Possible to get a classic 80' (FM?) bass sound?

[MBlom]

I'm such a sucker for that hollow metallic Synclavier sound from Frankie Goes To Hollywood's Relax and Michael Jackson's Bad (album). Also the hard and snappy bass sounds from Depeche. In general the 80's kind of sound, sometimes close to a slap bass. I've got only the slightest knowledge of what equipment tjat was used for this. I guess a lot was digital. Like FM-synths and PPGs.

Anyone who can push me in the right direction for the sound? Besides the Voyager I have a CP-251, MF101, 103, 104 and 107. (added following afterwards) I realise that the Voyager is of a different breed of synthesizers than those who made that kind of sounds. But if it'd be possible to come even close I'd be happy since I want to extract as much as I can from this wonderful synth instead of just buying more stuff.

Edit - I changed title and topic from Synclavier to more broadened 80's digital/FM- kind of sound. /3rd of aug

[Just Me]

A digital synth.
When all we had was analog synths, we drooled and dreamt of the sounds of Fairlights and Synclaviers. Then the digital era hit and we got all those sounds we wanted. All the old analogs were dumped for $5-$10 bucks (seriously! I got Quartet and a Solina for $5 because no one would take them from the store) . Now, everyone wants the old analogs. They are great for analog sounds. Not worth a damn for digital sounds.

[MBlom]

Can I come even close to those classic Depeche Mode-basses and 80's hard and snappy FM(?)-basses? I want to ask just so I don't buy stuff when I could've made those sounds with my Voyager instead. But I realise that it's probably best to look for a decent FM-synth. Gonna give my Monachine a go and see what I can squeeze out of it.

I watched Kraftwerk yesterday at Dalhalla (search for pics!) and the sound was sooooo good! Especially the basses and kicks made me drop my jaw and almost wet my pants of pleasure. Punchy, powerful and with definition. No woobly bass frequencies that muddied the sound. And it made me urge for those snappy 80's bass sounds. Close to a slap bass. (I hope I've described the kind of sound I'm talking about good. Hard to know if other people get it when just writing about it.)

Any input and thoughts about synths that do a good job with these kind of sounds is much appreciated!

[bichuelo]

Casio VZ series are capable of very advanced FM/phase sync, or as they called it, Interactive Phase Distortion. Yamaha's FS1R is their most advanced FM synth ever, up to my knowledge. You can also try Reaktor, Razor can do some digital stuff I haven't heard elsewhere

[GregAE]

Can I come even close to those classic Depeche Mode-basses and 80's hard and snappy FM(?)-basses?

Sounds like challenge to all Voyager owners. How about it Voyager folks - how close can you get to those classic FM bases?

I created a folder in the KnobTweak|Files|Voyager section called 'Voyager FM patches' for anyone wanting to offer up some sounds.

Show us what you can do with your Voyager...

- Greg

[MBlom]

Can I come even close to those classic Depeche Mode-basses and 80's hard and snappy FM(?)-basses?

Sounds like challenge to all Voyager owners. How about it Voyager folks - how close can you get to those classic FM bases?

I created a folder in the KnobTweak|Files|Voyager section called 'Voyager FM patches' for anyone wanting to offer up some sounds.

Show us what you can do with your Voyager...

- Greg

[Just Me]

Someone posted an FM video tutorial on here recently. By manipulating the range and waveforms, I was able to get some pretty good bass sounds. It is all up to your experimentation to get the sound you want. I've always gotten better basses from analog over my digital machines. I use the digital for the other end of the spectrum where analog suffers.

[MBlom]

I watched that video. Tried it but I'll work on it a little more. Have to practise to use and listen to those subtle changes that are needed.

[GregAE]

Someone posted an FM video tutorial on here recently.

That someone was me. It's not my tutorial, however, I just posted the link to it:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmpoM5osl24


- Greg

[Gladmarr]

I was able to follow that tutorial and get a pretty mean bass sound, and then improve upon it by also freq modulating Osc 2 with the pedal bus. It's like two meaty bass sounds at once. I don't know if it was the sound you're looking for, but it was much grittier than most of the presets....

[MBlom]

Interesting! What source for freq modulating Osc 2?

[MBlom]

http://open.spotify.com/track/71e4DMlvjWCPBQ7QAiFNtY

Tour The France - Live on the Minimum Maximum album by Kraftwerk. That's the kind of snappy hard sound I'm after. It was just pure pleasure listening to it live the other day!

[Just Me]

There is a factory patch (34) 'Smooth Bite' that I use as a basis for KW and other sequence like bass parts. Try it and turn down the env amount to filter and lower the cutoff freq some to taste. You will find it a good starting point, I think. I also use it for Shriekback covers and of all things 2 tone.

[Gladmarr]

Interesting! What source for freq modulating Osc 2?

Osc 3. I tried the lfo, but it got weird.