The Bell Generator creates metallic bell tones entirely in the browser using FM (frequency modulation) synthesis with the Web Audio API. No samples, no plugins — five sine-wave oscillators interact across three FM layers to produce a rich, evolving harmonic spectrum. A primary carrier–modulator pair defines the core bell timbre, a secondary FM pair with a non-integer offset ratio adds inharmonic depth and subtle beating, and a high-ratio brilliance modulator injects a short burst of attack sizzle that simulates a hammer strike. Tweak six parameters across three groups, preview instantly, and export a one-shot WAV.
Tone — Tone sets the carrier frequency from deep gong to bright chime, Ratio controls the modulator-to-carrier frequency ratio with a quadratic curve that gives finer resolution in the 1–3.5 zone where most bell-like timbres live — values like 1.4 or 2.76 create the complex inharmonic partials that define a bell sound. FM Synthesis — FM Depth sets the modulation index — higher values add more sidebands for a denser, more metallic timbre, Mod Decay controls how quickly the modulator envelope fades — short values give a bright attack that clears into a pure tone, long values sustain the metallic character. Envelope — Decay sets the amplitude envelope length from a short tap to a long ringing sustain, Brightness controls both the lowpass filter cutoff and the level of the brilliance modulator — so it shapes the timbre from inside the FM structure, not just by cutting highs after the fact.