Melody
WORKSHEETS
Tone Generators
Synthese Wave Form Generator
Every randomly shaped waveform can be composed by adding one ore more sine waves signals with each a different frequency, phase and amplitude. This is also called additive synthesis. The frequency range consists of the fundamental and his harmonics.
The wave shape in the tool beneath can be modified by adjusting the sliders H1 t/m H11. These will set the amplitudes of each harmonic. The phases of each harmonic can be set with the buttons below each slider.
What can I use this tone generator for?
Tuning instruments, science experiments (what’s the resonant frequency of this wineglass?), testing audio equipment (how low does my subwoofer go?), testing your hearing (what’s the highest frequency you can hear? are there frequencies you can hear in only one ear?).
When two sine waves of slightly different frequencies (eg f1 and f2) are played on a loudspeaker, the waves will undergo interference. This means that by the time the sound reaches your ears, the waves will have physically added together and this superposition results in a wave at a frequency of (f1+f2)/2 which beats at a frequency of f2-f1.
If the two tones are played through headphones (one frequency in the left ear, another in the right ear) each ear receives a pure tone and no physical interference can occur. Amazingly, the majority of people will still perceive a beating sound which is a purely psychological effect and is known as a "binaural beat".
Use the Binaural Beat Generator below to investigate this effect yourself, and feel free to add your favourite frequency combinations to the comments section. Please note, headphones must be used for the effect to work (you will hear a beat if you use speakers but this is a physical phenomenon as opposed to a psychological one).