Wavetable synthesis is one of my personal favourite methods of synthesis. A Wavetable usually refers to a collection of pre recorded waveforms that use a Digital Interpolation Algorithm. A Digital Interpolation Algorithm is a way of accurately estimating unknown data values in gaps between recorded data, in the case of waveforms, this means working out the missing frequencies allowing them to flow as seamlessly as possible. This kind of synthesis has become increasingly popular as many popular VSTs synthesisers use Wavetable Synthesis such as Serum.  

I personally use Ableton’s accurately named Wavetable. Wavetable contains 2 oscillators, an amp, 2 envelopes and 2 LFOs which can all be easily programmed in the ‘Matrix’ menu. There is a huge ammount of potential within Wavetable, most notably due to the vast array of waveforms and wavetables availble for both the oscillators. At first in the oscillator window/s you are presented with the ‘basic shapes’ selection where you can select either a sine, saw, square or triangle. However, in the true style of Wavetable Synthesis you select the shape with a slider that adjusts your position on the wavetable, allowing you to instead of selecting one waveform shape place your position in-between them to get a mix of multiple. When you browse and select one of the other options in the oscillator window you can select from a wide range of wavetables, including recordings of other synthesisers and white noise for example. You can then assign your wavetable position on one or both of your oscillators to a modulator such as an LFO or Envelope, this can create a level of depth movement and texture that is hard to get with just a filter or ADSR. I personally use Wavetable a lot when working on ambient music or soundscapes, setting your wavetable position on one oscillator to a slow LFO is useful to avoid something sounding too stagnant. A second great use for Wavetable is to create bass patches as it has the ability to add a sub layer to your patch, you can tune it yourself in semitones or select an octave below you wish to have your sub at.