Hello Guys,

do you have any alternative to NI`s FM8 for me?
I am looking for a good sounding FM modeling synth.
Doesnt matter if free or for purchase.

Any hints are welcome. Thank you!

 

https://github.com/asb2m10/dexed

100% free

 

‎

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2023

Hi @railkiller2376, among the best and most popular is this one:

Digital Suburban - Dexed - FM Plugin VSTi - Freeware
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/

 

Dexed
Plogue OPS7
Tracktion F-em
Arturia DX 7
From samples: UVI FM suite
and for phase distortion (close to FM): Arturia CZ V or VirtualCZ

 

Thanks guys, a lot to choose here. I will give Dexed a first try

 

Depending of what kind of FM synth you want.
If you want multi operator FM: DEXED, or DX7 V Arturia, or Traktion F.' em this last one is a bit more advanced with 8 operators ...

If you dont mind about that "traditional" operators FM structure, Many actual synth include FM possibilities, like Spire, Parawave Rapid, VPS Avenger or Phase Plant, this last one, you can do it as complex as you want as it's modular.
Most of the virtual modular synth will also allow you to do FM, by patching one OSC to another's frequency. U-He Bazille as an example can do this.

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2023

Arturia Synclavier is one of the more exciting synths that also do FM.

 

https://www.kvraudio.com/product/ej_by_maxx_claster EJ FM SYNTH
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1516/ BRZOZA FM SYNTH
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/2787/ DDX10 FM SYNTH
https://plugins4free.com/plugin/802/ EFEMME FM SYNTH
Another good one https://plugins4free.com/plugin/1393/ PURPLE FM SYNTH

 

Last edited: Jan 10, 2023

The main thing is that they sound good - my favorites are too:

Image Line - Toxic Biohazard features a hybrid synthesis engine, combining the best of FM and Subtractive synthesis. With the addition of a warm, analog-modeled filter and set of built-in effects, the Toxic concept remains one of convenience, simplicity, and superb sound quality. www.image-line.com/fl-studio-learning/fl-studio-online- anual/html/plugins/Toxic%20Biohazard.htm

BigTick - Rhino 2 is a Hybrid Synthesizer: FM, additive, substractive and sample playback. 6 Oscillators per voice, hundreds of built-in waveforms, custom waveforms using samples (sfz) or additive generator. www.bigtickaudio.com

Maxx Claster - eJ v1.2 VSTi - 6 operators FM synthesizer - 32 Bit - Beat - No Longer Available
Maxx Claster - Toxic II v2.1 VSTi - 6-operator FM synthesizer - 32 Bit - Beat - No Longer Available

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2023

Tracktion F'em is the only one coming close to the depth of FM8 and then goes a few light years beyond it. If you want serious FM synthesis, that's the one you want.

 

why Arturia DX7 V is an upgrade to FM8

1. DX7 on steroid with more of everything. Every function (minus the original 32 "algorithm") on the original DX7 extended. MSEG Envelopes, Waveform, Modulations, Routing, Level Scaling, Polyphony, Unison etc.
2. Neat Converter (DAC) emulation to add a little bit character to the sound synthesized so it wont be "purely digital".
3. Complete high quality FX section with routing options
4. Refreshing GUI and Preset management system with Bank cover graphics. My personal favourite is the interactive multi-layer real-time display (picture below) of what is happening can be really helpful to set up and fine tunes the envelopes and pitch modulation. Can actually see how the sounds are moving in every operator at the same time.
5. Hundreds of decent modern FM sounds presets plus DX7 factory ROM.

One thing that it cannot do is the FM8 Morph/Blend function.

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2023

There's also

Tone2 Nemesis2
BLEASS Omega
u-he Bazille
XILS Lab KaoX
Sugar Bytes Aparillo
Klevgraand Baervaag

for the experimenter, vcvrack has a really interesting module in development by Lexandra Maxine Matos-Rodríguez https://github.com/xandramax/Volume1

EDIT: Actually, development is completed. No more beta.

 

Last edited: Jan 10, 2023

When I think of FM7/FM8, I think of Sytrus - it's extremely deep.

FMHeaven is quite good. Also Aurora FM if you can get over the UI.

4-op stuff that cover the DX classics: OctaSine. Exakt Lite. Piper2. eFemme.

Toxic Biohazard, LinPlug Octopus, Rob Papen Blue for great hybrids.

For those with iPad

https://www.musicradar.com/news/nambu-is-the-ios-fm-synth-that-doesnt-want-to-be-a-dx7

 

Last edited: Jan 9, 2023

What about Phase Plant by Kilohearts?

 

Please, write the names z not only links.