What Is Frequency Modulation Synthesis (FM Synthesis)?

The more you modulate, the better! Modulation would make your sound louder and more intense. What if we told you that it could make your music more lifelike? FM synthesis is a common technique for creating large sound palettes in sound synthesis. Analog Frequency Modulation Synthesis (FM Synthesis) was the first to use this method, but digital models are now standard. Because their pitch is unstable, digital FM synthesizers are preferred. In addition to creating unpitched and metallic sounds and traditional subtractive sounds, digital FM synthesizers are beneficial for creating un-pitched and metallic sounds. FM synthesizers work by increasing or decreasing a waveform's frequency over time. The speed of the change in frequency and the amount of change give the synthesizer its sound. This modulation resembles how a radio changes frequency to receive different stations. The waveform's frequency is adjusted to match another waveform, creating a modulated waveform. The original waveform remains but now has an added level of complexity. Each time this modulated waveform is received, it can be cracked back into its original form. FM synthesis is like a symphony but better. The modulator and oscillator are the two main components of FM synthesis, just like instruments and percussion are the two main parts of a symphony. The modulator and oscillator work together to create sound. The oscillator uses a sine waveform and operates as a low-frequency oscillator, which means it changes the frequency of the carrier oscillator. The carrier operator is also known as an "operator," which sounds cool but doesn't mean anything. The frequency of the carrier will drive up and down depending on how you modulate it—how often you change its frequency with your operator. This creates different harmonics called sidebands, like musicians playing harmoniously to make beautiful music. Like when musicians play in connection, these harmonics depend on what notes they're playing!