Making an FM8 Lead Techno Synth

The synthesizer is at the very heart of techno music. This helpful, and easy to follow, tutorial shares how to make a very simple FM8 lead techno synth in just a few minutes. Not only is this a simple synth to program, but it is also easily customized to your project’s needs. This makes it incredibly easy to use as it is and can also serve as a perfect starting point for future sounds as well.

Starting out in the FM Matrix window, this is where the routing happens for this FM8 lead techno synth. It’s a very simple sound, with just one Operator being put to use. A sawtooth waveform is used, with a touch of feedback, to create the core fo the sound. Then a small amount of white noise is added.

Next, the total number Unison Voices is increased to twelve, which are then spread out via the Detune feature. This creates a much bigger, wider sound that has natural phasing occurring to provide some gentle movement as the sound develops over time. The airiness of the white noise added earlier is much more prominent now, and is one of the key characteristics of this FM8 lead techno synth.

When it comes to introducing effects to this FM8 lead techno synth, Reverb is most definitely the expected addition. Although it is not shown in this video, it is Reverb that really expands this sound and provides it with more room to move around in. You may also want to further shape your sound through the use of some EQ plugins so it sits right in your mix. A sound this simple is easily tweaked and customized. So once you have successfully recreated this one, you should spend some time experimenting with additional operators/modulators, filters and effects and make your own versions you can call your own.

Cheers,
OhmLab