Audio Editor

Desktop audio editor for WAV files with DSP effects, waveform visualization and real-time processing.

Context

School project GTech3, 6 weeks. Team of 3, role: DSP and audio engine developer.

Exploring digital signal processing fundamentals through a practical audio editing application.

School Requirements

• Parse and play WAV files
• Waveform display
• Implement at least 2 DSP effects
• Windows audio API, latency < 50ms

Our Implementation

Beyond the requirements (2 effects required):

• 4 complete DSP effects: EQ, compression, reverb, delay
• Non-destructive editing: preview before applying
• Advanced selection tools: sample-accurate cut/copy/paste
• Extended format support: 8/16/24-bit, mono/stereo

Links

• Private repository (school).

Architecture

Audio pipeline with chainable effects:

WAV File → Parser → [Effect Chain] → XAudio2 → Output
                         │
      ┌──────────────────┼──────────────────┐
      │                  │                  │
    EQ            Compressor           Reverb
 (Biquad)           (RMS)          (Convolution)

Tech Stack

Tech	Version	Role
C++	17	Core language
XAudio2	Windows API	Real-time audio engine
Win32/ImGui	-	User interface
WAV Parser	Custom	Audio file reading

Custom WAV Parser

• RIFF header parsing
• Formats: 8/16/24-bit, mono/stereo
• Chunk navigation and metadata
• Beyond the required 16-bit

DSP Effects Implemented

• Parametric EQ: Biquad filters per band
• Compressor: RMS detection with attack/release
• Reverb: Convolution basics
• Delay: Delay lines with feedback

Specifications

• Latency: < 50ms (Windows audio API)
• Non-destructive editing with preview
• Sample-accurate selection: cut/copy/paste