The Soundry: Harmonics

Harmonics Applet

Sorry, the Harmonics Applet is not available offline.

Instructions:

"The Harmonics Applet allows you to play with harmonics to produce instrument sounds similar to the sounds real instruments make. This applet takes the place of an electric synthesizer. The only difference is that you make the sounds! You can also play songs with the instruments you have made!

Follow these steps to understand how to use the Harmonics Applet:

Click on one of the Pre-Recorded Instrument Sounds that you are familiar with.
Notice how the sliders are positioned on each harmonic.
Click on the "Sound" button and listen to the synthesized sound of this instrument.
Now choose one of the songs and listen to the instrument again.

Press the "Reset" button to bring all the harmonics back to zero. Now, you can start playing with the harmonics by yourself. To do this, click and hold on one of the sliders and move it up and down along the harmonic bar. When you decide where to put the slider just let go of the mouse button and move to the next harmonic. First, you might want to try to copy the harmonics from the instrument you just heard. Then, when you think you've mastered moving the sliders on the harmonics, create your own instrument! By playing with the controls, you will be able to create and shape your wave any way you like it. For example, you can create an approximation of a square wave by setting all of the even harmonics to zero and setting the odd ones at decreasing levels. Experiment and see what other types of waves you can make. Who knows? Maybe you'll stumble upon the sound of another instrument or make a new instrument sound altogether! If you like what you've created, click "Post It!" to share it with others on our message board.