How to Make a Noise: Frequency Modulation Synthesis

How to Make a Noise

by Simon Cann

Frequency modulation synthesis is capable of creating a broad, detailed, highly nuanced range of tones which can be controlled with a fine level of detail.

The technique starts with a simple wave—usually a sine wave—which is then modulated by another wave. The interaction between the two (or more) waves creates and shapes the sound over time.

FM synthesis offers an infinite range of possibilities and it is this range of choices which gives the broad array of tonal nuances that are available with FM.

How to Make a Frequency Modulation Synthesis shows you how to create a broad, detailed, highly nuanced range of controllable tones. These principles can then be applied to any synthesizer with frequency modulation capabilities.

Genres: Music

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 3, 2011

About the author

Simon Cann is the author of the Boniface, Montbretia Armstrong, and Leathan Wilkey books.

In addition to his fiction, Simon has written a range of music-related and business-related books, including the How to Make a Noise series, the most widely ready series about synthesizer sound programming, and Made it in China, about entrepreneurs building businesses in China. He has also worked as a ghostwriter on a number of books.

Before turning full-time to writing, Simon spent nearly two decades as a management consultant, where his clients included aeronautical, pharmaceutical, defense, financial services, chemical, entertainment, and broadcasting companies.

He lives in London.

Reviews

[Dylan Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only resource I've found that describes some kind of actual methodology for designing and implementing a variety of sounds (some realistic some very much not) using FM synthesis. For example, the author actually gives a list of commonly used operator pitch ratios and describes them qualitatively (to the best of his ability - FM sounds tend to evade description). He then details various routing algorithms for a bunch of different sounds, suggesting ways in which they can be further tweaked (and ways to screw them up for you to avoid - or not). The writing style is great. Those familiar with components of analog synthesis will be able to skip a number of the chapters but they're there if you need them (eg. if you're starting out synthesizing on an FM synth). Best £3 ive ever spent.

[Silas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid introduction to FM synthesis, explaining operators and modulators and walking you through making sounds. There are some examples, particularly towards the end, of how to make specific sounds, like basses, brasses, bells, and keys. Unfortunately for me, the author makes all of these examples with a VST called FM8, and the architecture of that synth does not translate very well to the synthesizer I use, a Yamaha Reface DX. FM8 has more freely assignable operators and modulators, and doesn't use algorithms like any DX-style synthesizer. Particularly since my synth uses four operators instead of six, it didn't translate well. Despite not being able to follow the examples, I did learn a good deal from reading through this book, which was still applicable to my synth, as well as any other synthesizer with frequency modulation features.

[Robert Kosara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good intro to FM synthesis, though I don't know if a book is really the right medium for this. Cann says that himself in the book at one point too. I've learned a lot of this stuff from watching YouTube videos, and they're more hands-on plus you can hear what's happening. Also, reading this is pretty pointless unless you can try things out on a decent synth as you go along.

[Eileen F. Paredes · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the info without too muxh fluff

Lots of useful, practical info in this book. Learning FM synthesis really isn't that hard. There are plenty of examples to try out and the instructions are easy to follow.