Doctor Who Sonic Screwdriver Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on generating Sonic Screwdriver sounds dynamically using mathematical functions rather than pre-recorded audio. The user is exploring sine and cosine functions to create complex sound waveforms, specifically using variables like x, y, and z to manipulate frequencies. Despite attempts with various mathematical expressions, the generated sound does not meet the desired characteristics of sharp beats and varying amplitude. Suggestions are sought that focus on mathematical approaches to sound generation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of trigonometric functions, specifically sine and cosine
  • Familiarity with sound wave manipulation and synthesis techniques
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical modeling for audio generation
  • Experience with programming languages capable of audio synthesis, such as Python or MATLAB
NEXT STEPS
  • Research sound synthesis techniques using trigonometric functions
  • Explore audio programming libraries like PyDub or SuperCollider for dynamic sound generation
  • Learn about Fourier transforms and their application in sound analysis
  • Investigate advanced waveform generation techniques to achieve desired sound characteristics
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Sound designers, audio engineers, and developers interested in procedural audio generation and synthesis techniques.

universalbri
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Hello.

I'm building an application in which I'm dynamically generating the Sonic Screwdriver sounds, and not interested in using pre recorded sounds on a loop.

With this, I'm trying to figure out the mathematical function used to generate the frequencies. I'm no math pro, but I figure it's got something to do with a sine or cosine pairing over time (something like this:

Variables =
x= min(sin(t), cos(t))
y=max(300+200*cos(t), 300+200*sin(t))
z=max(300+200*cos(t*1.5), 300+200*sin(t*1.7))

Sound Shape
1=tan(t*2)*sin(x*y*600)*abs(sin(t/10))*abs(cos(t/5))
2=abs(sin(t*10))*sin(x*y)
3=sin(sin(z*t*0.1))

But this is generating a sound that's pretty far off the mark of what I'm trying to achieve.

Does anyone have any suggestions, I'm only looking for suggestions which use the math, not for pre recorded sounds.
 
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The sound is made up of many frequencies, with sharp, rapid beats, and a lazy varying amplitude. Ie., try a waveform like this: Sin[30*2 Pi*t]*(0.5 Sin[2*2*Pi*t] + 2)*Sin[4100*2*Pi*t + Sin[4070*2*Pi*t]] where t is measured in seconds.
 
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