# Procedural Sound Generation with NumPy/SciPy

> Generate sound effects for ZX games using Python synthesis. **Spec-Driven Workflow (RECOMMENDED):** 1. Create `.spec.py` in `.studio/specs/sounds/` 2. Run `python .studio/generate.py --only sounds` **Load references when:** - SFX specs → `references/sound-spec-format.md` - Example specs → `examples/laser.spec.py`, `examples/explosion.spec.py` - Recipes → `references/sfx-recipes/` - Manual synthesis → `references/numpy-scipy-building-blocks.md` - Quality standards → `references/quality-standards.md` **Before generating:** Check `.studio/sonic-identity.md` for audio specs.

- Skill: `majiayu000/procedural-sound-generation-with-numpy-scipy` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/procedural-sound-generation-with-numpy-scipy`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/procedural-sound-generation-with-numpy-scipy/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Productivity
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/procedural-sound-generation-with-numpy-scipy

---


# Procedural Sound Generation

Generate game sound effects using a **spec-driven workflow**.

```bash
pip install numpy scipy soundfile
```

## Spec-Driven Workflow

**Step 1: Create Spec**
```python
# .studio/specs/sounds/laser.spec.py
SOUND = {
    "sound": {
        "name": "laser",
        "duration": 0.25,
        "layers": [
            {"type": "fm_synth", "carrier_freq": 600, "mod_ratio": 1.5, "mod_index": 6.0},
            {"type": "noise_burst", "duration": 0.02, "amplitude": 0.3}
        ],
        "envelope": {"attack": 0.002, "decay": 0.15, "sustain": 0, "release": 0.08}
    }
}
```

**Step 2: Run Generator**
```bash
python .studio/generate.py --only sounds
```

See `references/sound-spec-format.md` for complete format.

## ZX Audio Requirements

| Spec | Value |
|------|-------|
| Sample Rate | 22050 Hz |
| Bit Depth | 16-bit |
| Channels | Mono |
| Simultaneous | 16 + 1 music |

## Quality Standards (Temp Tier)

**Minimum requirements:**
- 2-3 synthesis layers
- Proper envelope (exp decay, NOT linear)
- Filtering (lowpass sweep or static)
- Richness (harmonics or detuning)
- Normalization (0.9 peak)

**Anti-patterns:**
- Simple sine + linear fade
- Single oscillator, no filtering
- Instant attack (clicks)

See `references/quality-standards.md` for complete checklist.

## Technique Selection

| Technique | Best For |
|-----------|----------|
| Subtractive | Bass, warm, explosive |
| FM | Metallic, bells, digital |
| Additive | Organs, complex tones |
| Karplus-Strong | Plucked strings |

## Recipe Library

| Sound Type | Recipe |
|------------|--------|
| Laser/Zap | `sfx-recipes/laser.py` |
| Explosion | `sfx-recipes/explosion.py` |
| Hit/Impact | `sfx-recipes/hit.py` |
| Coin/Pickup | `sfx-recipes/coin.py` |
| Jump | `sfx-recipes/jump.py` |
| UI Click | `sfx-recipes/ui-click.py` |

**Workflow:** (1) Find closest recipe, (2) Read file, (3) Copy and customize.

## nether.toml Integration

```toml
[[assets.sounds]]
id = "laser"
path = "generated/sounds/laser.wav"
```

```rust
let laser = rom_sound_str("laser");
play_sound(laser);
```

## File Organization

```
.studio/specs/sounds/
├── laser.spec.py
└── explosion.spec.py

generated/sounds/
├── laser.wav
└── explosion.wav
```