Yamaha DX9 Operating Manual page 11

• Basic Operator Functions
1) Relationship of Carrier to Modulator
An · operator can be used as either a carrier or modulator.
These two basic operator functions are the basis for the FM
tone generation system. Two operators can be combined in
two different ways.
1. Modulator and carrier combinations
Modulator Carrier
PITCH-
OP 1
~~
OP 2
~-o"''"'
~----------~MOD. ~-------------~r-
2. Carrier and carrier combinations
PITCH-
OP 1
-
Carrier
r----
Output
PITCH-
OP2
r---
Carner
3) Modulator and Carrier
In the
modulator/carrier configuration using two operators,
shown in the figure, the operator on the left is the modu-
lator and the operator on the right is the carrier. In the FM
system, the last operator in a chain of two or more oper-
• Modulator and carrier combinations
Operator 1
PITCH
EG
PITCH
<I O>
2) Carrier and Carrier
This configuration results in a pure sine wave output from
both operators. The combination of these waveforms can
sound much like a conventional organ.
• Carrier and carrier combinations
Operator 1
PITCH
Output
EG
Operator 2
PITCH
EG
ators is the carrier . By varying the ratio of the modulator
and carrier frequencies, and by varying the envelope of the
modulator, an extremely broad range of highly comp lex
waveforms (complex harmonic structure) can be created.
Operator 2
r----o---
Output
EG