OscillatorNode.type

The type property of the OscillatorNode interface represents the shape of the oscillator wave generated. Different waves will produce different tones.

The different available values are:

  • sine
  • square
  • sawtooth
  • triangle
  • custom

Note: You can use the OscillatorNode.setPeriodicWave method when using custom to use a custom wave type.

Syntax

var oscillator = audioCtx.createOscillator();
oscillator.type = 'square';

Value

An a-rate AudioParam.

Example

The following example shows basic usage of an AudioContext to create an oscillator node. For an applied example, check out our Violent Theremin demo (see app.js for relevant code).

// create web audio api context
var audioCtx = new (window.AudioContext || window.webkitAudioContext)();

// create Oscillator node
var oscillator = audioCtx.createOscillator();

oscillator.type = 'square';
oscillator.frequency.value = 3000; // value in hertz
oscillator.start();

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Web Audio API
The definition of 'type' in that specification.
Working Draft  

Browser compatibility

Feature Chrome Firefox (Gecko) Internet Explorer Opera Safari (WebKit)
Basic support 14 webkit 23 Not supported 15 webkit
22 (unprefixed)
6 webkit
Feature Android Chrome Firefox Mobile (Gecko) Firefox OS IE Phone Opera Mobile Safari Mobile
Basic support Not supported 28 webkit 25 1.2 Not supported Not supported webkit

See also

Document Tags and Contributors

 Contributors to this page: fscholz, arslonga, chrisdavidmills
 Last updated by: fscholz,