The Oscillator Node is a simple, analog-like, free-running oscillator. It outputs a basic, periodic waveform continuously, and is one of the fundamental building blocks of synthesizers. The Oscillator Node starts as soon as you place it, comes with a controllable frequency and wave type, and remains on until deleted.
How to Use
The Oscillator Node has countless uses and usage combinations, so this section will only list a few basic examples.
In a typical synthesizer patch, you’ll combine the Oscillator Node with an ADSR Node, a Gain Node, as well as a mechanism to both gate the Oscillator Node’s output, and control its frequency based on notes. For a concrete example of this, check out the Oscillator Synth Node, available by default in the Audio Sources category. This custom Node implements a typical synthesizer, and is a good starting point for building more complex sounds.
However, because the Oscillator Node automatically outputs a signal, you can also just simply connect it to an Audio Destination Node directly to get a signal (Warning: it’s loud!)
Inputs
Frequency-Control Input
An optional control input to automate the Frequency setting, in Hz, from 0+ Hz to the Nyquist frequency. You can toggle this input from the Node properties panel, or by connecting to it.
Detune-Control Input
An optional control input to automate the Detune setting, in cents. You can toggle this input from the Node properties panel, or by connecting to it.
MIDI-Sync Input
An optional melody input that resets the oscillator’s phase when it receives a note. The note doesn’t affect the oscillator’s frequency, it only resets its phase. You can toggle this input from the Node properties panel, or by connecting to it.
Settings
Wave Type
The generated waveform type.
Frequency
Sets the fundamental frequency of the output, in hertz. Changes to this setting apply to the output waveform in real time, and you can also control it from the Frequency-Control Input.
Detune
Applies additional detune to the generated waveform, in cents, on top of the fundamental frequency.
Reset Mode
Sets whether (and how) the oscillator’s phase should reset:
- Global Play: reset the oscillator’s phase when playing the project
- MIDI (input): reset the oscillator’s phase when the MIDI-Sync Input receives a note
Outputs
Audio Output
The generated audio signal. This output is always active, the signal ranges from -1 to 1, and has 1 audio channel (mono).
Technical Details
For all wave types except Sine, the Oscillator Node outputs a band-limited signal, which is not mathematically accurate, but does not cause artifacts.
Similar Nodes
- The LFO Node also outputs an oscillator-based periodic waveform, but it’s intended for parameter automation, rather than generating an audible signal.
- The Sine Node and Cosine Node in the Math category also output a sine wave, if given an ever-increasing input signal.
- The Timer Node, together with the Fractional Node, can also output a sawtooth wave, but without any band limiting.