Yamaha DX7 FM Synthesis Tutorial | Algorithms Explained

NEW FM Synthesis Explained series WATCH NOW! • Operators & Algorithms...
In this FM synthesis tutorial, I'll explain FM algorithms and they are used. Be sure to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE and hit the BELL ICON so you know when I've uploaded new content.
To support the channel further check out my Patreon page: / madfame
All $2 or more Patrons can download my Custom Patch SYSEX files
Some of the music used in my videos is available on the Magic & Steel bandcamp page:
magicandsteel.bandcamp.com
This FM Synthesis series is great for those who are new to FM synths and own any FM synthesizer - Classic DX, FM-X/Montage, reface DX, Volca FM, Dexed, Arturia DX7 V etc.
Thanks for watching!

[@andycordy5190]

Long ago, in the infancy of the DX7, I rented one for a week ahead of a recording, having only very basic experience of a 2 oscillator analogue instrument. I remember it was a huge adventure working on sounds by ear, understanding very little of the synthesis by algorithm. The studio engineer was astounded that I'd managed to find what I wanted. In ten minutes you have taught me how to understand the basic requirements of using fm algorithms creatively. Amazing and touching to see a DX7 in use after almost 40 years😱

[@BobIrving2]

He's not wrong. This is the best video on this topic.

[@alexdbf2281]

Best channel on this topic absolutely

[@Budch]

Universal videos, not for only DX7. This videos helped me in programming... Sega Megadrive :)

[@madFame]

Megadrive, nice!!

[@TheZmusicGroup]

Also watching to better understand the sound capabilities of the Yamaha YM2612 inside the Megadrive! FM synth is interesting and both simple and complicated. I'm amazed by those who can create almost all kind of sounds with FM.

[@NunyaB1s]

I'm trying to learn how Kurzweil does their FM Synthesis (it's more organic, but also, more problematic because of that.) All the basics keep pointing back to Yamaha and the DX7. Kudos for using the oscilloscope! I hope you keep doing some more basic breakdowns as to how the operators work with each other. The Kurzweil lacks the ability to have feedback oscillators, but something tells me that this isn't a dealbreaker.

[@grizcuz]

It's a shame you don't have access to a time machine. You could have made yourself a small fortune through your FM/DX knowledge and skills in the 80's. Unless....you've spent the last 30 years understanding how FM works? I owned a DX100 and literally half my small town tried to get their head around it without much success and plenty of head scratching, swearing and mumbling. I steered well clear of anything FM until I bought a Digitone last year. Which I'm still a long way from mastering, but your videos are the clearest explanations I've found so far.

[@madFame]

I know right, I'd be one of the legends of FM programming, they'd write songs about my adventures. The truth is I've only been programming FM for 3 years now. I figured it out within a few days after years of scratching my head too. Since then I've been trying to share the goods with you good people!

[@iaroslavmelnik6915]

Same in USSR. Everyone was crazy how to get patches for dx.

[@joeschneider67]

Minute 4. That electric piano sound made DX7 the FM piano ever.

[@NinjaDeathTeddy]

Thanks for the video. My synthesis teacher showed me this and linked it in his blog. I'm currently learning about FM synthesis. I think it's become quite popular in dance music again these days. But I think not that many people have the time or the patience to program something like a DX7. Most people don't stray far beyond the realm of a simple FM bass tone so it's nice to see your videos.

[@madFame]

Hi L P, thanks for watching and say thanks to your teacher for sharing the video. I'm putting together a basic FM series regarding my programming workflow. It's actually super intuitive and simple, I've come to realize the DX7 isn't as poorly designed as many people think. All the best with your programming!

[@NinjaDeathTeddy]

Thanks, I would be keen to check it out. I'm starting to understand the basics of FM, but i'm still perplexed as to which algorithms to use and which harmonics to use. But i'm sure i'll get it with time.

[@jegl1012]

Great great explanation …. I play guitar and I just got a new controller so I can learn to play chords on virtual synths/pianos. I love the DX7 sounds

[@fiix7026]

Just Thank you. Perfect for a lockdown and a fresh download of DeXeD to have a fun weekend.

[@madFame]

You're welcome!

[@macronencer]

Excellent video! The content was clear and concise, no hesitation, wasted time or irrelevant comments. You clearly planned before you shot it. Thank you for your professionalism.

[@madFame]

Thanks! I do indeed plan ahead before shooting. Many refined scripts, removing as many words as possible is essential. Aided with some helpful diagrams and practical examples I hope these videos will help an absolute novice understand FM/DX synths in the least amount of time possible. Thanks for watching!

[@macronencer]

Well it is definitely helping me! Thanks again :)

[@rjbush7955]

This is one of the best explanations I've seen on FM algorithms. Now I know which type I need to get an analog-ish sound out of an FM synth. Great!

[@madFame]

Hi RJ, I'm glad to hear this video was helpful! Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more Fm and other synth tutorials. Feel free to recommend and spread the word on my videos!

[@TheGrooveyOwl]

This is such a great way to teach someone like me to be able to immediately understand the synthesis of these machines and approach their programming in a new conceptual way. Thank you! Keep it up!

[@madFame]

Thanks for your encouragement, I'm glad these videos are working for you! If you know anybody who can benefit from these tutorials please share and stay tuned, and thank you for your subscription! Every subscription gives me great motivation to produce more videos for you all so thank you for making it worth the effort.

[@jxclark13]

These videos are very well done and much appreciated. I particularly like the fact that you will play the sound as you make changes so we can hear how the parameter changes affect the sound. Strangely, this is not a common practice for KZbin tutorialists. I look forward to more!

[@madFame]

Hi John, thanks for taking time to send a message, much appreciated! I've also noticed DX and FM synthesis tutorials have a tendency to turn into science lectures (and even worse for having no audio/visual examples!). I'm glad these videos are helpful and easy to follow, more to come!

[@rawl747]

I've watched all 5 of your DX7 tutorials and must complement you on the very professional level of presentation and production. Adding the graphics above the keyboard is an excellent touch. And, I love the o-scope! I look forward to seeing more and will post a link to the first one on the Yamahamusciansforum.com site which has lots of DX7 members.

[@madFame]

Hi there, thank you for the support and kind words! I'm currently editing a video on the frequency edit functions and also editing the video for the next custom patch. I'll be branching out into other synths soon but will continue to add custom patches for the DX7. There's still a few more edit functions to demonstrate as well, so stay tuned. Thanks for subscribing!

[@ganzleichtzumerken]

Thank you for all your DX7 Vids. Very Helpful. Nice explained.

[@J-Loe]

Incredible clear I’ve been wanti;g a video like this for quite a while. ThankYou!

[@gasolineandwine]

Thank you so much! I'm veeery slowly working my way into programming FM, and I'm trying to understand it within the workframe of the DX7.

[@warrengday]

Spectacular. I know nothing about FM synthesis, this video explained things from scratch clearly and quickly.

[@vladimirpotrosky7855]

This video is perfectly done. Very informative.

[@Manu-ho3bw]

Great work!

[@thefool2007]

Just discovered this. Always wanted to understand FM algorithms- thanks. Cool scope mod.

[@DallinJeppsonMusic]

You teach this so well! This was soooo helpful, thanks!

[@DanielOrtiz-fm5lq]

Excellent explanation

[@cubdukat]

Excellent tutorial. Before this the only thing I knew about algorithms was that if you wanted to do a drawbar organ sound, you picked the last one with all carriers and no modulators.

[@madFame]

Hi Larry thanks for your message, you're not alone there! I've made the videos in a way that relates FM functions to more practical/ musical uses rather than diving too deep into the science of it all. I hope from here I can reach more people and turn the DX experience into something fun and useful. Thanks for watching!

[@SpiderInStockings]

This was an incredibly well done video. Very straightforward; very simple terms. Direct and to the point. Keep up the good work!

[@madFame]

Thank you for your support, I'm glad the videos are helpful!

[@jackcimino8822]

Carrier algorithms can also be used to create PPG-style bells.

[@Stefftronic]

Thank's! this was really enlighting! easy to understand, now I head on to your other vid's. cheers!

[@EzyoMusic]

I had no idea you could do a 'basic stack' in FM. AWESOME. Sounds a little different too!

[@Funkypepino]

Cheers mate ! It helps. I’m going to have a look to your other videos

[@justinleokennedy]

Nice video! Thanks for posting.

[@bandfromtheband9445]

Thanks, so much for posting!!!

[@lanmichaelmix2818]

you did a good job dude,i don't buy the dx7 but i have dexed vst which is similar.i thought the signal comes from bottom to top

[@Boretoto]

The Best explanation!

[@ADibley]

Great, you explain FM synthesis really well. Recently got a modx, and getting to grips with the fmx engine.

[@madFame]

Thanks for that, I hope you enjoy the MODX, its a great synth! You'll find the numbering system for operators is backwards to the DX7 so that will make programming my patches a little tricky. The sounds are identical though!

[@mariabr8954]

thank you for these videos. Can't wait to see more of your tutorials!!

[@madFame]

Thanks for the encouraging words Maryam! I'll be uploading more soon. I'm refreshing this FM Explained series, the first episode is up and the next one is out this week. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbIZmCdiMRnopI

[@uh6537]

Very useful! Thanks!

[@buncho888]

This is great content, subscribed!

[@madFame]

Thanks for your subscription, I appreciate your support for the channel!

[@rayb7402]

Thanks well explained!

[@marcuspearson6214]

brilliant video, I have a dx9 and rely on sysex files, I may have a go at making my own sounds now

[@Metamophisis]

Great video! I just got this keyboard 🎹 ordered from reverb on Friday.

[@madFame]

Nice one! I hope you enjoy it :)

[@NiharSavala]

Excellent tutorial of the basics. Thanks. Will try to use this info to edit my FM8 & Reface DX patches.

[@madFame]

Hi thanks for tuning in, I'm sure these tutorials will help on other FM platforms. I've tried my best to generalise some of the concepts although the interface and functions may be different.

[@12invinyl]

Great Job

[@WildernessMusic_GentleSerene]

Thank you, best teaching on algorithms yet!

[@madFame]

Hi Jenny, my pleasure. Thanks for watching!

[@fatboislim1902]

was pretty gold...helped me grasp the ideas ...now off to practical application

[@madFame]

Good luck my friend, I hope the video helps!

[@gonzalodominguez229]

very very nice!!

[@jboston4660]

This is superb, thankyoU!

[@madFame]

@J Boston Thank you, I'm glad it helped. I've actually started a new series condensing this info and improving the presentation (my mic was terrible when I recorded my first videos). Check it out FM Synthesis Explained Episode One here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbIZmCdiMRnopI

[@gubbin909]

This was pretty handy

[@chopov11]

wonderful

[@PanikingCamel]

Great video!

[@madFame]

Thanks for watching this video. It's one of my first ones and the audio quality is really bad! I've been making updated versions of this FM series you can see it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbIZmCdiMRnopI

[@davidcottrell1308]

Very Cool!

[@MattSpendlove]

Thank you!

[@madFame]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@govinbaraik2833]

keep make this type of videos 👍

[@hjaltiagustsson7905]

Eye opening!

[@madFame]

Thanks for watching! Be sure to check out the updated version of this video series here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbIZmCdiMRnopI

[@carl.wunsche]

useful thankz

[@user-je7ju4sv9u]

Im a FAN, apriciate that the works you have been put in. Im just got my first ever DX series, the legens on Dx7. All your tips and video helping me a lot to figure out what i gonna do to explored and learn with DX7 I have no idea how could you built in an oscilloscope to your Dx, please let us know, i found out that the oscilloscope screen but i dont know how to connect with Dx7 Thanks for all the things that you have done Peace

[@madFame]

Hi Kiet, thanks for watching the channel I hope you learn a lot on your new DX7. My oscilloscope is a DSO138, you can buy on eBay, Amazon, AliExpress etc. To connect it to my DX7, I plug the DSO138 output (BNC connector) to the DX7 headphone output (1/4inch jack connector). You can buy cables or adapters to make this work online as well. Search "bnc 1/4 inch stereo jack cable" in Google, I hope that helps.

[@9FM303]

Gracias : )

[@mraymond77]

Great video. Wondering if you've heard of the elektron digitone that was recently released and if that peaks your fm synthesis interest at all?

[@madFame]

Hi Michael, I have heard of the Digitone but I haven't used it. It looks like a great unit with great sound capabilities. Definitely worth a go by the looks of it!

[@mraymond77]

madFame thanks for the reply! I’m a fm noob, and it perked my interest in fm, which brought me here! Thanks for the educational material

[@old_romans]

Excellent video and thank you. Also, how does one add a waveform monitor screen to the synth?

[@madFame]

Hi there, thanks for watching! I use an inexpensive digital oscilloscope made by JyeTech. It's normally sold as a DIY kit but I purchased mine second-hand and preassembled. The scope is not built-in but just sits on top of my synth. It's a great little 9V unit that has a single input and I can run any synth through it to display audio waveforms. I also have a full-size analog scope which has a better image and response but it takes up a lot of room, so this smaller scope comes in handy for general use.

[@manwelldocampo4083]

What is actually the reference of your JYEtech osciiloscope ?

[@boimesa8190]

woooooow could you share the CART containing that organ sound :O Great vid btw!! Although i just started getting into FM synthesis, i was still able to comprehend quite a bit because of your vid! Although it would be even better to have a slightly dumbed down version of this for more intermediate synth geeks? Do u know anything about Dexed?? Doing vid around the 30min mark about dexed would be perfect as it is free and so available to anyone interested in learning FM synthesis and perhaps by learning dexed it would be easier to find out if a synth like the DX7 would be the right synth for them :D Great vid and i'm hoping to see more cool vids from ya! Greets from Netherlands :))

[@madFame]

@Boi Mesa Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad the video wasn't to complex. I have been contemplating a more through series of videos covering other systems including DEXED. Keep an eye out :) Oh and the organ sound is available online somewhere, I think Bobby Blues or Dave Bensons site?

[@jonseay8887]

where do i get that oscilloscope?

[@thetruthexperiment]

Or wait. Maybe I could mod mine with a tiny oscilloscope like in the monologue?? I love it though.

[@NinjaDeathTeddy]

Also, why did everything in the 80s have such a rad colour scheme?

[@TheBeatfox]

Probably to compensate for all the drab earth tones that saturated the '70s. 😂

[@andrikpalaciosc]

Nice logo

[@madFame]

Thank you! :)

[@chinossynthesizer705]

I was trying to copy ym2612 fm patches to my kodamo essencefm mk2. i couldn't wrap my head around it the modulator volumes distiort easily.

[@Mark-xz8gt]

This is an excellent video thank you. I just decided to put my head into FM and so after getting Komplete 13 I decided to give FM8 a spin. My question is on the DX7 algorithm no. 4 I noticed 4 and 6 are joined in a feedback loop. Does this mean 4,5 and 6 are joined in that loop or just 4 and 6. I’m trying to recreate the DX7 algorithms in FM8 so I can follow along with your channel and I also love 80’s 🙏

[@madFame]

Hi Mark, yes all operators encompassed by the feedback loop are affected in the feedback signal chain. I hope you have fun with FM and hopefully my DX7 tutorials translate easily for you :)

[@Mark-xz8gt]

@@madFame Thank you sir. Id love to have a DX7 but I have too many keyboards in my space 😂 FM8 will have to do. I’m defo going to be watching your channel as I learn FM. Your teachings on it are very good. 🙏

[@amonster8mymother]

Hi. for the branch or root algorithm which algorithm do you recommend for each to start with?

[@madFame]

Algorithm 19 good as it combines a 3-op stack with a 3-op root. Algorithm 27 is a good one to start with for branch.

[@ing.rubenaraiza2815]

hi. i was using the bank sounds of my cartridge data 1. i lost all these sounds instead i have another because i tried to upload my internal bank. now i don't know how can i get back my data sounds of my cartridge 1

[@amonster8mymother]

I notice when I look at the DX-7 algorithms that there is a minimum of two operators, I guess there is no such thing as a 6 op stack? Or a 5 op stack with a carrier on the side?

[@madFame]

Hi there. technically there can be any combination of algorithms but the ones we see on many FM synths have been auditioned by the engineers and designers as the most useful algorithms for a wide variety of possibilities. In most cases the ideal number of operators is 3 or 4 as this allows maximum tonal variety. Any more than that only produces distortion and noise which can be achieved with 2 ops and a feedback loop anyway.

[@thetruthexperiment]

Okay dude. I don’t necessarily want to put a hole in my newly self refurbished DX7 but, how do I put a tiny jack in the back so I can plug in an oscilloscope like that?

[@madFame]

My oscilloscope sits on top of my DX7 and its plugged into the headphone jack to receive the audio signal.

[@SimonSGB]

You can get saw and square, changing the operators course in root algorhytms, right?

[@yarnf]

Good approximations of them (mathematically not identical but sound pretty much the same)

[@emesde]

For example the opl3 of yamaha has 8 waveforms and max 4 operators . Does the number of selectable waveforms compensate for having less operators?

[@madFame]

@emesde Yes, the OPL3 having other waveforms does help to create more complex timbres with less operators and less programming. These 4-operator chips generally have less programming capabilities too, so it's not as sophisticated as the 6-op DX synths in some areas.

[@emesde]

@@madFame even with 2 op fm can create some good sounds kzbin.info/www/bejne/pouwknalm5WAfM0 ( this one also uses 1 channel ADPCM). I heard once some people said FM operators should only use sine waves . You agree with that?

[@easyTarget2000]

I'm still trying to fully understand FM synthesis and programming the DX7, so I might be getting something wrong here. Is the statement around 1:40 correct, saying the modulators increase or decrease the sine wave's output level? I thought modulators modulate the frequency or phase of another operator, not its amplitude.

[@madFame]

Every operator produces a sine wave and has an adjustable output level. The effect of Output level is determined by the function of the operator. If an operator is a modulator, increasing its output level affects the strength or amount that it modulates the next operator its connected to (modulation). If an operator is a carrier, changing its output level affects the volume of the sound that's produced (amplitude).

[@Hexspa]

noice

[@zebraforceone]

On the graphic of the algorithms, what does the white outline behind the boxes mean?

[@madFame]

Those represent the feedback loop. Check out a more recent video I made that may provide more information about operators kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKbIZmCdiMRnopI

[@zebraforceone]

@@madFame thank you! I'm trying to understand how to copy these in Vital synth

[@amonster8mymother]

Hi. What algorythm did you use for the dual carrier stack?

[@madFame]

Not sure which one you mean, carriers can't be stacked. In my video the orange ones are carriers and the blue ones are modulators. Many algorithms have this arrangement. For example, even if the algorithm has 4-ops in a vertical stack you only need to use the bottom 3 operators. The very bottom one is the carrier, the two above it will be modulators.

[@tevege3860]

Try a de-esser, i cant hear you with so many sharp esssssssssses

[@madFame]

@te vege - yeah sorry man, old video. Check the new videos for de-esser goodness.

[@elijahlucian]

so at 8:47 you mention that there are waveforms playing magically, but havent really explained why those waveforms are created with the sine waves. did I miss a video?

[@madFame]

Yep, watch this one - Basic Waveforms Tutorial kzbin.info/www/bejne/goSldnuXrJudr8k

[@tobiaslangela2680]

First of all: Thank you for your great work! But I am a bit confused about your statement at about 1:40 in this video. The modulator in an FM system is controlling the frequency of the carrier (not the amplitude as you are stating here, that would be AM not FM).

[@madFame]

Hi Tobias, thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. You are correct in your interpretation of FM and my explanation is correct but maybe unclear. I was referring to the user increasing and decreasing the Modulators output level and that affects the operator below it. I didn't mention a carrier specifically in this example because a modulator can be connected to another modulator as well. in either case I wasn't implying the modulator affects the carriers amplitude but rather the modulators amplitude affects the operator below it. Thanks for watching, it's great to have you tuning in.

[@DiegoAzuaga]

​@@madFame I came here to say the same thing as @Tobias, luckily I first did a search among the previous comments. Thanks for the clarification.​

[@OTLCellartapes]

i just love the DSO - where is it jacked in?

[@madFame]

@OTL - I take a signal from my DX7 headphone out for the DSO and use the DX7 main out to record audio for the video.

[@OTLCellartapes]

it really adds clarity to see your waves like that

[@tenstairs]

Also it's a JyeTech DSO138

[@ELPERRITOENEAS]

Hi: my DX 7 has all eternal patches in a very very...very low sound. How can I listen well?

[@totalrobot]

Your presets must have been edited/changed. You can always do a Factory Reset with DX7 Rom cartridge #3 to go back to default settings.

[@b00i00d]

Great presentation! Just i'm a bit confused on one bit (bare in mind i'm a n00b...): you say at the start that FM synthesis can only produce sine waves yet later on you have a saw etc - I've probably missed some point - could you please clarify? Thanks for this great video series!

[@madFame]

Hi thanks for your question. Regarding the DX7 and sine waves I was only referring to the default waveform that it produces and not its potential to make other waveforms. I highlighted this because most non-FM synthesisers offer more preset waveform shapes by default (sine, square, triangle and saw) without the user having to create those waveforms manually. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for watching!

[@b00i00d]

Ah, yes. thanks again!

[@MatthewChristianMurray]

Just for the record, he was referring to the DX7, in which all operators are plain sines. Later FM synths offered additionak waveforms. The DX11 is only four-operator as opposed to the DX7's six, but it has multiple waveforms to select from for those operators. My SY77, which uses six-operator FM as well as AWM (sample-based synthesis), has 16 waveforms to choose from in the FM section.

[@madFame]

Correct! Thanks for your comment.

[@b00i00d]

since this discussion got way, cud I ask u guys how the montage compares (in terms of FM and waveforms/operators) and what other synths in production these days would you recommend (always sticking to FM)?

[@buckdownscanada9946]

Nice vid ..I own a dx-7 mk1 and I’ve been on this a week and can’t find a way to make a simple release happen ???? I tweet a nice sound and I’m stuck using my sustain pedal because I can’t find a way to make a little release happen onboard ... anyone reads this drop me a line thanks

[@madFame]

Hi there, Maybe check out my DX7 Envelope programming video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJvCl4BthLOUedk.

[@elijahjflowers]

profound

[@templarseries]

The DX7 mat have had only sines - but later machines featured more basic waves?

[@matroswe]

Later as in?

[@RickJohnson]

Yes, the Montage/MODX FM-X engines can do additional waveforms (7 total). Ref: www.synthtopia.com/content/2016/02/05/yamaha-fm-x-synthesis-way-more-powerful-than-a-dx-7/

[@obsessive_discipline]

The TX81z, for instance.

[@javiceres]

Mathias Rosén TX81Z, DX11, Reface DX, SY77 and 99 Also PSS-470, 480, 580...

[@oskarterlecki5649]

Dya recon a dx7 would be a good beginner synth?

[@madFame]

@Oskar Terlecki - Really good question! If you really love FM sounds and want a classic synth for a good second-hand price, then I would say yes, get a DX7. My videos will help you learn how to program it too. However, the DX7 won't do a lot of the classic subtractive synth sounds like you get from Moog, Oberheim, Sequential Circuits, etc. So if you want those sounds then don't get a DX7. My first synth was a Korg MS2000. I think this is the best beginner synth ever. If you want a mix of Subtractive, Samples, AND FM synthesis then definitely get a Yamaha MODX. It's a bit more money but I think it's worth it.

[@oskarterlecki5649]

@@madFame thank you so much this helped alot,I'm really looking for a kind of wavey modulated soft warm sound with polyphoney and my two picks were the Korg minilougue XD and the DX7 cuz they sounded amazing and we're in my price range.I was watching alot of videos on the DX7 trying to get a grasp of it and everybody says it's a nightmare and stuff like that

[@madFame]

You're welcome! I think the DX7 is misunderstood and most people just say it sucks because they can't be bothered to learn a new style of synthesis. But if I had to choose a first synth between the DX7 and Minilogue XD, I'd go the XD. It has a similar layout and workflow to the MS2000 I started with and that taught me a lot when I started out.

[@oskarterlecki5649]

@@madFame Cpol thank you so much,I can't wait to turn my friends into synth heads😁😁

[@hermask815]

No. It will be awkward to operate. There are more accessible FM-synths now: Get an Korg opsix : (6 operators ;-) many waveforms 700 $ Korg Volca fm: 6 Operators, sine only, 150$ Yamaha reface dx : 4 operators, sine only, 350$ Megafm : 4 operators, sine only, 555 $ Fm4 app on iPhone/iPad : 4 operators, 8 waveforms Opsix and Volca are compatible to old dx7 patches.

[@TheSuperMrG13]

what parameter does the modulators wave form modulate in the carrier? thanks

[@madFame]

In FM synthesis, the modulators output level determines how much its waveform (sine) distorts and modulates the operator below it. It doesn't affect a parameter, it changes the waveform shape of the operator below it. In this case a sine wave is distorted to another complex waveform. This is true if a modulator is connected to another modulator or carrier in an algorithm.

[@pawelharutiunow9622]

I thought it changed the frequency (FM = Frequency Modulation)?

[@madFame]

@paul_arutyunov In FM synthesis, frequency modulation is achieved by increasing a modulators output level into another operator (carrier). Changing the frequency settings (Coarse and Fine) will change the spectral range but it's effects won't be present if the output level is less than 50. The active output level range (in a DX synth) generally occurs between 50 and 99.

[@eatfrenzy]

i think the modulator increases or decreases the carrier’s frequency, not it’s level as you said in the video. that would be amplitude modulation not frequency modulation.

[@tenstairs]

@@eatfrenzy Right, it increases and decreases the carrier's frequency at the rate of the modulator's freq setting. It's basically a really fast vibrato, which as it turns out, adds a bunch of spectral characteristics to the carrier wave to create the interesting timbres that you hear.

[@iaroslavmelnik6915]

Did you really mount oscilator screen into dx7?😊

[@exquisitearc8498]

Was the oscilloscope on your DX-7 separately installed or were they all manufactured with an oscilloscope?

[@madFame]

It's a stand alone digital oscilloscope and it sits on top on my DX7. If you're looking for one it's a JyeTech DSO138.

[@exquisitearc8498]

madFame sweet thanks

[@exquisitearc8498]

madFame is there any way I could message you and ask you a few questions about that oscilloscope?

[@exquisitearc8498]

madFame actually nevermind can I just ask you a few right here on this comment?

[@madFame]

Sure, what would you like to know?

[@puzzledandconfused]

Great video! The one thing I regret not seeing in videos is the math behind , I believe it could bring some more sense to those algorithms . I had a go at making a software fm synth with a Dspic controller, I ended up with a very simplified form for the algo at 1:53 : Out(t)=AdsrGain1*sin(2*PI*f1*t+AdsrGain2/ModGain*sin(2*PI*f2*t)) Assuming no phase shift between carrier and modulator, sine waves only, and *no feedback*. Anybody else have a go? Thanks for your tutorial :)

[@madFame]

Thanks for watching! Music, sound and their relationship with mathematics is a fascinating subject. Although my videos demonstrate musical applications of FM synthesis using the DX7, it would be beneficial if someone made a video/series explaining the mathematical nature of FM. Someone should do a full series with John Chowning and David Bristow! Which reminds me, they both wrote a book together called FM Theory & Applications - By Musicians for Musicians. It has some explanation of the mathematical side of FM, although it is simplified. Definitely worth reading if you haven't already.

[@puzzledandconfused]

Oh, this one perhaps? :) www.burnkit2600.com/manuals/fm_theory_and_applications.pdf

[@madFame]

That's the one, it's a good read

[@macronencer]

@im_another_user Thank you for the PDF link. Wonderful! I look forward to reading that.

[@ScottWilson542]

Can anybody tell me what the difference is between a modulator and an operator?

[@madFame]

I can! :) Ok, so an operator is like a control box that has several functions. The main function is producing a sine wave. From here it has other functions to control that sine wave, such as output level, frequency, envelope etc. If you look at the "algorithm type" diagram in my video at 3:07 all of those boxes are operators. The orange operators are Carriers, the blue operators are Modulators. An operator can only be one of these at any one time and this is determined by the algorithm you select. A heavily simplified explanation of this is: Operators in the Carrier position affect volume changes in the sound you're making. Operators in the Modulator position affect the frequency of the waveform shape you're programming.

[@danielforro-forrotronics3921]

I just watched your video, it's pretty well done! Looking forward to see all of them. Just here your explanation is not quite exact - operators in modulator job affect frequency, and can be used for vibrato (low frequency modulation), but when modulating frequency enters audio range, it affects timbre.

[@Swanlord05]

Is the sy77 superior to the dx7

[@Biophob]

Yes, it's much more capable.

[@WV591]

oh yes..in so many ways.realistic acoustic sounds + pure FM with so much more complex algos and routing and feedback options and you can even change shape of feedback and resonance like analog + effects if you need and 8 individual outs.

[@thehistoryofchingfordwater8933]

How come tx81z 4 op sounds so much better?

[@george_wissenbacher]

Because it is the one you have I guess?

[@f0kgggle542]

Where did you suddenly get the sawtooth from? This synth has no pulse nor sawtooth oscillators.

[@madFame]

Hi F0kGggle, I'm glad you found the FM Waveform generation video explaining how to make saw and square waves. Thanks for watching!

[@kojik4271]

holy fuck. thanks! Make me a tron legacy soundtrack please. i would pay big bucks for real

[@madFame]

@Koji K - I'd love to! I have been toying with the idea of doing a soundtrack for Tron and Fist of the North Star!

[@kojik4271]

@@madFame yoo haha. straight up subbing, cant wait to hear!

[@supercrazydogs1312]

This thing is a pain to work with but once you got it, it's a monster...

[@madFame]

Yeah I agree, although it took me a while to figure out the DX7, once it all fell into place I understood how massive it's potential was. I was surprised how easy the FM synthesis method actually was once I had just a couple of basics sorted out and I gladly let go of wanting it to sound like a subtractive synth too. Hopefully these videos help other users get up and running sooner than it took me. Thanks for watching!

[@supercrazydogs1312]

You're welcome ! Please take time to check out our channel, it's fun ! You have a new suscriber...

[@madFame]

I love the videos, subscribed! Can't wait to see more :D

[@supercrazydogs1312]

Thank you, it's realy nice !

[@gastank111]

On Tape i