🎚️ Zim-DSP

A text-based modular synthesizer environment built on Rust's open audio ecosystem. Like patching hardware modules, but with the power of text and code.

🎯 Vision

Bring the modular synthesis paradigm to text:

• First-class modules: VCO, VCF, VCA, LFO, ENV, etc.
• Patch with simple syntax: vco -> vcf -> vca -> out
• Discover emergent behaviors through experimentation
• True open source - MIT licensed all the way down

🏗️ Architecture Ideas

Core Concepts

# A simple patch
vco: saw 440
lfo: sine 0.5
vcf: moog 1000 0.7
  <- vco
  <- lfo * 800 + 1000  # modulate cutoff

out <- vcf * 0.5

Design Principles

1. Modular-first - Everything is a patchable module
2. Text-native - Designed for text files, not GUI
3. Live-codeable - Change patches while running
4. Surprising - Enable happy accidents and feedback patches
5. Unencumbered - Built on truly open source foundations

🛠️ Technical Foundation

Built on MIT/Apache licensed crates:

• fundsp - Core DSP graph engine
• cpal - Cross-platform audio I/O
• ratatui - (Optional) TUI visualization
• Neovim integration - Like zim-sequencer

📝 Module Ideas

Essential Modules

• osc~ - Multi-waveform oscillator (sine, saw, square, tri)
• filter~ - Various types (moog, ms20, svf)
• env~ - ADSR envelope generator
• lfo - Low frequency oscillator
• vca - Voltage controlled amplifier
• noise~ - White, pink, brown
• mix~ - Multi-input mixer
• seq - Step sequencer
• clock - Master clock/divider

Creative Modules

• compare~ - Comparator for generative patches
• sample~ - Sample and hold
• delay~ - Digital delay line
• reverb~ - Algorithmic reverb
• granular~ - Granular synthesis
• fold~ - Wavefolding distortion

🎮 Usage Examples

Basic Subtractive Patch

vco1: saw 110
vco2: saw 110.5  # slight detune
mix: vco1 + vco2

lfo: tri 0.2
vcf: moog 800 0.8
  <- mix
  <- lfo * 600 + 800

env: adsr 10 100 0.7 500
vca: vcf * env

out <- vca * 0.5

Generative Chaos Patch

noise: white
sh: sample_hold
  <- noise
  <- clock 8

vco: square
  <- sh * 200 + 200  # random pitches

compare: noise > 0.3
gate: vco * compare  # gated by noise

out <- gate -> delay 250 0.6

🚀 Development Phases

Phase 1: Core Engine

• Basic module trait system
• Audio graph processing
• Text parser for patch notation
• Essential modules (osc, filter, env)

Phase 2: Live Environment

• Hot-reload patches
• Neovim plugin
• Parameter automation
• MIDI input

Phase 3: Extended Modules

• Effects (delay, reverb, distortion)
• Sequencing modules
• CV utilities (attenuverters, logic, etc)
• Sample playback

Phase 4: Integration

• Zim-sequencer interop
• OSC support
• Plugin API for custom modules

🤝 Philosophy

This project embraces:

• True open source collaboration
• Modular synthesis as a creative practice
• Text as a powerful interface for music
• Emergent complexity from simple components

📄 License

MIT - Because audio tools should be truly free

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For musicians who think in signal flow and love surprises