Waveform Types
Choose sine, square, or sawtooth based on timbre and what the data needs to communicate.
When choosing a waveform, consider both how the sound will feel and what the data needs to communicate. Each waveform has a distinct timbre, so the best choice depends on the data.
Comparison
| Waveform | Characteristics | Change Detection Accuracy | Auditory Fatigue | Suitable Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sine | Smooth and pure tone | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | Everyday values and gently sloping trends |
| Square | Strong attack, abrupt transitions | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Outliers, warnings, and state transitions |
| Sawtooth | Clear rise/fall, strong harmonics | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Emphasizing slopes and trends |
In this table, more stars under Auditory Fatigue mean greater listening comfort (less fatiguing).
Usage
const sonifier = new Sonifier({
waveType: 'sine', // default
// waveType: 'square',
// waveType: 'sawtooth',
});
// Change waveform dynamically
sonifier.setConfig({
waveType: 'square',
});
await sonifier.sonify(data, 'frequency', { autoPlay: true });Sound character
sine(default): A smooth, rounded wave with a soft, pure tone.square: A sharp, rectangular wave with a bright, buzzy tone and rich harmonics.sawtooth: A bright, edgy tone that makes rises and falls easier to hear.