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Post by NightMachines on Mar 19, 2019 8:37:02 GMT
Frequency Modulation Theme: Create a piece using FM sounds. Submission window: Monday 18th March -> Monday 25th March (23:59:59) Background:Frequency Modulation or FM is a classic synthesizer technique, not just to add slow vibrato to oscillators, but also to create complex sounds like bells, when the modulation source is running at audio rate. Let's explore the AE Modular's FM capabilities in this Patch Challenge! Here's the Wikipedia entry for FM Synthesis: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frequency_modulation_synthesis And a basic patch diagram from the same article: 
The challenge is set, and runs during the submission window set out above, however, please feel free to add entries or leave comments after the initial challenge has ended. Each entry should contain:- Link to audio or video example (embedded preferred)
- Short (or not so short) patch notes, explaining how you have built on the above theme
Your entry can be as short/long as you wish, a simple sound or a track, use external fx or synths, do what you can in the time you have - go wild, make the challenge yours! You are welcome to use previous entries, as inspiration, build on them to form something new, or just use in a different way, you are welcome to submit multiple entries. If you are posting on social media (youtube, soundcloud) , please tag with #AEChallenge and #AEModular, and include a link back to the challenge thread here on the AE Modular forum. Everyone is actively encouraged to comment on entries, provide feedback and ideas... you are welcome to continue commenting/discussing outside of the submission window. The more we discuss, the more we all learn 
This is part of the AE patch challenge series - if you would like more information, or have ideas for the challenge, please post on the patch challenge thread.
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Post by arti on Mar 19, 2019 22:45:00 GMT
Here comes my little entry created using only FM sounds from various sources - analogue and digital combined. Two of my AEM vcos were modulating the other two, and additionaly one of them was self-modulating plus one of Neutron's vcos modulated the other. On the digital side Volca FM joined forces with Yamaha PSS480 with it's simple (but effective) two operators. I have the impression, that with the common denominator of FM synthesis both parties - digital and analogue - get along pretty well with each other  For those who wish to distinguish between all used synths: 0:00 Neutron, synced with AEM's LFO, provides simple metallic rhythm foundation for the whole track 0:16 Volca FM comes in and brings more metallic tones 0:20 AEM with one of it's VCOs 0:32 AEM second VCO voice - both are almost distorted by heavy FM modulation 1:41 here comes Yamaha in the style of The dance of the Puppets (by King Crimson) |
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Post by admin on Mar 23, 2019 3:10:36 GMT
Hi arti, I really like this song, it's very rhythmical and I'm enjoying the quirky squeaky squeals (or squealy squeaks?) The Volca FM is next on my list of additional gear to complement my AE, it sounds really good. |
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ben
Full Member
Posts: 121
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Post by ben on Mar 23, 2019 13:42:19 GMT
Hey all, Finally got a few minutes to sit with my mini modular. Nothing too melodic, just testing different sounds. Not sure if it really fits this patch challenge, but here we go Basically using one VCO module with it's all waveform outputs: 1. Sawtooth wave goes into DIY clock divider, from which I get a few octaves down for some lower frequencies (bass sound). Then it gets filtered and distorted with a few other DIY fuzz modules; 2. Square wave goes into DIY 4046 chip VCO where it modulates it's oscillator. DIY VCO has it's own filter section built in, so the final output is something between sawtooth and square wave and what not. It also has a sorta bass sound. On some notes you can hear a few different frequencies fighting in between, that's two square waves, just slightly filtered; 3. Triangle wave goes into DIY amp, from which it follows to filter and a few fuzz + distortion modules for a taste. In fact fuzz/distortion modules are based on 4069 chips, it self-oscillates at some point, so you can also call it frequency modulation.  |
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Post by arti on Mar 24, 2019 1:26:27 GMT
The Volca FM is next on my list of additional gear to complement my AE, it sounds really good. Thanx admin ! Good choice with the Volca FM. It has great possibilities for sound design and has different sound palette than analogue synths, so IMO its good for complementing them, although there is a bit of a menu diving for more advanced settings and some learning curve, but it opens a whole new world sound-wise. It's very rewarding little synth and great to learn a thing or five about digital FM synthesis (cariers, modulators and stuff). Nice to observe how Your synth collection grows around AEM at the core! |
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ben
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Post by ben on Mar 30, 2019 14:29:54 GMT
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Post by admin on Mar 31, 2019 8:42:12 GMT
OK, after too many attempts here my entry for this challenge: OSC1 is FM'ing VCO. VCO is CV controlled via MIDI from KeyStep. First Voice: Keystep sends gate to envelope that drives VCO's VCA. Another VCA turns it on and off via an LFO. Second Voice: VCO goes to Wasp, Cutoff is turned randomly on and off from S&H with trigger being the inverse of the LFO of first voice. Third Voice: Korg Volca Sample synced to KeyStep. I'm not yet that musically creative so there's a very simple chord progression C-G-F-C with randomised arpeggiator going on. |
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pol
Wiki Editors
Posts: 1,082
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Post by pol on Apr 1, 2019 20:33:39 GMT
Hi arti , I really like this song, it's very rhythmical and I'm enjoying the quirky squeaky squeals (or squealy squeaks?) The Volca FM is next on my list of additional gear to complement my AE, it sounds really good. I'd recommend the Volca FM, the only beef I have with it is the lack of patch memories but you can't really complain about for the price and sound quality.... One day I am going to try uploading DX7 sounds to it like you're supposed to be able to but I tend just to twiddle with the sounds it came with! |
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Post by NightMachines on Apr 28, 2019 17:36:16 GMT
Alright! Finally, here is my submission:
I tried to generate FM sounds the regular way as shown in the OP, by modulating VCOs with each other, while sequencing them with step sequencers. The sequencers (SEQ16 and my own VC Dual Octo Switch prototype) were running in a feedback loop and were modulated by sample & hold CV to create chaotic rhythms. The LOPAG is in there as well occasionally and of course I ran everything through the LoFi Delay and MultiFX. I also tried out FM with the self-oscillating SVF and NYLE filters, which was fun. Three takes were recorded and mixed together in stereo.
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bahm
Full Member
Posts: 154
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Post by bahm on May 24, 2019 9:07:57 GMT
Made a quick fm patch too... 2 pulsewaves are frequencymodulating 1 triangle. The 2 pulses run through a mixer and are synced to a lfo which is synced to another lfo. SVfilter and delay are the last in the chain.
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ben
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Posts: 121
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Post by ben on May 24, 2019 12:26:20 GMT
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bahm
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Posts: 154
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Post by bahm on May 24, 2019 13:43:37 GMT
Thanks... ben. I like your fm too. |
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Post by admin on May 24, 2019 14:29:42 GMT
That's a really cool patch bahm I love the rhythm. |
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houze
New Member
Posts: 26
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Post by houze on Jun 6, 2019 20:48:29 GMT
I was wondering if those types of sounds were possible on AE, thanks NightMachines for showing I'm into micro-house and stuff, so those percussive FMd sounds are very welcome |
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