FM8 Fundamentals and Frequency Modulation Synthesis

The concept behind FM8, and Frequency Modulation Synthesis in general, is that a modulating frequency is used to transform a carrier signal by modulating the carrier’s frequency. In Layman’s terms, Frequency Modulation Synthesis changes the pitch of an existing signal via modulation. Frequency Modulation Synthesis has been used in a number of highly regarded hardware synthesizers over the years, including the Yamaha DX-7, but the fact that FM8 and Frequency Modulation can now be easily manipulated and edited through softare is amazing! This tutorial does a good job of breaking down some FM8 fundamentals and will hopefully help you understand it all better.

This video covers some of the FM8 fundamentals that are easily missed when first getting started. Ideas like not assigning every operator a specific waveform to achieve what you think is the correct output waveform, and using the envelope editor to properly shape your sounds. The ideas expressed throughout this video are worth their weight in gold, and it would be a shame to not consider these approaches in your own sound design quests. This is definitely a video that any promising FM8 sound designer should watch.