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>808 doesn't use FM, but VCOs with low pass filters (aka "analog synthesis"). There are actually two ideas at play here. Manipulating a signal from a VCO, or
by zinkem 15y ago
>808 doesn't use FM, but VCOs with low pass filters (aka
"analog synthesis").
There are actually two ideas at play here. Manipulating a signal from a VCO, or any other 'analog' signal is called analog synthesis. These analog signals can be used as the source in other types of synthesis, including FM synthesis. FM synthesis tends to be done using digital signals because they are more stable, however.
Using high/low/band pass filters to filter your signal is called "subtractive synthesis" because you are subtracting frequencies from the original waveform.
- wazoox 15y ago> These analog signals can be used as the source in other types of synthesis, including FM synthesis. FM synthesis tends to be done using digital signals because they are more stable, however. Yes, some analog synths of lore (EMS gear IIRC) could actually create FM sounds, but the oscillators limited stability made it unusable for musical sounds. AFAIK The latest generation of Yamaha FM synths (SY/TG77, SY99) could apparently use any oscillators including audio samples for FM. Unfortunately FM synth always were notoriously hard to program, because of the lack of intuitiveness of the sound behaviour (as opposed to oscillators and filters), that finally led to their demise. > Using high/low/band pass filters to filter your signal is called "subtractive synthesis" because you are subtracting frequencies from the original waveform. You're right, that's the proper term. By the way the Synclavier was altogether an FM, substractive and addditive synth :) Side note, I'm wondering why additive synthesis never really get any significant foothold (who used a PPG? a Kawai K5?).
- Roboprog 15y agoAdditive synthesis is tedious, having to specify every harmonic and its relative strength. No surprises when doing additive, just lots of work. (I'm assuming you mean adding stacks of sine waves, rather than layering different patches on the same note)