FM Synthesis With The Yamaha DX11

This video, via Synthesizers Keith, takes a look at FM synthesis with the Yamaha DX11 synthesizer.

The first section of the video explores some of the concepts of FM synthesis and the ideas underlying a bass patch. Then it goes deep into the details of creating an FM bass patch on the Yamaha DX11.

To duplicate the patch in the video, perform a voice initialization, and then make these changes:

Algorithm 5
Feedback Level (OP4) 6
Coarse Oscillator Ratio (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 0.5, 0.5, 2.0, 0.5
Fine Oscillator Ratio (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 0.5, 0.5, 2.0, 0.5
Detune (OP1, 2, 3, 4) -3, -2, +3, +2
Attack Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 31, 26, 31, 26
Decay 1 Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 11, 8, 11, 6
Release Rate (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 10, 6, 10, 6
Decay 1 Level (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 13, 9, 13, 9
Output Level (OP1, 2, 3, 4) 88, 85, 88, 80

13 thoughts on “FM Synthesis With The Yamaha DX11

    1. Pretty much. It has a pitch envelope that the TX doesn’t but besides that the differences are more hardware based (no multi outs (surprisingly), easy programming shortcut keys etc).

      I had one years ago and regret getting rid of it, maybe the best synth action keyboard I ever owned.

    2. I have both. It’s true that the DX11 has a pitch envelope that the TX lacks, but so far no one has mentioned that the TX81Z does not respond to aftertouch, while the DX11 does. And the UI in the DX11 is (not surprisingly) much, much easier to work with.

      BTW the DX11 is also one of the coolest looking synths ever!

  1. Next time somebody asks me how about DX synth programming, I will steer them to this video. It covers the core concepts pretty well. (But that patch is another story)

  2. I really liked this video. I love the crystal clarity of the explanation and the organized method he used. I did a spit-take when he took a sip of his favorite beverage and said “tea.” That was adorable. I like this guy.

  3. All that planning, numbers and menudiving for a simple bass patch.

    Why easy when u can do it compsychedelicouslycated.

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