An FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizer is a type of synthesizer that creates sound by modulating the frequency of one oscillator (the carrier) with the output of another oscillator (the modulator). This creates complex, harmonically rich timbres and can be used to create a wide range of sounds, from bell-like tones to metallic and percussive sounds.
In an FM synthesizer, the carrier oscillator generates the basic sound, and the modulator oscillator modifies the frequency of the carrier. The amount of modulation, or the “index” is controlled by the operator, and it determines the amount of harmonic complexity added to the sound. FM synthesis can produce a wide range of sounds, from simple sine waves to complex, evolving timbres.
FM synthesis was first developed by John Chowning in the 1970s, and it was later implemented in commercial synthesizers by Yamaha in the early 1980s. Since then, FM synthesis has been used in a wide variety of music genres, from electronic and pop to jazz and classical.
FM synthesis is known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds, from simple sine waves to complex, evolving timbres. It’s particularly good at creating bell-like, metallic and percussive sounds. FM synthesis can be a little bit more complex to use than other types of synthesis, but it is a very powerful and versatile technique, and it can be used to create a wide range of interesting and unique sounds.
Examples
- Yamaha DX7: One of the most famous and widely used FM synthesizers, the DX7 was released in 1983 and it was known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds, including bell-like, metallic and percussive sounds. It became very popular in the 1980s, and it was used in a wide variety of music genres.
- Yamaha DX9: An improved version of the DX7, the DX9 was released in 1985. It offered more features and capabilities than the DX7, including the ability to create more complex sounds.
- Yamaha DX21: A more affordable version of the DX7, the DX21 was released in 1985. It has a similar sound engine to the DX7 but with a more limited set of features.
- Korg DS-8: A digital FM synthesizer released by Korg in 1986, the DS-8 was known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds and its user-friendly interface.
- Casio CZ-series: Casio released a series of affordable and compact FM synthesizers in the 1980s, which were known for their ability to create complex, evolving sounds.
- Native Instruments FM8: A software FM synthesizer, FM8 is known for its ability to create a wide range of sounds and its user-friendly interface. It also allows for complex modulation and a wide range of presets.
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