Linear vs Exponential FM Synthesis

A discussion of Linear vs Exponential FM Synthesis.

#fmsynth #synth #synthesizer

[Kopekemaster]

THANK YOU. I'm currently writing a manual for a DAW and was baffled by the FM in a synth in it because I've pretty much only had experience with linear FM and had absolutely no idea what it was doing. It is INSANE that I've never heard of this distinction in FM types before. There seems to be shockingly little discussion about it online.

[kaitlyn__L]

I’ve often wondered why the FM mode of my analogue synth doesn’t sound the same as even a 2-op patch, you’ve made it super clear!

Also wow, people weren’t kidding when they said simply changing which operators are audible takes a few minutes in a traditional DX synth — in my Opsix I would’ve slid the faders for those operators down in two seconds! Of course I’d read it was an easier and faster user interface but I hadn’t looked into just how much that is true.

Thanks!

[beatsbykabuki]

Best explanation of this subject on the net. Big up Keith!

[chris.dillon]

FM is so weird. Musically, technically, everything-ly. This was great. I hope you can do a video with a Digitone one day.

[marcelmaes]

I knew there was a difference between linear and exponential FM but, honestly, only because everyone talked about it.
And of course I could hear the difference between "analog FM" and "digital FM". But never really understood the concept.
Now I do, thank you for making this vid and compliments for your great explanation!

[AleksSHAGI]

Это лучшее разъяснение из всех, какие я когда-либо встречал! Спасибо, Keith! 👍👍👍

[FernandoLobo]

i love this guy, he looks like he stole all the infinity stones. Thankfully some people are geeks on this subject and they give us "big guns" like he say. thanks for the video, very interesting.

[chasphotography]

For someone studying eurorack modular synthesis this is a very nice inspiring video. Be it someone just starting or as a reminder review of a seasoned person. Thank you.

[Digitt]

Best explanation on exponential fm on YouTube. Tried many vids and struggled. Thanks so much!

[BramBramsBerg]

This synthesis method was also used in some arcade, console and PC videogames in form of the YM2151, YM2612 or YM3812 yamaha sound chips used during 80s and 90s. They bring me such good memories of my childhood...

[grindFish]

Thank you so much for that explanation! Realised i've been going about it all wrong trying to build fm in puredata and applied this theory and its sounds worlds beyond now! BRILLIANT!

[pbartmess]

I like the pace of your videos. Also, this one is very informative - thanks for posting it!

[dessiplaer]

Thanks for making this video. It was a great explanation of the difference between exponential and linear FM.

[emilyschmanks]

at last i understand FM! ive been patching my moog dfam's pitch envelope into my mother-32's linear fm input to create a pseudo sidechain effect - whenever a kick drum hits, the frequency of the mother 32 (for example in a bassline) bends upwards a little depending on how much of the envelope i let through. it gets even better when putting the envelope through an inverter so that the linear fm causes the frequency to bend downwards, out of audible range. thank you for this great video. i look forward to more of your videos.

[heliophile]

That was very well explained, thank you! Could you shed some light on through-zero FM? What it is, how to achieve it and how it sounds different from regular linear FM?

[aanon]

Thanks. Still not sure whether I want to tackle FM but you've definitely made it more approachable.

[setphaser]

so important to understand and demystify, you are a great communicator.

[dankokozar]

Best video on FM synthesis ever. Thank you!

[derekholland]

thanks for this knowledge..great vid..hope for more.

[LtPicard]

Great video Keith! Keep up the good work!