Fors Pivot, easy-to-program FM synth plugin from the Digitone developer and free version

Fors Pivot is a new, easy-to-program 3-operator FM Synthesizer plugin from the Digitone developer, and Pivot Lite is a free version.

When it comes to playable FM synthesis in hardware, the younger generation often turns to the Elektron Digitone. This 2017 synth is characterized by a hands-on interface and simplified FM synthesis. 

One of the developers was Ess Mattisson, who now makes plugins and M4L devices with his company, Fors. The topic of FM synthesis doesn’t let him go, and Fors has now released a new Synthesizer called Pivot that resembles its Digitone engine concept.

Fors Pivot

Pivot is a new three-operator 16-voice FM Synthesizer plugin for macOS, Linux, and Windows, designed to be straightforward and joyous to use. 

Upon opening, you will see a compact, eye-catching, fully scalable UI with relatively little depth compared to classic FM synths. But don’t let that fool you. It is versatile. As a bonus, you can also customize the UI with different color themes.

Each of the three operators is color-coded and features its own ADSR envelope, as well as controls over frequency, level, and feedback.

Unlike traditional FM synths, Fors Pivot doesn’t rely on the famous pre-defined algorithms. Instead, it lets you continuously route the top modulator’s output between the other pair. This allows you to discover FM synthesis in a new exploratory way. 

Then, Pivot features a resonant 4-pole morphing filter for carving out frequencies in a familiar subtractive fashion. You can smoothly mix between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass, and can control either manually or with its dedicated ADSR envelope.

Complexity and depth can be introduced to your sound through the modulation engine and the 6-slot mod matrix. You can modulate the FM controls with two multi-wave LFOs and two auxiliary ADSR envelopes. 

Stereo widener and stereo distortion effects enable you to add character and refine your sounds at the signal chain’s end. Additionally, it features a two-voice unison option for rich, fat sounds and a handy portamento function. 

Fors Pivot Lite

Time to download the demo? No, there isn’t. Fors has come up with something nice. Instead of timeouts, casual noise, and so on, Fors has created a slimmed-down free version called Pivot Lite.

The Lite version only has two operators, one morphing filter, and no modulation matrix. Otherwise, it has everything the big brother has, including an envelope generator for each operator, and more.

It’s a great way to dip your toes into FM synthesis with its simple structure, but still almost all the bells and whistles from its bigger sibling.

First Impression

An intriguing new, easy-to-program FM Synthesizer plugin from the Digitone developer. Doing the whole thing without algorithms and leaving it at a more or less subtractive level is an interesting approach.

I recommend downloading the free version to get a quick look at how it works. I did the same before writing this. Even though the controls are a bit close together for my taste, I had fun crafting my first sounds with it. I can confirm it’s very easy to use.

For a free version, it can generate a vast array of interesting and sparkling FM tones. If that’s not enough complexity, you can always switch to the regular Pivot version and add an operation on top, along with a modulation matrix. 

Fors Pivot is available now for an introductory price of 29.30€ instead of 39€ (incl. VAT). Pivot-Lite is available as a free download.

Both synths run as VST3, AU, and CLAP plugins on macOS (native Apple Silicon and Intel), Linux, and Windows. Both plugins are DRM-free.

More information here: Fors 

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