Oscilloscope
Module ID: util.oscilloscope
Category: Visualization
Header Color: Cyan
The Oscilloscope module
Description
The Oscilloscope provides real-time visualization of audio and control signals. It displays waveforms, helping you understand what's happening in your patch, debug signal problems, and learn how different modules affect signals.
Inputs
| Port | Signal Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Input 1 | Any (matches input) | First signal to display (typically audio) |
| Input 2 | Any (matches input) | Second signal to display (overlay) |
| Trigger | Gate (Green) | External trigger for stable display |
Outputs
| Port | Signal Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Thru 1 | Any | Passthrough of Input 1 |
| Thru 2 | Any | Passthrough of Input 2 |
Parameters
| Knob | Range | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | 1 ms - 500 ms | 20 ms | Time window displayed |
| Scale 1 | 0.1x - 10x | 1x | Vertical scale for Input 1 |
| Scale 2 | 0.1x - 10x | 1x | Vertical scale for Input 2 |
| Trigger Level | -1.0 to +1.0 | 0.0 | Trigger threshold |
| Trigger Mode | Auto/Normal/Single | Auto | Triggering behavior |
Display Elements
Waveform Display
The main area shows the signal amplitude over time:
- Horizontal axis: Time (left = past, right = present)
- Vertical axis: Amplitude (-1.0 to +1.0)
- Channel 1: Typically blue trace
- Channel 2: Typically orange trace (overlay)
Grid
Reference grid helps estimate values:
- Horizontal lines at -1, -0.5, 0, +0.5, +1
- Vertical time divisions based on Time setting
Measurements
May display:
- Frequency: Detected fundamental frequency
- Peak-to-Peak: Amplitude range
- DC Offset: Average signal level
Usage Tips
Viewing Oscillator Waveforms
See what your oscillator outputs:
[Oscillator] ──> [Oscilloscope Input 1]
──> [Rest of patch]
Verify waveform shape, frequency, and level.
Comparing Two Signals
View two signals overlaid:
[Oscillator 1] ──> [Scope Input 1]
[Oscillator 2] ──> [Scope Input 2]
Useful for:
- Comparing waveforms
- Checking phase relationships
- Viewing before/after processing
Viewing Envelopes
See envelope shape in real-time:
[ADSR Output] ──> [Oscilloscope Input 1]
Adjust Time to 100-500ms to see the full envelope cycle.
Viewing LFO
Check LFO waveform and rate:
[LFO] ──> [Oscilloscope Input 1]
Time setting should be longer than one LFO cycle.
Debugging Signal Problems
No sound? Check the scope:
[Mystery Signal] ──> [Oscilloscope]
- Flat line: No signal
- Clipped/squared-off peaks: Distortion/clipping
- DC offset: Signal not centered around zero
- Expected waveform: Signal is fine, problem is elsewhere
Stable Display with External Trigger
For synced display of periodic signals:
[Clock] ──> [Oscilloscope Trigger]
[Signal] ──> [Oscilloscope Input]
The display starts at the same point each cycle.
Trigger Modes
Auto: Triggers automatically if no trigger detected Normal: Only displays when trigger threshold is crossed Single: Captures one sweep, then freezes (for transients)
Using Thru Outputs
The scope passes signals through, so it can be inserted anywhere:
[Osc] ──> [Scope Input 1]
[Scope Thru 1] ──> [Filter] ──> [Scope Input 2]
[Scope Thru 2] ──> [VCA] ──> [Output]
See signal before and after filter.
Setting Time Scale
| Signal Type | Time Setting |
|---|---|
| Audio (440 Hz) | 5-10 ms |
| Bass (100 Hz) | 20-50 ms |
| LFO (1 Hz) | 500-1000 ms |
| Envelope | 100-500 ms |
| Control signals | 50-200 ms |
Amplitude Scaling
If signal is too quiet or too loud:
- Use Scale knob to zoom in/out
- 1x = full range display
- 2x = shows half range (zoomed in)
- 0.5x = shows double range (zoomed out)
What to Look For
Healthy Signals
| Signal Type | Expected Appearance |
|---|---|
| Sine | Smooth curve |
| Square | Flat tops and bottoms |
| Saw | Diagonal ramp |
| Triangle | Symmetric slopes |
| Envelope | Rising/falling shape |
| Gate | Flat at 0 or 1 |
Problem Signs
| Appearance | Possible Problem |
|---|---|
| Flat line | No signal |
| All noise | Broken connection |
| Clipped tops | Input too hot |
| DC shift | DC offset added |
| Unstable | Feedback loop |
| Too fast | Time setting too slow |
Connection Examples
Signal Chain Analysis
[Osc] ──> [Scope In 1, Thru 1] ──> [Filter] ──> [Scope In 2, Thru 2] ──> [Output]
Envelope Visualization
[Gate] ──> [ADSR] ──> [Scope In 1]
LFO Phase Check
[LFO 1] ──> [Scope In 1]
[LFO 2] ──> [Scope In 2]
Pre/Post Effect
[Audio] ──> [Scope In 1, Thru 1] ──> [Distortion] ──> [Scope In 2]
Tips
- Insert anywhere: Use Thru outputs to monitor without breaking the signal chain
- Match time to signal: Audio needs fast time, envelopes need slow time
- Use trigger: For stable display of periodic signals
- Two channels: Compare before/after or two related signals
- Check levels: Scope shows you clipping before you hear it
Related Modules
- Oscillator - Waveforms to visualize
- LFO - Modulation to visualize
- ADSR Envelope - Envelopes to visualize
- MIDI Monitor - MIDI visualization alternative