User Guide

Chapter 21 ES2 309
FM With Digiwaves
In the FM Digiwave setting, a Digiwave is used as an FM modulator. This results in a
bell-like spectra from only two operators. Using traditional FM synthesis, this type of
timbre could normally only be produced with a larger number of sine oscillators.
In order to create a fatter, undulating, and atmospheric quality to the sound, the
polyphonic Unison mode has been engaged. Filter and amplitude envelopes have
been preset to shape the sound.
 Check out the variety of Digiwaves, as FM modulation sources.
 Check out different Analog parameter values.
FM With Wavetables
You can program the most vivid FM sounds when the modulation source morphs
between different Digiwaves. The morphing in the FM Digiwave setting is controlled by
LFO 2. The tempo of LFO 2 (and therefore the morph) depends on the sequencer
tempo (here: 2 bars).
 Set LFO 2 to different waveforms. Lag S/H (smooth random), in particular, should be
fun.
 Check out different FM intensities and oscillator frequencies.
 Alter the modulation intensity of the first modulation channel (LFO2 modulates Osc2
Wave) and the LFO 2 rate.
Distorted FM in Monophonic Unison
The FM Megafat setting is well-suited for distorted basses and guitar-like sounds. This
sound gets rather “rude” in the upper key range. This cannot be compensated for with
key scaling, but not every sound has to be “nice” across the entire keyboard range!
 Check out extreme detunings by adjusting the Analog parameter.
 Check out the Flanger with this sound.
 Engage the filter envelope by lowering the Cutoff Frequency of Filter 2 down to 0.
 Add some Glide to lead sounds.
 As always, when it comes to FM: You can dramatically alter the sound by varying the
frequencies of the oscillators. Make sure you check out the odd intervals, as well.
FM With Unusual Spectra
If you’re unconcerned with the pitch of your sound, you can get the weirdest spectra
out of odd frequency ratios (oscillator intervals).
The FM Out of Tune setting offers a bell-like sound, reminiscent of a ring modulator. It
was achieved through a setting of 30 s 0 c, with the modulator set to a value of 0 s 0 c.
Sounds like this were very commonly used in the electronic music of the eighties, and
have undergone a resurgence in popularity in modern ambient and trance music
styles.