Help & Documentation
đQuick Start
Welcome to NES Sound Effect Creator! This tool lets you create authentic 8-bit sound effects using the same audio channels as the original Nintendo Entertainment System.
Getting Started in 3 Steps
- Choose a preset from the Import/Export section to start with a template
- Enable channels and adjust parameters to customize your sound
- Click Play to preview, then Export WAV when satisfied
đĩSound Channels
The NES 2A03 chip features four distinct sound channels, each with unique characteristics:
Pulse Wave Channels (Pulse 1 & 2)
Perfect for melodies, bass lines, and sharp sound effects. These channels produce square waves with adjustable duty cycles.
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 54.6 Hz - 12.4 kHz | Controls the pitch of the sound |
| Duty Cycle | 12.5%, 25%, 50%, 75% | Changes the tone character |
| Volume | 0-15 | Sets the amplitude level |
| Sweep | Pulse 1 only | Automatic frequency change over time |
Triangle Wave Channel
Produces a softer, more mellow tone. Often used for bass lines and smooth melodies. Volume is fixed.
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 27.3 Hz - 55.9 kHz | Controls the pitch |
| Enable | On/Off | Triangle has no volume control |
Noise Channel
Creates white noise for percussion, explosions, and atmospheric effects.
| Parameter | Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Mode | 16 preset values | Different noise textures |
| Volume | 0-15 | Sets the amplitude level |
| Mode | Short/Long | Changes noise pattern length |
đTimeline Editor
The timeline lets you arrange sound events visually over time.
Basic Operations
- Double-click on a channel lane to add a new event
- Drag events horizontally to change their timing
- Click an event to select it, then press Delete to remove
- Use the zoom slider to see more or less detail
đžImport/Export
Export Options
- Export WAV: Creates a standard audio file you can use anywhere
- Export Project: Saves all settings as a .nes-sfx file for later editing
Import Options
- Import Project: Load a previously saved .nes-sfx file
- Presets: Quick templates for common sound effects
Available Presets
| Preset | Description |
|---|---|
| Jump | Classic platformer jump sound with rising pitch |
| Coin | Two-tone collection sound effect |
| Explosion | Noise-based impact sound |
| Laser | Descending pitch shooting sound |
| Power Up | Three-note ascending melody |
â¨ī¸Keyboard Shortcuts
Speed up your workflow with these keyboard shortcuts:
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Space | Play/Pause playback |
| Esc | Stop playback |
| Delete | Delete selected timeline event |
| Ctrl/â + S | Export project file |
| Ctrl/â + E | Export WAV file |
| Ctrl/â + O | Import project file |
đEnvelope (ADSR)
The envelope controls how the volume of a sound changes over time. ADSR stands for Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release.
- Attack: Time to reach maximum volume (0-1 seconds)
- Decay: Time to fall to sustain level (0-1 seconds)
- Sustain: Volume level held while note plays (0-1)
- Release: Time to fade to silence after note ends (0-1 seconds)