Creating Modern Electronic Deep Vibes with FM8

Although this may not be a true recreation of a vibraphone, it is without a doubt a very cool instrument to use in place of the iconic sound, especially in modern music production with so many electronic and digital influences taking a prominent seat. In just a couple minutes you can design these deep vibes with FM8 and there is almost nothing used in the process, so you can easily begin to add to the sound to make it your own. Whether you want to set up an arpeggiated sequence or go with a more minimal approach, this cool synth is up to the challenge. It also does well combining short and sustained notes together, as you will hear later in the audio sample I’ve tossed together for you.

The FM Matrix is where the routing takes place, and as you can see this is a very simple sound. Two operators, both are loaded with a default Sine waveform. There is a small amount of pitch variance to generate a subtle movement, and each operator has been panned in opposite directions to make a wider sound.

The envelope of each operator is identical to ensure consistent delivery and development of sound.

On the Master window, the total number of Unison Voices has been increased to two. The Detune and Pan parameters have both been turned up, which results in an even wider and deeper sound. A small amount of both Analog and Digital Quality are added for character.

The Easy/Morph window is where we need to make a few small changes to both the Amplitude and Timbre Envelopes. A touch of Vibrato is also added at this point.

And lastly, two effects are added. A Reverb gives the sound more space to move around in and a PsychDelay is used to extend to sound greatly. The Reverse feature on the PsychDelay effect is what gives the instrument the characteristic echo.

Below is a small audio sample of the synth in action.

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Cheers,
OhmLab