Build An Electronic Chill Out Key Sound in FM8

Johnny shows you how to create a great Chill Out key sound in FM8. It will work well with genres like Chill Out, Down Tempo and Electronica.

This Chill Out key sound in FM8 definitely shows off FM8’s softer side.

Johnny blends two Sine waves with two 5th Formant waves in the Operator section. The 5th Formant waveforms help bring out some more high end sound. If you try to recreate the sound, pay careful attention to the values that Johnny uses when routing the Operators into themselves in the FM Matrix. Make sure you key sync the two Operators that are using the 5th Formant waveforms for a more consistent tone!

To help thicken up the sound you can detune the Operators a little. This also helps make the overall sound less digital. Using Operator X is a great way to boost the high end frequency in any sound. Johnny blends in some white noise to help make the Chill Out key sound in FM8 more rich.

The envelope shapes aren’t to elaborate. Many of them can be linked together. Johnny does however apply some really useful effects to bring out more character in the sound.

Check out the video to hear the Chill Out key sound in FM8 and some third party processing tips!

Cheers