This paper presents a method for synthesizing audio signals from
nonlinear dynamical systems exhibiting stable limit cycles, with
control over frequency and amplitude independent of changes to
the system’s internal parameters. Using the van der Pol oscillator
and the Brusselator as case studies, it is demonstrated how parameters are decoupled from frequency and amplitude by rescaling the
angular frequency and normalizing amplitude extrema. Practical
implementation considerations are discussed, as are the limits and
challenges of this approach. The method’s validity is evaluated experimentally and synthesis examples show the application of tunable nonlinear oscillators in sound design, including the generation
of transients in FM synthesis by means of a van der Pol oscillator
and a Supersaw oscillator bank based on the Brusselator.