What Does Frequency Modulation Synthesis (FM Synthesis) Mean?
Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis is a popular technique used for generating rich sound palettes in the process of sound synthesis. Initially implemented in analog systems, FM synthesizers are now implemented digitally. FM synthesizers using analog oscillators suffer from pitch instability; as a result, digital implementations are favored. The latter are helpful in creating un-pitched and metallic tones rather than standard subtractive sounds. FM synthesizers are used to create more lifelike sounds. The simple plain input waveform is changed by modulating its frequency using an FM synthesizer to create more complex waveforms for lifelike sound generation.
Techopedia Explains Frequency Modulation Synthesis (FM Synthesis)
Frequency modulation was popularized by the DX synthesizers launched by Yamaha in the 1980s. FM techniques have been in use as early as the 1930s. However, FM synthesizers were not used until the 1970s when John Chowning, a researcher at Stanford University, developed the techniques for music synthesis.
