Fors Pivot 1.2, easy-to-program FM synth plugin gets new filters, MPE support, and more

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

Great news for Fors Pivot users. The lovely FM synth plugin has just been updated to version 1.2, featuring additions to the synthesis side and more.

First, the oscillators now feature a fidelity control called Crush that changes the resolution of the oscillators and envelopes. It  simulates the inaccuracy of older FM sound chips with continuous control, giving you a more retro FM sound.

The fidelity control is also available in the Pivot Lite version. Then, you can explore two additional filter types in Pivot 1.2: Acid and Comb filter.

The Acid filter is an analog-inspired 2-pole low-pass filter with adjustable drive and howling resonance, perfect for adding some dirt to your patch. On the other side, the Comb filter is a bipolar feedback Comb filter with adjustable dampening. It opens the door to a more unusual and bizarre sound world.

Another highlight of the new Pivot 1.2 update is the full MIDI and MPE support in the modulation matrix. Now you can use external MIDI sources such as mod wheel or MPE slide to modulate all the parameters in Pivot.

That’s not all. There is also a new random source modulator, and it’s now possible to modulate the modulators. Features that allow you to generate way more experimental sounds. 

Finally, the preset browser now hosts a random preset generator with which you can generate an entirely new preset with a button press. 

An excellent update for the Fors Pivot Synthesizer. Both updates (Standard and Lite) are available for free download to existing customers. 

Article from July 3, 2025

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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