Topmusicanswers
How does FM synthesis work?
Simply put, FM synthesis uses one signal called, the “modulator” to modulate the pitch of another signal, the “carrier”, that's in the same or a similar audio range. This creates brand new frequency information in the resulting sound, changing the timbre without the use of filters.
What is ratio in FM synthesis?
Keep in mind: FM synthesis uses ratios to change pitch, instead of coarse and fine-tuning (semitones and cents.) A doubling of the ratio is like raising the pitch by an octave. For instance, at ratio 1.000, the operator will play the note pressed by the keyboard.
What is carrier in FM synthesis?
FM synthesis uses a modulator oscillator and a sine wave carrier oscillator. The modulator oscillator modulates the frequency of the waveform generated by the carrier oscillator within the audio range, thus producing new harmonics. These harmonics are known as sidebands.
