"Frequency is the derivative of phase. The faster phase of, say, a sine progresses, the higher the frequency. Phase Modulation modulates the phase, but leaves the frequency untouched. Frequency Modulation modulates frequency but leaves the phase untouched. In theory both can yield the same results, but in practice they can not. What Yamaha calls FM would be more correctly labeled PM." - Urs Heckmann

 

Cypher is a FM synth.

 

frequency modulation
noun
noun: frequency modulation; noun: FM

the modulation of a radio or other wave by variation of its frequency, especially to carry an audio signal.

phase modulation
nounElectronics
noun: phase modulation

variation of the phase of a radio or other wave as a means of carrying information such as an audio signal.


The Synethsis of Complex Audio Spectra by Means of Frequency Modulation

John M Chowning, Standford University

https://web.eecs.umich.edu/~fessler/course/100/misc/chowning-73-tso.pdf



John Chowning invented FM, sold the patent to Yamaha and directly helped develop the DX series of synths. I'll take Stanford University's opinion over Urs Heckmann's any day of the week.

 

according to wikipedia:

that implies that the DX7 has not used PM no ?

 

It may say many things, but everyone know that it isn't FM. I guess Yamaha people wanted to protect their work from being immediately copied by other companies. All the software emulations like FM8, DX7 by Arturia, Dexed are also NOT FM. Reaktor* and Phase plant can do linear, exponential or through zero FM and phase modulation. There is slight difference in the end sound in all of these. Check it for yourself, using the modulation knobs.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phase_modulation - here also is confirmed that they used PM in DX7. You can also ask around kvr or gearslutz, or yamaha forums.

Btw, there are functions in FS1R that are not mentioned in the manual. These guys were really something else...


*See Reaktor Blocks, even the free Bento box oscillator has all 3 types of FM.

 

Last edited: Jul 18, 2019

Cypher and Bazille can do two types of FM, one of which sounds like phase modulation (it's more stable and you don't have to detune to get the intended pitch)

 

No they don't. For flat earthers everybody knows the earth is flat and for Trumpurfs everybody knows millions of people are massing on the southern border of the US. Everybody don't make it so.

If you understood the mathematics of programming an FM synth, you understand just how corny this claim really is. Klytus, I'm bored.

 

Dude, you are mad, I'm out of this discussion. Go and dissect a real DX7, then report what everyone already knows. You clearly have never even worked with different types of modulation synthesis, that's why I even suggested playing with Reaktor or watching youtube videos where they demonstrate everything under oscilloscope using modulars systems.