[linux-audio-user] Software for Sine Wave Generation

[Douglas Ward]

What is an easy way to generate sets of precise sine waves?

I like to generate (currently, slowly) separate sets of sine waves each 
consisting of a fundamental and 2 - 3 pseudo harmonics (really only 
justly-tuned perfect fifths, octaves, and a third--major or minor, depending 
upon the type of drone I want). The goal is to produce examples of 
justly-tuned chords that are easy to practice and teach with. And, sine waves 
are the easiest waveform for brass instruments to play along with. (This is 
very useful for orchestral brass instruction, and brass chamber ensemble 
exercises.)

My current toolchain is clunky: XMMS --> ToneGen[erator] plug-in --> Hard Disk 
playback --> Audacity (to add an envelope to the front of each set).
I would like to find a way to make this process more streamlined. I would love 
to be able to write scripts to do the dirty work.

What program is suggested for replacing this toolchain? I think Csound can 
accomplish this. (Can this be accomplished with Audacity+Nyquist, too? Is 
there a plug-in that will play multiple frequencies at once?) Are there any 
favourite command line applications that can be used to produce multiple sine 
waves at once? Csound seems overly complex for this application, but I do not 
know of alternatives. Is there anything other than Csound? I just want to 
make sure I'm not overlooking a great specialized program before digging into 
Csound.

Thanks a lot,
Douglas Ward