FM synthesis Flashcards

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1
Q

What is FM synthesis?

A

One wave is used to rapidly modulate the frequency of another, creating new frequencies that aren’t part of the first two.

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2
Q

What is the carrier frequency? /2

A

Holds fundamental note, sounds like a continuous tone.

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3
Q

What is the modulator frequency?

A

Very low frequency wave that alters pitch of carrier.

E.G: if modulator moves up in pitch, carrier wave also moves up in pitch.

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4
Q

How is FM synthesis perceived?

A

Modulator is never heard, only its affect on the carrier is heard.

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5
Q

What happens if the frequency of the modulator is increased? /3

A
  1. Firstly pitch of carrier goes up and down faster, sounding like a vibrato.
  2. Increasing it even more achieves a very fast vibrato.
  3. Once frequency modulator reaches audible range, vibrato stops and new frequencies appear in carrier wave.
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6
Q

What are the new frequencies called? Where do they appear?

A

Sidebands, they appear above and below the carrier frequency.

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7
Q

What does the ratio of the modulator control?

A

Number, frequency, amplitude, amount of modulation to sidebands of the carrier wave.

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8
Q

How can the modulator ratio change the sound of the sideband?

A

Evenly divisible ratios (2:1, 1:4) make harmonic sounds.

Non even divisible ratios (1.543:1) make inharmonic sounds.

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9
Q

How is FM synthesis limited?

A

By the hardware used.

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10
Q

What waveform is typically used? What other waveforms can be used?

A

Sine waves, but any waves can be used.

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11
Q

What sounds can FM synthesis easily create that other methods of synthesis would make it difficult to?

A

Metallic, bell or brass sounds.

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12
Q

Why is FM synthesis difficult to implement on an analogue synth?

A

Small frequency changes drastically alters the timbre.

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13
Q

How did FM synthesis become feasible?

A

Invention of digital synths with rock-solid tunings in the 80s.

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14
Q

Name a famous synthesiser that uses FM synthesis, give its date.

A

1983: Yamaha DX7

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