Use the Oscillator input to create a continuous audio signal. This virtual input generates various waveform types commonly used for audio testing, tone generation, and sound design purposes.
The Oscillator is an audio-only input that produces a continuous tone at a specified frequency and gain level. It supports multiple waveform types including sine, square, triangle, sawtooth, and white noise.
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Location: Virtual
When to Use
- Audio testing — Generate reference tones for testing audio equipment and signal paths
- Tone generation — Create simple audio signals for calibration or synchronization
- Sound design — Use as a basic building block for audio experimentation
- Signal verification — Verify audio routing and levels in your composition
Properties
Configuration
| Property | Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Show advanced options | No / Yes | No | Reveals additional settings when set to Yes. |
| Start when loaded | Checkbox | Enabled | Automatically starts playback when the input is loaded into the composition. |
| Oscillator Type | Sine, Square, Triangle, Sawtooth, WhiteNoise | Sine | The waveform shape to generate (see below). |
| Frequency (Hz) | 20 - 20,000 | 1000 | The pitch of the generated tone in Hertz. |
| Gain (dB) | -60 - 24 | -6 | The output volume level in decibels. |
| Antialiasing | Checkbox | Disabled | Enables antialiasing to reduce artifacts in the generated waveform. |
| Playback state | — | Stopped | Current state of the oscillator (read-only). |
Oscillator Types:
- Sine — A smooth, pure tone. The most basic waveform with no harmonics.
- Square — A harsh, buzzy tone rich in odd harmonics.
- Triangle — A softer tone than square, with fewer harmonics.
- Sawtooth — A bright, buzzy tone containing both odd and even harmonics.
- WhiteNoise — Random noise containing all frequencies at equal intensity.
Commands
| Command | Description |
|---|---|
| Play | Starts audio generation. Available when playback is stopped. |
| Stop | Stops audio generation. Available when playback is running. |
Advanced Options
Enable Show advanced options to reveal additional settings.
Icon
| Property | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Icon text | OSC | Text displayed on the input icon in the inputs list. |
Audio mixer
| Property | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hide in audio mixer | Disabled | Hides and removes the input from the Audio Mixer view without disabling its audio. |
Render Options
| Property | Options | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisible (Do not render in scene) | Checkbox | Disabled | An invisible input will not be rendered in any layer, in any scene. |
| Do not render input | Let Composer decide, Manual Configuration | Let Composer decide | Select how the "Do not render input" setting should be controlled. |
| Render / Do not render | Toggle | Render | Disables the internal render method of the input. This can reduce load in some use cases. Only available when "Do not render input" is set to Manual Configuration. |
While the render options can help improve performance, there are additional ways to optimize Composer. See Performance and Options to detailed information.
Optional TAGS
| Property | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
| TAGS | (empty) | Tag input with a name. Tags can be used with Smart Search to search for tags. |
Usage Examples
Standard Test Tone
For a standard 1 kHz reference tone:
- Oscillator Type: Sine
- Frequency (Hz): 1000
- Gain (dB): -6
Low Frequency Test
For testing subwoofers or low-frequency response:
- Oscillator Type: Sine
- Frequency (Hz): 50-100
- Gain (dB): -6
Audio Path Verification
For verifying audio is routed correctly using an easily identifiable signal:
- Oscillator Type: Square
- Frequency (Hz): 440
- Gain (dB): -12
Noise Source
For generating white noise for testing or ambient sound:
- Oscillator Type: WhiteNoise
- Gain (dB): -12
Tips
-
Use Sine for clean test tones. Sine waves produce a pure tone without harmonics, making them ideal for frequency response testing.
-
Enable Antialiasing for higher frequencies. When generating high-frequency signals, antialiasing helps reduce unwanted artifacts in the waveform.
-
Start with lower gain levels. The default of -6 dB provides headroom. Increase carefully to avoid clipping downstream.
-
Use Start when loaded for automated workflows. When enabled, the oscillator begins generating audio as soon as it's loaded, useful for automated testing scenarios.
-
WhiteNoise is useful for testing. White noise contains all frequencies and is helpful for quickly verifying that audio is passing through your entire signal chain.