Timbre

Timbre, also referred to as tone color or sound quality, describes the distinctive attributes of a sound that set it apart from other sounds. The waveform of the oscillator, the cutoff and resonance settings for the filter, the envelope settings, and any effects that have been applied to the sound all contribute to the timbre of a synthesizer.

The harmonic content and relationship of the harmonics to the fundamental frequency of a sound influence its timbre. Each waveform has a distinct harmonic composition, and how these harmonics are balanced gives each waveform its personality. For instance, a sine wave has a highly pure and smooth timbre, whereas a sawtooth wave has a brighter and more complex timbre.

The waveform greatly influences the timbre of a sound in addition to the filter settings. Specific harmonics can be amplified or suppressed using the filter cutoff and resonance settings, which can be utilized to produce a wide variety of timbres. The envelope parameters can also be used to alter the attack, decay, sustain, and release of a sound, affecting the sound’s timbre.

The timbre of a sound can also be shaped using a variety of effects, including reverb, delay, and distortion. These effects can produce a broad array of timbres and give a sound depth, dimension, and character.