4.5/5 stars (26 reviews) • Video > Interactive Courses

Basic Audio Programming

If you’ve ever wondered how audio plugins actually work under the hood, Basic Audio Programming offers a clear, hands-on entry point. Developed by Dr Chris Nash from pointblank Music School in association with The Audio Programmer, this focused 4-hour mini course teaches you to build real-time audio plugins in C++—no prior coding experience needed. You’ll start with a simple gain effect, then progress through clipping distortion, subtractive synthesis, and finally a JP8000-inspired SuperSaw synth capable of classic trance textures.

What sets this course apart is its bespoke virtual learning environment, built specifically for audio programming education. You’ll work inside Klang Studio, a C++ IDE that runs directly in your DAW, letting you code and hear results in real time. Every practical step includes video demonstrations and audio commentary, while over 60 custom animations break down complex DSP and coding concepts into digestible visual explanations. Interactive browser-based exercises reinforce key ideas without requiring local setup hassles.

The curriculum mirrors a taster version of pointblank’s BSc (Hons) Music Production and Software Engineering degree, structured into 12 bite-sized lessons across four progressive modules. You’ll learn how audio is represented as data, apply conditional statements for signal shaping, code objects for synth architecture, and use arrays and loops to layer detuned oscillators. By the end, you’ll have four functional plugins you built yourself—and a solid foundation to pursue professional audio software development.

The first module is available to try free, so you can explore the teaching style and platform before committing. Whether you’re a producer curious about coding or a developer exploring DSP, this course meets you where you are and guides you toward tangible, creative outcomes.

Key Features

Visual

• Over 60 custom animations that explain audio and coding concepts visually
• Video demonstrations with audio commentary for every practical step

Control

• Interactive browser-based coding exercises to explore DSP concepts safely
• Live C++ plugin development inside your DAW using Klang Studio (Mac/PC)

Processing

• Build four real-time audio plugins: Gain, Distortion, Subtractive Synth, and SuperSaw
• Learn core DSP techniques: signal representation, clipping, envelope shaping, filtering, and oscillator layering

Workflow

• 12 bite-sized lessons organized into 4 progressive, project-based modules
• Bespoke digital learning platform designed specifically for audio programming education

System Compatibility

• MacOS (10.15 Catalina or higher) or Windows (10 or higher)
• Audio interface (soundcard) and speakers/headphones
• Modern browser: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Safari