FM Synthesis Bass

#AudiotentTip 237. FM Bass.

Frequency modulated basslines have a very distinct, often metallic/aggressive sound.
To create a basic FM bass patch start with two sine waves. One as a carrier, another as a modulation source. Pitch the modulator up (7 or 12 semitone intervals tend to work best) to create higher harmonics.
Next, apply an amplitude envelope to control the modulator. Try a quick attack, medium decay settings. This will pronounce the attack of the bass.
There are multiple synthesisers capable of fm synthesis, a few of our favourites are Native Instruments FM8 and Xfer Records Serum.