DX7 programming (Was [sdiy] Steel drum synth)

[Stefano Costa]

Machinerygod wrote:

> While we're on the topic of FM and a couple people mentioned operators
> and DX7's, where could I find a good guide to programming the DX7, in
> all the gory detail? I seem to recall some book that was written, but
> I'm sure that's out of print long since. Anything PDF or Web-based
> floating around? I've got one of these machines but could never really
> get the hang of programming it by just messing with it.

Batz's approach may be useful (also in any other synth technology
that I know) but there are also more scientific approaches.
Apart reading a god work on FM like Chowning's, an analytical
aproach is also good. One powerful techinique is Fourier transform,
that is, replicating a given wave with a series of sine waveforms.
It's pretty handy because you can find an arrangement of
various operators for complex sound or at least give you and
hint to do powerful things.
Anyway underatnding the pros and cons of FM is important.

Ste