Website: https://www.gforcesoftware.com/products/halogen-fm/

what do you guys think? i'm trying out the demo, seems quite fun to use.. i wonder what their license system is

Walkthrough video:

Halogen FM - The Joy of FM, Without the Headaches
FM synthesis is notoriously difficult to program — complex, technical, and often unintuitive. Halogen FM changes that. We built it to remove the barriers that have kept so many from exploring the raw, expressive power of FM.

Instead of diving into confusing algorithms or endless parameters, Halogen invites you to discover sound through play. It’s a generative instrument that responds to instinct, not instruction — giving you evolving textures, organic tones, and sonic surprises without requiring deep synth knowledge.

Halogen FM lets everyone tap into the beauty and unpredictability of FM synthesis — whether you’re a seasoned producer or just curious. Your ears lead the way, and happy accidents are part of the design.

The Halogen Spark Core
At the heart of Halogen FM is the Halogen Spark core — a powerful engine that generates unique, musical sounds full of character and spontaneity. Just hit the global Spark button and a brand-new patch comes to life instantly. Refining your discovery is easy, simply tweak the Timbre, Envelope Generators for OPR 1 and 2, Modulation, and FX macro knobs to explore subtle shifts and surprising variations.

Halogen is designed to be intuitive — no programming required. But we also know that sometimes, you want to go deeper. That’s why each operator’s parameters are fully accessible, giving you detailed control when you need it — without ever standing in your way when you don’t.

 

Last edited: Jun 24, 2025 at 4:56 PM

Gforce seem cryptic about installation procedure as they write...Please create or log in to your account, you’ll find an option to register your serial number or Activation Code on the main account page.

It doesn't mention having to sacrifice your pet guinea pig as part of the process, but one never knows, does one?

 

MIDI Program Change is not available in VST3!

It's a shame that so many plugin developers didn't implement it to there VST3 plugin versions!
VST3 dev kit supporting it!

https://forums.steinberg.net/t/no-program-changes-in-vst3-regrettable-decision/122202/4

 

Many plugins wouldn't be able to pull off smooth program changes, including many of Gforce. The newer Korg VSTS take like 3 years to load a preset no matter the complexity.

With the already available solution of 'open another instance' I don't see this pattern changing. Putting on my assumption cap, my guess is not having control over processor task prioritization will forever be a roadblock to this absent some new method or shell or something that can better address it.

 

had some crashes when cycling many presets

 

It should be freeware otherwise I'm not sure why anybody needs a two operator FM synth with a randomizer.
"Zero-programming" marketing catchword looks very silly, how programming a 2op synth can be even a challenge to someone

 

Last edited: Jun 25, 2025 at 7:39 AM

Get this free one here:

dexed - FM Plugin Synth
Dexed is a multi platform, multi format plugin synth that is closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7.
Dexed is also a midi cartridge librarian/manager for the DX7.
https://asb2m10.github.io/dexed/

 

Any FM simplification is a good thing.

In the DX7 days, less than 5 ppl known how to REALLY program this synth ... on the whole planet.
The (in)famous "letter box" interface.
That's why ppl only used pre made presets ... and used the same DX7 sounds all over the world

If you like "simplified" FM synthesis, try IL Sytrus.
Impressive sound AND easiness.

I will try Halogen for sure

PS : the point here is simplified FM ... not another headache engine like Dexed.
Looking at Dexed GUI, i already get headache
Who is REALLY going to program a sound from scratch on it ?

 

Imagine Dexed had only 2 operators and you get Halogen with filter. All operators/oscillators have the same parameters. The only complicated thing to understand is the operator algorithms, but it really isn't that complicated once you learn how it works.

But yes, 2 op FM can be much fun, too. It's a good way to learn how FM operators interact. Once you do, you start wishing for more operators.

 

i love it. great synth. I do wish it had more operators though.

 

Errr... Guilty. (I actually use FM8 which is pretty much the same parameters).

Yeah, some of my patches would be impossible without multiple operators, particularly the ones designed around harmonic ratios that are based on acoustic instruments. A fundamental mistake that many people make is that a little FM can go a long way when using multiple operators and if not applied subtly it can quickly degenerate into an awful mess. Two ops is a lot easier to deal with and for typical synth style leads/bass/pads etc is all that's generally needed. You'll never get a convincing hang drum out of two ops for instance...

 

what do you guys think of chipsynth OPS7?
i've been playing around with this Halogen thing and yes, it's fun, but honestly i need to learn proper fm synthesis to even begin to comprehend stuff. spreadsheets synths like FM8 do intimidate me a bit... halogen seems a bit "too" simple and stripped down compared to the rest. it would be nice if there were some sort of middle ground..

 

In my opinion, it sounds a bit weak, but the Dexed sounds very good (see post above).

No question, Dexed has to be on a list of the best FM synthesizers! The synthesizer is so closely modeled on the Yamaha DX7 that you can also use the plug-in as a librarian tool for creating and managing DX7 or TX7 presets. Six operators can be configured in 32 configurations on the matrix, and you can shape the sound with 144 parameters that can be automated in the DAW.
Admittedly, the interface isn't exactly inviting, but the operation is still a thousand times more intuitive than its hardware counterparts.

FM8 is now a true classic, but it still retains its appeal today – and not just because of the 1,200 included presets with the most well-known FM sounds. The plugin is (like many others) based on the famous Yamaha DX7, but simplifies programming with accessible menus and a matrix for the interaction of the six operators. It also offers extra features like an arpeggiator and various effects.