Two oscillators | Sound basics

Drift has two oscillators. Mix sets the balance between them. Here both play saw waves on long chords.

Detuned saws

Set Mix to the middle, then move Detune.

Waveform: two cycles of the sound

Spectrum: low to high frequencies

Oct 2

Mix50%

Detune0 ct

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Detune tunes the second oscillator a few cents (hundredths of a semitone) away from the first. The two waves drift in and out of step, and the sound starts to shimmer and widen. A little sounds lush; a lot sounds out of tune.

Oct 2 moves the second oscillator an octave up or down. An octave down makes the sound heavier; an octave up adds brightness on top.