Defining Sound Function

• The sound function can be defined as a command or a function in a computer programming language that enables a computer program to produce sound. The term "sound function" as a parameter in computer music is by no means standard. It is known by other names depending on the software in which it is present. Matlab, for example, calls its parameter commands as "functions," and the program has two functions called "sound" and "soundsc." Another computer music programming language called Pure Data calls its commands or functions "objects." A sound function can also be called an "oscillator," and two of the most common kinds are wavetable oscillators and sample players. Sound functions basically process digital data through a digital-to-analog converter in order to produce sound.
  
  

Wavetable Oscillator

• A wavetable oscillator is a sound function that synthesizes a certain fixed waveform at any desired frequency. This kind of sound function can generate a certain variety of timbres depending on the shape of the waveform it is generating. Users can make use of a wavetable oscillator either to imitate sounds generated by acoustic musical instruments, e.g., generating a sinusoidal wave to imitate a note played through a flute. This kind of sound function can also be used to create new and original timbres not found in acoustic instruments. By adjusting the frequency of the waveform, users may change the pitch of the sound it produces. The wavetable oscillator's process is similar to the sound generation of hardware analog and digital synthesizer such as those manufactured by Moog, ARP, Roland, Yamaha and others.
  
  

Sampler

• The sampler is a sound function that records sound from external sources or a live signal and then plays back the recorded sound, or sample. In the case of computer music programming, samplers or sample playback functions would play computer files in various formats such as WAV, MP3, FLAC and others. This sound function is most useful in hearing realistic recorded sounds from acoustic sources rather than through the use of synthesis care of a wavetable oscillator.
  
  

Further Processing of Sounds from Sound Functions

• Playing sounds directly from sound functions usually does not provide the desired output. The sound may be too soft or quiet, or the user would want to modify the timbre. This is done through a process called "synthesis" and would involve the use of objects such as amplifiers, signal modulation devices, filters, effects and/or additional oscillators.