FM Synthesis of Musical Instruments

When the vibrato rate is in the audio frequency range, and when the width is made larger, the technique can be used to create a broad range of distinctive timbres.

Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis was invented by John Chowning at Stanford University's Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA).

FM synthesis uses fewer oscillators than either additive or AM synthesis to introduce more frequency components in the spectrum.

Where AM synthesis uses a signal to modulate the amplitude of a carrier oscillator, FM synthesis uses a signal to modulate the frequency of a carrier oscillator.