Hi Ttodd,
there are quite a few alarms in a modern cockpit:
- Attention getters (master warning / caution) for malfunctions
- Similar tones for invalid configuration (taking off without flaps, trying to land with gear up)
- Fire warnings
- Autopilot / Autothrottle disengagement
- Weather alerts (Windshear)
- Traffic alerts
- Terrain alerts (the famous "Pull Up" warning)
- Not an alarm, but audible terrain closure announcements (a countdown of altitude)
- Similar, runway awareness (approaching a runway)
- Alerts for normal situations (incoming message, cabin calling cockpit, etc)
Interestingly, the MD aircraft had audible voices for things like autopilot disconnecting whereas Boeing / Airbus stick to sounds.
MD stated that a female voice "bitching betty" was better suited to get the attention of male pilots...
In high stress situations, even audible warnings / alarms do not reach the flight crew - a human, not under the same stress, could be more valuable to get the attention of someone who has fixated.
Hope this helps