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samersmusicalendeavours · 3 years

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FM Synthesis

In this post I will be discussing FM Synthesis; a method of synthesis which is commonly used to emulate acoustic instruments and form complex timbres unique to this form of synthesis. In addition to an overview of the key components of FM synthesis, I will be discussing the origins, examples of FM synths(hardware and plugins), and walkthrough using an FM synthesis plugin to get familiar with the basics.

FM Synthesis, or Frequency Modulation Synthesis, is where a modulator is used to modulate the frequency of another waveform (carrier). The timbre of the resulting sound is altered in the process. The basic components of FM synths include operators, algorithms, carriers and modulators. Operators are made up of an oscillator and amplifier(or envelope generator). They are the building blocks inside FM synths. In an FM synth, at least two sound sources are required to achieve frequency modulation; these being the modulator and carrier. The modulator is an operator which modulates the other signal, the carrier. Algorithms are the way the operators are arranged. Different algorithms result in different sounds, and if the algorithms are varied greatly, then the sound becomes drastically different. There is also one envelope generator for each operator in an FM synth. Envelope generators alter the amplitude of an audio signal over time. One parameter to mention is ratio. According to Michael Hahn from Landr ‘The higher the ratio, the more complex harmonics will be generated’ (Landr, 2020) . There is usually a frequency ratio available for each operator. This determines the relationship between the fundamental frequency(determined by key played) and the operate frequency. In addition, most FM synths feature a feedback component. Hahn also mentions that this is where the ‘operator’s frequency becomes its own modulator signal’. This allows for harmonically rich waveforms to be produced.

In my research, one thing I found to be of interest was the origins of FM Synthesis. The person behind this method of synthesis is John Chowning; a musician interested in computer music, who discovered FM synthesis in 1967 whilst experimenting with vibrato in Stanford university as a music professor. By implementing very fast and deep vibrato on sinusoidal waves, the pitch and time of the waves couldn’t be discerned by John. He discovered that by using two simple waveforms, harmonic or inharmonic tones could be created using very rapid vibrato which was based on the waveforms’ frequencies and the modulation depth. As a musician, John noticed that musical instruments and even voltage controlled analog synths could not perform this effect, realizing the potential for this unique effect to be utilised by musicians as a sound design tool. A few years later, Yamaha became intrigued in John’s discovery, sending an engineer to Stanford in order to gain some insight into FM synthesis. The engineer understood the discovery, and consequently Yamaha became the first company to develop FM synthesizer models with John.

Fast forward to 1982, and the first affordable and commercially successful digital synth was released. This was the Yamaha DX7, a classic FM synthesizer which was widely used in the 1980′s, with popular artists utilising it for their productions, such as a-Ha, Brian Eno, and The Cure.

In this example, FM synthesis was used to create the Koto sound used in the melody.

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The DX7 was good at emulating acoustic instruments compared to analog synths of the time which would’ve implemented subtractive synthesis. Adam Crute from MusicTech states: ‘the DX7 rapidly overtook and then utterly eclipsed the number of analogue subtractive synths that were being sold’ (MusicTech 2019). This shows that during the 80′s, FM synthesis was an important aspect of music production, being so widely implemented that songs started having a similar recognisable sound. In addition, it demonstrates something which I find to be of relevance, as I produce music which is influenced by 80′s and retro inspired music. Knowing about key instruments like the DX7, has enabled me to better understand some of the devices used when producing retro music. Additional FM synths I have looked into include the Korg Volca FM, Dexed, and the EFM1.

Dexed is inspired by the Yamaha DX7 and is one of the best free VST synth plugins of 2021.

Nowadays, FM synthesis is not as widely used, compared to subtractive synthesis for instance. However for musicians who appreciate the distinct sounds which only FM synths, such as the DX7, can create, as well as the nostalgic feel they can invoke, it is a worthwhile tool and modern plugins can be utilised to achieve this. This of course is not its only application, as FM synthesis can be used in music regardless of genre. For instance, it is used in more modern electronic music such as Dubstep to create rich and gritty bass sounds.

To put FM synthesis into practice, I will be using Logic’s EFM1, which has a relatively straightforward user interface, compared to the complexity often associated with FM synthesis. Firstly, I have started with the default preset which sounds like a deep house bass. The global parameters set the overall tuning of EFM1, and I have kept the 16 voices and clicked the unison button in order to form a thicker sound. Harmonic levels are set to 2 for modulator and 30 for carrier. This produces a robot like sound. The LFO and rate knobs are turned slightly clockwise to increase the amount of modulation applied to the FM intensity at a medium-fast rate.

The second sound I produced was a pad-like sound which was more expressive. Here I have only used 2 voices to help form a softer sound. In addition, the harmonic level is only set to 1 for the modulator and 0 for the carrier. By using the modulation and volume envelopes I have altered the settings to provide variation in the sound. The LFO has more modulation applied to the FM intensity, but at a slower rate than the first sound. To add further interest to the sound, moderate stereo detuning has been applied.

This plugin consists of various presets to help people get started, including bells which is a sound often associated with FM synthesis, due to their complex timbres.

There are additional controls within the EFM1 which enable the user to form their own sounds, however this was an introduction to FM synthesis, and in theory when creating sounds not all of the parameters will be altered as it really depends on the sound the producer is going for!

This experiment has demonstrated that completely different sounds can be created with FM synthesis and it has increased my familiarity with FM synthesis, furthering my curiosity in this interesting area of sound design.

References:

Hahn, M. (2020). FM Synthesis: Everything You Need to Know to Get Started. [Online] Available at - https://blog.landr.com/fm-synthesis/. Accessed: [12/01/21]

Crute, A. (2019). Understanding the origins of FM synthesis. [Online] Available at - https://www.musictech.net/guides/essential-guide/history-of-fm-synthesis/. Accessed: [12/01/21]

kvraudio (n/a) Dexed. [Online] Available at - https://www.kvraudio.com/product/dexed-by-digital-suburban. Accessed: [12/01/21]

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positivepsychologyinterventions · 4 years

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When Every ADHD-Friendly Organizing Tool and Trick You’ve Tried Hasn’t Worked

You feel like you’ve tried every technique, tool, and trick to get organized. But nothing seems to work. Tasks still go unfinished, and you still find yourself frustrated and stressed out.

The problem?

Maybe your systems have simply lost their spark. “The ADHD brain likes novelty,” according to Barb Hubbard, M. Ed, AAC, an ADHD specialist and life strategies coach. “So, when you find a system that works, expect the newness to wear off after a while. Know that it’s OK to change systems often or make small changes that allow you to feel like it’s new again.”

Maybe you’re fixated on perfection. “When you set yourself up to do something ‘perfectly,’ it’s not going to work and perfection is a big barrier to the outcome of your success,” said Annie Varvaryan, PsyD., a clinical psychologist working with adolescents, adults, and couples in private practice in San Jose, Calif. Instead, realize that “some of it will work and other parts will pan out differently than expected,” she said.

Maybe you’re skimping on self-care and other focus-bolstering habits. Gayle M. Gruenberg, a coach and professional organizer in chronic disorganization who specializes in working with clients with ADHD and other brain-based challenges, noted that these habits include: getting good sleep; exercising; eating nutrient-rich foods; going outside; and working in an optimal environment for you (which might mean quiet and calm or lots of commotion).

Maybe some strategies haven’t worked because you need a pharmacological solution. Or maybe you need to switch medication or increase your dose. This is when it’s important to see a psychiatrist who specializes in treating ADHD (if possible).

Whether you’re taking medication or not, there are plenty of other strategies that can help—like the ones below.

Have ongoing support. Gruenberg has found that this is the most effective technique for people with ADHD. “Whether it’s a family member, friend, or a professional—organizer, coach, therapist—having someone to be accountable to is very helpful.”

She noted that having an external support system can assist with everything from helping you find strategies that work to validating your challenges and surrounding emotions.

Find out what else is going on. Often individuals with ADHD have other conditions that can affect how they learn and process information, and thereby the tools that will be effective. This might be anything from a learning disability to a mood disorder. This is why it’s important to get a comprehensive professional evaluation.

Meditate. Today, meditation is a common recommendation for everything. But it can absolutely help to sharpen your focus. For instance, studies show a link between regular meditation and thickening of the prefrontal cortex, home of executive function skills, such as attention, organization, planning, decision making, judgment, and self-regulation, noted Marilyn Abrahamson, a speech-language pathologist and Amen Clinics certified brain health coach.

“People with ADD commonly have behavior changes that are associated with these areas of the brain, which is why meditation is so effective in this population.”

For Abrahamson, who also has ADHD, meditation has been tremendously helpful. She suggested starting with a guided meditation, such as an app (like Calm or Headspace) or a free video on YouTube. The great thing is that there’s a wide array of options, she said—from a single minute to an entire hour, from men’s voices to women’s voices, from soft music to babbling brook sounds.

“I find that what works best for me today is different from what I chose from yesterday’s meditation. The most important thing is that you take the time to do it each day.”

Create rewards. If you’re motivated by them, rewards can inspire you to get things done. Varvaryan noted that “a reward could be something that the person wants to do or build toward doing.” An example, she said, is “If I complete my tasks every week for four weeks, I can buy the concert tickets I want.”

Delegate effectively. Gruenberg’s mantra is: “Do what you do best and delegate the rest.” What are your strengths? What feels easy for you? What feels excruciating? Can you assign the task to someone else? Maybe you can hire out. Maybe a colleague is better suited for that part, while you can focus on a different area of the project.

Always write it down. Abrahamson uses Google calendar to set reminders. She also uses Siri and the iPhone note-taking app to capture thoughts and ideas that pop up, even in the middle of the night. “Just noting it somewhere gives me the confidence that the information is ‘safe’ and I can go back to sleep without worrying that I’ll forget it.” Phones are a great way to record reminders, because, let’s be honest, they’re constantly with us.

Set a timer. Timers create a sense of urgency for all sorts of tasks, and they help you get started. (Often getting started is the hard part!) For example, Hubbard suggested setting a timer for 10 minutes every day to clear your desk. You also might set a timer for tedious tasks (which can’t be delegated).

Create routines. Routines can help you accomplish the tasks that really require effort, because routines allow you to move through everyday activities without much brain power, said Hubbard. For example, she said, you might create this bedtime routine: Turn off all screens by 9 p.m., journal about what went well, meditate for a few minutes, set out clothes for the next day, brush your teeth, take your medication, and settle into bed with a book.

To create routines, Hubbard suggested these tips:

Always follow the same steps in the same order.

Identify three things that are vital to you, and create your routine around them. You can add additional steps later.

Create a visual reminder of your new routine. For example, you might write your list on a post-it note and put it on your bathroom mirror.

Pair activities that are already routine (e.g., brushing your teeth) with new activities (e.g., taking medication).

Keep your routines no longer than 15 or 20 minutes. “You want to create a routine that will lead to success and build on it from there.”

Have a minimalist mindset. Instead of adding one more thing, work on subtracting. According to Derek Mihalcin, Ph.D, a psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst, you might: turn off TV during family dinners; keep your phone on silent during meetings; and focus on three tasks (rather than starting your day with a running list of everything). He also stressed the importance of single-tasking. Then if you complete those three tasks, move on to the next three.

When trying a strategy, try not to get discouraged. Think of yourself as a scientist or an explorer. You’re simply experimenting to see what works and what doesn’t. Everything is invaluable information that helps you adjust, pivot, and change course. So, if a strategy doesn’t work, reflect on the reasons why—and then try something else that might be a better fit.

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