Futur3Soundz XFM2, Tiny But Versatile FM Synthesizer With 64-Voice Polyphony

February 24, 2020 Synth Anatomy Hardware, News, Synthesizers 0

Futur3Soundz XFM2 is a super tiny but powerful FM Synthesizer with 64-voice polyphony, 2 parts and built-in effects for just $99 USD.

Tiny synth with a lot of synthesis power, more precisely frequency modulation. This is how the Indie Synthesizer project XFM can be described. Futur3Soundz, the developer of this project, is back with a new generation called XFM2 with almost four times the capacity of the previous one. XFM2 is a little module based on an FPGA chip that features a powerful 2 part FM Synthesizer with 64-voice with 6 operators and built-in effects.

The new version uses an upgraded 24-bit DAC chip with high-end output filters. The analog outputs have then greater dynamic range, higher S/N ratio, and lower distortion. Interesting is the design: this versatile FM synthesizer does not consist of large hardware, but of components that cost a total of $99.

The build is based on two pre-assembled development boards: the Digilent CMOD A7-35T (FPGA, USB, SRAM) and the Adafruit UDA1334A (DAC). This combination allows getting the module running in less than 10 components (about $99 total cost).

At first look, it offers an impressive amount of features for such a mini format synth. Our technology has come a long way considering how much space the Yamaha DX7 once took.

Features

2-part, 64-voice polyphony (32-voice for each part)
Polyphonic/Monophonic Legato modes
The two parts can work as individual synthesizers, or layered
6 operators per voice
2 independent oscillators on each operator
8 waveforms per operator
Variable modulation algorithm (extended from XFM to allow for multiple feedback loops)
A 7-segment, loopable Envelope Generator for each operator (DAD1D2SR1R2, with time and level controls for each segment)
7-segment loopable Pitch Envelope Generator
Per-voice LFO with Triangle, Square, Sine, Random waveforms
Per-operator adjustable LFO sensitivity for pitch and volume
Per-operator adjustable velocity tracking, keyboard tracking
Polyphonic /Monophonic portamento
Pitch bend range adjustable independently for up and down directions
Extensive MIDI implementation (pitch bend, mod wheel, aftertouch, sustain pedal, breath ctl, foot ctl, volume, pan, chorus, reverb, delay, tremolo, etc.)
Four per-program assignable Performance Controls, which allow any parameter to be controlled by MIDI continuous controls messages.
All synthesizer and effects parameters (300+) adjustable via MIDI system exclusive messages.
Two complete stereo-in/stereo-out effect processors (one per part), including decimator, bitcrusher, filter, chorus/flanger, phaser, amp modulator, delay.
All of above effects can be run simultaneously, for both parts
Stereo Reverb with individual sends per part
Arpeggiator
128 programs memory (EEPROM)
MIDI in, optional thru
Samplerate-grade modulations
24-bit stereo analog out
Optional Stereo, 24-bit SPDIF digital out
Battery friendly, low power operation
Fully programmable (connecting it to a PC via USB)
Nearly zero latency (< 0.5ms)
Extremely fast boot time (< 100ms)