What is the difference between AFM and FM?

[Green Xenon]

Hi:

What is the difference between AFM [Advanced Frequency Modulation] synthesis and FM [Frequency Modulation] synthesis?

The former is used by synths like SY99, SY77 and TG77. The latter is used by synths like OPL3.

Thanks,

Green

[Doug Wellington]

I'm trying to dredge back into the dark recesses of my mind, but I think "AFM" just has more waveforms and algorithms...

[rosch]

if you type "SY99" in google it brings you plenty of links.

this one answers your question at first glance:

http://homepage.mac.com/synth_seal/html/sy99a.html

the SY99 manual:

http://www.retrevo.com/support/Yamaha-SY-99-manual/id/961ag823/t/2/

...and many links more  ;)

[madox]

What is the difference between AFM [Advanced Frequency Modulation] synthesis and FM [Frequency Modulation] synthesis?

I think the best answer is to use your ears, and judge for yourself, what a sound engine is capable of. This can be tricky without owning the synth, but usually there will be enough sample material online to get a reasonable sense of a synth.

You may also like to try Vintage Synth or Gear Slutz, which are more general synth fora.

Cheers,

madox

edit - message changed; probably sounded a bit harsh