stK

STK, short for Synthesis ToolKit, is a free, open-source C++ library for real-time audio synthesis and signal processing. It originated at the Center for Computer Research in Music and the Arts (CCRMA) at Stanford University and was created to provide a portable, approachable framework for building synthesizers, effects, and other DSP tools. The library is designed with a simple, object-oriented API that lets developers connect processing blocks such as oscillators, envelopes, filters, delays, and reverberators into signal chains. It also includes documentation, tutorials, and example code to support learning and experimentation in digital sound synthesis.

The core of STK is a collection of building blocks and algorithms for audio processing. While it focuses on synthesis, it also covers related techniques such as sampling and physical modeling, enabling users to prototype a wide range of instruments and effects. The design emphasizes portability and ease of use, making it suitable for education, research, and rapid prototyping of musical applications.

STK runs on major platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, and is distributed under an open-source license. It is widely used in academic settings to teach digital signal processing and music technology, as well as by hobbyists and researchers who seek a lightweight, extensible framework for exploring synthesis concepts.

In summary, STK provides a versatile, open-source foundation for building and experimenting with real-time audio synthesis and DSP techniques.