Many parameters that are sewn into the fabric of a program on more modern instruments are global parameters on the DX7. All of these are called Function parameters and are accessed using the same buttons as the presets or voice programming parameters. Though FM programming has been somewhat unfairly classified as hopelessly complex, it is reasonable to say that 155,000 out of the instrument's 160,000 customers have been content to play the presets. Having come from a background of B-3s, I knew what to expect by adding sine waves together. Then I did the same using another pair of operators and detuned one against the other.
Stuff is some character-inducing component part of a sound that can be used in several tones.
Adding non-integer, weird ratios for just a fraction of a second colors your perception of a sound. Later I discovered that this wasn't actually FM at all, but AM, amplitude modulation - that the frequency is going up and down so much over a short period of time that they were creating their own side bands. I Need to Get Control. Inc. All rights reserved.