Nord User Forum

Hi,

It's already becoming a very good guide on FM Synthesis on the NS2... when it's finished, send it to the guys at Clavia
J.

Here's the latest version:



and some Programs to go with it:

• DX Piano.mp3

• DX Bass.mp3

Thanks to everyone who gave feedback!
Also thanks to Mr_G_ - after your comments (via PM) I created a table of comparison for the DX7 and NS2 FM implementations, so hopefully it's a lot less misleading.

Nearly done with FM...

UPDATE: Added some MP3's . There should be a rule about doing this after coming back from the pub... Also I updated the EP7 program - the intention was to layer it with a rhodes from the Piano section... i forgot to mention that. Next update i will add it.

The NS2 has a different architecture, so you can't load the sounds unfortunately.
However, if you go through the guide step by step, you should be able to see what applies to your NS and still get some benefit. Not having owned a classic, I can't help directly. I know it doesn't have the same kind of envelope control and no LFO - not sure what the difference in FM are.
As far as a sound demo is concerned, my biggest enemy is time. I will get around to it eventually

Hi neolithic

I big thank you for the work you have done so far.

The new structure of the document makes it clearer to read. Keep it.

I rebuilt the piano and the bass part. With a running oscilloscope I saw what each step changes on the sound. I like the hints after the bass part “More things to try”. It tempts to try out other things without “destroy” the sound. Make similar hints in the future for other sounds.

When somebody would only make the bass part the first step miss the step of “Make sure the FM synth is selected”. Make the first 2 steps of each sound always the same, this would allow people to rebuild only that particular sound on its own later on.

Starting with FM synthesis together with the oscilloscope I can clear see and understand synthesis because each step adds somethings to the sound. Meaning the sound is rising up.
Maybe starting with FM synthesis and then going on to the subtractive synthesis is a better way to learn understant synthesizer.

The hint about copy slots was very helpful (I didn’t know that). Intersperse such hints in the future.

If you have time: An explanation what harmonics are would be maybe helpful (add frequencies with an octave distance). Or a hint how the remove some frequencies of the sound to give space for another voices like a singer.

I’m curious on the follow up. I hope/wish you make it to the end/completeness.

Merlimau

Thanks for the positive feedback!

Merlimau wrote:If you have time: An explanation what harmonics are would be maybe helpful (add frequencies with an octave distance). Or a hint how the remove some frequencies of the sound to give space for another voices like a singer.

No way - never gonna happen! That is outside the scope of what is meant to be a NS2 specific guide - feels like it's turning into a book already...

Hi neolithic

Do you still working on an update of the synthesizer manual? I am curious for next steps.

Merlimau

Merlimau wrote:Hi neolithic

Do you still working on an update of the synthesizer manual? I am curious for next steps.

Merlimau

Yes, I haven't abandoned it! The day job gets in the way sometimes... also I have just had a vacation
i'll get back to it ASAP

Hey well done
I downloaded the pdf this morning. I haven't read it all yet but already it has helped explain a few things.

Looking forward to having a play and a bit of experimenting later.

Great job.

Hi noelithic, great work! I love the PDF!
a bit sad to see the chapter Subtractive/Analog Synthesis was not finished yet, i was wondering if you have any news on future updates ?

"Next up – some nice metallic sounds, which is what FM is really good at. Coming soon...". Is neolithic working on it?