FM Synthesis as a Medium for Just Intonation
Faculty Mentor
Ben Luca Robertson
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-14-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-14-2026 1:30 PM
Location
PUB NCR
Primary Discipline of Presentation
Music
Abstract
Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis is an audio synthesis method performed by controlling the frequency of one waveform with another, thereby modulating the initial waveform. During this process, additional frequencies known as sidebands are introduced. The frequencies and amplitudes of these sidebands can be calculated using the harmonic series and Bessel functions, respectively. Via these calculations, the optimal parameters for producing sidebands at specific musical intervals can be calculated. This can then be extended to intervals in just intonation, a tuning system that constructs intervals as products of prime harmonics. Utilizing this method produces intervals with auditory properties unique to FM synthesis.
Recommended Citation
Croskrey, Stephen, "FM Synthesis as a Medium for Just Intonation" (2026). 2026 Symposium. 39.
https://dc.ewu.edu/srcw_2026/ps_2026/p2_2026/39
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
FM Synthesis as a Medium for Just Intonation
PUB NCR
Frequency modulation (FM) synthesis is an audio synthesis method performed by controlling the frequency of one waveform with another, thereby modulating the initial waveform. During this process, additional frequencies known as sidebands are introduced. The frequencies and amplitudes of these sidebands can be calculated using the harmonic series and Bessel functions, respectively. Via these calculations, the optimal parameters for producing sidebands at specific musical intervals can be calculated. This can then be extended to intervals in just intonation, a tuning system that constructs intervals as products of prime harmonics. Utilizing this method produces intervals with auditory properties unique to FM synthesis.
