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In this video, Tim Cant runs through our Top 5 FM Synths. From growling basses to rich plucks, FM Synths cover a wide range of sonics and be an exciting tool to have in your library.
Links to the Top 5 FM Synths VST...
5. FM8 by Native Instruments - [ Ссылка ]
4. Cypher2 by FXpansion - [ Ссылка ]
3. Dexed by Digital Suburban - [ Ссылка ]
2. RYM2612 by Inphonik - [ Ссылка ]
1. DX7 V by Arturia - [ Ссылка ]
FM8 (Native Instruments)
The archetypal FM synth of old is the Yamaha DX7, and this is one of three plugins inspired by that synth that we’ll be discussing here. FM8 puts a lot of its functions into different tabs, so while it may be repetitive to navigate for seasoned FM synthesists, it should be easy to get a grip on for beginners.
FM8 costs £129 for a license, but you may well already have it as part of any Native Instruments Komplete bundle, including those that come with some of the company’s hardware.
RYM2612 (Inphonik)
Forget the DX7 for a second, another famous use of frequency modulation synthesis was in the sound chip for the Sega Genesis (aka the Sega Mega Drive). The chip was called the YM2612, and RYM2612 makes a great job of putting it in your DAW, even emulating the amplification circuits from the original console.
The plugin version offers 16 voices of polyphony, instead of the original six, and has an audio input for digitizing your existing audio tracks, should you want to. It costs about $55 from Plugin Boutique.
Cypher2 (FXpansion)
This update to FXpansion’s classic Cypher synth adds in a ton of expressive controls, putting the emphasis on MIDI Polyphonic Expression functions, to help any MPE users wiggle their way to frequency-modulated victory. For the rest of us, it means that Cypher 2 has the ability to modulate and change parameters for each note that’s played, rather than globally, but even if you care nothing about MPE, Cypher 2 is still a great FM synth in its own right.
The synth’s complex oscillators make use of FM and filter-waveshapers, and there’s up to thirty effects that can be applied to the signal further down the chain. FXpansion’s preset morphing means you can go from one sound to the other to pull off some crazy effects.
This one costs £159 from Plugin Boutique
DX7 V (Arturia)
If you want frequency modulation, this is the classic synth that defined the synthesis, and Arturia’s is one of the defining emulations of Yamaha’s original. Actually, the Yamaha DX7 used Phase Modulation rather than Frequency Modulation to make its sounds, but the two have fairly similar results.
Anyway, Arturia’s recreation is incredibly faithful to the Yamaha original, although it does improve on it in one absolutely necessary way: here the control set of the DX7 is friendlier, meaning no tiny screens, less menu diving, and basically easier use throughout.
If you want to get your hands on Arturia’s DX7, it’ll set you back €150 on its own, but it’s available as part of the V Collection, with many other synths, for not a lot more money.
Dexed
This synth is another clone of Yamaha’s DX7 hardware, making it another defining entry. Only this time, it’s free – Dexed means it won’t cost you a thing to get the sounds of the DX7 – including the original patches, and the ability to import them using the same SysEx system as the original unit.
A far cry from the original small screen setup of the original, Dexed plops all its controls right out in front of you, meaning you have access to the main parameters you’ll need, as soon as you need them.
