I’ve been GASsing for an Elektron Digitone II. Is there something similar in plugin form, that could be replicated with e.g. Maschine and the plugin? For modern production like tribal techno, nothing 80’s.

I used to have a Roland TR-8S, but sold it because of not really using it that much and it having quite a few disappointments - but it had tweakable FM drums, definitely one of its better features.

I also have FM8, the original hardware Montage, plus Arturia’s DX7, so preset packs for those would do, too.

 

Hello @liquidlove, I hope you don't mind me asking the AI.

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

For FM drums in a modern tribal techno context—think metallic, evolving percussive tones with depth and grit, without veering into retro 80s vibes—you've got solid options already with FM8, your hardware Montage, and Arturia's DX7 V. These can all handle FM synthesis for drums, and Maschine is a great host for layering them with samples or sequencing patterns. The Elektron Digitone II excels at multitimbral FM with a sequencer, so plugin alternatives focus on versatile FM synths that can generate similar percussive FM machines. I'll break down recommendations below, prioritizing modern production tools and preset packs that fit tribal techno (e.g., driving rhythms, ethnic-infused grooves, dark atmospheres).

Plugin Alternatives to Digitone II for FM Drums
While no single plugin is an exact 1:1 match (Digitone II has hardware-specific workflow like parameter locks), these FM-focused VSTs/AUs can replicate its drum capabilities. Load them into Maschine for sequencing, automation, and integration with your existing kits. Aim for short decay envelopes, high modulation ratios, and noise operators to get those punchy, tribal FM kicks, toms, and metallic hits.

• OctaSine (Free): A straightforward, open-source FM synth plugin (VST/AU) inspired by FM8 and Elektron's Monomachine FM engines. It's great for crafting custom FM drum sounds from scratch—use its 4 operators to build tribal percussive elements like resonant kicks or clanging hats. Modern and flexible without 80s cheese; pair it with Maschine's sampler for hybrid kits.
• Dexed (Free): A DX7 emulator that nails FM drum synthesis, often praised for sounding as good as (or better than) Digitone demos for percussive work. Tweak operators for modern techno drums—focus on velocity-sensitive patches for dynamic tribal rhythms. It's lightweight and integrates seamlessly into Maschine.
• Baby Audio Tekno ($99): A dedicated drum synth plugin with FM capabilities baked into its engine for hard-hitting electronic drums. It includes over 70 preset kits tailored for modern genres like techno; dial in FM-modulated kicks and toms for tribal vibes. Not pure FM like Digitone, but closer than most, with a focus on contemporary production.
• Sonic Charge Microtonic ($99): While more of a modeled percussion synth, it has FM-like synthesis for metallic and tribal drums (e.g., congas, shakers with modulation). Its pattern sequencer mimics Digitone's workflow, and it's excellent for modern techno without 80s flair. Use in Maschine for full control.

If you're on iOS for quick ideas, apps like Phasemaker or Dixie offer traditional FM that's Digitone-adjacent, but stick to desktop plugins for pro work.

Preset Packs for Your Existing Gear
These are targeted at FM drums for tribal techno—dark, rhythmic, and forward-thinking. They often include drum-specific patches (kicks, snares, hats via FM operators) plus sequences and MIDI for Maschine integration.

For FM8

• Mind Flux FM8 Techno Presets ($20): 63 presets with a focus on dark FM-driven techno, including drum elements like booming kicks and metallic perc. Comes with loops and MIDI for tribal grooves—perfect for modern production.
• ADSR Techno Sounds ($15): Deep, warehouse-ready FM8 presets with arps, sequences, and percussive hits. Great for tribal techno inspiration without 80s nostalgia.
• Icicle Drum & Bass Presets ($25): 100 FM8 patches including FM drum hits (wobbles, subs, reeses) that translate well to techno drums. Adapt for tribal with added reverb/delay in Maschine.

For Arturia DX7 V

• Engineering Samples Algorithm ($25): Modern FM presets for DX7 V, moving beyond 80s sounds with tribal-friendly drums, basses, and sequences. Emphasizes gritty, contemporary techno percussion.
• Audiotent Operators ($30): Instant-access DX7 V presets for complex FM, including percussive elements. Designed to simplify programming for modern electronic drums.
• Free Options: Check Arturia's Sound Explorers Collection (included with V Collection) for dynamic modern presets, or free packs like Vicious Antelope's Algorithmic Keys for experimental FM drums.

For Yamaha Montage (Hardware)

• Easy Sounds Melodic Techno ($40): Tailored for Montage's FM-X engine, with presets for minimal/melodic techno including rhythmic FM drums. Focuses on tribal elements like evolving perc and grooves.
• Yamaha FM-Xperience ($50): Pure FM-X expansion with innovative programming for drums and sequences. Avoids 80s clichés; great for modern tribal techno kicks and toms.
• General Tip: Load MIDI rhythm patterns from free sources into Montage for tribal sequencing, or use its FM engine to create custom kicks (e.g., via ring mod and operator stacking).

Quick Workflow Tips in Maschine

• Host FM8 or DX7 V as a plugin instrument, then use Maschine's step sequencer for Digitone-like patterns. Layer FM drums with acoustic samples (e.g., tribal congas) for hybrid sounds.
• For TR-8S vibes without the hardware: FM8's tweakable operators can mimic those FM drums—start with high-ratio modulation for metallic attacks.
• If you need more tribal flavor, grab sample packs like W.A. Production's Best Of: Tribal EDM Sounds ($50 bundle) for loops to blend with your FM synths.

This should scratch the itch without buying new hardware. If none hit the mark, Phase Plant or Vital (free) have FM modules worth exploring for drums, though they're more general synths.

Air Music Tech - Drum Synth

This next-level architecture combines FM synthesis, analog modeling synthesis and physical modeling synthesis algorithms to power 8 individual sound engines; Kick, Snare, Clap, Hi-Hat, Tom, Percussion, Crash and Ride.
www.airmusictech.com/virtual-instruments/drum-synth

Air DrumSynth Is Now A Vst For All DAW Lets work

 

Last edited: Oct 19, 2025 at 1:40 PM

If you use Ableton you can get Dyad and Opal which are made by one of the guys behind the FM engine in the Digitone.

https://fors.fm/dyad

https://fors.fm/opal

 

Thanks, those ^^ actually look very interesting since I also still have my Ableton Push lying around. And yeah, Fors has that Elektron heritage, and I already have Pivot.

(And yes, I do mostly always ask AI these days, lol, I was hoping for some personal opinions. It’s also plainly wrong sometimes, talking about ”Roland Montage” for example, and claiming that the Digitakt II has 8 channels instead of 16)

 

Hello @liquidlove, here is my personal experience with FM Drums:

The dexed is free and also has FM drums. You can find them in the folder:
!Instruments --> Percussion --> Synth Drums (see attached image).

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

You also need this:

Dexed - FM Plugin Synth - 3650 SYX Banks from the Yamaha - DX7 - 27 MB

3650 Syx Banks (without duplicates) - 153 Folder - Thanks to Black Winny
One of the most popular digital synths ever was the DX7 from Yamaha, released in 1983.
It featured a whole new type of synthesis called FM (Frequency Modulation).

Install:
Simply unzip the content of this zipfile to your Cartridges directory.
C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Roaming\DigitalSuburban\Dexed\Cartridges
Free Download: https://mega.nz/file/yyICHLrT#7t0PXjjyMqL5T1lFppvBL69xCXxfWl2EBYTxxS6E5X4

 

Last edited: Oct 19, 2025 at 9:55 AM

Well, why not take a recommendation from the designer of the Digitone himself? Ess recently said that Pivot (https://fors.fm/pivot) is the spiritual successor to the Digitone, and I couldn't agree more! It's currently my favorite FM synth.

For drums specifically, Microtonic is still the most reliable and flexible option out there imo. It's also worth mentioning DrumComputer from Sugar Bytes.

 

Since you have ableton.. DS module devices, Drum Designer (Operator racks), Dyad (also comes with an isolated single voice device), Pivot. There is also skinnerbox time and timbre for ableton.

 

Not sure if FM enough for you But the more I have been using the Basimilus Iteritas VST version from Noise Instruments, the more I love it.
Kicks that cut through everything, can sound from clean to super dirty.

 

Waldorf - Attack (Frequency modulation and ring modulation)

Waldorf Attack Drum Machine VST/AU Plugin sounds and demo (old GUI)

 

I believe Battalion by Unfiltered has fm synthesis as an oscillator type, it’s a whole groovebox drum machine, there’s also plenty of VCV modules, you could make drums from an fm plugin like Halogen, posix, falcon, etc. anything with fm that has short envelopes will work… even bitwig has a grid with fm capabilities