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Introduction to Csound

Csound is a sound and music computing system that has been at the forefront of audio synthesis and signal processing for over three decades. Originally created by Barry Vercoe at MIT in 1985, Csound continues to evolve as a free, open-source platform for creating innovative audio applications.
Csound 7.0 is currently in beta development. While the latest 6.x version is stable and production-ready, version 7.0 brings exciting new features and improvements.

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What is Csound?

Csound is a programming language and compiler system for audio synthesis and signal processing. It provides:
  • A rich library of opcodes for synthesis, effects, and signal processing
  • Cross-platform support for macOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, Android, and WebAssembly
  • Real-time and non-real-time processing capabilities
  • Extensive I/O options including audio, MIDI, OSC, and more
  • Multiple API interfaces for embedding in applications
  • A thriving community of musicians, researchers, and developers

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Key features

Powerful synthesis engine

Over 1,500 opcodes for sound synthesis, analysis, and processing. From classic techniques to cutting-edge algorithms.

Cross-platform compatibility

Run Csound on desktop, mobile, embedded systems, and in the browser with WebAssembly support.

Real-time performance

Process audio in real-time with low latency. Perfect for live performances and interactive applications.

Open source and free

Licensed under LGPL 2.1, Csound is completely free to use, modify, and distribute.

Flexible I/O

Support for audio files, real-time audio, MIDI, OSC, and custom control interfaces.

Extensive APIs

Embed Csound in C/C++, Python, Java, JavaScript, and other languages via comprehensive APIs.

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Who uses Csound?

Csound is used by:
  • Composers and musicians creating experimental and contemporary music
  • Researchers exploring new synthesis techniques and audio algorithms
  • Educators teaching computer music and digital signal processing
  • Developers building audio applications and plugins
  • Sound designers creating unique sounds and effects

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Architecture overview

Csound uses a two-part architecture:

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Orchestra (CsInstruments)

The orchestra defines the instruments and their behavior. This is where you specify the synthesis algorithms, effects chains, and signal routing. 
<CsInstruments>
sr = 44100
ksmps = 32
nchnls = 2
0dbfs = 1

instr 1
  ; Your instrument code here
endin
</CsInstruments>

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Score (CsScore)

The score controls when instruments play and with what parameters. It’s like a timeline or sequencer for your composition. 
<CsScore>
i 1 0 2 440  ; Instrument 1, start at 0, duration 2, frequency 440Hz
e
</CsScore>

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Version information

Csound 7.0 is currently in beta. For production use, consider the stable 6.x branch. Note that 6.x has reached end-of-life and no further releases are planned.
The current development focuses on Csound 7.0, which includes:
  • Modern codebase improvements
  • Enhanced performance
  • New opcodes and features
  • Better cross-platform support
  • Improved API consistency

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Community and resources

Join the vibrant Csound community:

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Next steps

Install Csound

Get Csound running on your platform

Quick start guide

Create your first Csound program
Csound is copyright (c) 1991-2024 The Csound Developers. See the CONTRIBUTORS file for the full list of contributors from around the world.

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