Turn any sound into a playable instrument

Import and prepare sound samples

The first step is to import audio samples, which can be provided by different sources over the Internet. You can also create your own samples by recording them or generating them using an external synthesizer.

Once imported into Polyphone, you will be able to prepare them as a prior step to the design of the instruments. For example:

• filtering out some frequencies or noise,
• defining a loop to extend the duration of the sample,
• tuning.

Many algorithms in the field of signal processing are used for pitch detection, resampling, real-time filtering or even evaluating the quality of a loop.

The sample preparation is detailled in this tutorial.

Design instruments

The samples are then distributed across the entire range of the instruments, from bass to treble, and each division of this range is configurable. Several parameters are available such as: attenuation, transposition, pan, filters, ADSR envelopes, modulations, …

To save time and prevent errors, many tools will help you configure these parameters. Each tool can be applied to several instruments simultaneously and it is thus possible to carry out operations like:

• an automatic distribution of divisions according to keys,
• a progressive attenuation of high pitches,
• transpositions,
• a random detuning,
• a sound spatialization according to patterns.

Some tools can even create instruments made of combinations of sounds to form chords. The full list of tools can be found here.

Check the parameters

Tables are designed to provide an overview of all items contained in a soundfont.

When viewing the list of all samples, you will be able to detect at first glance that some loops are set incorrectly or that a sample is not long enough.

When viewing the list of all instruments, erroneous configurations such as missing parameters, additional modulators or inconsistent key ranges are pointed out.

Play the instruments

Polyphone comes with a sound engine fully compliant with version 2.04 of the SoundFont specifications and all instruments opened in the software can be played with the virtual keyboard or an external MIDI device. If necessary, a solo mode will help you adjust the parameters of an instrument comprising several sound layers.

The audio output can be interfaced with almost all sound servers including ASIO or JACK.

A recorder is also included to record what you play with Polyphone.

Customize the interface

For better accessibility, Polyphone has been translated into several languages (the current status of each translation can be viewed on this page) and you can change the way the keys are named.

Additionally, you can change the appearance of Polyphone using your own colors or by selecting one of the predefined color themes.