Hi. I am a newbie on Yamaha MODX7+.
I am trying to create Arp and Pad sound from Save Your Tears with MODX7+.
Perplexity suggested me to follow these instructions to create the sound. But I want to ask experts here if this is OK or not. I don’t have the synth yet but I will have it ready from the $10/hr practice room soon. I want to be prepared before the practice session.
Please help!
Basic Setup for Arp
Initialize a Performance
- Start with an initialized FM-X performance
- Select Part 1 and set it as an FM-X type
Oscillator Configuration
Operator Settings
- Set Operator 1 as a square wave carrier
- Set Operator 2 as a sine wave modulator
- Set Operator 3 with a saw wave for additional harmonics
- Set the ratio between operators to create harmonic content similar to the hyper/square combination
Envelope Settings
- Set Amplitude Envelope:
- Attack: 0ms
- Decay: 430ms
- Sustain: 0
- Release: 100ms
Filter Configuration
- Enable the filter section
- Select 24dB/oct Low Pass filter
- Set cutoff around 2kHz
- Set filter envelope to match the amplitude envelope
- Add slight resonance (10-15%)
Modulation
LFO Settings
- Set LFO 1 to sine wave
- Rate: sync to tempo
- Depth: moderate (40-50%)
- Route to filter cutoff for movement
Effects
- Add Reverb:
- Time: 1.5s
- Mix: 25%
- Add Delay:
- Time: synced to tempo (1/8)
- Feedback: 20%
- Mix: 15%
Arpeggiator Settings
- Turn on the arpeggiator
- Mode: Up
- Range: 2 octaves
- Gate Time: 75%
- Velocity: 100
- Swing: 10-15% for groove
Performance Controls
- Assign Super Knob:
- Filter cutoff (0-50%)
- Reverb mix (0-30%)
- Set Motion Sequence:
- Lane 1: Filter cutoff modulation
- Lane 2: Amplitude modulation
The key to achieving this sound is in the precise timing of the envelope and the interaction between the filter modulation and the arpeggiator[9]. Experiment with the operator ratios and modulation depths to find the sweet spot for your specific needs[4][8].
Citations:
[1] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733064060/user_uploads/njbhccpbg/image.jpg
[2] Syntaur newbie can only post two links
Initial Setup for Pad
- Start with a new initialized Performance
- Press [EDIT] to enter the detailed editing mode
- Select Part 1 for editing
Oscillator Configuration
Basic Settings
- Select AWM2 as the main engine
- Set Polyphony to 12 voices for a lush sound[7]
- Use two operators in parallel configuration
Oscillator 1
- Select a basic sine/saw waveform
- Set detune to a slight positive value
- Enable 12-voice unison
Oscillator 2
- Select a similar waveform but slightly different character
- Set detune to a slight negative value
- Enable 12-voice unison
Envelope Settings
Amplitude Envelope
- Attack: 350ms
- Hold: 0ms
- Decay: 640ms
- Sustain: 70%
- Release: 500ms[2]
LFO Configuration
- Set LFO 3 to modulate the pitch/detune of both oscillators
- Rate: Set to a slow value (around 0.5 Hz)
- Depth: Subtle amount (10-15%)
- Waveform: Sine or Triangle
Effects
Reverb
- Type: Large Hall or R3 Hall
- Time: 2.5-3.0 seconds
- Pre-delay: 20ms
- Mix: 40%[2]
Final Adjustments
- Use the Super Knob to control:
- Reverb depth
- Filter cutoff
- LFO depth[9]
- Fine-tune using:
- Part EQ to shape the overall tone
- Filter resonance for additional character
- Motion sequencer for subtle movement[7]
The MODX7+ has powerful Motion Control synthesis that can add extra dimension to the pad sound. Consider using the Envelope Follower to create subtle dynamic variations and the Super Knob for real-time control of multiple parameters simultaneously[9].
For additional expressiveness, connect an FC7 foot controller to control the Super Knob while keeping both hands free for playing[11].
Citations:
[1] https://pplx-res.cloudinary.com/image/upload/v1733063795/user_uploads/legiybhap/image.jpg
[2] Syntaur newbie can only post two links
