Additive Synthesis Waveform Explorer
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Introduction

This is a demonstration of how adding together sinewaves in just the right way can produce any waveform imaginable! Here though you are only able to modify fifteen sinewaves.

The tool

Some pre-made waveforms can be selected by choosing a fundamental frequency (f0) and a waveform from the menu. You can modify any of the settings. You can also send the signal to the Fourier Explorer, or the Sonogram Explorer to look at its spectrum.

Things to investigate

1. Make f0 = 440 Hz, choose a square wave, and listen. Now "randomize" the phases and listen. What happened and why? Does it look like a square wave?
2. Make f0 = 440 Hz, choose a square wave, and listen to the pitch and sing the note. Now make a0 = 0, listen, and sing. Do you still hear the same pitch?

Further reading

Credits

Produced by Bob L. Sturm and Dr. Jerry Gibson.
Release date: June 12, 2003
Copyright 2003 University of California, Santa Barbara