VibeFM: Visual Exploration of FM Synthesis

Simeon Rau; Finn Tobien; Michael Sedlmair

VibeFM: Visual Exploration of FM Synthesis
Image credit: Simeon Rau; Finn Tobien; Michael Sedlmair

Abstract:

We propose VibeFM, an interactive visual approach for sampling, exploring, and identifying novel synthesizer sounds using frequency modulation (FM). Our approach is based on two steps: First, we systematically sample parameter combinations to create a set of sound samples. We then provide a visual overview that shows each sample as a small visualization and orders them spatially by similarity. Our premise is that, by visualizing key audio features, one can quickly parse a large collection of samples without listening to all of them. Furthermore, the approach supports serendipitous discovery of new sounds during the creative composition process. Using VibeFM, we created a soundtrack faster than our usual estimated time and also discovered new and interesting sounds. In semi-structured interviews, one professional composer and two experienced musicians found our approach to be a convenient complement to synthesizer programming.