"Operator Synthesis" - November 2020 book update [NEW NOV2020]

Hi there!

Ever wonder about how or when to use the different algorithms you see in various FM synths?

This month's book update focuses on Operator Synthesis. Yes, as if we don't have enough types of synthesis, here's a "new" one.

Well, obviously, not a new one, but I've not seen people call it that. "Operators" in synths that have them are modular units that contain an oscillator and an envelope, and are arranged in various layouts called an algorithms.

"Oh", I hear you say, "you mean FM synths"? 

Well, sort of. An algorithmic layout of operators was popularized by the DX-7, only the DX-7 used phase modulation, not frequency modulation, so, if you're learning about the DX-7, you're really learning about Phase Modulation synthesis, not FM. Plus, even if we are to call it FM, you can have FM without operators - just by simply modulating the frequency of one oscillator with another.

FM or PM is only half of why the DX-7 was interesting - its real breakthrough I think came from the simplification (yes, I said simplification about a DX-7) of modular synthesis into a conveniently packaged in a retail package, no patch cables necessary. Sure, it had a horrible interface, but it was a good first step.

In recent years we're increasingly seeing operator/algorithm-based synths that go beyond FM or PM, and add operators that can filter, be wavetable synths, do hard sync and more.

So... this month's main new chapter isn't limited just to FM synthesis, but rather discusses the whole range of synthesis opportunities available in synths that have operators: why algorithms exist and a whole bunch of tips regarding which to use and when.

Aside from the new chapter, there are a few other updates - here's the full list:

• Added major new chapter with FM/Operator synthesis ideas and tips
• Added a new section in the mixing chapter with a few secret weapons…
• Added a new performance recording tip (record level automation in a DAW)
• Tips/tricks added: New trick in the bi timbral splits chapter, a “know which waveforms to fold” tip, and a new little Eurorack tuning tip
• Added Black Sequencer and SQ 64 tracks to video download links and Opsix to the instrument-specific tip clips link
• To increase compatibility with more PDF readers, I've changed the search string for updates to this format: [NEW NOV2020]

That's it for November, happy thanksgiving and holidays to everyone, and as usual, thanks for supporting the cause!

Ziv