Wavetable Forge

The Project

Wavetable Forge was created to provide a simple, powerful tool for generating custom wavetables for modern synthesizers like Xfer Serum and Vital. The core idea is to move beyond simple sine, saw, and square waves by giving you direct, intuitive control over the starting and ending frames of a morphing wavetable. By drawing and adjusting parameters, you can sculpt unique timbres that would be difficult to create with traditional synthesis methods.

Key Features

• Dual Canvas Drawing: Draw the start (Frame 1) and end (Frame 2) of your morph.
• Real-time Playback: Audition your waveforms at Middle C (261.63 Hz).
• Morphing Export: Generate a single, two-second WAV file ready for import into VST synthesizers.
• Symmetry Control: Lock the waveform to a symmetrical shape for balanced harmonics.
• Tilt/Skew: Apply a global transformation to the harmonic content.

1. What is a Wavetable?

A wavetable is a sequence of single-cycle waveforms (or 'frames') that a synthesizer quickly steps through (morphs) to create evolving sounds. Wavetable Forge creates a two-frame table that transitions over time, which you can load into your favorite wavetable synth.

2. Sound is too Quiet/Loud?

Use the Master Volume slider in the footer to adjust the playback level. If a specific wave is quiet, click the Norm (Normalize) button for that frame to maximize its amplitude before combining it with the other frame for export.

3. Constant Power Crossfade?

This setting uses a mathematical crossfade (cosine/sine) that keeps the overall perceived loudness constant as the synthesizer transitions from Frame 1 to Frame 2. Linear Interpolation is simpler but can result in a momentary dip in volume halfway through the morph.

4. How to Import into Vital?

Once you click Export WAV, your browser will download a 16-bit WAV file. In Vital, simply drag and drop the file directly onto the wavetable display or into the wavetable browser. The 256 interpolated frames will load automatically.

5. How to Import into Serum 2?

Serum 2 requires a specific import process:

1. Click the pencil icon in the oscillator section to open the wavetable editor
2. Click Import at the top of the editor window
3. Select Audio via fixed frame size
4. Choose your exported WAV file
5. Click OK to complete the import

The wavetable will now display all 256 interpolated frames showing the smooth morph from Frame 1 to Frame 2.