Waldorf Pulse 2 - Manual (Page 49)

Sound Synthesis Basics
49 Pulse 2 User Manual
Additive components of the square wave with 50%
pulse width
The Pulse Wave
The Pulse Wave is the most versatile wave in a classic
synthesizer because its shape and therefore its harmonic
content can be changed in real time. This is done by
changing the width of the upper and lower portion of
the waveform cycle. These portions are called pulses,
hence the name pulse width. The width of the first pulse
is used to distinguish between different pulse waves and
it is measured in percent. The following picture shows
several pulse waves with different pulse widths:
1 3 5 7 9
Frequency
Magnitude
Time
Amplitude
+
=
1st Harmonic
Magnitude 1
5th Harmonic
Magnitude 1/5
7th Harmonic
Magnitude 1/7
Harmonics
+
+
+
.
.
11 13 15
3rd Harmonic
Magnitude 1/3