Wave table synthesis is a method of sound generation in which a digital audio waveform, known as a wave table, is used as the basis for creating complex sounds. The wave table contains a series of sample points that represent the instantaneous amplitudes of the waveform at specific points in time.
In wave table synthesis, a sound is created by cycling through the wave table at a specified rate, known as the playback rate or frequency. The playback rate determines the pitch of the resulting sound. By manipulating the playback rate and the starting point within the wave table, it is possible to create a variety of timbres and manipulate the sound in real-time.
Compared to other methods of sound generation, such as subtractive synthesis or additive synthesis, wave table synthesis offers several advantages:
Efficiency: Wave table synthesis can be computationally efficient because it relies on precomputed waveforms rather than generating waveforms in real-time. This makes it suitable for real-time sound synthesis on various devices.
Rich and complex sounds: By using wave tables that contain complex waveforms, wave table synthesis can generate sounds with intricate harmonic content and timbral variations.
Real-time manipulation: Wave table synthesis allows for dynamic changes to the playback rate and position within the wave table, enabling real-time manipulation of the sound's pitch, timbre, and other parameters.
Memory efficiency: Since wave tables typically contain a small number of sample points, they require less memory compared to storing and manipulating individual samples for each cycle of the waveform.
Wave table synthesis is commonly used in digital music synthesizers and samplers. It provides a flexible and efficient means of generating a wide range of sounds, from realistic instrument sounds to more experimental and synthetic timbres.