I posted this five years ago and it is still quite valid. Even the DX-7 has many patches that are just parallel chains of small numbers of operators. So, those kinds sounds can be duplicated by layering smaller synths in many cases. I think that much of the reason that only collectors care is that the result isn't unique enough to be worth the effort in most cases.ghettosynth wrote: ↑Wed Jan 07, 2015 2:06 amYes, in theory, but, past six operators or so, the combinatorial advantage of having all of those operators in one box diminishes. There are diminishing returns for having long complex modulation chains and most of the advantage can be attributed to layering simpler chains. For sounds that just rely on more operators, I think that two or three layered instances of FM8 will get you there. In general, I think that this is an overlooked concept that is so simple it's absurd. Just layer existing synths to get complex sounds from synths that combined technologies.EvilDragon wrote:Well... formant synthesis as done by FS1R is a different pair of shoes. Also, FS1R has 8 voiced and 8 unvoiced operators, so it's not your usual FM box really.
Since you have one, if you'd like to discuss some particular patches that really highlight what is special about the FS1R, I'd certainly be interested in that.
Don't get me wrong, I think that more complex variants of FM are cool and I've spent a lot of time mucking around with more generalized FM synths in Reakt0r, but I think a lot of the hype here is about FOMO with respect to unobtanium.
I don't think the filters sound good and I'm not hearing anything ultra amazing in most of those videos. Most of what I'm hearing sounds like a few modern romplers layered. I'd really like to hear more complex evolving and subtle sounds or complex PM like tines that highly how real time modulation makes a difference in these types of sounds.
Anyway, I'm forever disappointed in modern FM software synths because they insist on being clones. Artur1a didn't have the vision to stretch beyond some basic modifications of the DX7. I think that FM programming is still too unapproachable for the masses and therein lies the rub. If getting the most out of it requires programming, then the dramatic increase in programming complexity beyond six operators means that most users will view it as a preset box. I think that the modern variants capture this idea and try to simplify how a sound can be evolved with complex modulation with that big ass mondo knob, or whatever Yamahaha calls it. I've contemplated getting a modern Yamahaha workstation, the feeling usually passes quickly.
Depending on your interests, the best alternatives at the moment are either one of the aforementioned FM synths, Reakt0r, or modulars like Baz1lle. Even Artuira's Synclavier is interesting for some sounds. Each has strengths and weaknesses depending on what your sound goal is. I think for most of those pads in the videos, layering up synths like padshop, romplers, and VA synths will get you there and there is little point to FM synthesis for static sounds like that.
Anyway, YMMV and all that. Please post FS1R sounds that are really unique to the FS1R and would still require some complex programming today to achieve, AND, have value in the modulation such that sampling it is not a reasonable goal. That's what I'd like to hear.