Hi folks! I'm new to this forum and have recently downloaded all the sounds you guys have created and posted here.
So now I'm going to share what I have done so far.
FM synthesis is a very exciting thing.
Since I once had a DX7 in the eighties I do remember how the typical FM-epiano sound was constructed.
As Johannes showed us it consists of three modulator-carrier pairs.
One pair creates the body of the sound which is the result of a modulator-carrier frequency-ratio of 1:1.
The modulator's envelope generator sets the time variant modulation intensity which leads to a frequency spectrum that can't be created by subtractive synthesis, no matter how complex the basic waveform may be.
This part of the sound can in deed be reproduced by the Nord Stage and it sounds more or less exactly like the DX7. It's just the very sophisticated key follow parameters that the Stage is missing.
The modulation intensity is controlled by the Timbre parameter.
The DX7's second modulator-carrier pair usually does just the same with only a little detuning.
This can be simulated by the Stage's unison function.
The third pair now is responsible for the bell-like attack sound that made the DX7 famous.
It's the result of a modulator-carrier frequency-ratio of 14:1.
Unfortunately the Stage doesn't offer this particular ratio.
The highest possible ratio is 9:1.
To add at least this one you need to use the synth section of the other panel.
(Since 9:1 doen't exactly produce a perferct bell character try and switch this panel one octave higher.)
No matter how authentic you might think this sound is it's still very suitable to be added to a grand piano sound for pop piano styles.
If you are in need of a synth pad background sound after you have frittered away both panels for the DX7 emulation just misuse the Farfisa. It sounds not really good but acceptable at a pinch.
Let me know your opinion ...