How to synthesize sounds of instruments on Android (Piano, Drums, Guitar, etc...)

Question

Can somebody give me some direction on how to synthesize sounds of instruments (Piano, Drums, Guitar, etc...)

I am not even sure what to look for.

Thanks

Answer 1

Not sure if this is still the case but Android seems to have latency issues that inhibit it from being able to do true sound synthesis. NanoStudio, in my opinion, is the best audio app on the iOS and the author so far refuses to make an Android version because the framework isn't there yet.

See these links:

http://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=nanostudio+android#hl=en&q=+site:forums.blipinteractive.co.uk+nanostudio+android&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=ee1cd411508a9e34&biw=1194&bih=939

It all depends on what kind of application you're making, if it's going to be a Akai APC firing off sounds you could be alright. If you're after true synthesis (crafting wave forms so they replicate pianos, guitars, and drums), which is what JASS mentioned above does, then Android might not be able to handle it.

If you're looking for a guide on emulating organic instruments via synthesis check out the books by Fred Welsh http://www.synthesizer-cookbook.com/

Answer 2

Synthesizing a guitar, piano, or natural drums would be difficult. Triggering samples that you pass through a synthesis engine less so. If you want to synthesize analog synth sounds that's easier.

Here is a project out there you might be able to grab code from:

https://sites.google.com/site/androidsynthesizer/

In the end if you want to create a full synthesizer or multi-track application you'll have to render your oscillators + filters, etc into an audio stream that can be piped into the MediaPlayer. You don't necessarily need MIDI to do that.

Here is one persons experience:

http://jazarimusic.com/2011/06/audio-on-android-a-developers-perspective/

Interesting read.