Which OSC to use as a source for FM?

Hi,
I am using a Michigan Synth Works SY0.5.
In this YT video, Ben a.k.a. DivKid talks about FM - audio rate frequency modulation through the pitch input of the SY0.5. I would like to know which OSC I should look at to perform this duty. I suppose one with as many waves as possible to have diversity. Would pitch stability be key?
Size and price DO matter: this VCO would nearly only be used to perform this type of duty.
Looking at a Dixie 2.
Any advice?
Many thanks,
Loersatz

EDITED Mar 9th 2025, 10:10

Hello,

Since the SY0.5 is a percussion voice, the pitch precision of the modulating VCO will probably be less important in most contexts. However, according to the SY0.5 manual, the pitch input does track 1V/Oct, so you could potentially use it melodically. I have never used the SY0.5 (although I have considered picking one up), so I can't say how precisely it tracks. If it turns out that it tracks with less than perfect 1V/Oct, then it wouldn't matter how precise the modulating VCO is because they would be tracking differently. You would also have to combine the voltages with a precision adder beforehand since the the SY0.5 only has one pitch input. Of course, this is only relevant if trying to control the SY0.5 melodically and FM the pitch simulaneously. Ultimately, it comes down to how you intend to use the SY0.5 in combination with the modulating VCO.

The Befaco Pony might be a good choice: https://modulargrid.net/e/befaco-pony-vco. It's very compact (4HP) with lots of waveform possibilities (but only one output). I think the lower rating it has here on MG is due to some peculiarities with it's TZ-FM input, but I get lot of great sounds out of mine. If you want multiple simulaneous outputs like the Dixie 2 has, then a smaller alternative to look at might be the Doepfer A-111-3: https://modulargrid.net/e/doepfer-a-111-3.

I hope some of that helps!
Chace

Thanks a lot Chase :) Much appreciate you taking the time to write this long post.
I had a listen/look at the Pony by BEFACO and also the Doepfer A-111-3.
I suppose I coud also use my Braids though I would rather not sacrifice it "just" for FM purposes :) Hence my question.
The SY0.5 is really nice indeed; not as rewarding straight away like a BIA but in the end it is more of my taste (analog thing about it...). The fact that it responds to velocity makes it a joy to modulate :)
Will go and patch now :)
Thanks for taking the time once again.
All the best,
L

I think this video might be helpful if you are learning about FM.

Thanks for the video. Had alreaday glimpsed through it without taking notice of its importance with regards to my original post/question. Will look at it more seriously again :)

Thanks again,
L

Dixie II would be excellent imo and a hard one to beat in that size. Depending on the type of sync that might appeal to you, another attractive optipn would be the Joranalogue Cycle 5 for the variwave. I think if you want a VCO that could also take on normal LFO duties, the Dixie II is more suited for that. At least, it would be for me. I prefer sync over reset for keeping a waveform in cycle how I want it.

Thanks for the input. The Dixie II was always on my "watched" items for modular.
Its size, price and wave types are mainly what I am after I suppose although these are my first ventures into the OSC sync world :)
I will have a look at the Cycle 5 for its variwave attribute.
Thanks for taking the time, much appreciated.
Best,
L

If you have not decieded yet, Klavis twin waves should be on your watch list also. I got mine specifically for doing the whole fm thing for my other oscillatiors.. All the basic functions are on the front panel. No menu diving. It has octave switching as well. Being Digital it has crap-ton of wave shapes, with a built in wavefolder Sense it contains twin oscillators, the second one is normalled to through zero FM. If you don't have a though-zero oscillator it would be a good introduction into it. personally I use the second oscillator as a noise source into a submixer for my analog oscillator.

Thanks Gill for the input. I had looked at the Klavis Twin Waves as both an OSC as well as a source for FMing my other OSCs.
Will have to look into it again as it seems more than capable and being digital with extra wave shapes is very nice.