Oscillator 1 Waveform

Oscillator 1 provides 32 waveforms. The first four are standard waveforms, and the rest are "special" waveforms, some of which are suitable for emulating various musical instrument sounds.

It is worth noting here that all waveforms can be radically transformed using Phase offset modulation.

To select a waveform, click the spin controls to the right of the "Waveform" LED display.

The first 4 basic waveforms are shown as standard symbols, and the special waveforms are numbered 5 - 32.

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 guideline, 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.

Waveform

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-sounding.

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 vibraphone-type sounds.

28

Similar to 27, but with a slightly different character.

29

This waveform has complex, non-harmonic overtones, suitable for metallic bell-type sounds.

30

Similar to 29, but with a slightly different character. By using FM and setting the Osc Mix to Osc 1, this and the following two waveforms can produce noise.

31

Similar to 30, but with a slightly different character.

32

Similar to 30, but with a slightly different character.