MAKING AN FM8 GROWL SYNTH – PART 4

The fourth video tutorial of this FM8 Growl series demonstrates how to use a DAW (in this case Ableton Live) to map and control the parameters of the FM8 Growls that we have created so far. Though this is done in Ableton Live, the same basic idea can be used in countless other DAWs, including Pro Tools, Logic, Cubase, Sonar, and Fruity Loops. This demonstration will show you how to assign parameters within Native Instrument’s FM8 synth to a Macro, which can then be mapped to a MIDI controller or given automation for quick and easy manipulation. Having the ability to manipulate the FM8 Growl’s Cutoff, Morph, Frequency, and Resonance all at once not only increases the complexity and detail of the vowel characteristic, but also saves you the hassle of having to automate multiple automation envelopes!

Remember that the values of the Cutoff, Spread, and Resonance needed to be continually changed to to really bring out the human voice characteristic of the FM8 Growl. Assigning these parameters to a Macro for simultaneous tweaking via a single Macro makes life a lot easier. It is also important to note that this type of synthesis requires a bit patience and plenty of practice. If you are having trouble reproducing the sound in the video you may want to seek advice in the forums.