Getting bare sawtooth sounds isn't *that* hard - it's emulating filter
sounds that's a real challenge. But that's unnecessary for the "Jump"
patch (unless you're also doing "1984" as a lead-in!) I need to have
another go at it - it's been a while since I did this, and it was on
the TX81Z/V50 rather than the DX7. The trick as I recall is, as Eb
states, to go easy on the modulation, and use any extra operators to
boost the higher harmonics that FM with a low modulation factor
doesn't quite put enough oomph into.
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On 3/24/21, Eb Myatt via groups.io <eb.myatt@...> wrote:
Excellent post, Bruce!
Hello Kevin,
Just to add on to what Bruce said, there is a free Oberheim plug-in called
“Obxd” available as an Audio Unit or as a VST. Works great in GarageBand,
MainStage, ProTools and Logic Pro X. There is already a “Jump” preset
available in this AU. Check it out.
<>
For storing patches from your DX7 and for uploading patch(es) to it "SysEx
Librarian” works well (in addition to your DAW of course).
<>
Happy Gigging,
E?
On Mar 24, 2021, at 9:52 AM, Bruce Wahler via groups.io
<bw@...> wrote:
Hi Kevin,
I won't say that you *can't* get an OB-Xa sound on a DX7, but it's
definitely a 'walking against the wind' task! The OB-Xa is an analog
subtractive synth, a la Moog Arp, Prophet, etc. EVH used a pair of
sawtooth or maybe mid-width pulse waves and some detuning. One can
simulate this with an FM synth, but the end result is far from perfect,
IMHO. It's definitely outside the 'sweet spot' for FM synthesis. (Think:
snappy basses, realistic brass, and shimmering bells.)
The Jump! sound is easy to create on just about any analog or virtual
analog poly synth around: Dave Smith, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Arturia,
even a Nord Electro or Stage. But not so much on a DX7.
OTOH, it will still probably be better than an SK1, if that's your only
alternative!
________
The general rules for analog waves on an FM synth are:
Wave Op1 (Carrier) Op2 (Modulator)
Sawtooth 1.00x 1.00x
Square 1.00x 2.00x
Wide Pulse 1.00x 3.00x
Thin Pulse 1.00x 4.00x or 5.00x
Go easy on the amount of the modulation. A little extra modulation from a
third operator at the start of the wave may help to add grit; it should
have a very short envelope. Use an algorithm like #3 or , #4. Start with
the 2nd chain muted, and get a saw wave sound that you are happy with on
the first three operators. Then duplicate that sound on the second three,
and use frequency detune to get the proper mix and swirl.
One other thing: FM synthesis tends to be a bit more 'cold' and sterile
than analog synths. Players sometimes complain about a "lack of bottom
end." I often compensate by adding in some sine wave to fill in the
bottom, but one can't layer sounds on the DX7, limiting your options. You
might try getting the base sound with just two operators, using something
like Algorithm #5 or #6. Use operators 1-2 and 3-4 for the sawtooth/pulse
sound, then turn off operator 6 and mess around with the level of operator
5 (sine) to fatten the bottom end.
Good luck!
Regards,
-BW
Bruce Wahler
Halfmoon-Switch.com?
bw@... <mailto:bw@...>
<>
978.597.7008
PLEASE NOTE: The AshbySolutions.com domain will be closed soon. Please
use the new (wahler.us) email for all future correspondence. Thank you
for your understanding.
On 3/24/2021 8:57 AM, Kevin Syler wrote:
Thank to everyone for the great information. The other thing is how to
hook the DX to a computer, and, Mac is my preference since I own an iMac
and an iPad. I also may purchase a MacBook Air or Pro for this and some
other jobs. I also have iConnectMIDI which I’m pretty sure will make the
connection since it has USB, midi and lightning connectors. Now to start
reading the great stuff you guys sent and getting things going. My main
program to load or dial in the the OBX sound Van Halen uses on Jump. One
of the bands I play with is doing a Van Halen tribute set in 4 weeks and
I would like to use the DX instead of my SK1-73.
--
Kevin Syler
12-op