LFO

Arts & Entertainment abbreviation · Music

LFO
Stands forLow-frequency oscillator
CategoriesArts & Entertainment

LFO stands for Low-frequency oscillator, a music abbreviation.

Synthesizer component that produces a slow repeating wave, usually below 20 Hz, used to modulate other parameters for vibrato, tremolo, filter sweeps or the "wobble" in dubstep bass.

Example: Sync the LFO to the tempo for a wobble every eighth note.

Usage notes

Because an LFO runs below the range of hearing, it is used to move other sounds rather than heard directly. Common shapes include sine, triangle, square, sawtooth and random. Many guitar effects, such as chorus and phaser, also rely on LFOs.

More music abbreviations

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  • feat. – Featuring
  • ff – Fortissimo
  • FOH – Front of house
  • IFPI – International Federation of the Phonographic Industry
  • K. – Köchel catalogue number
  • LP – Long-playing record
  • MC – Master of ceremonies
  • mf – Mezzo-forte
  • MIDI – Musical Instrument Digital Interface
  • MPC – Music Production Center
  • Op. – Opus

See all 56 music abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.