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6 of the best FM synth plugins

By Future Music
published 26 September 2018

When you need something with a little more bite and cleanliness, FM synthesis is the way to go. Here are half a dozen amazing software options

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Intro

Intro

In the 1980s, Yamaha’s DX7 keyboard popularised a glossier, cleaner approach to sound generation than that of analogue synthesisers: frequency modulation (FM) synthesis.

Almost the antithesis to beginner-level subtractive, FM (frequency modulation) synthesis involves the modulation of an audible ‘carrier’ oscillator by an inaudible ‘modulator’ waveform’. This introduces ‘sideband’ harmonics into the original signal, creating an entirely new, more complex wave shape.

FM is a powerful, timeless synthesis technique, and there are plenty of awesome plugins out there that take it far further than Yamaha’s once-gamechanging instrument. Here are six of them…

You can read more about FM synthesis in the July edition of Future Music.

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Page 1 of 7
Native Instruments FM8

Native Instruments FM8

Still one of the most powerful soft synths around. Its Mod Matrix, Arpeggiator and MSEGs bring the sound design potential, and the synth can even be loaded as an effect plugin.

Read full NI FM8 review

Page 2 of 7
Page 2 of 7
Arturia DX7 V

Arturia DX7 V

This emulation of Yamaha’s DX7 takes everything about the much-loved 80s synth and expands upon it with a beefed-up mod matrix, step sequencer and more.

Read full Arturia V Collection 6 review

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Page 3 of 7
Ableton Operator

Ableton Operator

This type of synthesis is never easy, but Ableton have managed to make an instrument with an intuitive layout and workflow that’s the perfect entry point for newbies and experts alike.

Read more about Ableton Operator

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Page 4 of 7
Asb2m10 Dexed

Asb2m10 Dexed

Known as possibly the best free FM synth out there, Dexed is another plugin instrument inspired by the DX7 - and it can also act as a patch manager/librarian for that and other FM synths.

Download Asb2m10 Dexed for free

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Page 5 of 7
u-he Bazille

u-he Bazille

Urs Heckmann’s monster synth has a modular architecture, meaning you can freely patch audio and control signals in whatever way your impulses take you.

Read full u-he Bazille review

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Page 6 of 7
Apple EFM1

Apple EFM1

With only one carrier and one modulator, Logic Pro’s built-in mini FM soft synth could be one of the most basic around - but it’s still capable of deep bass, bell tones and more.

Read full Logic Pro X review

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Page 7 of 7
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Future Music
Future Music

Future Music is the number one magazine for today's producers. Packed with technique and technology we'll help you make great new music. All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. Every marvellous monthly edition features reliable reviews of the latest and greatest hardware and software technology and techniques, unparalleled advice, in-depth interviews, sensational free samples and so much more to improve the experience and outcome of your music-making.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
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