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Appendix B Synthesizer Basics 479
Oscillators
The audio signal of a synthesizer is generated by the oscillator. You can choose from a selection
of waveforms that contain various types and amounts of harmonics. The level relationships
between the fundamental tone and the harmonics of the chosen waveform are responsible for
the basic sound color or timbre.
Waveform types
•
Sine wave: Clean and clear-sounding, a sine wave contains only the rst harmonic; in other
words, it is the fundamental tone. The sine wave, used alone, can create “pure” sounds like
whistles, the sound of wet ngers on the rim of a glass, tuning forks, and so on.
•
Sawtooth wave: Clear and bright-sounding, a sawtooth wave contains both odd and even
harmonics, as well as the fundamental tone. It is ideal for creating string, pad, bass, and
brass sounds.
•
Square and pulse waves: Hollow and woody-sounding, a square wave can contain a wide range
of odd harmonics, as well as the fundamental tone. It is useful for creating reed instruments,
pads, and basses. It can also be used to emulate kick drums, congas, tom-toms, and other
percussive instruments—often when blended with another oscillator waveform, such as noise.