$0.00 0

YOUR CART
Checkout

SUBTOTAL
DISCOUNT
VAT
TOTAL
Checkout
Banner
In this original tutorial, Tonko Sekulo shows us how to create sequenced sounds in FM8. In it,...

FM8 Tutorials

Creating Sequenced Sounds using FM8

In this original tutorial, Tonko Sekulo shows us how to create sequenced sounds in FM8. In it, we will use looped envelopes to create rhythmic sequences and other tempo synced noises.

Since every operator in FM8 can act as a separate audio output, as well as a modulator, one can create very complex sequences of inter-modulating rhythmic sounds. In this tutorial, we will create syncopated background loops and some tempo synced effects. Each envelope in FM8 can be looped. The looping region is set by two vertical red lines found in every FM8 envelope. If you insert one or more breakpoints between the red markers the sustain segment becomes a loop. This means that this part will be repeated as long as the note is sustained.

First we will create simple percussive loop. Draw a four bar note in your midi track. Also, try adding few shorter notes on top of that, so you will have some pitch variations. I have also used simple kick drum as a rhythmic support.

We will use E operator first this time since we will use F operator for bass later. Set operator’s E ratio to 6.000. Tempo sync the envelope and set it to loop the 3/8 region. You probably don’t see the grid in 1/8 of a bar resolution so click in the empty background of the envelope display and drag up or down to set the desired resolution.

Here is a simple pattern that I’ve made:

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample11.mp3|titles=Sample1]

Turn on operator D. Set it’s ratio to 4. I have also looped it’s envelope to 3/8 region but with a different pattern. Set operator’s D audio output to 50.

Let’s add a touch of reverb to it.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample21.mp3|titles=Sample2]

Now we will create simple offbeat bass. Go to operator F page. Turn it’s audio output to 60 and it’s ratio to 2. Make a 1/4 bar long loop and set the envelope like this:

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample31.mp3|titles=Sample3]

Let’s add some modulation now. Activate operator C and set it’s ratio to 5. Loop it’s envelope over 4/8 of a bar. Set it like in the picture below.

Now the fun begins.

Try modulating operator F (our offbeat bass) with operator C. Set the modulation amount to 70. You will hear how the rhythmic pattern of operator C is affecting operator F.

Also activate X module, we will use some rhythmic noise to spice up our sound.
Set it’s audio output to 70.

Set it like this:

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample41.mp3|titles=Sample4]

Let’s add another modulator. Turn on operator B and set it’s ratio to 2 and loop region of the envelope to 2/8 of a bar. Turn the modulation amount of operator B to operator E to 50.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample51.mp3|titles=Sample5]

From here on there are no rules really. Just play with modulation amounts of operators, self-modulation and operator’s ratios and waveforms and apply unique settings for each morph corner.

Here are the settings for each morph square corner I have used:

Here is a sample of morphing. Only kick drum and one instance of FM8, no other sounds are used.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample61.mp3|titles=Sample6]

Try also changing ratios of operator to lower register, you can get some really cool bass sounds. Also, try modulating your perfectly timed bass sound with some heavily syncopated rhythms. This way you can add some cool variations and groove to your sounds.

Here you can see and hear how I have morphed trough four variations of rhythmic modulations on a single bass sound.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Sample-Syncopated-Bass.mp3|titles=Sample Syncopated Bass]

Everything can be connected and modulated so the rhythmic patterns affect other rhythmic patterns and you can get some amazing rhythms which are quite hard to get if you would be making each sound with a separate instrument. And the best thing is that sounds made with this technique can be easily kept in tight harmonic and rhythmic relationship.

Here are some variations I’ve made. Only kick sample is used and one instance of FM8. With every 8 bars representing one variation of the patch we have made:

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Variations.mp3|titles=Variations]

Also be sure to use morphing capabilities of FM8. Change the waveforms, ratios, modulation amounts, audio output volumes and panning for each corner and then morph trough them on the fly.

Another cool thing to do is to turn on key scaling or velocity scaling of the envelopes but just for one or two in your patch. Now the pitch or velocity of the note you play will affect the overall timing of the envelope. This is great for song intros, transitional parts and breakdowns.

Here is an example which could act as an intro to the track:

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/SampleKeyscaling.mp3|titles=SampleKeyscaling]

Here is now this technique put in simple song context. I have used a kick drum, simple snare with offbeat hi hat loop and two instances of FM8 with variations of a patch we have made in this tutorial. One is used as bass sounds and another as all other higher sounds you hear. I have also used morph square to change the sound of both FM8 instances. No other automation or resampling were used.

[audio:https://www.fm8tutorials.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Final-Sample.mp3|titles=Final Sample]

I strongly encourage you to do some experimenting since so much can be done with this technique. Have fun!

Have A Question Or Comment About This Tutorial?

Want to ask a question about this tutorial or perhaps you have something to add ?

Click through to our forum post about this tutorial and join the conversation!

Visit: Creating Sequenced Sounds using FM8

RELATED COURSES

Functional Sound Design - FM Synthesis

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

Advanced Sound Design Techniques

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

Dubstep Bass Design In FM8

ADSR Courses

Add to cart

FM8 Expert Panel Explained

ADSR Courses

Add to cart
Waveform Loaded
Waveform Played
×
PLAYLIST
Clear all
WISHLISTS
Create an account to use wishlists
×
SAVE TUTORIALS
Create an account to save tutorials
×
FOLLOW YOUR FAVORITES
Follow your favourite labels, formats and genre's and ADSR will show what's new in those on your next visit.
×
  • Create product wishlist
  • Save your favorite tutorials
  • Regular discounts and exclusives
  • Never miss a sound! Follow your favorite labels.
Sign up to My ADSR to ensure you're ahead of the pack. Save your favorite content and be notified of new content. You'll never miss a thing!
Create your account now!
CREATE ACCOUNT
Sign up to My ADSR to ensure you're ahead of the pack. Save your favorite content and be notified of new content. You'll never miss a thing!
  • Get days all ADSR courses free
  • Create product wishlist
  • Save your favorite tutorials
  • Regular discounts and exclusives
Create your account now!
SIGN IN
adsrsounds.com login Video streaming login
Remember me
Forgot your password?
DON'T HAVE AN ADSR ACCOUNT?
Create your account
FORGOT PASSWORD

Send info
  1. Enter your email address
  2. Click "Send info"
  3. Check your inbox for an activation link
  4. Visit activation link and enter set new password
Sign in
DON'T HAVE AN ADSR ACCOUNT?
Create your account
IMPORTANT: Is this product compatible with your system? Please check the product system requirements tab before purchasing. To proceed with this purchase you must check the box to confirm you have checked the requirements.


I have read the system requirements and agree to the return policy. I understand that refunds will not be given due to limitation of my software or operating system.

I don't agree
, you have loyalty credit available. To redeem click the button to claim !
Claim
Claim your free sounds

For every $5 you spend on ADSR receive 1 free credit for Sample Manager.

Even better, we have back-dated this so any purchases you made since 2017 have also been credited to your account!

Click the button below to claim your free credit.

Get my free credits
Loyalty credits
1Every purchase you make on ADSR* now earns you 1 loyalty credit for every $5 spent
2Once you make a purchase your credits are added to your account
3Credits can be redeemed in ADSR Sample Manager to download individual loops and samples
4To redeem simply download ADSR Sample Manager and/or log into Sample Manager with your ADSR login details
5Credits will have been automatically added to your account
6Loyalty credits expire 30 days after initial purchase
* Not including video subscriptions