BaseAudioContext.createBufferSource()

The createBufferSource() method of the BaseAudioContext Interface is used to create a new AudioBufferSourceNode, which can be used to play audio data contained within an AudioBuffer object. AudioBuffers are created using BaseAudioContext.createBuffer or returned by BaseAudioContext.decodeAudioData when it successfully decodes an audio track.

Syntax

var source = baseAudioContext.createBufferSource();

Returns

An AudioBufferSourceNode.

Example

In this example, we create a two second buffer, fill it with white noise, and then play it via an AudioBufferSourceNode. The comments should clearly explain what is going on.

Note: You can also run the code live, or view the source.

var audioCtx = new (window.AudioContext || window.webkitAudioContext)();
var button = document.querySelector('button');
var pre = document.querySelector('pre');
var myScript = document.querySelector('script');

pre.innerHTML = myScript.innerHTML;

// Stereo
var channels = 2;
// Create an empty two second stereo buffer at the
// sample rate of the AudioContext
var frameCount = audioCtx.sampleRate * 2.0;

var myArrayBuffer = audioCtx.createBuffer(2, frameCount, audioCtx.sampleRate);

button.onclick = function() {
  // Fill the buffer with white noise;
  //just random values between -1.0 and 1.0
  for (var channel = 0; channel < channels; channel++) {
   // This gives us the actual ArrayBuffer that contains the data
   var nowBuffering = myArrayBuffer.getChannelData(channel);
   for (var i = 0; i < frameCount; i++) {
     // Math.random() is in [0; 1.0]
     // audio needs to be in [-1.0; 1.0]
     nowBuffering[i] = Math.random() * 2 - 1;
   }
  }

  // Get an AudioBufferSourceNode.
  // This is the AudioNode to use when we want to play an AudioBuffer
  var source = audioCtx.createBufferSource();
  // set the buffer in the AudioBufferSourceNode
  source.buffer = myArrayBuffer;
  // connect the AudioBufferSourceNode to the
  // destination so we can hear the sound
  source.connect(audioCtx.destination);
  // start the source playing
  source.start();
}

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Web Audio API
The definition of 'createBufferSource()' in that specification.
Working Draft

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
createBufferSourceChrome Full support 10
Prefixed
Full support 10
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Edge Full support ≤18Firefox Full support 53
Notes
Full support 53
Notes
Notes Originally implemented on AudioContext in Firefox 25.
IE No support NoOpera Full support 22
Full support 22
Full support 15
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Safari Full support 6
Prefixed
Full support 6
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support 33Firefox Android Full support 53
Notes
Full support 53
Notes
Notes Originally implemented on AudioContext in Firefox Android 26.
Opera Android Full support 22
Full support 22
Full support 14
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Safari iOS Full support 6
Prefixed
Full support 6
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Samsung Internet Android Full support 2.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.

See also