Frequency Modulation in Sytrus

For your next project, You'll be getting to the heart of FM synthesis with Frequency Modulation- FM for short. Basically, you'll be creating a soundwave, and then throwing another sound wave at it. It's a bit like throwing a rock into a pond and observing the resulting wave, then throwing another rock into the pond and watching how the waves interact- only you'll be using sound. The following describes how to create the basic wave shapes. You're on your own with filters, FX and other toys. I'm assuming you already know how to apply those.

FM
The first synth we'll create will use operator 2 to modulate operator 1. Get a default Sytrus open and do this:
1.OP1 shape slider to 100% - observe that this sounds icky.
2.Change Op1's Frequency ratio from 2 to 1 (down an octave sounds better)
switch to Op 2
3.Op 2's shape slider to about 60%. Notice the wave is not quite a square and not quite a saw.
4.In the matrix, turn OP 2 to 5% in Op 1's horizontal row. Notice the difference? Also notice the cancellation that occurs around 12%.
5. Jazz it up with FX and Filters.

OSC
For the next 3 synths we'll be using the OSC window in Operator 1

For the first one, draw a saw wave, then fill in the first bar to 100%, the next to 75% and the 4th to 50%.
Give it a listen and add FX as you see fit. I mixed this one in the filter section with a SVF (State Variable Filter). This synth (with an LFO envelope) makes the melody in my post below.

For the next one, draw a line in the osc box from the top left to the bottom right. It doesn't have to be a straight line, but should generally slope downwards. Tap the smooth button a bunch of times to soften the curve. This will give you a string (think violins) like sound.

For the last one, go random in the OSC area. Really. Draw a bunch of chaotic lines. It'll sound awful at first, but what we're looking for is a harmonically rich sound that we can set to pluck mode. After you have your randomness done, click the pluck button. Notice that you are not allowed to play with the matrix when in pluck mode as all of the controls are grayed out.
Move the noise slider up and listen to the difference. I liken this sound to a guitar or bell sound. I added a lot of chorus to this one.in FX.
So there you have them. Go ahead and create a loop using your 4 synths. Here's mine:



I started with the first synth (where Op2 modulated op1) and created the bass line. The chord that punches through and echos was done with the OSC synth with the slope. This synth also come in at the end as a high pitched sustaining note that swells in with a volume automation clip. the melody is done with the OSC synth with the three harmonics (and a healthy wobble from the LFO). The melody is repeated, and when it repeats the guitar sounding OSC synth doubles it. I like the effect of the sustaining synth against the plucked synth. Drums are all default browser sounds. The piece fades out with a master volume envelope.

If you want the long version of this tutorial, or a better, and more detailed explanation, go to this site: http://fav.me/d198p1f