BaseAudioContext.createOscillator()

The createOscillator() method of the BaseAudioContext interface creates an OscillatorNode, a source representing a periodic waveform. It basically generates a constant tone.

Syntax

var oscillatorNode = audioCtx.createOscillator();

Returns

An OscillatorNode.

Example

The following example shows basic usage of an AudioContext to create an oscillator node. For applied examples/information, check out our Violent Theremin demo (see app.js for relevant code); also see our OscillatorNode page for more information.

// create web audio api context
var audioCtx = new (window.AudioContext || window.webkitAudioContext)();

// create Oscillator node
var oscillator = audioCtx.createOscillator();

oscillator.type = 'square';
oscillator.frequency.setValueAtTime(3000, audioCtx.currentTime); // value in hertz
oscillator.connect(audioCtx.destination);
oscillator.start();

Specifications

Specification Status Comment
Web Audio API
The definition of 'createOscillator' in that specification.
Working Draft

Browser compatibility

DesktopMobile
ChromeEdgeFirefoxInternet ExplorerOperaSafariAndroid webviewChrome for AndroidFirefox for AndroidOpera for AndroidSafari on iOSSamsung Internet
createOscillatorChrome Full support 10
Prefixed
Full support 10
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Edge Full support ≤18Firefox Full support 53
Notes
Full support 53
Notes
Notes Originally implemented on AudioContext in Firefox 25.
IE No support NoOpera Full support 22
Full support 22
Full support 15
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Safari Full support 6
Prefixed
Full support 6
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
WebView Android Full support YesChrome Android Full support 33Firefox Android Full support 53
Notes
Full support 53
Notes
Notes Originally implemented on AudioContext in Firefox Android 26.
Opera Android Full support 22
Full support 22
Full support 14
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Safari iOS Full support 6
Prefixed
Full support 6
Prefixed
Prefixed Implemented with the vendor prefix: webkit
Samsung Internet Android Full support 2.0

Legend

Full support
Full support
No support
No support
See implementation notes.
See implementation notes.
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.
Requires a vendor prefix or different name for use.

See also