zvok

Zvok is a fictional open-source framework for real-time audio synthesis and processing. Conceived as a concept for exploring modular sound design, zvok provides a node-based dataflow engine, a lightweight runtime, and a patch format intended to be easily shared among users.

Zvok was coined by a small collective of experimental musicians and programmers in the mid-2010s. The project appeared in a series of open-source releases starting in 2016, with contributions from artists and educators. It has been used in workshops to illustrate modular synthesis and audio programming principles.

Technical features include real-time audio paths, polyphonic voice rendering, envelopes, LFOs, delays, reverbs, and granular processing. It uses a node-based graph where modules emit and receive audio and control signals, supports MIDI input and OSC, and offers a patch exchange format to facilitate interoperability.

Usage and reception: Zvok is used in academic demonstrations, small indie film projects, and by hobbyist sound designers. Critics note a steep learning curve and limited documentation compared with mainstream tools, though proponents value its flexibility and openness.

Related topics include modular synthesis, digital audio workstations, and audio programming languages.