A multi-layer sound synthesis and design tool for creating custom audio effects and musical instruments.

Sound Design Studio is a standalone Windows application with a document-based workflow supporting multi-layer sound composition. Create complex, professional-quality sounds by layering multiple synthesized elements.

📖 Full User Guide - Complete documentation with tutorials and examples

• Create complex sounds by layering multiple synthesized sounds
• Two playback modes:
  • Sequential: Layers play one after another with optional overlap
  • Simultaneous: Layers play together (mixed)
• Navigate between layers with Left/Right arrow keys
• Cut, copy, paste, and reorder layers

• Basic Waveforms: Sine, square, sawtooth, triangle
• ADSR Envelope: Full attack, decay, sustain, release control
• Harmonic Layering: Octave, fifth, and sub-bass harmonics
• Advanced Synthesis: FM synthesis, noise generation with filtering
• Effects: LFO tremolo, echo/delay

• Preview Presets: Browse and audition presets with auto-play navigation
• 40+ built-in presets organized by category:
  • Musical Instruments (Piano, Strings, Drums)
  • Sound Effects (Impacts, Transitions)
  • UI Sounds (Buttons, Notifications, Alerts)
  • Game Sounds (Power-ups, Weapons, Ambient)

• Export complete sounds to standard WAV audio files
• Export individual layers for more control
• 44.1 kHz, 16-bit professional quality
• Use anywhere: Games, apps, videos, websites, presentations
• See EXPORT_GUIDE.md for detailed integration examples

Simply run SoundDesignStudio.exe - no installation required!

The executable is a complete, standalone application.

1. Clone the repository

2. Create a virtual environment:

   python -m venv .venv

3. Activate the virtual environment:

   .venv\Scripts\activate

4. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

5. Run the application:

   python sound_design_studio.py

• USER_GUIDE.md - Complete user guide with tutorials
• EXPORT_GUIDE.md - Export and integration guide
• PRESET_REFERENCE.md - Complete preset library reference
• QUICKSTART.md - 5-minute quick start guide

1. Start with a new document (opens by default as "Untitled Sound")
2. Add layers using the "Add Layer" button or Ctrl+L
3. Design each layer:
   • Select a layer and press Enter or click "Design"
   • Configure parameters in the design dialog
4. Configure layer parameters:
   • Basic: Frequency, waveform, duration, volume
   • Envelope: ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release)
   • Harmonics: Octave, fifth, sub-bass components
   • Advanced: FM synthesis, noise, effects
5. Preview presets: Press Alt+R → Preview Presets to browse with auto-play
6. Play your sound with Alt+P or the Play button
7. Save your document (Ctrl+S)

For detailed instructions, see the USER_GUIDE.md

See USER_GUIDE.md for complete keyboard shortcut reference.

• Use arrow keys (Left/Right) to move between layers
• Press Enter to edit the selected layer
• Press Delete to remove a layer (minimum 1 required)

Sequential Mode (default):

• Layers play one after another in order
• Great for creating sound sequences or transitions

Simultaneous Mode:

• All layers play at the same time (mixed)
• Perfect for building complex timbres and rich sounds

Sound documents are saved in JSON format (.sds or .json) with all layer configurations preserved.

File format includes:

• Document name and description
• Playback mode (sequential/simultaneous)
• All layer names and complete synthesis configurations

Your sounds can be exported as standard WAV audio files for use anywhere!

Export Complete Sound (Ctrl+E):

• Exports all layers according to playback mode
• Sequential: Layers concatenated into one file
• Simultaneous: Layers mixed together
• Use in games, apps, videos, websites, etc.

Export Individual Layer:

• Menu: File → Export Current Layer as WAV
• Export just the selected layer
• Useful for component sounds or remixing

WAV File Specs:

• Sample Rate: 44,100 Hz (CD quality)
• Bit Depth: 16-bit PCM
• Format: Uncompressed WAV
• Compatible with: Everything!

See EXPORT_GUIDE.md for:

• Integration examples (Python, JavaScript, Unity, etc.)
• Usage in sports apps, games, web, mobile
• Converting to MP3/OGG if needed
• Workflow examples and best practices
• All layer names and complete synthesis configurations

To distribute your application as a standalone .exe file:

1. Ensure your virtual environment is activated
2. Run the build script:

   build.bat

3. Find your executable in dist\SoundDesignStudio.exe

The executable can be distributed to users who don't have Python installed!

The build process uses PyInstaller to create a single executable file. All dependencies are included:

• PyQt6 GUI framework
• NumPy for audio processing
• SoundDevice for audio playback
• SciPy for advanced signal processing

• Python 3.10+
• PyQt6 - Modern GUI framework
• NumPy - Audio processing
• SoundDevice - Audio playback
• SciPy - Signal processing
• PyInstaller - Executable builder (for development)

See requirements.txt for exact versions.

To create a standalone executable:

1. Activate your virtual environment
2. Run the build script:

   build.bat

3. Find the executable in dist\SoundDesignStudio.exe

The build uses PyInstaller to bundle all dependencies into a single .exe file.

See LICENSE file for details.

For questions, issues, or feature requests, please open an issue on GitHub.

Documentation:

• User Guide - Complete usage guide
• Export Guide - Integration examples
• Preset Reference - All built-in presets
• Quick Start - Get started in 5 minutes

• Single-sound preset system
• Tabbed parameter interface
• Preset library management
• Export/import capabilities