Quick Synth Tips: Part 1
Get more out of your synths with our series of quick-and-dirty synthesis tips
FM BELLS
Do you want that classic FM bell sound? Get started by setting up two operators, both sine waves, using the second to modulate the first. Offset the second operator [Pigments Osc 3 in our example] such that its ratio is around 0.3 (or about -20/-21 semitones). Increase the modulation amount until you hear a bell-like ‘gong’, then program a suitable amplitude envelope. Add chorus and reverb for further effect, and then play the patch in the upper octaves for a glassy DX7-esque bell tone.