I'd like to show you how you can make sounds like on a Sitar [at least an electric Sitar :) with just the computer keyboard and mouse using my software called DIN Is Noise. I've been working on this software for the last 11 years. I started this project to learn how to program a computer from scratch to make sounds. First a sine wave making a boring fixed tone, then progressed to scales, then as I'm from India wondered if its possible to use the mouse to bend notes to play ragas [very similar to scales] of Indian classical music.
In this video, you can see the key note of the scale I play is in C. If I press a particular key on my computer keyboard it triggers the note C and dotted lines indicate where the other notes of the scale [or raga, called Bilaskhani Todi] are and you can just move your mouse to them to bend to that note. Easy :) Detuned playing is possible ie not restricted to play Indian classical music. Chords also possible by pressing multiple keys [although these not shown in this video]. A MIDI keyboard can be connected too.
The color of the sound is due the changing waveform. I call this waveform a shapeform [unique to DIN] which is a 2D shape [in this case made by summing harmonics of sin and cos function]. The harmonics are automatically changed by a script written in the TCL scripting language integrated into DIN. You can paint the harmonics too while the automation is on.
You can watch other videos (150+ videos :) on my [youtube channel] (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrGYYFSxM6ly5OPPECFlNTw)
You can download evaluation versions for Windows and Mac OS X. GNU/Linux users can dowload a special distribution that has the code, development tools to rebuild the program and the executable. Yes! DIN Is Noise is Free Software.
Please allow me to say once again that I've been working on this software for the last 11 years. I wrote all the code in C++. The software is not well known at all because I dont like to market it. I like to develop slowly, independently, implement the ideas that occur in my head and not bother about catering to what an electronic musician wants. This sort of aloof development extracts sacrifices. I live very cheap, moved back to India to stay with my parents etc (I'm 41 :). Your support will help me keep developing this software and I assure you I will do cool stuff and post it back here!
PS: Oh! its my first post! Hello from Chennai, India!
PS: Oh no, my site is down! :( I have directed you to the most recent copy on Wayback machine while I investigate!