MuTools

Nonno · Post by **Nonno** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 4:22 am

Hi, is there a way to build an FM synthesis algorithm by the mean of Mux modules? I can't see any chance to add an audio signal to a frequency value of an oscillator.
Many thanks,
Gab

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 9:41 am

Yep, "audio to modulation" converter would have to exist for that and remains a very good request!

That might be the most "dangerous" module, once it exists, but it also would add a whole new dimension to MUX synthesis.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 9:45 am

However, using the MultiForm Oscillator you can do FM (like) sounds over Phase Distortion!
That is naturally rather limiting, but it's a way to get some FM into the mix. Essentially this creates an internal wavetable. You can control the index with any modulation source.

MuTools · Post by **MuTools** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 10:14 am

You can already convert audio to modulation using the Audio Envelope Follower module. Note however that modulation signals are low frequency by nature, so you can't do FM with them. Yes certain FM sounds can be done using the MultiForm Oscillator module.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 10:22 am

You think you might add an [audio to modulation] module? (I mean in the polysynth mux, of course.)

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 11:49 am

Here's a little test using LFO with repeated internal waves. It's just a goof, but kind of interesting...

MuTools · Post by **MuTools** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 12:24 pm

Taron wrote:You think you might add an [audio to modulation] module? (I mean in the polysynth mux, of course.)

Maybe crossed posts?
http://www.kvraudio.com/forum/viewtopic ... 3#p6151093

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 12:33 pm

AH...hmmm... Audio Envelope Follower is not inside polysynth and I don't know what it does, but it seems to rather analyze the volume of audio rather than transferring the wave as modulation?!

(I gotta investigate further)
If you can pack into the FR list an Audio to Modulation module inside the polysynth MUX, that would probably be the most ideal to include FM into the repertoire of MUX synthesis.

Ironically, I really do not like FM sounds, haha... DOH!

...but awesome basics can always lead to new exciting discoveries.

MuTools · Post by **MuTools** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 12:40 pm

As said above: the modulation system works on a low frequency basis so it's not suited to do FM. For FM you need audio rate modulation and relevant anti-aliasing.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 12:53 pm

I can imagine the potential challenge involved, but I have experienced surprises in programming, too, when everything turned out to be there already.

Have you tried it, yet?
Because maybe you've tried a simple audio signal to modulation signal conversion in the past and it proofed to be problematic. I'm just curious.

The audio envelope follower is more or less a trigger mechanism, a gate. But let's just ignore that one altogether.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 1:24 pm

Here's a cleaner version of my FM test with a crazy LFO as modulator source.
I've noticed the AA problem it represents when feeding it into volume instead of pitch and changing the oscillator waveform to just a +100 waveform. On one hand it shows that the lfo works as oscillator, but also that it is not anti-aliased for that sake.

MuTools · Post by **MuTools** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 1:28 pm

The modulation system is not designed for audio rate modulations. It's really not recommended to use it that way. That said, maybe i'll add audio rate modulations in some future MUX version, i'm dreaming/thinking about it in the background. But first things first: First of all now is to finish the new/improved MUX front panel system. Pls don't expect too much, cause i have to keep it simple. But that said, there are some nice improvements. When that's released i'll work on easifying audio recording and the track-rack relationship for "non-modular" users.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 1:39 pm

Very cool! No worried, Jo!

Yeah, the rack system really needs some more attention for sure. I'm looking forward to the whole Rack Mute/Solo stuff to be worked out perfectly again. Currently it ended up a bit messy.

Michael L · Post by **Michael L** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 1:55 pm

Taron, your FM Test is a neat idea but I think the LFO as oscillator homogenizes the waveform a bit.

Taron · Post by **Taron** » Fri Jun 05, 2015 2:08 pm

Thanks, Mike, it's just a funny little test. I'm still goofing around with it a little, but it's really not made for that sort of thing. You can get some interesting xylophones out of it, though, or the likes.
I'm not sure what you mean by "homogenize", though...sounds interesting!?

If you mean: desperately corrupts the beauty of the oscillator, then I understand!

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FM Synthesi algorithm