An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX architecture - Lesson 4.

For this article, I'm going to delve into an area where FM synthesizers like the Reface DX are especially versatile -- the creation of pad sounds. Because of the amount of harmonic (overtone) content that can be created by even just a single modulator, FM synthesis is capable of creating a vast array of evolving and shifting pad sounds and timbres. The first place to start in constructing your pad sound is the Algorithm – which one to choose?

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX architecture - Lesson 5

For this installment, I'm going to discuss another area where FM synthesis is very versatile across the wide spectrum of musical styles – Bass sounds. From the Bass 1 and Fretless presets in the original DX7 to the LatelyBass and SolidBass patches in the TX81Z & DX100, the legacy of FM for Bass sounds is well known. So, starting from the "bottom up" as it were, let's build some Bass sounds.

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX architecture - Lesson 5

For this installment, I'm going to discuss another area where FM synthesis is very versatile across the wide spectrum of musical styles – Bass sounds. From the Bass 1 and Fretless presets in the original DX7 to the LatelyBass and SolidBass patches in the TX81Z & DX100, the legacy of FM for Bass sounds is well known. So, starting from the "bottom up" as it were, let's build some Bass sounds.

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha reface DX architecture - Lesson 6

Hopefully with the articles so far, you've been able to gain a reasonable understanding and 'ear experience' with how FM synthesis behaves. This article is going to put together many of the concepts discussed prior in this series and take a little deeper dive into FM than in the previous articles. We are going to do this as we go into another area where FM synthesis is very effective and powerful – lead sounds.

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha reface DX architecture - Lesson 7

For this final article, I'll build on the concepts covered in prior articles and discuss some advanced tips, tricks - and unusual FM quirks - I've learned in my 30+ years of programming Yamaha FM synthesizers. These advanced concepts can help you to twist your sound creations in some unique and personal ways. Four tricks & quirks I'm going to discuss are: Velocity Tricks; Envelope Level Tricks; Detuning Quirks; and, Fixed Frequency Sub-Audio Carriers. So, off we go!

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha reface DX architecture - Lesson 7

For this final article, I'll build on the concepts covered in prior articles and discuss some advanced tips, tricks - and unusual FM quirks - I've learned in my 30+ years of programming Yamaha FM synthesizers. These advanced concepts can help you to twist your sound creations in some unique and personal ways. Four tricks & quirks I'm going to discuss are: Velocity Tricks; Envelope Level Tricks; Detuning Quirks; and, Fixed Frequency Sub-Audio Carriers. So, off we go!

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX Architecture - Lesson 3.

In the last lesson, you learned how to program Solo Brass Voices (if you missed it, check it out here). Now experience how to enrich your repertoire - and sound - by creating Ensemble Brass Voices.

An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX architecture - the first in a new series.

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An FM Synthesis Programming Tutorial focusing on the Yamaha Reface DX architecture - the first in a new series.