Audio FFT Visualise

An app to visualise incoming audio amplitude spectrum and to evaluate polyphony

Visualises the amplitude spectrum of the direct cosine transform of the latest 8196 audio data points. Also evaluates polyphony, and fundamental frequencies using the method Anssi Klapuri developed during his PhD (see 'about' in the app for further details). The polyphony estimation seems to work relatively well for one and two simultaneous notes and occasionally get three simultaneous notes correct as well. Due to the implementation, an integer multiple of the actual fundamental frequency is often erroneously indicated.

The app is expected to be useful e.g. in visualising how a string instrument (or otherwise oscillating standing wave, such as human voice or a flute) has harmonics and a percussion instrument does not. Could also be informative for a small ensemble of up to three people in identifying the fundamental frequencies being sung in near real-time (one could use screen recording to record a performance).

FEATURES

Visualises DFT amplitude spectrum every 0.2 seconds (with roughly twice as much delay)

Estimates fundamental frequencies and displays note name with scientific pitch notation (e.g. lowest guitar string E2 82.41 HZ, A above middle C is A4 440 Hz). Tones are sorted in ascending order when displayed. Tones between 55 Hz and 1661.2 Hz (i.e. A1 to G#6) considered as potential notes.

Amplitude normalisation can be modified to suit your device's audio input (16-bit values are requested, and 256 is used as the normalisation by default).

Number of divisions per semitone to be considered can be set. My Oppo F1s is capable of doing 100 divisions per semitone, which should be sufficient for tuning e.g. a guitar.

The estimation of polyphony and fundamental frequencies; e.g. piano middle A (the 5th A on the keyboard) should give you 440 Hz, and the second string of a guitar (corresponds to the 3rd A on a piano keyboard) should give you 110 Hz. Tuning requires roughly 1/100 of a semitone precision, and a powerful smartphone will be capable of calculating the tone with the required precision in near real-time.