Oscillator start phase controls whether a note begins at a zero crossing or at a waveform peak, affecting click harshness

When an oscillator is retriggered by a note-on, it can resume from wherever it left off (free-running phase) or reset to a defined point in the waveform cycle. Phase set to 0° starts at the zero crossing — the signal begins quietly and ramps up. Phase advanced toward 90° (peak) starts the waveform at maximum amplitude, creating an immediate discontinuity with silence that the listener hears as a click or hard transient. For drum synthesis this is a feature: a high start phase produces a precise, sharp attack that cuts through a mix. Setting phase to 0 is better for pad-like or legato material where a click would be unwanted.

Examples

Operator: set Osc phase to 0 = soft start; set phase to ~90° = hard click at note-on. Useful for punch in kick and snare; set to 0 for hi-hats where the click would be distracting.

Assessment

Describe the waveform shape difference between phase=0 and phase=90 at note onset. Then name one drum voice where a high start phase is desirable and one where it is not.