python-sonic - Programming Music with Python, Sonic Pi or Supercollider
Python-Sonic is a simple Python interface for Sonic Pi, which is a real great music software created by Sam Aaron (http://sonic-pi.net).
At the moment Python-Sonic works with Sonic Pi. It is planned, that it will work with Supercollider, too.
If you like it, use it. If you have some suggestions, tell me ([email protected]).
Installation
- First you need Python 3 (https://www.python.org) - Python 3.5 should work, because it's the development environment
- Then Sonic Pi (https://sonic-pi.net) - That makes the sound
- Modul python-osc (https://pypi.python.org/pypi/python-osc) - Connection between Python and Sonic Pi Server
- And this modul python-sonic - simply copy the source
Or try
$ pip install python-sonic
That should work.
Limitations
- You have to start Sonic Pi first before you can use it with python-sonic
Changelog
Version | ย |
---|---|
0.2.0 | Some changes for Sonic Pi 2.11. Simpler multi-threading with decorator @in_thread. Messaging with cue and sync. |
0.3.0 | OSC Communication |
0.3.1. | Update, sort and duration of samples |
0.3.2. | Restructured |
Examples
Many of the examples are inspired from the help menu in Sonic Pi.
from psonic import *
The first sound
play(70) #play MIDI note 70
Some more notes
play(72)
sleep(1)
play(75)
sleep(1)
play(79)
In more traditional music notation
play(C5)
sleep(0.5)
play(D5)
sleep(0.5)
play(G5)
Play sharp notes like F# or dimished ones like Eb
play(Fs5)
sleep(0.5)
play(Eb5)
Play louder (parameter amp) or from a different direction (parameter pan)
play(72,amp=2)
sleep(0.5)
play(74,pan=-1) #left
Different synthesizer sounds
use_synth(SAW)
play(38)
sleep(0.25)
play(50)
sleep(0.5)
use_synth(PROPHET)
play(57)
sleep(0.25)
ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain and Release) Envelope
play (60, attack=0.5, decay=1, sustain_level=0.4, sustain=2, release=0.5)
sleep(4)
Play some samples
sample(AMBI_LUNAR_LAND, amp=0.5)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,pan=-1)
sleep(0.877)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,pan=1)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,rate=0.5)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,rate=1.5)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,rate=-1)#back
sample(DRUM_CYMBAL_OPEN,attack=0.01,sustain=0.3,release=0.1)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,start=0.5,finish=0.8,rate=-0.2,attack=0.3,release=1)
Play some random notes
import random
for i in range(5):
play(random.randrange(50, 100))
sleep(0.5)
for i in range(3):
play(random.choice([C5,E5,G5]))
sleep(1)
Sample slicing
from psonic import *
number_of_pieces = 8
for i in range(16):
s = random.randrange(0,number_of_pieces)/number_of_pieces #sample starts at 0.0 and finishes at 1.0
f = s + (1.0/number_of_pieces)
sample(LOOP_AMEN,beat_stretch=2,start=s,finish=f)
sleep(2.0/number_of_pieces)
An infinite loop and if
while True:
if one_in(2):
sample(DRUM_HEAVY_KICK)
sleep(0.5)
else:
sample(DRUM_CYMBAL_CLOSED)
sleep(0.25)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- KeyboardInterrupt Traceback (most recent call last) <ipython-input-18-d8759ac2d27e> in <module>() 5 else: 6 sample(DRUM_CYMBAL_CLOSED) ----> 7 sleep(0.25) /mnt/jupyter/python-sonic/psonic.py in sleep(duration) 587 :return: 588 """ --> 589 time.sleep(duration) 590 _debug('sleep', duration) 591 KeyboardInterrupt:
If you want to hear more than one sound at a time, use Threads.
import random
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread
def bass_sound():
c = chord(E3, MAJOR7)
while True:
use_synth(PROPHET)
play(random.choice(c), release=0.6)
sleep(0.5)
def snare_sound():
while True:
sample(ELEC_SNARE)
sleep(1)
bass_thread = Thread(target=bass_sound)
snare_thread = Thread(target=snare_sound)
bass_thread.start()
snare_thread.start()
while True:
pass
Every function bass_sound and snare_sound have its own thread. Your can hear them running.
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread, Condition
from random import choice
def random_riff(condition):
use_synth(PROPHET)
sc = scale(E3, MINOR)
while True:
s = random.choice([0.125,0.25,0.5])
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
for i in range(8):
r = random.choice([0.125, 0.25, 1, 2])
n = random.choice(sc)
co = random.randint(30,100)
play(n, release = r, cutoff = co)
sleep(s)
def drums(condition):
while True:
with condition:
condition.notifyAll() #Message to threads
for i in range(16):
r = random.randrange(1,10)
sample(DRUM_BASS_HARD, rate=r)
sleep(0.125)
condition = Condition()
random_riff_thread = Thread(name='consumer1', target=random_riff, args=(condition,))
drums_thread = Thread(name='producer', target=drums, args=(condition,))
random_riff_thread.start()
drums_thread.start()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...
''
To synchronize the thread, so that they play a note at the same time, you can use Condition. One function sends a message with condition.notifyAll the other waits until the message comes condition.wait.
More simple with decorator __@in_thread__
from psonic import *
from random import choice
tick = Message()
@in_thread
def random_riff():
use_synth(PROPHET)
sc = scale(E3, MINOR)
while True:
s = random.choice([0.125,0.25,0.5])
tick.sync()
for i in range(8):
r = random.choice([0.125, 0.25, 1, 2])
n = random.choice(sc)
co = random.randint(30,100)
play(n, release = r, cutoff = co)
sleep(s)
@in_thread
def drums():
while True:
tick.cue()
for i in range(16):
r = random.randrange(1,10)
sample(DRUM_BASS_HARD, rate=r)
sleep(0.125)
random_riff()
drums()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...
''
from psonic import *
tick = Message()
@in_thread
def metronom():
while True:
tick.cue()
sleep(1)
@in_thread
def instrument():
while True:
tick.sync()
sample(DRUM_HEAVY_KICK)
metronom()
instrument()
while True:
pass
Play a list of notes
from psonic import *
play ([64, 67, 71], amp = 0.3)
sleep(1)
play ([E4, G4, B4])
sleep(1)
Play chords
play(chord(E4, MINOR))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E4, MAJOR))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E4, MINOR7))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E4, DOM7))
sleep(1)
Play chords with inversions
play(chord(E4, MAJOR))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E4, MAJOR, inversion=1))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E4, MAJOR, 2))
sleep(1)
play(chord(E3, MAJOR))
sleep(1)
Play arpeggios
play_pattern( chord(E4, 'm7'))
play_pattern_timed( chord(E4, 'm7'), 0.25)
play_pattern_timed(chord(E4, 'dim'), [0.25, 0.5])
Play scales
play_pattern_timed(scale(C3, MAJOR), 0.125, release = 0.1)
play_pattern_timed(scale(C3, MAJOR, num_octaves = 2), 0.125, release = 0.1)
play_pattern_timed(scale(C3, MAJOR_PENTATONIC, num_octaves = 2), 0.125, release = 0.1)
The function scale returns a list with all notes of a scale. So you can use list methodes or functions. For example to play arpeggios descending or shuffeld.
import random
from psonic import *
s = scale(C3, MAJOR)
s
[48, 50, 52, 53, 55, 57, 59, 60]
s.reverse()
play_pattern_timed(s, 0.125, release = 0.1)
random.shuffle(s)
play_pattern_timed(s, 0.125, release = 0.1)
Live Loop
One of the best in SONIC PI is the Live Loop. While a loop is playing music you can change it and hear the change. Let's try it in Python, too.
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread
def my_loop():
play(60)
sleep(1)
def looper():
while True:
my_loop()
looper_thread = Thread(name='looper', target=looper)
looper_thread.start()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...Y
'Y'
Now change the function my_loop und you can hear it.
def my_loop():
use_synth(TB303)
play (60, release= 0.3)
sleep (0.25)
def my_loop():
use_synth(TB303)
play (chord(E3, MINOR), release= 0.3)
sleep(0.5)
def my_loop():
use_synth(TB303)
sample(DRUM_BASS_HARD, rate = random.uniform(0.5, 2))
play(random.choice(chord(E3, MINOR)), release= 0.2, cutoff=random.randrange(60, 130))
sleep(0.25)
To stop the sound you have to end the kernel. In IPython with Kernel --> Restart
Now with two live loops which are synch.
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread, Condition
from random import choice
def loop_foo():
play (E4, release = 0.5)
sleep (0.5)
def loop_bar():
sample (DRUM_SNARE_SOFT)
sleep (1)
def live_loop_1(condition):
while True:
with condition:
condition.notifyAll() #Message to threads
loop_foo()
def live_loop_2(condition):
while True:
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
loop_bar()
condition = Condition()
live_thread_1 = Thread(name='producer', target=live_loop_1, args=(condition,))
live_thread_2 = Thread(name='consumer1', target=live_loop_2, args=(condition,))
live_thread_1.start()
live_thread_2.start()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...y
'y'
def loop_foo():
play (A4, release = 0.5)
sleep (0.5)
def loop_bar():
sample (DRUM_HEAVY_KICK)
sleep (0.125)
If would be nice if we can stop the loop with a simple command. With stop event it works.
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread, Condition, Event
def loop_foo():
play (E4, release = 0.5)
sleep (0.5)
def loop_bar():
sample (DRUM_SNARE_SOFT)
sleep (1)
def live_loop_1(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.notifyAll() #Message to threads
loop_foo()
def live_loop_2(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
loop_bar()
condition = Condition()
stop_event = Event()
live_thread_1 = Thread(name='producer', target=live_loop_1, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_2 = Thread(name='consumer1', target=live_loop_2, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_1.start()
live_thread_2.start()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...y
'y'
stop_event.set()
More complex live loops
sc = Ring(scale(E3, MINOR_PENTATONIC))
def loop_foo():
play (next(sc), release= 0.1)
sleep (0.125)
sc2 = Ring(scale(E3,MINOR_PENTATONIC,num_octaves=2))
def loop_bar():
use_synth(DSAW)
play (next(sc2), release= 0.25)
sleep (0.25)
Now a simple structure with four live loops
import random
from psonic import *
from threading import Thread, Condition, Event
def live_1():
pass
def live_2():
pass
def live_3():
pass
def live_4():
pass
def live_loop_1(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.notifyAll() #Message to threads
live_1()
def live_loop_2(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
live_2()
def live_loop_3(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
live_3()
def live_loop_4(condition,stop_event):
while not stop_event.is_set():
with condition:
condition.wait() #Wait for message
live_4()
condition = Condition()
stop_event = Event()
live_thread_1 = Thread(name='producer', target=live_loop_1, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_2 = Thread(name='consumer1', target=live_loop_2, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_3 = Thread(name='consumer2', target=live_loop_3, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_4 = Thread(name='consumer3', target=live_loop_4, args=(condition,stop_event))
live_thread_1.start()
live_thread_2.start()
live_thread_3.start()
live_thread_4.start()
input("Press Enter to continue...")
Press Enter to continue...y
'y'
After starting the loops you can change them
def live_1():
sample(BD_HAUS,amp=2)
sleep(0.5)
pass
def live_2():
sample(AMBI_CHOIR, rate=0.4)
sleep(1)
pass
def live_3():
use_synth(TB303)
play(E2, release=4,cutoff=120,cutoff_attack=1)
sleep(4)
def live_4():
notes = scale(E3, MINOR_PENTATONIC, num_octaves=2)
for i in range(8):
play(random.choice(notes),release=0.1,amp=1.5)
sleep(0.125)
And stop.
stop_event.set()
Creating Sound
from psonic import *
synth(SINE, note=D4)
synth(SQUARE, note=D4)
synth(TRI, note=D4, amp=0.4)
detune = 0.7
synth(SQUARE, note = E4)
synth(SQUARE, note = E4+detune)
detune=0.1 # Amplitude shaping
synth(SQUARE, note = E2, release = 2)
synth(SQUARE, note = E2+detune, amp = 2, release = 2)
synth(GNOISE, release = 2, amp = 1, cutoff = 60)
synth(GNOISE, release = 0.5, amp = 1, cutoff = 100)
synth(NOISE, release = 0.2, amp = 1, cutoff = 90)
Next Step
Using FX Not implemented yet
from psonic import *
with Fx(SLICER):
synth(PROPHET,note=E2,release=8,cutoff=80)
synth(PROPHET,note=E2+4,release=8,cutoff=80)
with Fx(SLICER, phase=0.125, probability=0.6,prob_pos=1):
synth(TB303, note=E2, cutoff_attack=8, release=8)
synth(TB303, note=E3, cutoff_attack=4, release=8)
synth(TB303, note=E4, cutoff_attack=2, release=8)
OSC Communication (Sonic Pi Ver. 3.x or better)
In Sonic Pi version 3 or better you can work with messages.
from psonic import *
First you need a programm in the Sonic Pi server that receives messages. You can write it in th GUI or send one with Python.
run("""live_loop :foo do
use_real_time
a, b, c = sync "/osc/trigger/prophet"
synth :prophet, note: a, cutoff: b, sustain: c
end """)
Now send a message to Sonic Pi.
send_message('/trigger/prophet', 70, 100, 8)
stop()
More Examples
from psonic import *
#Inspired by Steve Reich Clapping Music
clapping = [1, 1, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0]
for i in range(13):
for j in range(4):
for k in range(12):
if clapping[k] ==1 : sample(DRUM_SNARE_SOFT,pan=-0.5)
if clapping[(i+k)%12] == 1: sample(DRUM_HEAVY_KICK,pan=0.5)
sleep (0.25)
Projects that use Python-Sonic
Raspberry Pi sonic-track.py a Sonic-pi Motion Track Demo https://github.com/pageauc/sonic-track
Sources
Joe Armstrong: Connecting Erlang to the Sonic Pi http://joearms.github.io/2015/01/05/Connecting-Erlang-to-Sonic-Pi.html
Joe Armstrong: Controlling Sound with OSC Messages http://joearms.github.io/2016/01/29/Controlling-Sound-with-OSC-Messages.html