Native Instruments FM7

The FM7 from NATIVE INSTRUMENTS could be the best software synthesizer ever! The FM7 is based upon the classic and legendary sounds of FM synthesis found in Yamaha's DX-series, from the DX7 to the DX200! The FM7's brilliant user-interface makes FM synthesis understandable, and for the first time, visually intuitive. And since the FM7 can import SysEx patch files, of which thousands can be downloaded from the internet, you have virtually every Yamaha FM synthesizer and more available to you in an easy to use and totally modern software plug-in compatible with every major computer music program (ASIO, MME, DirectX, SoundManager, VST, DXi, Audio Unit, RTAS, MAS, DirectConnect)! The FM7 can read all programs from the original DX7, DX7-II, DX11, TX81Z, TX7, DX21, DX27, DX100, TX802 and it reproduces the sounds of these machines exactly, if not better!
As part of NI's Vintage Line, the FM7 not only recreates the look and sound of DX-synths, but in many ways it surpasses what those original FM synthesizers could do. To get you started, it ships with two 128-patch banks of new sounds, a set of 128 DX200 patches, and the factory and some additional presets from the original vintage DX7. The FM7 is not just a DX emulator in the form of another software plug-in. It is a genuine FM algorithm synthesizer that takes the concept to the next level! It adds distortion and filter operators, extensive modulation capabilities, a comprehensive effects section, audio input and much more to the traditional FM architecture.

The FM7 has eight operators, each of which can be selected and graphically edited on-screen or via MIDI controller. The first six operators (A-F) are modeled after the DX-series. Operators are unique to FM synthesis. Each one generates a waveform which can be used as a carrier (the sound that is heard) or a modulator (like the way an LFO is a wave that modulates an audible carrier wave). Whereas the original DX-synths only used sine waves for their operators, the FM7's operators offer a choice of 32 waveforms from simple sine to complex TX and formant waves. Additionally, the original FM synthesizers had 32 preset algorithms for designating and routing which operators will be carriers and/or modulators. FM7 has a fully programmable FM matrix in which you can freely adjust the signal routing from one operator to another, and you can even make the operators modulate themselves in a feedback loop. The original 32 DX-algorithms can be chosen from the FM Matrix's presets menu.
Specifications
Polyphony - CPU Dependent
Oscillators - 6 FM Operators with 32 waveforms plus 1 distortion Operator and 1 dual resonant multimode filter Operator (with low/band/highpass)
LFO - 2 LFOs per voice, 32 waveforms each (same as in Operators), Sample-and-Hold, Modulation Matrix
Keyboard - 6-octave 73-note simulated keyboard (complete 12-octave 145-note keyboard range)
Effects - Stereo effects section with chorus, flanger delay, can be used for external audio signals; Unison mode, Portamento
Interfaces - Runs stand-alone with ASIO, MME, DirectX, Sound Manager, or as a plug-in using VST-2.0, MAS, DXi, Core Audio, RTAS, and DirectConnect
Macintosh - Mac OS 8.6 or higher, G4 400 MHz, 128 MB RAM, OMS or FreeMIDI
Windows/PC - Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, Pentium 450 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 16 bit sound card
Date Produced - 2002
Est. Value - $299 (list)