What is Noise in Synthesis?

Noise is a signal with no pitch — just a constant stream of random frequencies. It might sound like radio static, wind, or TV snow. In synths, noise is surprisingly useful as a raw texture, modulation source, or randomness generator.

Types of Noise

• White Noise: Equal energy across all frequencies. Bright, harsh, hissy. Great for snares, cymbals, or wind FX.
• Pink Noise: Lower frequencies emphasized. More natural sounding, like distant thunder or ocean noise.
• Red/Brown Noise: Even bassier and deeper — sometimes rumbly or subby.
• Blue/Violet Noise: Boosted highs. More rare in synths, but usable for airy, bright textures.
• Digital / Sampled Noise: Some modules use random step generators or quirky sources that aren't "pure" noise but still chaotic and musical.

Why Use Noise?

• Drums: Layer with envelopes for snares, hats, claps, and more.
• Textures: Use noise filtered and modulated for ambient beds or weird machines.
• Modulation: Feed noise into a sample & hold or as CV randomness.

Noise is unpredictable and raw — which makes it super musical when used right. It’s also great for breaking out of clean, harmonic spaces and adding organic imperfections.