Interactive Frequency Trainer

An educational ear training tool using Strudel live coding for mixing and mastering practice

Overview

This tool generates random frequencies using different waveforms to help develop critical listening skills for audio engineering, mixing, and mastering. Built with Strudel for live coding audio synthesis.

Controls

Waveform Selection

• Sine Wave: Pure tone, great for frequency identification
• Square Wave: Harmonically rich, good for timbre training
• Sample Waves: Real-world audio examples

Frequency Ranges

• Sub Bass: 20-60 Hz
• Bass: 60-250 Hz
• Low Mids: 250-500 Hz
• Mids: 500-2000 Hz
• High Mids: 2000-4000 Hz
• Treble: 4000-20000 Hz

Interactive Strudel Code

javascript
// Strudel Ear Training Generator
// Live coding environment for frequency training

// Basic setup
await initStrudel();

// Frequency ranges for training
const freqRanges = {
  subBass: [20, 60],
  bass: [60, 250], 
  lowMids: [250, 500],
  mids: [500, 2000],
  highMids: [2000, 4000],
  treble: [4000, 20000]
};

// Waveform types
const waveforms = ['sine', 'square', 'sawtooth', 'triangle'];

// Generate random frequency in range
function randomFreq(range) {
  const [min, max] = freqRanges[range];
  return Math.floor(Math.random() * (max - min) + min);
}

// Generate random waveform
function randomWaveform() {
  return waveforms[Math.floor(Math.random() * waveforms.length)];
}

// Main training pattern
let currentFreq = 440;
let currentWave = 'sine';

// Interactive controls
const controls = {
  newFrequency: () => {
    currentFreq = randomFreq('mids');
    console.log(`New frequency: ${currentFreq}Hz`);
  },
  
  newWaveform: () => {
    currentWave = randomWaveform();
    console.log(`New waveform: ${currentWave}`);
  },
  
  newChallenge: () => {
    const ranges = Object.keys(freqRanges);
    const randomRange = ranges[Math.floor(Math.random() * ranges.length)];
    currentFreq = randomFreq(randomRange);
    currentWave = randomWaveform();
    console.log(`Challenge: ${currentFreq}Hz ${currentWave} wave`);
  }
};

// Basic Strudel pattern
const earTrainer = () => {
  return sound(currentWave)
    .freq(currentFreq)
    .gain(0.3)
    .attack(0.1)
    .release(0.5);
};

// Start the trainer
earTrainer().play();

Training Exercises

Exercise 1: Frequency Identification

1. Click "New Challenge" to generate a random frequency
2. Listen to the tone
3. Try to identify the frequency range
4. Check your answer

Exercise 2: Waveform Recognition

1. Generate tones with different waveforms
2. Train your ear to distinguish between sine, square, and sawtooth waves
3. Notice the harmonic content differences

Exercise 3: Critical Band Training

1. Generate two close frequencies
2. Practice identifying beating and masking effects
3. Develop sensitivity to small frequency differences

Usage Notes

• Use headphones or quality monitors for accurate frequency response
• Start with wider frequency ranges and gradually narrow them down
• Practice regularly in short sessions (10-15 minutes)
• Take breaks to prevent ear fatigue

Next Steps

• Add visual frequency analyzer
• Implement A/B testing features
• Add preset frequency challenges
• Create progress tracking
• Add harmonics and complex waveforms

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Built with Strudel↗ live coding environment