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Chapter 11 Advanced Sound Shaping Controls
41 Selecting the Algorithm
Algorithm is one of the fundamental controls behind the FM Synthesis sound of the DX200. It determines
how the basic sound-generating elements (operators) of the synthesizer are organized and combined.
Without getting into too deep of a discussion of FM Synthesis (you can read more about that on page 116),
selecting an Algorithm changes how the six operators are configured. Depending on the configuration, you
can get a very pure, soft sound, or some extremely harsh metallic noise — and just about everything in
between.

1 Select and start one of the Patterns.

2 Press the ALGORITHM [TYPE] button.

3 Change the Algorithm Type.

Use the [DATA] knob to select different Algorithms. A total of 32 are avail-
able. You can also use the [TYPE] button to step through the Algorithms
one-by-one.
Depending on the selected Algorithm, the Voice may sound muffled or go absolutely silent.
If this happens, simply select a different Algorithm.
• Work with Modulator and the others
The true power in the Algorithm control is how it affects and is affected by the other FM con-
trols — Modulator, Harmonic, FM Depth and Decay. All of these are interdependent, so tweak
them together and listen carefully to hear how they interact. Better yet, explore Tips 42, 43
and 44 to find out more about changing the FM sound.
Algorithm Type
Determines the combination of the six FM
operators, and whether a particular operator
is used as sound-generating “carrier” or as a
sound-shaping “modulator.” (For more
about Algorithms and FM Synthesis, see
page 116.)
To change the press the ALGORITHM [TYPE]
button and use the [DATA] knob. Pressing
[TYPE] repeatedly advances through the
Algorithms.
Range
1 — 32