Composers' Desktop Project software comprises a large number of programs, each one of which can be accessed individually from any of the available working environments. This is deliberate, to optimise flexbility and enable the creation of infinitely varied sequences of sound transformation processing operations.
To help the user find his or her way among all these possibilities, the software is presented in groups of functions with a similar purpose. There is some ambiguity and overlap in these groups, as the same function can be approached from differing points of view.
There are 5 core groups which deal directly with sound transformations and texture-building. The 2 sets of utilities handle editing, envelope functions, basic tasks to do with the sound or analysis files themselves (such as extracting channels, their properties, grabbing an analysis window, etc.), and mixing. There are also 3 synthesis programs to create noise, silence or types of waveforms (usually for diagnostic purposes).
The System programs provide specialised file directory information (DIRSF) and extended play (PLAYSFX) and copy (COPYSFX) facilities, along with a basic command line recording program (RECSF) which is simple but reliable.
The Extras include some REVERB facilities, support programs for Csound and some programs from a previous release with particular functions we didn't want to lose. A Multi-channel toolkit completes the extras. It is also available as a free download from Richard Dobson's site. (See the Sundry Free heading.)
Algorithmic facilities are available in Richard Orton's Tabula Vigilans, which runs in a DOS command line environment. This provides a scripting environment for creating and running MIDI scores (in real time). Because it can respond to mouse movements on the screen, it can also be used as a real-time performing instrument.
Various programs are available for Free download, including our Multi-channel toolkit and Barry Vercoe's software synthesis engine, Csound.
Last updated: 3 April 2005