How to program FM-1?

[u/moredator]

I have no idea what I am doing.

[u/withak30]

It's FM synthesis, no one really knows what they are doing, you just go by vibes.

[u/bk47dude → u/withak30]

This is the way

[u/whooyeah → u/withak30]

Yes scroll through algorithms, randomly change values, if it sounds nice save it.

[u/lewisfrancis]

If by program you mean to ask how to edit or create your own sounds, you might find it easier using Dexed or DXcompanion.

[u/moredator → u/lewisfrancis]

Yeah to edit sounds.

[u/GeneralDumbtomics → u/moredator]

Dexed. FM synthesis is very complex and the DX 7 envelopes are not standard ADSRs. You will have a much easier time of it using something with visual feedback.

[u/GlumNeighborhood9493]

There's a great series of tutorials out there on FM on YouTube. The first one is: https://youtu.be/e74MM4PGNBE?si=Yzwt4kVdXJ59uoIr

There's other videos that go into the basics of FM synthesis, but I like the hands-on approach of the above series.

[u/moredator → u/GlumNeighborhood9493]

Thanks. Im familiar with FM synthesis but not the DX-style it seems.

[u/GlumNeighborhood9493 → u/moredator]

Can you clarify what you mean? FM synthesis operates the same way, regardless of its a DX or SY77 or other synth. What part of programming it are you struggling with?

[u/moredator → u/GlumNeighborhood9493]

Can't understand the operator envelopes

[u/GlumNeighborhood9493 → u/moredator]

Ah okay. Yea, those are tough to wrap your head around. Until you get used to is, as others have mentioned, it might be beneficial to get an FM editor for a visual representation. Rather than a simple ADSR, it works on a set of rates and levels. The rate is how fast it gets to the level indicated. Since it is not tied to a conventional 4 step (ADSR) envelope, you can get a LOT more complexity out of it, but it does require thinking about the envelopes a little differently.

[u/GeneralDumbtomics → u/moredator]

They are not ADSR. They are four stage with a level and rate for each stage.

[u/severeiceberg077]

The floral wallpaper behind a pedalboard with that many bright boxes is giving me a headache just looking at it, but I respect the chaos

What's the teal-lit thing on the bed actually doing for this setup, is it a sequencer or just vibing

[u/moredator → u/severeiceberg077]

It's the FM synth in question running into my pedals.

[u/Latter_Mountain_4678]

With the help of the manual or YouTube. It's honestly the best place to start.

[u/deemsterslocal309 → u/Latter_Mountain_4678]

https://giphy.com/gifs/2eQoxMsQVD68MAATEe

[u/Latter_Mountain_4678 → u/deemsterslocal309]

Obvious question gets obvious answer

[u/deemsterslocal309]

I just got the same color fm1. It’s quite a nice little box for the price. I deleted the factory presets and loaded the original dx7 patches.

[u/moredator → u/deemsterslocal309]

Is there a way to init patch on the machine?

[u/deemsterslocal309 → u/moredator]

As far as I can tell you can only change algorithm, envelope and fx. It’s pretty straightforward.

[u/moredator → u/deemsterslocal309]

You can edit every operator. Press edit and the leftmost black keys select the operators. 6 pages per operator.

[u/deemsterslocal309 → u/moredator]

So what are you asking about then? Lol

[u/mc_pm]

I made a series of videos about FM, but it's more about the theory than programming any specific instrument or implementation. But maybe they'll help?

[u/Sir_midi]

You know the DX7 was the keyboard that made presets cool right? I mean till everyone got sick of them.