Each oscillator is a sound source producing the electronic equivalent of the vibration in the air which makes a sound (the speakers you are using to listen to the BassStation convert the electronic signal into an acoustic one you can actually hear). Oscillation is a technical term for vibration. The actual timbre of each oscillator depends on its harmonic content which is determined by its Waveform. Each oscillator has this switch allowing you to switch between two different waveform types which have their individual set of harmonics. The waveforms are:
Sawtooth ( or Ramp ) So called because a series of sawtooth oscillations resembles the teeth on a saw. The sawtooth waveform contains every harmonic in the harmonic series in decreasing volume. Sawtooth waveforms make a very rich sound.
Pulse ( including Square ) This waveform switches between maximum and minimum values, giving the blocky look to the waveform. The harmonic content of the pulse waveform is dependent on the relative width of the maximum and minimum values. If these are equal, then the waveform is referred to as a square wave and has a very similar harmonic content to a clarinet, ie. all the odd-numbered harmonics in decreasing volume which gives a 'hollow' quality to the sound. The width of the pulse wave is controlled by the Pulse Width knob and the modulations in the Osc 1-2 Modulation section (which follows this). As the width becomes narrower (to the far right of the knob), the fundamental (the basic pitch) of the oscillator becomes very quiet and is increasingly over-powered by the higher harmonics producing a very thin sound.
Sine
The sine wave is the purest and simplest waveform, characterised by its smooth, curving shape that alternates between positive and negative values. Unlike other waveforms, the sine wave contains only the fundamental frequency, with no additional harmonics, resulting in a clean, pure tone. This lack of harmonic content gives the sine wave a mellow and soft sound, commonly used as a building block in synthesis for creating sub-bass, smooth pads, and other sounds where a non-complex, warm tone is desirable. The simplicity of the sine wave makes it particularly useful in sound design when layering or when a foundational tone is needed without adding additional harmonic complexity.
This knob controls the relative volumes of the two oscillators. All the way to the left gives you just oscillator 1, all the way to right gives you just oscillator 2 and in between you hear both oscillators in proportion to whichever extremity is closer. In the centre position both oscillators are equally loud.
Select the waveform for OSC 1 from Sawtooth (Ramp), Pulse (Square), or Sine.
This control determines the shape of the VCO 1 waveform. It’s a mix of two waveforms. Three combinations of these waveforms are available through the Waveform Switch. The knob is bipolar, with 50-50% at the centre position and 100% when turned fully clockwise or fully counterclockwise.
Select the depth of the Sub Octave, whether it is -1 or -2 octaves.
Select the waveform for SUB OSC from Sawtooth (Ramp), Pulse (Square), or Sine.