#02 Oscillations, pt 1

Last month, we explored the modules and routings found in a basic subtractive synth’s signal path. Over the next few issues, we’ll focus on the most important individual modules and how they make sounds.

It all starts with the bit that generates the sound – the oscillator. Every synth has at least one oscillator. The simplest subtractive synth may have only a single oscillator, while an additive instrument might have many hundreds.

The role of the oscillator is to produce a waveform, and to give us some control over the timbre and frequency of that