The second video in the Element433 series FM Catalogue of Materials takes a look at synthesizing the ‘wood sounds’.

The previous video in the series looked at FM Synthesis of Metallic Sounds.

The parameters on the videos are from the VOPM free FM plugin. They are the same as the Yamaha FB01 and CX5M. They will work on most Yamaha 4 operator FM synths.

Here’s what they have to say about the video:

Synthesis Parameters

The idea behind this series is to provide the most universal F.M. parameters (mainly frequency ratio data) from which to create variations of the “material” timbres in the videos. You will be surprised how much variation is possible by changing the fundamental frequency and the inharmonic frequency of the bells.

LFO. This is the most important parameter for creating the “woodiness”.

The LFO wave must be a random wave (sometimes called Sample and Hold)
Set the speed to max and then dial in depth/intensity until you get the wood texture. You will also notice it creates ambient reverberation. Unfortunately the DX7 LFO’s are to slow to create this effect. On the Sy77 and TG77 use a noise operator as an alternative.

Levels and Envelopes

Level and envelope data varies quite a lot depending on the model of F.M. device you have so they were omitted here, however, it is fairly easy to work them out by listening and following the order in the video.

1. Make sure you have the correct algorithm.

2. Start with the first operator as the loudest operator (full level). Then get the level for each subsequent operator. Follow the order in which they are switched on in the video and experiment to get the timbre as close to the videos as possible.

2. The envelopes are pretty easy to work out and are fairly obvious if you listen to each operator as it is switched on in the video.