Classic FM Sound with Modern FM Workflow
FM Lab brings the sound that defined 1980s pop into a synth built for today's producers. At its core is classic 8-operator FM synthesis paired with HALion's VA synthesis engine, giving you everything from vintage FM tones to modern hybrid sounds in one virtual instrument. The Algorithm Designer lets any operator modulate any other operator, or itself, opening up feedback and feedforward routings the original hardware never allowed, while the Algorithm Finder lets you start from proven ground, putting every DX7, TX81Z, and FM-X algorithm at your fingertips. FM-X and DX7 emulation with direct SYX file import means your existing patch libraries carry forward, and more than 600 original presets give you an instant head start on inspiring synthesis sounds. A drag-and-drop modulation matrix with live visualization, freehand drawable envelopes, a 20-effect FX rack, and a 32-step arpeggiator round out the tool kit. Whether you're after classic FM synths or looking to forge sounds never before heard, Sweetwater Synthesists attest that FM Lab will take you there.
Note: This library requires HALion 7 (full version) or HALion Sonic 7 to operate. Please contact your Sweetwater Sales Engineer with any questions.
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Design FM relationships the hardware never allowed
The classic DX7 gave you a fixed menu of 32 algorithms, each one a preset routing of carriers and modulators you couldn't touch. FM Lab's Algorithm Designer tears away the ceiling, letting you build entirely new operator relationships instead of just recoloring an old one. Any of the eight operators can modulate any other operator, or modulate itself, with connection strength set by the gain of each junction. That opens the door to feedback loops and feedforward paths that go well past what 1980s hardware was capable of. If you'd rather start from familiar ground, however, the Algorithm Finder puts every algorithm from the DX7, TX81Z, and FM-X engine at your fingertips, searchable by icon or by operator configuration, so you can find a proven starting point before customizing it into something your own.
Steinberg FM Lab Features:
- 8-operator FM synthesis paired with HALion's VA synthesis engine for tones that span classic FM and modern hybrid sounds
- Algorithm Designer lets any operator modulate any other operator or itself for custom signal routing beyond the original hardware
- Algorithm Finder includes every DX7, TX81Z, and FM-X algorithm, easily searchable by icon or operator configuration
- FM-X and DX7 emulation with direct SYX file import for loading your existing DX7 and TX81Z patch libraries
- 600+ original presets sourced from the DX7 and TX81Z, each with FX preassigned and toggleable
- Modulation matrix with drag-and-drop assignment and live visualization for routing pitch, level, and envelope times on any operator
- Freehand drawable multi-stage envelopes for pitch, filter, and amp, shaped with pen and brush tools
- FX rack with 20 FX, including delay, reverb, DJ EQ, distortion, tremolo, and ring modulation
- 32-step arpeggiator with multiple modes, trigger types, and pre-designed patterns for evolving arps and rhythmic patterns
- Duplicate, reverse, or export arpeggiator patterns directly to your DAW without needing to re-record or re-program
- 3 controller lanes for real-time modulation of cutoff, resonance, and other operator parameters as your patterns play