Comparing Oscillator Shapes
Examining the most common oscillator shapes, and their harmonic content.
Sine, triangle, square, and sawtooth oscillators are all different types of waveforms that can be generated by sound synthesizers. Here are some key differences between them:
- Sine Wave:
A sine wave is a smooth, undulating waveform that represents a pure tone at a single frequency. It has no harmonics and only contains the fundamental frequency. Sine waves sound smooth and mellow and are often used in musical contexts where purity and clarity are important, such as tuning or playing melody lines.
- Triangle Wave:
A triangle wave is a waveform that rises and falls in a linear fashion, creating a shape that resembles a triangle. It contains odd harmonics, which make it sound brighter and more complex than a sine wave. The sound of a triangle wave is often described as hollow or reedy and can be used for percussive sounds or lead synth sounds.
- Square Wave:
A square wave is a waveform that has a sudden transition from high to low and vice versa. It contains odd and even harmonics, which make it sound rich and buzzy. The sound of a square wave is often described as aggressive or abrasive and can be used for bass sounds, leads or percussion.
- Sawtooth Wave:
A sawtooth wave is a waveform that has a sharp rise and a gradual fall, creating a shape that resembles a saw blade. It contains both odd and even harmonics, which make it sound bright and rich. The sound of a sawtooth wave is often described as harsh or biting and can be used for lead or bass sounds.
Each waveform has a unique character and can be used in different ways to create a variety of sounds. Sine waves are pure and mellow, triangle waves are complex and hollow, square waves are buzzy and aggressive, and sawtooth waves are bright and rich. By combining and manipulating these waveforms, and using filters and envelopes to shape the output, sound designers can create a wide range of sounds for different musical contexts.