Oscillator 3: sub/super-oscillator

A third sine wave-only oscillator is available on the pitch ('Pich') page. This third oscillator can be configured to either follow oscillator 1 or oscillator 2. When enabled, it will adopt the specified "parent" oscillator's amplitude and pitch. Using O3.Oc ("Osc3 Octv") parameter under 4/Ar, the third oscillator's pitch can be lowered (for a sub-oscillator) or raised by an number of octaves, or can alternatively kept at the same pitch as the parent oscillator.

To make the third oscillator audible, increase or decrease the O3.Lv ("Osc3 LevL") parameter under 3/Ld. Increasing it from 0 will see the third oscillator follow oscillator 1. Decreasing it from 0 will see the third oscillator follow oscillator 2.

The third oscillator is additive (meaning it is not subject to the oscillator combining algorithms) and is summed post-filter and post-effects. This means that there is no danger of muddying up your mix. And because the oscillator produces a clean sine wave, only the oscillator's root frequency is added to the mix without adding any other harmonics.

Just like oscillator 1 and 2, the sub-oscillator's signal is sent to the dynamics block and counts towards any side-chaining, gating or ducking inputs.

Lastly, the third oscillator is subject to a 25Hz brick wall filter, meaning that below a frequency of 25Hz, it will no longer play.

Use cases

The specific attributes of the third oscillator makes it a useful tool to further enhance your synthesized sounds, all without impacting your mix.

Sub-Bass Enhancement

Create a deeper and richer bass sound by lowering the third oscillator's pitch in relation to oscillator 1 and 2. This generates a sub-bass layer that reinforces the fundamental frequency of the bass sound, adding depth and warmth without overwhelming the mix.

Harmonic Layering

Add subtle harmonic content by raising the third oscillator's pitch by one or more octaves relative to its parent oscillator. This can add a harmonic layer that enhances the overall sound without introducing additional harmonics, keeping the sound clean and pure.

Frequency Doubling

Thickening leads or pads by keeping the third oscillator at the same pitch as its parent oscillator, blending it in subtly (or not so subtly). This can add a sense of fullness and body to lead sounds or pads without cluttering the harmonic spectrum.

Percussive Elements

Designing unique percussive sounds by using the third oscillator to create a clean and punchy low-end element that complements the percussive attack. An example is the non-noise component of a synthesized (for example 909-like) snare drum.