Synth Playground — Learn Synthesis Interactively

1. Oscillators — The Sound Source

Oscillators generate the raw waveform. Different shapes = different harmonic content.

Waveform

Sine = pure tone. Square = hollow, hollow. Saw = bright, buzzy. Triangle = soft, flute-like.

Detune 0 cents

Slight pitch offset. Detune two oscillators together → chorus / fat unison effect.

Octave 0

Shift pitch ±2 octaves. Useful for bass or lead ranges.

2. Filter — Shaping the Tone

Filters remove or emphasize frequencies. Think of it as a "tone knob" you can automate.

Filter Type

Lowpass = keeps lows, removes highs (warm). Highpass = keeps highs, removes lows (thin). Bandpass = narrow band. Notch = removes narrow band.

Cutoff 2000 Hz

The frequency boundary. For lowpass, everything below passes through. For highpass, everything above.

Resonance (Q) 1

Boosts frequencies near cutoff. High Q = pronounced peak at cutoff → classic "squelchy" synth sound.

3. Envelope (ADSR) — How Sound Evolves Over Time

An envelope controls how a parameter (like volume or filter cutoff) changes from the moment you press a key.

Target

Apply the envelope to volume (classic synth) or filter cutoff (wah-wah sweeps).

Attack 0.01s

Time from silence to peak. 0 = instant (pluck). Long = pad swell.

Decay 0.3s

Time from peak down to sustain level. Short = percussive.

Sustain 0.7

Level held while key is pressed. 1 = full volume. 0 = cuts to silence.

Release 0.3s

Time from sustain to silence after releasing key. Short = staccato. Long = fade out.

4. LFO — Low-Frequency Oscillator (Modulation)

An LFO is a slow oscillator that modulates (changes) other parameters over time, creating movement and expression.

LFO Rate 4 Hz

Speed of modulation. Slow = vibrato/tremolo. Fast = FM-style effects.

LFO Depth 0

How strongly the LFO affects the target. 0 = no modulation.

LFO Waveform

LFO Target

Pitch → vibrato. Filter → wah-wah sweep. Off → no effect.

5. Effects — Polish the Sound

Effects add spatial depth and character. Try reverb for space, delay for echoes.

Reverb Mix 0

Amount of reverb (room ambience). 0 = dry. High = cathedral.

Delay Mix 0

Amount of delay (echo). 0 = no echo. High = dense repeats.

Delay Time 0.3s

Time between repeats. Match to tempo for rhythmic echoes.

6. Keyboard — Play!

Use your mouse or keyboard. Keys: Z–M and Q–U map to white/black notes.

No notes playing

📊 Live Visualization

Top: waveform shape. Bottom: frequency spectrum. Play notes to see them!

🎛️ Synth Playground