Yamaha DX reface – FM Organ Preset Cheat Sheet

Yamaha DX reface – FM Organ Preset Cheat Sheet

This preset recreates a classic FM organ sound: clean, punchy, stable, and perfect for funk, jazz, gospel, 80s pop, synth-funk, and house.
Unlike FM pianos, an FM organ is static and steady—no plucky envelopes, no metallic attack.

Algorithm

• Algorithm: Multiple carriers in parallel
  Recommended structure:
• OP1 (Carrier)
• OP3 (Carrier)
• OP5 (Carrier)

Optional subtle modulation:

• OP2 → OP1 (very gentle)
• OP4 → OP3 (very gentle)

This mimics organ drawbars by stacking harmonics.

Operator Settings

OP1 – Carrier (Fundamental / 8’)

• Ratio: 1.00
• Level: 90
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: 0

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 0
• Sustain: 99
• Release: 15

Purpose:
Main body of the organ sound.

OP3 – Carrier (Octave / 4’)

• Ratio: 2.00
• Level: 65
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: 0

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 0
• Sustain: 99
• Release: 15

Purpose:
Adds brightness and clarity.

OP5 – Carrier (Fifth / 2 2/3’)

• Ratio: 3.00
• Level: 45
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: 0

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 0
• Sustain: 99
• Release: 15

Purpose:
Classic organ harmonic color.

OP2 – Modulator (Subtle Grit – Optional)

• Ratio: 1.00
• Level: 15
• Feedback: 5
• Velocity Sensitivity: 0

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 0
• Sustain: 99
• Release: 15

Purpose:
Adds a tiny bit of FM richness without metallic tone.

OP4 – Modulator (Brightness Control – Optional)

• Ratio: 2.00
• Level: 10
• Feedback: 0
• Velocity Sensitivity: 0

Envelope

• Attack: 0
• Decay: 0
• Sustain: 99
• Release: 15

Purpose:
Very subtle shimmer, keep low.

Global Settings

Performance

• Mode: Poly
• Portamento: Off
• Pitch LFO: Off

Velocity

• Velocity sensitivity should be off or extremely low
  Organ volume should feel constant, not expressive.

Effects (Essential for Organ)

Chorus

• Type: Chorus
• Rate: Slow
• Depth: Medium
• Mix: 40–50%

👉 This simulates rotary-style movement.

Reverb

• Type: Room or small Hall
• Mix: 15–25%

Drive

• Optional, very subtle
  Adds warmth for funk or gospel styles.

Playing Tips

• Play legato chords
• Avoid staccato phrasing
• Works best from C2–C6
• Perfect for chord stabs, comping, and sustained pads

Quick Variations

Clean Jazz Organ

• OP5 Level → 35
• Chorus Mix → 35%

Funk / Gospel Organ

• OP3 Level → 75
• Add slight drive
• Chorus Mix → 45%

House / Deep Organ

• OP1 Level → 95
• OP3 Level → 55
• More reverb, less chorus

Thin Vintage FM Organ

• Disable OP5
• Lower OP3 Level to 50

Troubleshooting

Too metallic?
→ Lower or disable modulators (OP2 / OP4)

Too thin?
→ Increase OP1 or OP3 level

Too static?
→ Increase chorus depth slightly

Final Tip

FM organs are all about:

• Steady envelopes
• Parallel harmonics
• Minimal modulation

Think drawbars, not piano mechanics.

This preset gives you a classic FM organ foundation that works beautifully in funk, jazz, pop, and electronic music.

Author: admin