3.5

712MainStage Instruments
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 first harmonic; in
other words, it is the fundamental tone. The sine wave, used alone, can create “pure”
sounds like whistles, the sound of wet fingers 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.