FMignal

FMignal is a term that has emerged in certain online communities, particularly those focused on music production and audio technology. It refers to a specific type of audio artifact or unintended sound that can occur when FM synthesis is employed. FM synthesis, or Frequency Modulation synthesis, is a method of generating sound by modulating the frequency of one oscillator (the carrier) with the frequency of another oscillator (the modulator).

When the parameters of FM synthesis are pushed to certain extremes, or when specific combinations of carrier and modulator frequencies and amplitudes are used, undesirable or unexpected sounds can arise. These sounds are often characterized by a harsh, metallic, or overly bright quality, and can sometimes be perceived as "digital noise" or a glitchy artifact. The term "FMignal" is a portmanteau, combining "FM" with "signal," to describe this particular manifestation of the FM synthesis process.

Producers and sound designers often work to either avoid these "FMignals" to achieve cleaner, more traditional sounds, or intentionally incorporate them as a unique sonic texture. The perception of an "FMignal" as either a flaw or a creative element often depends on the context of the music and the aesthetic goals of the creator. Understanding the underlying principles of FM synthesis is key to both generating and mitigating these distinctive audio characteristics.