FM modulator ratio (not offset) controls Reese wobble speed consistently across all pitches

In an FM Reese patch, the characteristic wobble comes from a modulating operator (carrier pitch is frequency-modulated by a second operator set slightly off-ratio). The speed of the wobble is determined by the modulator’s pitch ratio relative to the carrier. Using ratio (a multiplier of the carrier frequency) rather than a fixed Hz offset ensures that the wobble speed scales with pitch: as you play higher notes, the wobble remains proportionally similar. Using a Hz offset instead produces a fixed-frequency LFO-like effect that becomes increasingly out of proportion at higher pitches (wobble does not speed up with pitch). This distinction matters for musical coherence across the register. The ratio setting also determines the harmonic relationship between carrier and modulator, affecting whether the wobble sounds smooth or jagged.

Examples

Set FM modulator to ratio 1.01 relative to the carrier: slight, slow detuning wobble at low notes and proportionally faster wobble at high notes. Switch to an Hz offset of ~3 Hz: slow wobble at all pitches, increasingly out of place at higher notes.

Assessment

Explain why a ratio-based modulator offset sounds more natural across different pitches than a fixed Hz offset; then demonstrate by describing the expected wobble behaviour at G#1 vs G#4 for each approach.