Howtosignalprocessing
- How does frequency modulation synthesis work?
- What is FM synthesis good for?
- How do you make FM synthesis?
- What is the difference between FM and AM synthesis?
How does frequency modulation synthesis work?
FM synthesis uses a modulator oscillator and a sine wave carrier oscillator. The modulator oscillator modulates the frequency of the waveform generated by the carrier oscillator within the audio range, thus producing new harmonics. These harmonics are known as sidebands.
What is FM synthesis good for?
FM synthesis is a method of generating complex timbres by modulating the frequency of one sound with another. FM synthesis works great for these types of sounds: Instruments with complex attack like electric pianos, bells and mallets. Aggressive bass that punches through the mix.
How do you make FM synthesis?
A common technique in FM synthesis is simply using sine waves to FM each other, like Chowning did at Standford. This can be done with three or more operators, allowing the creation of highly complex waveforms while still offering the control of using simple waveforms. Try various algorithms and find what works for you.
What is the difference between FM and AM synthesis?
Modulation Synthesis
AM stands for amplitude modulation and uses changes in amplitude to encode a radio wave. FM stands for frequency modulation which unlike AM, uses changes in frequencies to encode. The different techniques make a huge difference in terms of sound quality.
