LFO modules used as audio-rate partial generators extend oscillator count cheaply at the cost of aliasing and limited harmonic control

On systems with limited DSP (like the Nord Modular), dedicated audio oscillator modules are expensive. Triangle-wave LFO slave modules use fewer DSP cycles than proper audio oscillators and can serve as partial generators for additive synthesis. At audio rates, triangle LFOs alias (produce spurious frequencies not harmonically related to the fundamental) and offer limited frequency control. Triangle waves also contain some low-amplitude upper harmonics (unlike pure sines), slightly polluting partial independence. The result suits dense, noisy, clangorous textures rather than precise harmonic resynthesis.

Examples

Nord Modular patch using 64 slave LFO triangle oscillators for additive synthesis. Groups of 8 oscillators share a single envelope generator (group synthesis). Audio mixers used for convenience over control mixers (8-input vs 2-input per summing stage).

Assessment

List two advantages and two disadvantages of using LFO modules as audio-rate partial generators in additive synthesis, and describe what kind of sounds this approach is best suited to produce.