FM8 Tutorials
Using Vocal Analysis to Create Better a Skrillex Bass in FM8
This is very cool, and very unique, approach to recreating the kind a Skrillex Bass in FM8 that is much more technical than most tutorials out there. There is a specific intent behind each step of the process shared in this video, which makes it incredibly interesting and full of cool insights.
Using his own voices to generate a waveform to analyze and gain insights into what elements of the voice are present in some of Skrillex’s bass synths shows an amazing amount of dedication to learning how to make these sounds from scratch. Making a good recreation of a Skrillex bass in FM8 is something that has proven to be an elusive task for many of the people who have tried to accomplish it. Especially without the assistance of 3rd party plugins outside of FM8. There are many ideas shared here that will hopefully help you to better understand the cause and effect of FM Synthesis and sound design.
Looking closely at the varies spikes in frequency involved with certain vowel sounds is at the core of this approach. Isolating certain frequency ranges with an EQ is one way to focus on the most important peaks, so you can then try to replicate them in FM8. This is done by watching the Spectrum window as a sound is being built in the FM Matrix. You can see in real time the changes to the waveform and how interaction between operators creates modulation in the sound. Seeing this, as well as hearing it, allows you to gain new perspective and begin to understand the mechanics of sound in the world of frequency modulation synthesis.
In the end, you can see how difficult the process is, but also what huge benefits are involved in gaining this deeper understanding of the results of your actions when designing sounds in FM8. Recreating a specific sound, without any kind of direction, is a difficult task for most sounds. But replicating a truly complex and original sound like a Skrillex bass in FM8 is downright ridiculous unless you know your tools and how to use them at a professional level. A quick pro tip for all of you struggling with this kind of sound design, and specifically trying to use the spectrum tool as a guiding light. Begin studying the waveforms of all of your sounds, as well as many of the presets in your library. Over time you will get a good feeling for what shapes are related to what sounds. It’s a tricky part of sound design, but well worth learning!
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Cheers,
OhmLab