THANK YOU. I'm currently writing a manual for a DAW and was baffled by the FM in a synth in it because I've pretty much only had experience with linear FM and had absolutely no idea what it was doing. It is INSANE that I've never heard of this distinction in FM types before. There seems to be shockingly little discussion about it online.
I’ve often wondered why the FM mode of my analogue synth doesn’t sound the same as even a 2-op patch, you’ve made it super clear! Also wow, people weren’t kidding when they said simply changing which operators are audible takes a few minutes in a traditional DX synth - in my Opsix I would’ve slid the faders for those operators down in two seconds! Of course I’d read it was an easier and faster user interface but I hadn’t looked into just how much that is true. Thanks!
I knew there was a difference between linear and exponential FM but, honestly, only because everyone talked about it. And of course I could hear the difference between "analog FM" and "digital FM". But never really understood the concept. Now I do, thank you for making this vid and compliments for your great explanation!
This synthesis method was also used in some arcade, console and PC videogames in form of the YM2151, YM2612 or YM3812 yamaha sound chips used during 80s and 90s. They bring me such good memories of my childhood...
i love this guy, he looks like he stole all the infinity stones. Thankfully some people are geeks on this subject and they give us "big guns" like he say. thanks for the video, very interesting.
Thank you so much for that explanation! Realised i've been going about it all wrong trying to build fm in puredata and applied this theory and its sounds worlds beyond now! BRILLIANT!
For someone studying eurorack modular synthesis this is a very nice inspiring video. Be it someone just starting or as a reminder review of a seasoned person. Thank you.
That was very well explained, thank you! Could you shed some light on through-zero FM? What it is, how to achieve it and how it sounds different from regular linear FM?
Basically linear but you can crank the fm depth all the way without it sounding as gritty as normal linear fm. As the name suggests it allows to go beyond 0 (negative frequencies).
at last i understand FM! ive been patching my moog dfam's pitch envelope into my mother-32's linear fm input to create a pseudo sidechain effect - whenever a kick drum hits, the frequency of the mother 32 (for example in a bassline) bends upwards a little depending on how much of the envelope i let through. it gets even better when putting the envelope through an inverter so that the linear fm causes the frequency to bend downwards, out of audible range. thank you for this great video. i look forward to more of your videos.
Keith! Excellent vid thank you! I'm a DSI Pro 2 owner and just found out about the Linear FM update for the Pro 2 firmware and I needed to know what the hell that even meant!
Great video! you did a great job clarifying the differences between lin and exp FM. I haven't ever bothered to do too much in the way of FM, but I tried some on my modular. Unfortunately the analog oscillators weren't perfect enough to get sounds similar to what you got on the DX11. Got me tempted to pick up a similar keyboard just to explore more along the lines of FM. Unfortunately most FM synths seem to have poor interfaces.
Opsix is the way to go if you want the structure of FM reflected in the user interface with almost one knob per function. The refaceDX someone else mentioned was certainly very good when it was new but compared to the Opsix there’s a lot more menu diving. Plus it’s just touch pads instead of knobs and faders.
Some people say, Yamaha's FM synthesis is not really FM, but Phase Modulation, which I don't really get because frequency modulation is achieved by speeding and slowing (or even reversing backwards) a phase of a wave (I guess). So many things still to learn about my TX81z, but meanwhile I understood one thing. I need to learn about various natural (physical) ways harmonics "grow" from musical instruments too. E.g.: string instruments produce harmonics that are slightly sharper (therefore inharmonious) than basic note fq (thickness of a string). I don't know if that can be reproduced with DX synths, and there are some softsynths that can do that, but I can tell it's very difficult to find analytic texts about where in nature (I mean in physical systems like musical instruments, primarly) a frequency modulation occures, ...and how (and the ones that can be mimicked by FM, like cutoff filter sweeps)
I'm glad you liked the video. I'm currently working on a new video, showing how to develop a bass FM patch, with all of the nitty gritty details explained.
I'm quite confused about some videos that sate that FM synthesis is truly Phase modulation. So I'm not sure if they are wrong and it is just a problem fo confusing Linear and Exponential FM
Thanks this was really informative. The sound at the beginning of the video was a bit odd for me, but the explanation was crystal clear. Thanks again!!...
Thanks for the video Keith, but I was thinking there might be more to digital FM, at least the way it is implemented by Yamaha. Isn't there something called 'through zero' FM that causes the harmonic series to be more 'manageable' in digital FM? Through zero FM is supposed to be a huge reason why FM synths sound the way they do. I know through zero can be implemented in analog but it's quite complicated. I'd love to see a video discussing more of this topic.
Yes. Yamaha-style FM synths do through zero as well, which is another thing that helps keep the carrier average frequency the same. The last thing is that Yamaha-style FM uses phase modulation instead of directly modulating frequency... the effect is mostly the same if your modulator is a sine wave, except it makes it much easier to keep the carrier in tune, since even if your modulator has a DC offset, the average frequency won't change.
Thanks for a clear and informative video! One question: was the pitch of oscillator 2 (the modulator) fixed? I think that was your point in contrasting exponential (modulator’s pitch tracks the keyboard) with linear (modulator’s pitch is constant, no matter what note you play?) Regrettably, I don’t have my DX 7 anymore, so I can’t check it out that easily! Thanks again.
![Alternate Tunings With The [KRM-100] MIDI-CV-Arpeggiator](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yzl2V2ym-fQ/mqdefault.jpg)
![Alternate Tunings With The [KRM-100] MIDI-CV-Arpeggiator](/img/tr.png)
THANK YOU. I'm currently writing a manual for a DAW and was baffled by the FM in a synth in it because I've pretty much only had experience with linear FM and had absolutely no idea what it was doing. It is INSANE that I've never heard of this distinction in FM types before. There seems to be shockingly little discussion about it online.
You are most welcome. I'm glad you found my video useful.
I’ve often wondered why the FM mode of my analogue synth doesn’t sound the same as even a 2-op patch, you’ve made it super clear!
Also wow, people weren’t kidding when they said simply changing which operators are audible takes a few minutes in a traditional DX synth - in my Opsix I would’ve slid the faders for those operators down in two seconds! Of course I’d read it was an easier and faster user interface but I hadn’t looked into just how much that is true.
Thanks!
Best explanation of this subject on the net. Big up Keith!
Just found u channel. Great stuff brother.
FM is so weird. Musically, technically, everything-ly. This was great. I hope you can do a video with a Digitone one day.
I would have to agree with the Lumberjack man
I knew there was a difference between linear and exponential FM but, honestly, only because everyone talked about it.
And of course I could hear the difference between "analog FM" and "digital FM". But never really understood the concept.
Now I do, thank you for making this vid and compliments for your great explanation!
Это лучшее разъяснение из всех, какие я когда-либо встречал! Спасибо, Keith! 👍👍👍
Best explanation on exponential fm on TH-cam. Tried many vids and struggled. Thanks so much!
This synthesis method was also used in some arcade, console and PC videogames in form of the YM2151, YM2612 or YM3812 yamaha sound chips used during 80s and 90s. They bring me such good memories of my childhood...
Explained sega genesis and CX16 music to me quite well! (Both had a PSG inside them and a PCM channel too)
Get famitracker and make your own chiptune tracks!
i love this guy, he looks like he stole all the infinity stones. Thankfully some people are geeks on this subject and they give us "big guns" like he say. thanks for the video, very interesting.
Best demonstration ever. I learned something. I love it.
I'm glad you got something out of it! Thanks.
Thanks. Still not sure whether I want to tackle FM but you've definitely made it more approachable.
I'm glad I could add some clarity.
Thank you so much for that explanation! Realised i've been going about it all wrong trying to build fm in puredata and applied this theory and its sounds worlds beyond now! BRILLIANT!
This is a fantastic video, thank you! I followed along on the DX100. Interesting how the patch sounds different.
For someone studying eurorack modular synthesis this is a very nice inspiring video. Be it someone just starting or as a reminder review of a seasoned person. Thank you.
Thanks Chas. I'm glad you found this video inspiring.
so important to understand and demystify, you are a great communicator.
Best video on FM synthesis ever. Thank you!
That was very well explained, thank you! Could you shed some light on through-zero FM? What it is, how to achieve it and how it sounds different from regular linear FM?
Basically linear but you can crank the fm depth all the way without it sounding as gritty as normal linear fm. As the name suggests it allows to go beyond 0 (negative frequencies).
at last i understand FM! ive been patching my moog dfam's pitch envelope into my mother-32's linear fm input to create a pseudo sidechain effect - whenever a kick drum hits, the frequency of the mother 32 (for example in a bassline) bends upwards a little depending on how much of the envelope i let through. it gets even better when putting the envelope through an inverter so that the linear fm causes the frequency to bend downwards, out of audible range. thank you for this great video. i look forward to more of your videos.
Great video Keith! Keep up the good work!
Thanks for making this video. It was a great explanation of the difference between exponential and linear FM.
thanks for this knowledge..great vid..hope for more.
I like the pace of your videos. Also, this one is very informative - thanks for posting it!
Fantastic video. Such a simple and direct explanation. Thank you!
Thanks, Keith, that was really informative and answered the questions I had regarding the difference between the two types of FM.
Keith! Excellent vid thank you! I'm a DSI Pro 2 owner and just found out about the Linear FM update for the Pro 2 firmware and I needed to know what the hell that even meant!
I really appreciate your FM videos.
Amazing, very clear & no bs explanation... thanks!
No nonsense. Seriously wholesome.
This was very helpful for making identifying FM types!
You are welcome, Preston.
Very clear explanations - thank you. Very well designed video.
excellent concepts thanks for this
This actually made things clearer. Thanks.
that clears up
simply Wonderful
Your level of knowledge is a very enviable thing. I can’t wait to watch more!!
Thanks for the comment Grant.
easy to follow, very informative
Very interesting. Thanks for this easy to follow and understand video.
Hey thanks man, this is very clear ...
Thanks Keith,
Great video! you did a great job clarifying the differences between lin and exp FM. I haven't ever bothered to do too much in the way of FM, but I tried some on my modular. Unfortunately the analog oscillators weren't perfect enough to get sounds similar to what you got on the DX11. Got me tempted to pick up a similar keyboard just to explore more along the lines of FM. Unfortunately most FM synths seem to have poor interfaces.
you should check out yamaha's DX-Reface, it's got a good user interface with 4 operators
Cylonix Shapeshifter from intelijel is a beast of an FM complex osc as is Endorphines Furthrrrr generator.
Opsix is the way to go if you want the structure of FM reflected in the user interface with almost one knob per function.
The refaceDX someone else mentioned was certainly very good when it was new but compared to the Opsix there’s a lot more menu diving. Plus it’s just touch pads instead of knobs and faders.
Great explanation and demonstration. I hit subscribe about a minute and a half in. Checking out your other videos now.
Thanks for the subscribe Troy!
Awesome fm sound effects are alway's complex to make but worth it.
Very lightning explanation man. Thank You!
Fascinating. Brilliantly explained.
Great video, Keith. Keep these coming !
wonderful video and extremely clear explanation, thank you ☺️
more instruction classes on fm please!!!!! basic string/pads etc - these are great videos!
SAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice job man, thank you for the video
Great video! Looking forward to more hands on exporation on fm synthesis.
Nice explanation, thanks 👍
You are an awesome teacher!
Underrated video man. Great job, liked!
Thank you!
Great!
I've always wondered what the difference was !!
Thanks mate :)
Some people say, Yamaha's FM synthesis is not really FM, but Phase Modulation, which I don't really get because frequency modulation is achieved by speeding and slowing (or even reversing backwards) a phase of a wave (I guess).
So many things still to learn about my TX81z, but meanwhile I understood one thing. I need to learn about various natural (physical) ways harmonics "grow" from musical instruments too. E.g.: string instruments produce harmonics that are slightly sharper (therefore inharmonious) than basic note fq (thickness of a string).
I don't know if that can be reproduced with DX synths, and there are some softsynths that can do that, but I can tell it's very difficult to find analytic texts about where in nature (I mean in physical systems like musical instruments, primarly) a frequency modulation occures, ...and how (and the ones that can be mimicked by FM, like cutoff filter sweeps)
Great vid I've been looking to find. Could you plz post other vids to explain other types of algorithms?
Thank you. Just, Thank you.
Well explained and informative video
Thanks Vitor, I'm glad to pass on what I know.
I just bought a Yamaha TX-802, and I'd love to watch more videos like this to explain FM synthesis. Thank you! This was really great.
I'm glad you liked the video. I'm currently working on a new video, showing how to develop a bass FM patch, with all of the nitty gritty details explained.
Great!
Thank you. Great video :) Made perfect sense. Knowledge increased ✔
Thank you very much Keith
thank you a lot, very informative video
Hey! The Edirol UA-25! Nice to see one more around
Ok , got it ! Now going back to my DX7 ll with Grey Matter E ! Thanks .
Great video
Amazingly clear and logic explanation. Best, by far. Congratulations, keep on creating amazing content!
Thanks for the compliment Corneliu.
great video(s).
I'm quite confused about some videos that sate that FM synthesis is truly Phase modulation. So I'm not sure if they are wrong and it is just a problem fo confusing Linear and Exponential FM
Great vid
aweasome thanks
Thanks this was really informative.
The sound at the beginning of the video was a bit odd for me, but the explanation was crystal clear. Thanks again!!...
Great explanation. Thanks!
Well explained 👍
Thanks a bunch! Great Video!
Great!
great explanation! Thanks.
Finally, I get it!! Thank you
You are welcome.
Best you tube video I've seen in ages. Thanks :) great explanation. The mist has cleared.
FM synthesis tutorial, preparing for Volca FM (feat. Nord Modular G2)
Very helpful explanation, thanks.
Thank you!
great explanation, thanks keith!
Great video, Thank you!
Hey thank you for the information, i cleared my doubts respect this theme.
Thanks for the kind words Sir William.
Thanks so much!
great video, thank you
You are very welcome Nic.
Thanks for the video Keith, but I was thinking there might be more to digital FM, at least the way it is implemented by Yamaha. Isn't there something called 'through zero' FM that causes the harmonic series to be more 'manageable' in digital FM? Through zero FM is supposed to be a huge reason why FM synths sound the way they do. I know through zero can be implemented in analog but it's quite complicated. I'd love to see a video discussing more of this topic.
Yes. Yamaha-style FM synths do through zero as well, which is another thing that helps keep the carrier average frequency the same. The last thing is that Yamaha-style FM uses phase modulation instead of directly modulating frequency... the effect is mostly the same if your modulator is a sine wave, except it makes it much easier to keep the carrier in tune, since even if your modulator has a DC offset, the average frequency won't change.
Thanks so much for your reply. It was very informative.
So : for simplify :
Exponential is modulation in term of pitch
Linear is modulation in term of Hertz
I finally have the response ! Thanks !
Thanks for a clear and informative video!
One question: was the pitch of oscillator 2 (the modulator) fixed? I think that was your point in contrasting exponential (modulator’s pitch tracks the keyboard) with linear (modulator’s pitch is constant, no matter what note you play?)
Regrettably, I don’t have my DX 7 anymore, so I can’t check it out that easily!
Thanks again.
i think its the other way around
I wonder what kind of basses SeamlessR could make with that synth
Did anyone else catch the chemical brothers reference at 2:48? Really sounded just like the song
Excellent. Thanks!
Great explanation.
Thanks so much, this video was awesome!
awesome vid Keith
Great video!
Damn, was hoping someone could explain layer 3 and 4 in FM :)
thanks, very clear and informative!
Thanks!
Thanks