Oscillator Bank - Moog Minimoog Model D User Manual

OSCILLATOR BANK

Oscillators are the primary source of sound in an analog synthesizer. The Minimoog Model D
OSCILLATOR BANK contains three nearly identical Oscillators. This arrangement means each key
can sound up to three oscillators—each with its own Waveform, Octave, and Pitch setting—creating
a deep or complex sound. The Mixer then controls the balance between the Oscillators.
FREQUENCY
Oscillator–2 and Oscillator–3 are each equipped with a FREQUENCY knob that can be used to detune
the Oscillator from the pitch of Oscillator–1. Slight amounts of detuning can create a rich, chorusing
effect. Tuning the Oscillators to an interval (Perfect Fifth above, Perfect Fourth below, etc.) provides a
powerful voice for playing lead passages or creating chords.
WAVEFORM
Each of the three Oscillators provides six distinct Waveform shapes. Each waveform has a unique
harmonic content that is based on the number and strength of harmonic overtones that it contains.
These overtones are what impart a particular timbre to the Oscillator.
TRIANGLE
The Triangle wave has an extremely strong fundamental, yet contains only odd-numbered harmonics
at very low levels. This makes the Triangle wave an ideal choice for creating soft, flute-like sounds that
have a pure tone with little overtone activity.
TRIANGLE/SAWTOOTH (OSCILLATOR–1 AND OSCILLATOR–2 ONLY)
This waveform is a hybrid of the Triangle and the Sawtooth waveforms. It contains more harmonic
energy than the Triangle wave and adds in some of the even-numbered harmonics, but it is not nearly
as brash as the Sawtooth wave. This hybrid waveform can add a little more edge than the Triangle
wave alone, allowing it to cut through the mix with a bit more clarity.
REVERSE SAWTOOTH (OSCILLATOR–3 ONLY)
The Reverse Sawtooth has a sound similar to the regular Sawtooth wave; it is included here primarily
as a waveform choice when using Oscillator–3 as a modulation source.
SAWTOOTH
The Sawtooth waveform is the most harmonically dense of the waveforms, containing all of the
natural harmonics in relatively strong levels. In addition to creating thick, brassy sounds, the
Sawtooth waveform lends itself to powerful lead and bass sounds as well.
TUNE
The tuning of Oscillator–1 is determined by the
master TUNE knob, located at the top of the
CONTROLLERS panel.
RANGE
The RANGE knob selects the fundamental octave
for each oscillator over a five octave range. A
sixth LO setting brings the pitch down even
further, allowing the Oscillator to be used for
other purposes, such as a modulation source.
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