11.3

SUBTRACTOR SYNTHESIZER278
Here follows a brief description of the Subtractor waveforms:
! Please note that the descriptions of the waveforms sound or timbre is merely meant to provide a basic guide-
line, and shouldn’t be taken too literally. Given the myriad ways you can modulate and distort a waveform in
Subtractor, you can produce extremely different results from any given waveform.
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Waveform
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Description
Sawtooth This waveform contains all harmonics and produces a bright and rich sound. The Sawtooth is perhaps the
most “general purpose” of all the available waveforms.
Square A square wave only contains odd number harmonics, which produces a distinct, hollow sound.
Triangle The Triangle waveform generates only a few harmonics, spaced at odd harmonic numbers. This produces
a flute-like sound, with a slightly hollow character.
Sine The sine wave is the simplest possible waveform, with no harmonics (overtones). The sine wave produces
a neutral, soft timbre.
5 This waveform emphasizes the higher harmonics, a bit like a sawtooth wave, only slightly less bright-sound-
ing.
6 This waveform features a rich, complex harmonic structure, suitable for emulating the sound of an acoustic
piano.
7 This waveform generates a glassy, smooth timbre. Good for electric piano-type sounds.
8 This waveform is suitable for keyboard-type sounds such as harpsichord or clavinet.
9 This waveform is suitable for electric bass-type sounds.
10 This is a good waveform for deep, sub-bass sounds.
11 This produces a waveform with strong formants, suitable for voice-like sounds.
12 This waveform produces a metallic timbre, suitable for a variety of sounds.
13 This produces a waveform suitable for organ-type sounds.
14 This waveform is also good for organ-type sounds. Has a brighter sound compared to waveform 13.
15 This waveform is suitable for bowed string sounds, like violin or cello.
16 Similar to 15, but with a slightly different character.
17 Another waveform suitable for string-type sounds.
18 This waveform is rich in harmonics and suitable for steel string guitar-type sounds.
19 This waveform is suitable for brass-type sounds.
20 This waveform is suitable for muted brass-type sounds.
21 This waveform is suitable for saxophone-like sounds.
22 A waveform suitable for brass and trumpet-type sounds.
23 This waveform is good for emulating mallet instruments such as marimba.
24 Similar to 23, but with a slightly different character.
25 This waveform is suitable for guitar-type sounds.
26 This is a good waveform for plucked string sounds, like harp.
27 Another waveform suitable for mallet-type sounds (see 23-24), but has a brighter quality, good for vibra-
phone-type sounds.