Can't make a steady sine tone in any synth

[InPhase]

I know this might sound lame but all I'm trying to do is produce a steady sine wave.

I've tried the init patch in several synths (Synthmaster, Zebralette), standalone and in a DAW.

There is always a slight change in pitch about once per second, as if a modulator was running. I've checked and am pretty sure no lfo's are active.

The same thing happens with a tone generator that doesn't have modulation options.

Is it possible to have a steady pitch or maybe there is an issue with my pc settings or hardware?

Thanks for any insight.

[planetearth]

It's extremely unlikely this would be related to your PC settings or hardware.

Have you inserted an oscilloscope (or even an accurate tuner) into the output of the synth to see what's happening? If the oscilloscope/tuner doesn't show any change in pitch, the problem could be with an effect running somewhere on your DAW.

Steve

[BertKoor]

What outputs the audio? Internal sound device or external interface? What make & mark, settings?

If you experience this, I suspect something is wrong with the audio clock (jitter) and should affect all audio played.

[InPhase]

I did some experimenting. When I play an instrument library like a piano or cello I don't have the wobbling pitch issue.

Looks like something in the synths that I'm not understanding. I'll keep looking.

[whyterabbyt]

does it happen if you bounce/record to a track then play -that- (just that, mute the VST)

[dconeill]

unlikely, given what's been written, but if you're outputting to audio do you happen to have a fan running in the room? That can cause pitch shifting by changing the volocity of airflow at an audible pitch.

[AdvancedFollower]

Another possibility is that something is sending garbage Pitch Bend or MIDI CC data to your VST's. Many cheap MIDI keyboards have crappy mod wheels that can send jittery data or even send data when you're not touching them at all.