Yamaha DX reface – FM Bass Preset Cheat Sheet

Yamaha DX reface – FM Bass Preset Cheat Sheet

This preset is designed for a tight, punchy FM bass with a solid low end, a defined attack, and controlled harmonics. Perfect for funk, electro, 80s pop, house, synthwave, and hip-hop.

Algorithm

• Algorithm: One main stack + optional attack layer
  Recommended structure:
• OP2 → OP1 (main bass stack)
• OP4 → OP3 (short attack layer)

Operator Settings

OP1 – Carrier (Bass Fundamental)

• Ratio: 1.00
• Level: 95
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: +2

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 30
• Sustain: 80
• Release: 20

Purpose:
A solid, clean low-end foundation.

OP2 – Modulator (Punch & Harmonics)

• Ratio: 1.00
• Level: 70
• Feedback: 15
• Velocity Sensitivity: +4

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 20
• Sustain: 30
• Release: 10

Purpose:
Adds punch and harmonic definition without excessive metallic tone.

OP3 – Carrier (Attack / Presence Layer)

• Ratio: 2.00
• Level: 55
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: +3

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 15
• Sustain: 0
• Release: 5

Purpose:
Short transient click to help the bass cut through the mix.

OP4 – Modulator (Optional Bite)

• Ratio: 2.00
• Level: 45
• Feedback: 10
• Velocity Sensitivity: +5

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 15
• Sustain: 0
• Release: 5

Purpose:
Extra snap on harder key strikes.

Global Settings

Performance

• Mode: Mono (recommended)
• Portamento: Off or very short
• Pitch LFO: Off

Keyboard Scaling (Optional)

• Slightly reduce operator levels in higher octaves to keep the bass clean and focused.

Effects (Keep It Tight)

Drive

• Amount: Very subtle or Off
  FM bass sounds best when clean.

Chorus

• Off
  Chorus can weaken bass definition.

Reverb

• Off or extremely low (<10%)

Playing Range & Style

• Best range: C1–C3
• Short, rhythmic notes work best
• Velocity-sensitive playing is essential

Quick Variations

Classic DX Bass (Round & Clean)

• OP2 Level → 60
• OP2 Feedback → 10

Aggressive Electro FM Bass

• OP2 Ratio → 2.00
• OP2 Level → 80
• OP2 Feedback → 20

Deep Sub FM Bass

• OP2 Level → 55
• OP3 Level → 0 (disable attack layer)

Slap-Style FM Bass

• OP3 Level → 65
• Shorter decay on OP3 and OP4

Troubleshooting

Too metallic?
→ Lower modulator level or feedback (OP2 / OP4)

Too weak?
→ Increase OP1 level or add a small amount of drive

Not punchy enough?
→ Shorten decay times on OP2 and OP3

Final Tip

A great FM bass should be:

• Simple
• Dynamic
• Dry

Let the envelopes and performance do the work.

This patch provides a strong DX-style FM bass foundation that sits perfectly in modern and classic mixes.

Author: admin