FMMF is a 4-operator FM (Frequency Modulation) synthesizer. It came third in the KVR Developer Challenge 2009.
FMMF has 2 primary aims:
The waveforms, algorithms and envelopes are all shown graphically, with the envelopes allowing dragging of nodes and clicking to change contour. Special attention has been paid to the envelopes to allow you to customise them in many ways, such as the number of stages, the contour of each stage, sustain and repeat points and tempo-sync. There are envelopes for the volume of each operator, the pitch, and the effects section (filter, distortion and delay) all with velocity and key tracking. Further modulation comes in the form of LFOs for the pitch and effects section, with many waveforms including randomising.
For further sound design potential you have a low pass filter, a multi-mode distortion and a flexible delay (with comb delay option). An arpeggiator lets you add even more movement to create rhythmic sequences.
The default preset bank was created by sound designer brian botkiller and shows off the potential of FMMF to make atmospheric pads and leads with lots of movement, big fat bass sounds, funky arps and oddball sound fx.
Features:
FMMF implements what I like to call "Broken FM".
It's trying to be a 4-op FM synth like the TX81z but it fails spectacularly. I've found it absolutely impossible to make a usable E-Piano or Brass sound. The operators do not work at all as they should. The AMP sliders should be controlling the FM modulation, but most patches have them all at 100% and they are hardly modulating each other. For that, I regrettably must give it a low rating. I'm surprised this got 3rd place in the competition. I expected something at least better than Uno FM, but it's actually worse. If you want a good example of a 4-op FM synth, see eFemme, Exakt Lite, or even Panzertank PM4 which was also made in SynthEdit.
That said, if you want weird sound effects, industrial or chiptune sounds - you might find something here. But this certainly can NOT do basic DX100 or Mega Drive 4-op FM sounds. I invite you to prove me wrong and upload some patches to KVR.
Read ReviewThe core sound is rough. This is not going to get you sound quality on the level of Dexed or FM8. Using an oversampler or cranking your DAW's sample rate will help in that regard.
However, it excels in being based around such complex envelope options. For creating complex soundscapes that vividly evolve over time, this is an unbeatable addition to your freeware collection.
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