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How to Pass a Square Wave Through a Bandpass Filter

A square wave is one of the three basic waveforms generated by nearly any synthesizer (the others are sine and saw waves). When passing through a bandpass filter, which removes both high and low frequencies, this versatile waveform creates soaring leads, heavy bass, interesting effects and an array of other sounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Synthesizer
  • Audio filter
  • Digital audio workstation
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Instructions

    • 1

      Find the waveform section on your synthesizer. Look for the label "oscillator" or for icons of the three major waveforms: square, sine and saw.

    • 2

      Set the oscillator's waveform to "square," not "sine" or "saw."

    • 3

      Route the synthesizer's audio into the filter.

    • 4

      Select the "bandpass" option on your filter.

    • 5

      Play audio from your synthesizer.

    • 6

      Adjust the "frequency" and "Q" settings until you achieve the sound you're looking for. (The "frequency" knobs determine which bands pass through the filter. The "Q" knob widens or narrows the frequency range, along with the level boosted at the middle of the band.)

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