Adding distortion to sound

[Eliyahu]

Hello all, I didn't know which forum this should go in but I figured it could be answered here...

I am trying to learn C++ to make extensions, and would like to know if it is possible to make something that adds distortion to sound, like take in a clean guitar without an amp and give it Gain. Would I need to make an extension, or can it be done purely in MMF2?

Also, what is done in sounds to add distortion?

[Jacob]

Afaik there is no extension yet in MMF that can do this, so you would need to make your own. Check the wikipedia as it might help you understand distortion.

[Shawn]

Probably your best bet is to start googling for C++ tutorials, and programming with audio.

[Stephen]

Make sure that you check out Jaffob's article on extension making, as well.

stephen1980

[Looki]

There's a library called FMOD Ex that can add effects like distortion to sounds/channels being played. It's really easy to use and comes with a lot of examples. The license is free for non-profit apps, but commercial apps require a 6000$ license (It has been ported to many systems, including Linux, PS2, PS3, XBOX 360...).
I have written an extension that uses it already, but I never released it (There's Onu. It's being programmed by an experienced user... I don't want to compete with that).

If you want, I can show you some of the code, or even give you the whole extension. Since I know that you're a beginner, you should probably not work with these kind of libraries, for the moment - You should try creating simple (private) extensions first (Of course, learning by doing helps, too!).

[James]

I don't think Onu uses FMOD, does it? Perhaps Onu can do this kind of effect?

[Eliyahu]

I cannot agree more that I shouldn't start that far ahead with libraries, I just wanted to know if this could be possible... So when I'm travelling somewhere I can bring a guitar and have my own amp in my computer :P. Perhaps basic drum tracks too...

I figured out how distortion works and it is actually simple. It is blasted/amplified then it is trimmed down. I tested stuff with Audacity...

I haven't heard of Onu but I'll look at it.

[Looki]

Jamie, no, it doesn't.
Onu only uses WINAPI or so, I think - There probably is a lot of hard work in it!

Oh, and no, it can't achieve this kind of effect.

[Eliyahu]

Looki, would you consider releasing that extension you made? If not public I can test it for you :P.

[Stephen]

Looki, would you consider releasing that extension you made?

I would be interested in seeing this extension, as well.

stephen1980