F'em

[digitalboytn]

It's unbelievable that we are in 2021 and the best FM vsti is the open source Dexed, than Arturia DX7, then NI FM8 ....

OPS7 sits at the top of the FM totem pole

[Tj Shredder]

I always adored fm synths. FM8 today is just an old toy, and Dexed is a cool alternative.
However F'em looks promising.
Question: can it import those sysex files I have in Dexed? I haven't found info about this....
(Arturia DX7 can import such files)

Ok, I was smart and checked kvr audio product description. There i have found an opinion that says no dx7 import. besides that person lists another bad things.
For me no dx7 import is a show stopper.
It's unbelievable that we are in 2021 and the best FM vsti is the open source Dexed, than Arturia DX7, then NI FM8 ....

If you want original DX7 sounds with MPE, just load them into Dexed and be happy. If you want to go wild and learn FM, F’em will be the biggest playground you can have. Don’t hesitate to copy any DX sound and go wild…
I bet it can do also SY-99 or FS1R sounds, but you need to recreate them yourself. Nothing wrong with it. Its not a synth for preset junkies…

[dune_rave]

i'm fine with ops7 anyway....

[Ou_Tis]

I already have Biotek 2, Zebra 2, Synthmaster 2, Cypher2, and Equator2... is this really adding much that they can't do, especially if I plan to just tweak the presets most of the time? Seems like Biotek 2 matches or exceeds it in terms of potential complexity (and is MPE compatible now too), but I haven't bothered doing much with it. Going by the preset playthroughs on Youtube I do really like some of the F'em presets a lot---much more than Hyperion or Abyss. A lot of the simpler ones are certainly a bit redundant relative to what I already have, but it seems to do complex and/or aggressive very well. From the videos it's obvious that some of my favorite presets require use of the XY pads to hear their full potential.

[Ou_Tis]

I always adored fm synths. FM8 today is just an old toy, and Dexed is a cool alternative.
However F'em looks promising.
Question: can it import those sysex files I have in Dexed? I haven't found info about this....
(Arturia DX7 can import such files)

Ok, I was smart and checked kvr audio product description. There i have found an opinion that says no dx7 import. besides that person lists another bad things.
For me no dx7 import is a show stopper.
It's unbelievable that we are in 2021 and the best FM vsti is the open source Dexed, than Arturia DX7, then NI FM8 ....

If you want original DX7 sounds with MPE, just load them into Dexed and be happy. If you want to go wild and learn FM, F’em will be the biggest playground you can have. Don’t hesitate to copy any DX sound and go wild…
I bet it can do also SY-99 or FS1R sounds, but you need to recreate them yourself. Nothing wrong with it. Its not a synth for preset junkies…

Tracktion's been releasing additional sound packs for it though. Four so far ($50 each):



This one starts sounding interesting around 27 seconds in:

[jabe]

I've a 38(?) year old book about programming FM (with lots of examples) that came with my DX27 lots of years ago. Perhaps I should invest, but since my view of the effect of DX presets on 80s music is less than favourable, the choice is to ignore it completely or prove that the chart acts (and the Yamaha programmers) that used it in the 80s (and beyond) had the imagination and creativity of a house brick.

Going to cost less than the DX27 either way...

... can I resist a bargain?...

,,,hmmm.

[Ou_Tis]

Thankfully it seems pretty easy to change X and Y mappings from the dual XY pads to MPE Timbre and Channel Press in the Mod Matrix. For just about anything other than drone, MPE controller + XY pad is a lot easier to play than two XY pads at once + keyboard....

But I haven't found a way to get F'em to display parameter changes when using controllers mapped to them (MPE or otherwise)... is there an option somewhere I'm missing? IDK if they wanted to save some cpu by not having animations by default but this seems bizarre. Verifying MPE mappings were working for various parameters in complex patches was a bit of a PIA. (Of course being forced to go by ear has its advantages, but still....)

[KBSoundSmith]

I already have Biotek 2, Zebra 2, Synthmaster 2, Cypher2, and Equator2... is this really adding much that they can't do, especially if I plan to just tweak the presets most of the time? Seems like Biotek 2 matches or exceeds it in terms of potential complexity (and is MPE compatible now too), but I haven't bothered doing much with it. Going by the preset playthroughs on Youtube I do really like some of the F'em presets a lot---much more than Hyperion or Abyss. A lot of the simpler ones are certainly a bit redundant relative to what I already have, but it seems to do complex and/or aggressive very well. From the videos it's obvious that some of my favorite presets require use of the XY pads to hear their full potential.

If you only intend to tweak presets, then it depends whether or not you like the included presets. If you don't like the presets, then it's not worth it -- and that would be true of any synth that you're intending to only tweak.

If you are interested in designing your own sounds, then f'em is a monster and well worth it.

[Ou_Tis]

I already have Biotek 2, Zebra 2, Synthmaster 2, Cypher2, and Equator2... is this really adding much that they can't do, especially if I plan to just tweak the presets most of the time? Seems like Biotek 2 matches or exceeds it in terms of potential complexity (and is MPE compatible now too), but I haven't bothered doing much with it. Going by the preset playthroughs on Youtube I do really like some of the F'em presets a lot---much more than Hyperion or Abyss. A lot of the simpler ones are certainly a bit redundant relative to what I already have, but it seems to do complex and/or aggressive very well. From the videos it's obvious that some of my favorite presets require use of the XY pads to hear their full potential.

If you only intend to tweak presets, then it depends whether or not you like the included presets. If you don't like the presets, then it's not worth it -- and that would be true of any synth that you're intending to only tweak.

If you are interested in designing your own sounds, then f'em is a monster and well worth it.

In addition to the included presets there are the preset expansions, some of which I really like.

I started out by listening to the preset demos for the factory presets. (This initial screening process eliminated Hyperion and some of the other Tracktion synths from my near-term consideration.) I was dismayed to find I actually like some of them, because I hadn't been intending to make room in my budget. But when I tried playing them with just the keyboard I found them incredibly underwhelming... until I started using the two XY pads.

Tbh I've been finding it hard not to be influenced by all the people on forums saying the factory presets aren't very good, with the implication being I could get better presets from other synths that I just haven't heard yet (of course, what really matters is what I prefer). OTOH the sound expansions seem to negate that argument, for me at least, especially if Tracktion continues releasing them as they have.

The other issue with tweaking F'em presets is whether the comparative complexity makes it more difficult or time-consuming than tweaking other synths. Apparently there are strict mathematical formulas I could apply to predict what would happen though.

Also, I may eventually want to get more into designing synth sounds, and I'm a little worried it might not be this cheap again for a long time.

[KBSoundSmith]

I already have Biotek 2, Zebra 2, Synthmaster 2, Cypher2, and Equator2... is this really adding much that they can't do, especially if I plan to just tweak the presets most of the time? Seems like Biotek 2 matches or exceeds it in terms of potential complexity (and is MPE compatible now too), but I haven't bothered doing much with it. Going by the preset playthroughs on Youtube I do really like some of the F'em presets a lot---much more than Hyperion or Abyss. A lot of the simpler ones are certainly a bit redundant relative to what I already have, but it seems to do complex and/or aggressive very well. From the videos it's obvious that some of my favorite presets require use of the XY pads to hear their full potential.

If you only intend to tweak presets, then it depends whether or not you like the included presets. If you don't like the presets, then it's not worth it -- and that would be true of any synth that you're intending to only tweak.

If you are interested in designing your own sounds, then f'em is a monster and well worth it.

In addition to the included presets there are the preset expansions, some of which I really like.

I started out by listening to the preset demos for the factory presets. (This initial screening process eliminated Hyperion and some of the other Tracktion synths from my near-term consideration.) I was dismayed to find I actually like some of them, because I hadn't been intending to make room in my budget. But when I tried playing them with just the keyboard I found them incredibly underwhelming... until I started using the two XY pads.

Tbh I've been finding it hard not to be influenced by all the people on forums saying the factory presets aren't very good, with the implication being I could get better presets from other synths that I just haven't heard yet (of course, what really matters is what I prefer). OTOH the sound expansions seem to negate that argument, for me at least, especially if Tracktion continues releasing them as they have.

The other issue with tweaking F'em presets is whether the comparative complexity makes it more difficult or time-consuming than tweaking other synths. Apparently there are strict mathematical formulas I could apply to predict what would happen though.

Also, I may eventually want to get more into designing synth sounds, and I'm a little worried it might not be this cheap again for a long time.

First things first: you are seriously unlikely to get f'em for a more ridiculous low price than you can get it right now. Whether you want to just use presets or want to learn sound design, this is the time to buy if you're going to do it. Obviously the question here is how much you like and are willing to spend on available presets and whether or not you're ever going to invest the time to learn how to make your own presets.

Now, I just bought f'em in this sale. BUT. I have done a lot of FM sound design with FM8, Zebra2, Bazille, etc etc for several years now -- FM sound design is just one of those things I'm particularly attracted to and good at, for whatever reason. And regarding f'em specifically, I used the full 90-day limit of the demo, I have been eyeing a sale for this synth for a while now, I made a point to understand its architecture in and out. So even though I "just" bought it, I believe I'm speaking with a strong level of experience and expertise about its capabilities. And my opinion is that f'em is one of the most powerful synths available, period. FM or otherwise.

You can obviously do FM with it. But it is also a very powerful subtractive synth, and it is also a very powerful additive synth -- frankly, its capabilities in those areas surpass many (most?!) synths marketed specifically as subtractive or additive synths (with perhaps a different emphasis on those paradigms). This is one of a handful of synths that could realistically cover almost every sound you'd ever want to make.

And one of the nice things is that, despite the "complexity," the FM matrix view gives you a bird's-eye view of the signal flow of a patch. You are never left guessing as to what is happening. Once you learn how FM programming works (tweaking and studying presets is one way of doing this), it's easy to take in all of the information of a patch very quickly. I think f'em would be a great synth to use to learn sound design. It presents information clearly, it's very powerful, and you'll never outgrow it.

Zebra 2 (which again I use frequently) is still widely considered one of the most powerful synths available -- I'm telling you f'em is at least on par with it. They simply have different areas of emphasis. Where they differ is that Zebra utilizes (its own take on) wavetables and has a handful of novel modules that can be entered into the signal path (in this case, allowing more flexibility in where filters specifically occur in the signal path). But f'em has more oscillators, obviously greater FM capability, the signals can be routed more freely (aside from the filters), and it has the layer system which increases the overall number of "modules" available (if using Zebra terminology). Neither synth is "lacking", but to use the expression, where one lacks the other shines. If you wanted to make your own patches, you'd be fine with just these two synths -- if you wanted additional options, download the free synths SurgeXT and Vital (both give different takes on wavetables within a predominantly subtractive architecture), and maybe add a dedicated sampler.

The last thing I'd say is to generally ignore what most people say about FM synths. I've learned that a lot of people don't want an FM synth, they want a DX7 preset player. Any patch that doesn't sound like an ancient DX7 is a "bad" preset (I've never needed a car to accommodate the wheel specs of a Model T, but apparently this is a requirement for FM synths). On the other hand (to be fair to them and less cynical), sometimes FM presets aren't actually very good because many people just don't "get" FM programming. Whatever the case may be, with FM synths especially, use your own judgement about whether or not a preset is good -- if it works in your music, it's good.

For what it's worth, $29 for a synth this powerful is about as close to stealing as you'll legally get.

[perpetual3]

I’m so with you. I started with 2 op FM (PortaFM) and have never looked back. I got both the twisted electrons FM synths, Korg OP6, and even chose an analog mono synth because of its ability to do thru 0 FM (so it’s essentially a monophonic analog 2 OP FM synth).

Just picked up F-EM and can’t wait to use it.

I already have Biotek 2, Zebra 2, Synthmaster 2, Cypher2, and Equator2... is this really adding much that they can't do, especially if I plan to just tweak the presets most of the time? Seems like Biotek 2 matches or exceeds it in terms of potential complexity (and is MPE compatible now too), but I haven't bothered doing much with it. Going by the preset playthroughs on Youtube I do really like some of the F'em presets a lot---much more than Hyperion or Abyss. A lot of the simpler ones are certainly a bit redundant relative to what I already have, but it seems to do complex and/or aggressive very well. From the videos it's obvious that some of my favorite presets require use of the XY pads to hear their full potential.

If you only intend to tweak presets, then it depends whether or not you like the included presets. If you don't like the presets, then it's not worth it -- and that would be true of any synth that you're intending to only tweak.

If you are interested in designing your own sounds, then f'em is a monster and well worth it.

In addition to the included presets there are the preset expansions, some of which I really like.

I started out by listening to the preset demos for the factory presets. (This initial screening process eliminated Hyperion and some of the other Tracktion synths from my near-term consideration.) I was dismayed to find I actually like some of them, because I hadn't been intending to make room in my budget. But when I tried playing them with just the keyboard I found them incredibly underwhelming... until I started using the two XY pads.

Tbh I've been finding it hard not to be influenced by all the people on forums saying the factory presets aren't very good, with the implication being I could get better presets from other synths that I just haven't heard yet (of course, what really matters is what I prefer). OTOH the sound expansions seem to negate that argument, for me at least, especially if Tracktion continues releasing them as they have.

The other issue with tweaking F'em presets is whether the comparative complexity makes it more difficult or time-consuming than tweaking other synths. Apparently there are strict mathematical formulas I could apply to predict what would happen though.

Also, I may eventually want to get more into designing synth sounds, and I'm a little worried it might not be this cheap again for a long time.

First things first: you are seriously unlikely to get f'em for a more ridiculous low price than you can get it right now. Whether you want to just use presets or want to learn sound design, this is the time to buy if you're going to do it. Obviously the question here is how much you like and are willing to spend on available presets and whether or not you're ever going to invest the time to learn how to make your own presets.

Now, I just bought f'em in this sale. BUT. I have done a lot of FM sound design with FM8, Zebra2, Bazille, etc etc for several years now -- FM sound design is just one of those things I'm particularly attracted to and good at, for whatever reason. And regarding f'em specifically, I used the full 90-day limit of the demo, I have been eyeing a sale for this synth for a while now, I made a point to understand its architecture in and out. So even though I "just" bought it, I believe I'm speaking with a strong level of experience and expertise about its capabilities. And my opinion is that f'em is one of the most powerful synths available, period. FM or otherwise.

You can obviously do FM with it. But it is also a very powerful subtractive synth, and it is also a very powerful additive synth -- frankly, its capabilities in those areas surpass many (most?!) synths marketed specifically as subtractive or additive synths (with perhaps a different emphasis on those paradigms). This is one of a handful of synths that could realistically cover almost every sound you'd ever want to make.

And one of the nice things is that, despite the "complexity," the FM matrix view gives you a bird's-eye view of the signal flow of a patch. You are never left guessing as to what is happening. Once you learn how FM programming works (tweaking and studying presets is one way of doing this), it's easy to take in all of the information of a patch very quickly. I think f'em would be a great synth to use to learn sound design. It presents information clearly, it's very powerful, and you'll never outgrow it.

Zebra 2 (which again I use frequently) is still widely considered one of the most powerful synths available -- I'm telling you f'em is at least on par with it. They simply have different areas of emphasis. Where they differ is that Zebra utilizes (its own take on) wavetables and has a handful of novel modules that can be entered into the signal path (in this case, allowing more flexibility in where filters specifically occur in the signal path). But f'em has more oscillators, obviously greater FM capability, the signals can be routed more freely (aside from the filters), and it has the layer system which increases the overall number of "modules" available (if using Zebra terminology). Neither synth is "lacking", but to use the expression, where one lacks the other shines. If you wanted to make your own patches, you'd be fine with just these two synths -- if you wanted additional options, download the free synths SurgeXT and Vital (both give different takes on wavetables within a predominantly subtractive architecture), and maybe add a dedicated sampler.

The last thing I'd say is to generally ignore what most people say about FM synths. I've learned that a lot of people don't want an FM synth, they want a DX7 preset player. Any patch that doesn't sound like an ancient DX7 is a "bad" preset (I've never needed a car to accommodate the wheel specs of a Model T, but apparently this is a requirement for FM synths). On the other hand (to be fair to them and less cynical), sometimes FM presets aren't actually very good because many people just don't "get" FM programming. Whatever the case may be, with FM synths especially, use your own judgement about whether or not a preset is good -- if it works in your music, it's good.

For what it's worth, $29 for a synth this powerful is about as close to stealing as you'll legally get.

[Ou_Tis]

Is there still no way to type in exact values? Dragging up/down is incredibly tedious and a waste of time....

[centipus]

alt/option + left click on the parameter to be entered allows typing of values

Is there still no way to type in exact values? Dragging up/down is incredibly tedious and a waste of time....

[Trader One]

Is there global envelope in FEM that I can use as source for modulating controls. I see just two global LFO and ability to map certain MIDI CC.

[perpetual3]

Any idea how to set OSC phase reset? Setting to 360 still changes the phase...