How to learn Yamaha DX7 Synthesizer - Tutorial: FM Synthesis Sound Design Tub Bells Part 1

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

Great tutorial as always. You basically brought me 30 years back when I was fiddling with my DX7-IID with its manual and a book on how to program 600 new sound for the DX I & II. I'll have to start messing again with the amazing Dexed plugin and my Volca FM. Thanks for your amazing work. You are right about learning the basics and the principles behind first. Playing with parameters is fun but chance sound design can get you frustrated fast and it does not pay in the long run.

[@powerdx7383]

Thank you. Yes, playing with parameters is so limited, and like you said you will be frustrated, because you will soon run out of any ideas (or no ideas what you are doing). I've learnt in a hard way that you really need to have a systematic, yet hands-on approach in FM sound design. The famous Tub Bells patch is an great example. You can actually learn a lot from it. The next tutorial will be around EG which, as you know, is quite deep for an old synth (and even modern synths). You have 8 parameters and you have 6 of them (per operator)!!!!!! I will take you guys through the analysis of the Tub Bells, then we will move into a territory of systematically making improvements. Rather than just jump into changing parameters, I want to people to learn how to analyse those famous factory patch and learn many aspects of the FM synthesis before making any changes. Learning the FM synthesis is not easy and not for everyone. But if you are ready for a challenge, with your patience and persistence, you will learn more about the DX& FM synthesis. Cheers, Power DX7.

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

Power DX7 Yep, EG is huge and it can make or break a sound.

[@powerdx7383]

Yes, it can. The DX7 EG is quite involving, so the next tutorial is dedicated for EG only. The 3rd one revise EG and then moving on to Rate Scaling, Output Level, Velocity Sensitivity etc. By doing this, I'm pacing tutorials for beginners and new comers to the DXs and FM synthesis.

[@Miicrowahvei]

This is really good! It reminds of educational videos used in music schools!

[@powerdx7383]

Thank you. Yes, my aim is to make my tutorial really educational and hands-on. I have experience in teaching complex IT systems to non-technical people (e.g., beginners), so I've been spending a lo of time thinking and planning contents and presentation of my tutorials. It looks like my effort is paying off!!! Cheers, Power DX7.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Absolutely BRILLIANT! Well done, a superb effort! Amazing how you manage to TRANSLATE everything into English!

[@powerdx7383]

Hi Paul, thanks for your positive comment. I'm glad that someone like you who are very familiar with FM synths, appreciate a lot of efforts I put into making a tutorial video like this one. I really wanted to make tutorial videos that are very clear and concise, as well as practical. I hope I met those criteria!!!! Cheers, Power DX7.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

The GRAPHICS you use are excellent! They look professional. Did you use POWER POINT for the presentation?

[@powerdx7383]

I was tossing the idea of using either PowerPoint or Key Note. I decided to use Key Note which has better graphics capability. Tables, algorithms and other graphics are created by myself. I took photos and cropped them as well. All slides are exported from Key Note as images. Each image is loaded into iMovie. I did voice over and adjust the length of each slide to sync with the voice over, using my old but trusty Sony TCD-D8 DAT Walkman with a Sony ECM-959A mic. The DX7 sounds are recorded by Logic Pro X and exported as audio files, and used in the video.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Wow, thats a really long process! I thought my videos were time consuming! lol I did not realize the DX7 IMAGES where photos. I have not heard of KEY NOTE?

[@powerdx7383]

If I wanted to do tutorials, then I wanted to do them properly. Teaching and training people about the FM synthesis is not an easy task!!! I have solid experience in training people to use complex IT systems, so I'm utilising that skills to create great tutorial videos. When you receive training from experienced people, they put a lot of efforts in designing training materials. Length, contents, how often, introducing new concepts at what levels, presentations, coaching and mentoring etc. My vision is to establish the Power DX7 Brand/ channel as a premier provider of amazing FM synthesis tutorial & training contents as well as DX7 demos. I'm also planning to create contents for FM8 which I bought two weeks ago at a half price! If my tutorial contents are successful, then I can work on creating a guide book about the FM synthesis and DX7 based on those contents, with much deeper levels.

[@Miicrowahvei]

Aaaaah! I love these! More DX! I.NEED. MORE. DX!

[@powerdx7383]

We've only just scratched the surface........ It's quite deep and it still has a lot to offer. Our understanding of the FM synthesis has to greatly improve, so that we can really push the DX7 to the next level of FM sound design!!! Cheers, Power DX7.

[@pulusound]

Great videos, thank you! I have a good understanding of the math involved in FM synthesis, but going from that to practical sound design hasn't been so easy. :) I look forward to the next part.

[@powerdx7383]

Thank you. My intention is to make my tutorial systematic yet hands-on and practical. The next one will going to EG which is quite deep for an old synth like the DX7. I will continue to use the Tub Bells as an example, as it's a great patch that you can learn so much from it. Cheers, Power DX7.

[@alejandronieto576]

Thank you, from Buenos Aires!!

[@synthscolors]

Great FM synthesis tutorial ! Great technical approach to figure how different parameters allows sounds changes... hat off & thanks ... Excellent weekend to you & keep it up with the great work ! ;-))

[@powerdx7383]

Thank you. I saw a need for more detailed analysis of the FM sound design, rather than someone just adjusting parameters etc. The way I learnt (in a hard way with many failed patches) is that you really need to have a systematic approach for the FM synthesis. And the essential skill that you need to have is to be able to analyse a sound and understand how a patch is created using the FM synthesis. The famous Tub Bells patch provides you with amazing amount of useful information, so I decided to use it as an example. The next tutorial will cover EG in details. Stay tuned, Cheers, Power DX7.

[@synthscolors]

My pleasure ! Yes, FM Synthesis really need to understand how a sound / patch is created... to know "where to go" straight... to get the right, expected sound result... And at the end, ears will remain the best judge ;-)) All the best to you & keep it up ! ;-))

[@powerdx7383]

I totally agree. Train your ears to listen carefully and train your brain to be able to analyse a sound and breaking it into specific harmonics/ inharmonics. Then train your brain to think in the FM synthesis sound design process, starting from algorithm. When you can do that without hesitation, then you can master the FM synthesis!!!!! Cheers, Power DX7.

[@synthscolors]

Perfectly said ... and finally get this "way of programming" as natural as for others synthesis ... ... as Mr Alan Wilder was saying in the "101 tour documentary" about his performing way "You just go there !" ! ;-)) Excellent week to you ! ;-))

[@Marius-bd9jb]

Great Work!

[@powerdx7383]

Thank you. Feel free to check other tutorials for the famous Tub Bells. Cheers, Power DX7.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I wish this video had been available in 1986 when I was struggling with my 'DX21'! This series would have sold 1,000's of copies I am sure . . .

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

Exactly! I feel your pain. Been there done that 30 years back too ;)

[@monsterjazzlicks]

The DX21 is still possibly my favorite all time synth! ;-)

[@powerdx7383]

Yes, I'm feeling the same thing. What I realised over many years of agony and pain with my DX7 is that you need to develop your FM synthesis analytical mind set. You need to be able to hear a sound from the FM synthesis perspective and analyse it, so that you can re-construct that sound using the FM synthesis logic, starting from Algorithm. That's why instead of just showing how to make a sound, I'm introducing the concept of the FM sound design via analysis. The famous Tub Bells is a great example. It's iconic tone was created by the FM synthesis sound design process!!!! Your ability to analyse a sound using the FM synthesis will not only help you to understand the FM synthesis, but it will improve your skills in creating sound that you want via FM synthesis.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

It would be a good idea to go thru all the FACTORY PRESETS and STUDY their PARAMETERS! A lot can be learnt from COPYING!

[@powerdx7383]

Definitely, I will be looking into those original factory patches for more inspirations. What I really want to explain to the world is that, before changing parameters, let's just look at those factory patches and learn how they are created using the FM synthesis. You really need to develop your own FM synthesis analysis skills. Otherwise, you are likely to change parameters here and there without any systematic and logical approaches, and you will rely on luck!!!! Cheers, Power DX7.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I never considered the ORDER of the EDIT PARAMETERS before. I can see it makes sense, however I always start with the ALG, and then my next step is always FREQ. COURSE.

[@powerdx7383]

Hi Paul, Yes, that's how you approach the DX7 and FM synthesis sound design. Algorithm is always the first one and the most difficult one. Then you move to Oscillator, then EG etc. Cheers, Power DX7.

[@powerdx7383]

Your approach is similar to my approach. Basically you concentrate on Priority Parameters so that you can influence FM sound design upfront. Other parameters can be used for fine tuning later......

[@monsterjazzlicks]

Yes, you get the FUNDAMENTAL settings out of the way first and then move onto the 'icing on the cake' . . .

[@powerdx7383]

Exactly!

[@carmafons.a.3403]

Excelent video, but not everybody have time for make their own programming and need the help of specialists like you for obtain good sounds. When you will put your sound patches collection for sale or share?

[@dominicf4757]

Thank you!!!

[@powerdx7383]

Thanks for enjoying watching and learning the DX7 and FM synthesis from the beginning. Some people want to skip these basics and straight into making some patches, but I want to teach people that learning the FM synthesis is very different from learning analog synths. You need patience and persistence to learn the FM synthesis properly from group up. The next tutorial will analyse the famous Tub Bells by going deep into the DX7 envelop generator which could be confusing and complex for a lot of people (who are used to using analog synths' ADSR envelops). Cheers, Power DX7.

[@jsprite123]

I love your videos. But I'm still confused about those RATIOS. Ratios are between two numbers/things. What exactly are they? Thank you.

[@powerdx7383]

Yes, that's correct. Instead of saying 1 octave or 2 octaves, the DX7 uses Frequency Ratio. So if a carrier and modulator ratio are 1.00 and 1.00, then both operators produce sine waves at the same octave range when you press a key say C3. If you have ratio of 2.00 and 2.00 for both the carrier and modulator, they produce sine waves at 1 octave rage higher, say C4 when you press C3. There is a simple explanation with my video. I created this playlist for beginner and explain in a simple manner about the DX7, FM synthesis MIDI and Audio recording. kzbin.info/aero/PLS1dRgO-URANOAowrDTFgyts-ZZglzKr4 Enjoy! If you still not sure, and if there is enough demand, I can create tutorial videos explaining about DX7 key parameters.

[@jsprite123]

Thanks, I missed that video you suggested. It makes sense now.

[@powerdx7383]

Glad that it's helpful. Once you understand how it works, you can start watching other Power DX7 tutorial videos and learn how to make new Tub Bells and electric piano patches!!! Enjoy!!!

[@danield4559]

Breakfast at Taco Bell, served 'til 11AM. 5:40

[@foxyr4bbit]

this is great but makes me sleepy

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I don't know what has happened to You Tube but the NEW settings are totally awful and completely unreliable. There was NOTHING wrong with the older version and nor did it need modifying!

[@powerdx7383]

I agree. They need to fix critical features such as notifications and in my case, my channel editing!!!! They also need to do a lot of beta testing to nut out annoying bugs etc. Cheers, Power DX7.

[@monsterjazzlicks]

You used to be able to REPLY to a COMMENT by clicking on the ALARM BELL icon. Now you have to actually VISIT the page of the video itself! Its really annoying.

[@powerdx7383]

That's strange. Mine is working, but a wired thing is happening with my comment section for the second tutorial. I can't directly go to view all comments. And the number of comments is not adding up!!!!! Something really strange is going on.......

[@monsterjazzlicks]

I had that second point a couple of weeks back and is still tonging. It says I have (say) 20 x comments but only 10 are showing?!

[@powerdx7383]

You Tube needs a proper technical team to solve problems and fix bugs, instead of relying on user contributions. They could set up a bulletin system or technical info repository so that people can easily search and find right answers from official KZbin channel.