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Programming An FM Bass Patch With The Yamaha DX11
In this video from Youtuber Synthesizer Keith, we receive a thorough explanation of how FM (frequency modulation) synthesis works on the Yamaha DX11. Even if you don’t own this synth, the underlying concepts of FM can be applied to any synthesizer that supports frequency modulation.
If you do in fact own a Yamaha DX11, here are the steps provided in the description that outlines what takes place in the video.
To duplicate the patch in the video, perform a voice initialization, and then make these changes:
- Algorithm 5
- Feedback Level (OP4) 6
- Coarse Oscillator Ratio (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 0.5, 0.5, 2.0, 0.5
- Fine Oscillator Ratio (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 0.5, 0.5, 2.0, 0.5
- Detune (OP1, 2, 3, 4) -3, -2, +3, +2
- Attack Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 31, 26, 31, 26
- Decay 1 Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 11, 8, 11, 6
- Release Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 10, 6, 10, 6v
- Decay 1 Level (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 13, 9, 13, 9
- Output Level (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 88, 85, 88, 80
While the inner-workings of FM synthesis are sophisticated, you can still apply it to your custom synth patches with general ease. The most important thing to understand is how operators (or oscillators) can interact each other within an FM matrix. Ultimately, it’s a matter of experimentation and finding what sounds cool!