Overview
Web Synth is an experimental browser-based synthesiser rack built using the Web Audio API.
It contains multiple synthesisers and shared audio controls, with synthesis and audio processing performed directly in the browser.
Why I Built It
This project didn't begin with a business requirement. I started building it after experimenting with the Web Audio API and discovering how much audio synthesis and processing could be implemented directly in a browser.
It has since become an ongoing passion project that I use to experiment with browser audio, synthesis and interactive interfaces.
Browser-Based Audio
Web Synth uses the Web Audio API to generate and process audio entirely within the browser.
Each synthesiser is built from browser-based audio components including oscillators, filters, envelopes and gain controls, with parameters exposed through the interface for real-time manipulation. Multiple synthesisers can run together within the rack and share global audio controls.
As the project has developed I've continued adding different synthesis approaches, controls and audio processing while keeping the entire application browser-based.
Interface & Interaction
The interface is designed as a virtual synthesiser rack rather than a conventional web application, with each instrument providing its own controls while remaining part of the larger system.
Building it has involved creating interactive controls such as knobs, switches and keyboards that respond immediately to user input while keeping their visual state synchronised with the underlying audio parameters.
Project Details
- Role
- Sole developer
- Project type
- Experimental web audio application
- Development
- Initial development approximately 3 weeks
- Status
- Ongoing personal project