Machinedrum 32 Op FM Synthesis

Here's one of my favorite Machinedrum secrets. The Machinedrum has extensive FM synth capabilities that most people don't know about. Let's take a tour of some of these capabilities that go well beyond the MD's built-in FM machines. I'm letting this info out to commemorate the release of my new EP 'Interplanetary Weather Report' - check it out now on iTunes and elsewhere. Have fun :-) PS - video is available in HD in case you want to look at the screen in detail.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elektron
• Machinedrum
• sound design
• tutorial
• FM
• synth
• yamaha
• dx
• dx21
• UW
• bass

[dvamateur]

Is it kind of like saying that DX7 is a 96 operator synthesis because it has 6 operators x 16 voices of polyphony?

[Catabolicdj]

@dvamateur Not really because you do not have separate independent control over each note's operators on the DX. For example, in theory you could use all the Machinedrum's operators to make one (really weird) note but you can only use 6 on the DX. Hope this makes sense-it's a little hard to explain.

[Catabolicdj]

Thanks! About the pitches, no - they are listed as numbers (from 0-127). However, I think someone made a pitch chart so you could print that out and use it. Have a search around, or ask about it at the Elektron Users forum. It should be pretty easy once you have the chart.

[Nilspils73]

Superb video!

[Catabolicdj]

@Nilspils73 Thanks!

[ikmijzelf]

Sorry, but this "secret" is kind of the main obvious reason to buy an elektron.

The MnM even has 3 per track.

[Catabolicdj]

@ikmijzelf It doesn't hurt to ask questions so fair enough question to ask. I don't think people flock to the Elektron for the LFOs really, as most gear have a few. What I was hoping to point out is that, since the LFOs are very fast if you raise the tempo, you can actually use them for custom FM synthesis exactly like you would on the DX series. With 16 LFOs and 16-part polyphony, that's a lot of FM potential.

[GYStechno]

@ikmijzelf Yeah troll, people are flocking to the machinedrum for it's intended purpose of being a 32 op FM synth.  Get a life.

[TrondC]

@Catabolicdj obvious? I didn't even consider that the MD has this capability when I bought it. the main selling point is rather the sequencer than the FM capabilities. this video is educative and shows a side to the MD that I bet 98% of the owners never even thought of. great video :)

[dvamateur]

@Catabolicdj You mean, you can put 32 operators vertically? Meaning, as if it were written on your DX21 front panel, having an algorithm with one carrier and 31 modulators. If so, you machine is way more advanced than even 8-operator Yamaha FS1R

[djwadjet]

Awesome 32 op fm synth gonna sell my dx200 now

[Mondriantestpattern]

My first synth was a DX100(I learnt how to use it before I really understood it) I love the crazy possiblity's of FM. Thanks for your time man.

[cartesiaLive]

amazing how many people don't bother to understand LFOs properly

[fuckingharpsichord]

solidbasssssss

[rpsxnu]

when i watched this vid before getting a machinedrum, i was like "wuh?" - but, now that i have one, i am like "yeah!"

[MachineGunBallad]

you are a machine drum researcher. bless your knowledge.