Yamaha DX200 43

Chapter 11 Advanced Sound Shaping Controls

43 Mellow or metallic — FM Depth

Depending on the other settings, FM Depth can be very subtle, adding harmonics or changing the pitch —

almost imperceptibly at times. Keep in mind that it works interdependently with the other Modulator con-

trols, so you’ll need to factor these in as well. (By the way, did you notice the lines on the panel connecting

the MODULATOR [SELECT] button with the [HARMONIC], [FM DEPTH], and [DECAY] knobs? All these con-

trols are related.)

FM Depth can also create harsh, metallic, non-pitched sounds — perfect when you want to add some indus-

trial edge or noise percussion to your tracks.

You may want to select “ALL” for this, since tweaking all of the Modulators at once makes for more

dramtic sound changes.

Try setting the knob to around 3:00 or 4:00, and hear how the sound gets

brighter and more brittle. Turn the knob down towards 8:00 or 9:00, and

hear how the sound becomes softer and more pure in pitch. Also, try turn-

ing it very slowly as you play the keyboard and hear how the Voice changes.

Depending on the other settings, FM Depth changes can be very subtle —

or extreme and harsh.

If you can’t hear much of a change, try a different Modulator setting (in Step 2 above) and/or a different

Algorithm Type (Tip 41). These can set you on some very unusual sound-creation paths.

• Work with Harmonic

Harmonic (Tip 42 above) and FM Depth are two sides of the same sound-shaping coin. For

best results, you should tweak one then the other to hear the effect they have on each other.

• Work with Decay, too

Decay is also an important component in the FM Synthesis sound, and directly affects the FM

Depth. Try setting it to different values as you tweak the other two Modulator-related knobs,

then go on to Tip 44 below and learn more about the control.

• Take it slow

Since even the slightest knob move can send the sound wildly careening off into space, you

may want to slow things down by using the [DATA] knob. Just turn the [FM DEPTH] knob a bit

(to select the parameter), then slowly tweak the [DATA] knob.

FM Depth

Determines the level or volume of the

selected Modulators. First, select the desired

group of Modulators (in Modulator Select

above), then tweak the [FM DEPTH] knob.

Some settings can result in a metallic sound

with no discernable pitch; some settings

completely change the pitch.

Range

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