fm synthesis
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Korg’s Opsix mk II synth is based on the FM sound engine of the original, but with 64 voices
Korg is back with a refresh of its popular Opsix FM synthesizer. The Opsix mk II boasts twice the polyphony, 64 voices, and a bunch of new sound shaping options, like filters and LFOs.
Korg's Volca FM 2 synth adds more voices, reverb and randomization
The portable and loving tribute to an iconic '80s synth is now even more compelling.
Liven XFM is a $199 groovebox for '80s fetishists
Liven XFM features three "fusion" FM engines that allow you to blend and morph sounds to create entirely new ones.
Korg's Opsix is an approachable, hands-on FM synth
It feels like FM synthesis is having something of a renaissance recently. Elektron has the Digitone and launched the beginner friendly Model:Cyles earlier this year. Now Korg has something at least approaching a flagship level FM machine in the Opsix.
AI breathes new life into a classic ‘80s synth
A website uses AI to generate usable patches for Yamaha's classic DX7 synthesizer.
Model:Cycles review: An affordable and approachable FM groovebox
Fair or not, Elektron has a reputation for making complex and kinda pricey electronic music gear. Last year though, it made a serious play for the entry level with the Model:Samples ($299), an affordable, sample-based groovebox that simplified Elektron's unique workflow for beginners. In a lot of ways, it's a stripped-down version of the company's Digitakt sampler. If you're familiar with the Digitakt, you've no doubt often seen it paired with the Digitone, a sort of sibling groovebox that relies on FM synthesis instead of samples. So it only makes sense that Elektron would want to give the Model:Samples its own FM-based partner in crime. Physically the Model:Cycles is basically a palette-swapped version of the Model:Samples -- Subzero to the M:S' Scorpion. At its core it's the same six-track monophonic sequencer -- but with a streamlined version of the Digitone's sound engine under the hood. Obviously though sacrifices had to be made to hit that $299 price point. As a result, the Cycles isn't exactly a budget-friendly replacement for the Digitone. It's very much its own instrument.
You can build the tiny XFM2 synth for under $100
Miniature electronics kits like the Raspberry Pi have ushered in a new generation of DIY tinkerers. And while most of these builds emulate classic gaming systems, there are plenty of other possibilities. Futur3soundz, for example, designed a synthesizer around an FPGA chip and an Adafruit digital-to-analog converter. The company says that the components can all be purchased for under $100. And while the synth has few on-board controls, it has an extensive MIDI integration, so musicians can control parameters from their keyboards, making it a viable piece of bedroom studio gear.
Elektron turned its Digitone groove box into a proper synth
If you're into synths and grooveboxes at all, chances are you're familiar with Elektron's Digitone. It's part of it's mid-range "Digi" line of instruments, and it's loaded with all sorts of gorgeous FM sounds. It's not quite as cold as the classic FM synths of yore like the DX7, but it's still capable complex digital tones, metallic chimes and retro pads. The Digitone Keys is basically the same instrument, but with a keyboard attached.
