After many years of playing with subtractive, I'm reaching my limit and looking for new sounds. FM/PM seems like a good field to explore.
I've been playing with Fors Glanta, Pop, and Pivot Lite, as well as Operator, but in search of something more flexible, I found two options: FM8 and F'em.
FM8 doesn't seem like it's for me because I'm visually impaired and can't use software with a light background.
F'em seems very flexible and has more possibilities than I can imagine a use for.
So, I ask those of you who use FM/PM for programming and not just as a preset bank:
What alternative to F'em would you recommend?
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Notes:
My main use for synthesizers is pure entertainment. I'm not seeking any type of specific career goals, I just have fun making beeps and boops.
I can't use anything with a light background
I know about Dexed but my accessibility setup causes the adjustment of parameters a nightmare, so this one is out (;
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Extra note:
I'm new to the KVR forum and I'm fascinated by the fact that people actually read the post before answering. I'm coming from Reddit where this is not the case (;
so...
Thanks, and have a nice day!
Question for FM sound designers
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- KVRer
- 5 posts since 19 Aug, 2025
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- KVRist
- 55 posts since 14 Mar, 2023
Check out Six Sines for a solid free option. It's only lacking in post-processing effects. Aside from that, Operator is fine for me 99% of the time, or Phase Plant if I want extra crazy routing and per-voice post-processing.
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- KVRist
- 427 posts since 6 Apr, 2014
Hey @blindingSlow,
I think, reading between the lines, you're talking about sheer programmability, so probably ruling out things like GForce Halogen, Skein, Biotek, Air OPx4, Bleass Omega and so on.
That leaves things like OpSix (too light a background?), OPS7, Halion FM Lab, MSoundFactory, Exacoustics Ghost, Phase Plant plus the ones you've mentioned.
Personally I've tried and bought most of them, and although I don't have your issues with visual impairment, I've settled mostly on FM Lab, Ghost and OPS7 now, with a side order of Halogen and Pivot.
I can't tell you why I don't get on with F'Em because on paper it should be exactly what I'm after, but somehow I never end up enjoying it. Ghost was very nearly my favourite, but I don't like how the envelopes work. FM Lab is certainly my favourite now.
Those are just personal takes though, but maybe a few names of pieces of software will save you time in your investigations. Depending on how wedded to pure FM you are, you might also consider supersynths like Serum 2 or Icarus 3, which can do limited FM and much more.
I think, reading between the lines, you're talking about sheer programmability, so probably ruling out things like GForce Halogen, Skein, Biotek, Air OPx4, Bleass Omega and so on.
That leaves things like OpSix (too light a background?), OPS7, Halion FM Lab, MSoundFactory, Exacoustics Ghost, Phase Plant plus the ones you've mentioned.
Personally I've tried and bought most of them, and although I don't have your issues with visual impairment, I've settled mostly on FM Lab, Ghost and OPS7 now, with a side order of Halogen and Pivot.
I can't tell you why I don't get on with F'Em because on paper it should be exactly what I'm after, but somehow I never end up enjoying it. Ghost was very nearly my favourite, but I don't like how the envelopes work. FM Lab is certainly my favourite now.
Those are just personal takes though, but maybe a few names of pieces of software will save you time in your investigations. Depending on how wedded to pure FM you are, you might also consider supersynths like Serum 2 or Icarus 3, which can do limited FM and much more.
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PanRaubichForever PanRaubichForever https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=570901
- KVRer
- 13 posts since 1 Jul, 2022
Halion 7 FM is as good as it gets for classic Yamaha FM, soundwise. Halion 7 UI might need some time to get used to, but is worth it in my opinion. Dark UI. Somewhat expensive though. Steinberg usually has it on sale once or twice a year.
U-he Bazille is a another, different take on FM. It appears to have analog modular roots. Dark grey default UI theme.
There is also Rob Papen Blue 3. I think the UI is not too bright.
And there is KORG Opsix. This one is a pure joy, easy to get good interesting sounds and has some useful extra modules to augment FM. Unfortunately, I think the top part of the UI is way too light. It's a shame they do not have a fully dark theme. Perhaps contacting them and asking for it might help? They do regular updates for many of their synths.
I have all of the above and for pure joy of tinkering with sounds I prefer Opsix.
U-he Bazille is a another, different take on FM. It appears to have analog modular roots. Dark grey default UI theme.
There is also Rob Papen Blue 3. I think the UI is not too bright.
And there is KORG Opsix. This one is a pure joy, easy to get good interesting sounds and has some useful extra modules to augment FM. Unfortunately, I think the top part of the UI is way too light. It's a shame they do not have a fully dark theme. Perhaps contacting them and asking for it might help? They do regular updates for many of their synths.
I have all of the above and for pure joy of tinkering with sounds I prefer Opsix.
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Artie Fichelle Artie Fichelle https://www.kvraudio.com/forum/memberlist.php?mode=viewprofile&u=49629
- KVRist
- 338 posts since 28 Nov, 2004
I enjoy algoritm for Reason. What I like most, is the fact, I can tune the operators in Hertz, allowing binaural sounds.
artie fichelle sounds natural
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- KVRist
- 90 posts since 30 Jul, 2021
I will just throw in a mention for Aurora FM by Audio Nebula. Its pros could be seen as:
1. It is quite cheap.
2. It has a non-white background.
3. It will accept Yamaha DX7 patches.
4. It is possible to programme some very complex sounds.
5. Everything is on one page.
The cons:
1. Everything is on one page!
2. Some of the controls are quite small, so this might be a killer for you.
3. It takes some getting used to - not as user friendly as something like Algoritm.
4. File management is a bit cumbersome.
5. I am not sure if it is being actively managed - I think the last update was 2 years ago.
1. It is quite cheap.
2. It has a non-white background.
3. It will accept Yamaha DX7 patches.
4. It is possible to programme some very complex sounds.
5. Everything is on one page.
The cons:
1. Everything is on one page!
2. Some of the controls are quite small, so this might be a killer for you.
3. It takes some getting used to - not as user friendly as something like Algoritm.
4. File management is a bit cumbersome.
5. I am not sure if it is being actively managed - I think the last update was 2 years ago.
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- KVRer
- 10 posts since 27 Jul, 2025
If you want max flexibility without the light UI problem, MSoundFactory might be worth a look. Deep FM options, darker interface, and tons of modulation. It’s a bit of a beast to learn though.
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- KVRAF
- 4687 posts since 6 Jan, 2003
It is a shame Korg didn’t offer the option to edit UI colors on the opsix plugin because, based on this thread and your one about books, it seems like it could have been a good fit.
Would a modular synth work for you? I haven’t tried it, but it looks like Cardinal (VCV fork) has a dark mode. Hard to beat a good modular for learning non subtractive sound design techniques.
Would a modular synth work for you? I haven’t tried it, but it looks like Cardinal (VCV fork) has a dark mode. Hard to beat a good modular for learning non subtractive sound design techniques.
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- KVRer
- 2 posts since 6 Oct, 2025
Second on trying VCV, though you’ll have to learn modular and find modules that work for you. Also not specifically what you asked for (FM). I guess you’d be able to stitch FM “algorithms” by hand in VCV by just linking a bunch of oscillators together but I think some oscillators do a different type of FM than e.g. Yamaha DXs. Linear vs exp vs phase mod or whatever.
I’m also trying to learn FM and have heard the argument that you don’t really need, like, 8+ whole operators to do interesting things with a Yamaha-style FM synth. Extra wave shapes like the TX81Z had will also afford you more flexibility with less ops.
On that note the Arturia DX7 is nice. I like its envelope editor and it’s a very dark UI. 6 op like the original plus the extra shapes, filtering, more feedback options, FX.
If I’m not wrong Phase Plant uses piecemeal connections to do FM (one osc to another) and not broad/“macro”-type algorithms like the DX7, Opsix, F’em, etc. It does let you do phase modulation, linear FM and exp FM. Reminds me more of doing FM with two oscillators at a time a la Buchla but it does let you have up to 30 of whatever you want.
Opsix is my favorite but it’s very white. Email Korg, you never know.
I’m also trying to learn FM and have heard the argument that you don’t really need, like, 8+ whole operators to do interesting things with a Yamaha-style FM synth. Extra wave shapes like the TX81Z had will also afford you more flexibility with less ops.
On that note the Arturia DX7 is nice. I like its envelope editor and it’s a very dark UI. 6 op like the original plus the extra shapes, filtering, more feedback options, FX.
If I’m not wrong Phase Plant uses piecemeal connections to do FM (one osc to another) and not broad/“macro”-type algorithms like the DX7, Opsix, F’em, etc. It does let you do phase modulation, linear FM and exp FM. Reminds me more of doing FM with two oscillators at a time a la Buchla but it does let you have up to 30 of whatever you want.
Opsix is my favorite but it’s very white. Email Korg, you never know.
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- KVRAF
- 18525 posts since 26 Jun, 2006 from San Francisco Bay Area
I struggled with FM for years, until I made a decision to really dig into it and watch as many tutorials as possible, and then take what I learned and applied it to an iOS app called FM4. It’s no longer sold, and that’s a shame, because it’s simplicity and clear interface made it very easy to understand the basic concepts of FM. For me, being able to see how the algorithm is structured, and how each envelope affects each operator in an overlay is crucial. Arturia’s DX-7 V is a pretty good plugin in that regard, and sounds great.
Zerocrossing Media
4th Law of Robotics: When turning evil, display a red indicator light. ~[ ●_● ]~
4th Law of Robotics: When turning evil, display a red indicator light. ~[ ●_● ]~
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- KVRian
- 1325 posts since 30 Oct, 2003 from Pacific NW, USA
A number of years back, I was also searching for a new FM-capable synth. That’s when Nemesis by Tone 2 showed up on my radar. I picked up this plug-in when version 2 was released, and was immediately surprised with how flexible it is.
Neo-FM is the term that they’re using to describe their different breed of FM synthesis. It’s unlike any other FM synth that I’ve used before, and it’s a lot easier to program instantly useful sounds than previous options.
If you’re looking at FM, specifically because you want to generate a wide range of exciting new sounds, then I highly recommend that you also check out modal, and additive synthesis while you’re at it.
Icarus 3 and Pigments 6 are both powerhouse synths with those features. Good luck!!
Neo-FM is the term that they’re using to describe their different breed of FM synthesis. It’s unlike any other FM synth that I’ve used before, and it’s a lot easier to program instantly useful sounds than previous options.
If you’re looking at FM, specifically because you want to generate a wide range of exciting new sounds, then I highly recommend that you also check out modal, and additive synthesis while you’re at it.
Icarus 3 and Pigments 6 are both powerhouse synths with those features. Good luck!!
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- KVRer
- 6 posts since 19 Dec, 2025
It’s a great journey to move from subtractive to FM! Given your requirement for a dark interface due to visual impairment, I’d highly recommend checking out Arturia DX7 V. It has a very clean, resizable interface with a dark aesthetic that's much easier on the eyes than FM8.
Another powerhouse to consider is Phase Plant. While it's a semi-modular synth, its FM capabilities are incredible, and the UI is dark, modern, and very flexible. It might be a more intuitive alternative to F’em if you want to build sounds from scratch without getting lost in too many menus
Another powerhouse to consider is Phase Plant. While it's a semi-modular synth, its FM capabilities are incredible, and the UI is dark, modern, and very flexible. It might be a more intuitive alternative to F’em if you want to build sounds from scratch without getting lost in too many menus
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- KVRist
- 104 posts since 19 Jul, 2008
If the color / light situation in F'em works for you I would just go for it. Yes, it can go very deep and likely has more possibilities than you'll ever use, but it's only $39 right now, and there's no reason you can't just use it as a 6-op dx-style synth or any other more limited feature set while just ignoring the rest of it. The interface doesn't force you to wade through the stuff you don't want to use, and it's not any more difficult to do basic FM in it than it is in other FM plugins.
filmmaker/composer - http://www.brookhinton.com
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- KVRian
- 1325 posts since 30 Oct, 2003 from Pacific NW, USA
I think Zebra 3 is also capable of some really nice FM sounds. Urs has brought together multiple synthesis types that sound amazing when they’re combined with each other. It was a long wait for the release, but Z3’s sound engine is glorious!!