![]() ![]() If time is of the essence, there are over 60 algorithms in a dropdown menu to get you started. As you build up more complex configurations with the operators, you can end up with some very complex and rich sounding timbres. Also, feedback can be set up where an operator modulates itself. There is much more to it than this of course, but I just wanted to give you a basic idea of what is happening behind the scenes. This harmonic change depends on the level and frequency of the modulator. The modulator does just that, as it “modulates” the carrier with its own signal, and it changes the harmonics that are output from the carrier. If you are using a simple two operator algorithm (one modulator and a carrier), it is enough to get you going and generate some decent sounds. I won’t get into much detail about how FM synthesis works because it can get quite complex, but here’s a very basic overview. Another advantage FM8 has is that its operators are not limited to sine waves like the DX7, as you can choose from any of the 32 waveform types that are included. There are also two additional operators which are “special case” types that were not in the original synthesizer. While the original DX7 had six operators and 32 algorithms, with FM8 you have six operators to work with, and there are many more potential algorithms (via the FM Matrix). ![]() They help to keep everything organized, allowing you to get the right sound in no time.Īt the heart of FM8’s sound are the operators. These can be saved with your own presets, and it is a good idea to use them. If you click on the “Attributes” button on the left, you will see all the attributes for each preset as you browse your way through them. You can of course skip over all of these, and just select the presets from the bank that you selected over on the far-right of the browser display. All of these selections can narrow down your search and help you find what you want in a speedy fashion. If you think you’d like another type of definition for looking up presets, you could select (for instance) a Sub-Type by the name of “Airy Pad”. ![]() What you can do is pick a bank, such as FM8 Factory, then select a type (Synth Pad for instance). This display is divided up into columns, with the banks in the first column, and then Type, Sub-type, and Mode in the following columns. If you click the Sounds button once again, then it switches to the “Instruments” view. It will then show you the different directories of where the various presets are located. After you select the Browser, you can switch between two different views by clicking the “Sounds” button. You can get to most everything you need by using the buttons along the left side of the display. Once you have it loaded, you will probably want to hear some of the many presets included with FM8. It does require an internet connection to download and activate it, but it can be used offline from then on. On the Mac, you will need OS X 10.10 or higher (64-bit only), Core 2 Duo CPU (or higher), and four gigabytes of RAM. For the PC, you’ll need Windows 7 or higher (32 or 64-bit), Core 2 Duo CPU (or higher), and four gigabytes of RAM. The requirements for installing FM8 are easily satisfied. With that out of the way, let’s check it out. I will however try to cover the more important features. This is a complex synth with a wealth of options, so it is next to impossible to cover everything within a regular review. You can also import patches from the famous hardware synth. It includes a powerful matrix for the operators, unison, sound morphing, an arpeggiator, twelve effects, and 960 presets. FM8 was released in 2007 with many new and improved features. It was originally released as FM7 way back in 2002. I thought it would be a perfect candidate for our Oldies but Goodies column, seeing as it is a classic synth plugin that has been around for quite some time. ![]() Now that you have some historical background on the original hardware synthesizer, I will move on to Native Instruments’ software synthesizer called FM8. The 32 algorithms for the operators gave it a wide range of audio possibilities, along with a velocity-sensitive keyboard that also included aftertouch. The operators can be either a modulator or a carrier, and they are aligned in various configurations that form the basis for the sound that is created. Its FM is a system of sine wave “operators” that can generate new sounds by interacting with each other. It used FM (frequency modulation) synthesis to create its sounds. It might not have been the easiest to program, but the sounds it made were unlike many others at that time. The DX7 by Yamaha was a very popular 16-voice digital synthesizer that was originally released back in 1983. Does Native Instruments’ powerful FM8 stand the test of time? We take a look at a classic emulation of a very popular synthesizer from the early 1980s. ![]()
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