What’s in a waveform?
Pick any synth and whether it’s digital or analogue, the chances are that it will employ a number of oscillators or sampled waves as the building blocks of every sound. Take for example the Minimoog – it has three oscillators, each of which has several waveforms including triangle, reverse saw tooth (ramp), square wave and two pulse waves (one narrow and one wide). These waves each have their own unique sonic characters, which give Minimoog synth bass sounds a particular feel. The most effective synth bass sounds employ anywhere from one to three oscillators, using a blend of different waveforms to add low-end, bite, width and air to the sound
SINE
A sine wave is the ‘purest’ form of synth waveform, containing only the fundamental frequencies with no overtones. As a result, it sounds clean and smooth. Sines are perfect for creating simple, powerful sub bass, although you’ll need to layer an additional waveform over the top, or apply distortion or modulation, in order to hear it on many speaker setups.
TRIANGLE
A triangle wave is soft and contains odd harmonics from the fundamental frequency (the lowest point on the wave’s cycle). It doesn’t have much bite, midrange or tops, though it has a little top-end buzz and is perfect for adding weight.
SAW
A sawtooth wave is the basis for many bright or cutting sounds, and contains both odd and even harmonics. It has a nice bite, buzz and bright edge to its character, while it sounds solid enough on its own to make bass and lead sounds (especially when filtered).
SQUARE
Like a triangle wave, a square wave contains only odd harmonics, giving it a more hollow sound. However, its flat edges and corners impart its character with a more solid tone and some brightness, making it suitable for hollow, yet cutting basses and leads.
PULSE
A pulse wave’s character is biting, yet quite nasal, and is suitable for thinner-type basses and leads. It contains both odd and even harmonics. Evolving bass sounds can be made by varying the width of the wave (using an LFO to modulate) or by manually changing the pulse width.