered an implementation detail.

a: BlockInput

The first input to the operation

b: BlockInput

The second input to the operation

c: BlockInput

The third input to the operation

operation: MathOperation

The function to compute

value: float

The value of the oscillator (read-only)

class synthio.MidiTrack(buffer: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer, tempo: int, *, sample_rate: int = 11025, waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, envelope: Envelope | None = None)

Simple MIDI synth

Create a MidiTrack from the given stream of MIDI events. Only “Note On” and “Note Off” events are supported; channel numbers and key velocities are ignored. Up to two notes may be on at the same time.

Parameters:
  • buffer (ReadableBuffer) – Stream of MIDI events, as stored in a MIDI file track chunk

  • tempo (int) – Tempo of the streamed events, in MIDI ticks per second

  • sample_rate (int) – The desired playback sample rate; higher sample rate requires more memory

  • waveform (ReadableBuffer) – A single-cycle waveform. Default is a 50% duty cycle square wave. If specified, must be a ReadableBuffer of type ‘h’ (signed 16 bit)

  • envelope (Envelope) – An object that defines the loudness of a note over time. The default envelope provides no ramping, voices turn instantly on and off.

Simple melody:

import audioio
import board
import synthio

dac = audioio.AudioOut(board.SPEAKER)
melody = synthio.MidiTrack(b"\0\x90H\0*\x80H\0\6\x90J\0*\x80J\0\6\x90L\0*\x80L\0\6\x90J\0" +
                           b"*\x80J\0\6\x90H\0*\x80H\0\6\x90J\0*\x80J\0\6\x90L\0T\x80L\0" +
                           b"\x0c\x90H\0T\x80H\0\x0c\x90H\0T\x80H\0", tempo=640)
dac.play(melody)
print("playing")
while dac.playing:
  pass
print("stopped")
sample_rate: int

32 bit value that tells how quickly samples are played in Hertz (cycles per second).

error_location: int | None

Offset, in bytes within the midi data, of a decoding error

deinit() None

Deinitialises the MidiTrack and releases any hardware resources for reuse.

__enter__() MidiTrack

No-op used by Context Managers.

__exit__() None

Automatically deinitializes the hardware when exiting a context. See Lifetime and ContextManagers for more info.

class synthio.Note(*, frequency: float, panning: BlockInput = 0.0, waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, waveform_loop_start: int = 0, waveform_loop_end: int = waveform_max_length, envelope: Envelope | None = None, amplitude: BlockInput = 0.0, bend: BlockInput = 0.0, filter: Biquad | None = None, ring_frequency: float = 0.0, ring_bend: float = 0.0, ring_waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, ring_waveform_loop_start: int = 0, ring_waveform_loop_end: int = waveform_max_length)

Construct a Note object, with a frequency in Hz, and optional panning, waveform, envelope, tremolo (volume change) and bend (frequency change).

If waveform or envelope are None the synthesizer object’s default waveform or envelope are used.

If the same Note object is played on multiple Synthesizer objects, the result is undefined.

frequency: float

The base frequency of the note, in Hz.

filter: Biquad | None

If not None, the output of this Note is filtered according to the provided coefficients.

Construct an appropriate filter by calling a filter-making method on the Synthesizer object where you plan to play the note, as filter coefficients depend on the sample rate

panning: BlockInput

Defines the channel(s) in which the note appears.

-1 is left channel only, 0 is both channels, and 1 is right channel. For fractional values, the note plays at full amplitude in one channel and partial amplitude in the other channel. For instance -.5 plays at full amplitude in the left channel and 1/2 amplitude in the right channel.

amplitude: BlockInput

The relative amplitude of the note, from 0 to 1

An amplitude of 0 makes the note inaudible. It is combined multiplicatively with the value from the note’s envelope.

To achieve a tremolo effect, attach an LFO here.

bend: BlockInput

The pitch bend depth of the note, from -12 to +12

A depth of 0 plays the programmed frequency. A depth of 1 corresponds to a bend of 1 octave. A depth of (1/12) = 0.0833 corresponds to a bend of 1 semitone, and a depth of .00833 corresponds to one musical cent.

To achieve a vibrato or sweep effect, attach an LFO here.

waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None

The waveform of this note. Setting the waveform to a buffer of a different size resets the note’s phase.

waveform_loop_start: int

The sample index of where to begin looping waveform data.

Values outside the range 0 to waveform_max_length-1 (inclusive) are rejected with a ValueError.

Values greater than or equal to the actual waveform length are treated as 0.

waveform_loop_end: int

The sample index of where to end looping waveform data.

Values outside the range 1 to waveform_max_length (inclusive) are rejected with a ValueError.

If the value is greater than the actual waveform length, or less than or equal to the loop start, the loop will occur at the end of the waveform.

Use the synthio.waveform_max_length constant to set the loop point at the end of the wave form, no matter its length.

envelope: Envelope

The envelope of this note

ring_frequency: float

The ring frequency of the note, in Hz. Zero disables.

For ring to take effect, both ring_frequency and ring_waveform must be set.

ring_bend: float

The pitch bend depth of the note’s ring waveform, from -12 to +12

A depth of 0 plays the programmed frequency. A depth of 1 corresponds to a bend of 1 octave. A depth of (1/12) = 0.0833 corresponds to a bend of 1 semitone, and a depth of .00833 corresponds to one musical cent.

To achieve a vibrato or sweep effect on the ring waveform, attach an LFO here.

ring_waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None

The ring waveform of this note. Setting the ring_waveform to a buffer of a different size resets the note’s phase.

For ring to take effect, both ring_frequency and ring_waveform must be set.

ring_waveform_loop_start: int

The sample index of where to begin looping waveform data.

Values outside the range 0 to waveform_max_length-1 (inclusive) are rejected with a ValueError.

Values greater than or equal to the actual waveform length are treated as 0.

ring_waveform_loop_end: int

The sample index of where to end looping waveform data.

Values outside the range 1 to waveform_max_length (inclusive) are rejected with a ValueError.

If the value is greater than the actual waveform length, or less than or equal to the loop start, the loop will occur at the end of the waveform.

Use the synthio.waveform_max_length constant to set the loop point at the end of the wave form, no matter its length.

synthio.NoteSequence

A sequence of notes, which can each be integer MIDI note numbers or Note objects

synthio.NoteOrNoteSequence

A note or sequence of notes

synthio.LFOOrLFOSequence

An LFO or a sequence of LFOs

class synthio.Synthesizer(*, sample_rate: int = 11025, channel_count: int = 1, waveform: circuitpython_typing.ReadableBuffer | None = None, envelope: Envelope | None = None)

Create a synthesizer object.

This API is experimental.

Integer notes use MIDI note numbering, with 60 being C4 or Middle C, approximately 262Hz. Integer notes use the given waveform & envelope, and do not support advanced features like tremolo or vibrato.

Parameters:
  • sample_rate (int) – The desired playback sample rate; higher sample rate requires more memory

  • channel_count (int) – The number of output channels (1=mono, 2=stereo)

  • waveform (ReadableBuffer) – A single-cycle waveform. Default is a 50% duty cycle square wave. If specified, must be a ReadableBuffer of type ‘h’ (signed 16 bit)

  • envelope (Optional[Envelope]) – An object that defines the loudness of a note over time. The default envelope, None provides no ramping, voices turn instantly on and off.

envelope: Envelope | None

The envelope to apply to all notes. None, the default envelope, instantly turns notes on and off. The envelope may be changed dynamically, but it affects all notes (even currently playing notes)

sample_rate: int

32 bit value that tells how quickly samples are played in Hertz (cycles per second).

pressed: NoteSequence

A sequence of the currently pressed notes (read-only property).

This does not include notes in the release phase of the envelope.

blocks: List[BlockInput]

A list of blocks to advance whether or not they are associated with a playing note.

This can be used to implement ‘free-running’ LFOs. LFOs associated with playing notes are advanced whether or not they are in this list.

This property is read-only but its contents may be modified by e.g., calling synth.blocks.append() or synth.blocks.remove(). It is initially an empty list.

max_polyphony: int

Maximum polyphony of the synthesizer (read-only class property)

press(/, press=()) None

Turn some notes on.

Pressing a note that was already pressed has no effect.

Parameters:

press (NoteOrNoteSequence) – Any sequence of notes.

release(/, release=()) None

Turn some notes off.

Releasing a note that was already released has no effect.

Parameters:

release (NoteOrNoteSequence) – Any sequence of notes.

change(release: NoteOrNoteSequence = (), press: NoteOrNoteSequence = (), retrigger=LFOOrLFOSequence) None

Start notes, stop them, and/or re-trigger some LFOs.

The changes all happen atomically with respect to output generation.

It is OK to release note that was not actually turned on.

Pressing a note that was already pressed returns it to the attack phase but without resetting its amplitude. Releasing a note and immediately pressing it again returns it to the attack phase with an initial amplitude of 0.

At the same time, the passed LFOs (if any) are retriggered.

Parameters:

Note: for compatibility, release_then_press may be used as an alias for this function. This compatibility name will be removed in 9.0.

release_all_then_press(/, press) None

Turn any currently-playing notes off, then turn on the given notes

Releasing a note and immediately pressing it again returns it to the attack phase with an initial amplitude of 0.

Parameters:

press (NoteOrNoteSequence) – Any sequence of notes.

release_all() None

Turn any currently-playing notes off

deinit() None

Deinitialises the object and releases any memory resources for reuse.

__enter__() Synthesizer

No-op used by Context Managers.

__exit__() None

Automatically deinitializes the hardware when exiting a context. See Lifetime and ContextManagers for more info.

note_info(note: Note) Tuple[EnvelopeState | None, float]

Get info about a note’s current envelope state

If the note is currently playing (including in the release phase), the returned value gives the current envelope state and the current envelope value.

If the note is not playing on this synthesizer, returns the tuple (None, 0.0).

low_pass_filter(frequency: float, q_factor: float = 0.7071067811865475) Biquad

Construct a low-pass filter with the given parameters.

frequency, called f0 in the cookbook, is the corner frequency in Hz of the filter.

q_factor, called Q in the cookbook. Controls how peaked the response will be at the cutoff frequency. A large value makes the response more peaked.

high_pass_filter(frequency: float, q_factor: float = 0.7071067811865475) Biquad

Construct a high-pass filter with the given parameters.

frequency, called f0 in the cookbook, is the corner frequency in Hz of the filter.

q_factor, called Q in the cookbook. Controls how peaked the response will be at the cutoff frequency. A large value makes the response more peaked.

band_pass_filter(frequency: float, q_factor: float = 0.7071067811865475) Biquad

Construct a band-pass filter with the given parameters.

frequency, called f0 in the cookbook, is the center frequency in Hz of the filter.

q_factor, called Q in the cookbook. Controls how peaked the response will be at the cutoff frequency. A large value makes the response more peaked.

The coefficients are scaled such that the filter has a 0dB peak gain.