Full Bucket Music FB-02 is a free Synthesizer plugin for macOS and Windows that emulates the Yamaha FB-01 from 1986.
My first hardware FM synth was the Yamaha FB-01, which I bought for very little money in a second-hand shop ten years ago, and I still have it today – terrible operation, but lovely sounds.
Those who have been around for a while with me will also remember my FB-01 Kontakt library, which I will hopefully re-release as a DecentSampler instrument for Patreon supporters soon. Now you can also experience the synth as a free plugin with the new Full Bucket Music FB-02.
Full Bucket Music FB-02
FB-02 is an authentic emulation of the Yamaha FB-01 FM Synthesizer module from 1986. While the original hardware was an eight-part multitimbral synth, the Full Bucket Music FB-02 offers only one layer of the FB-01 magic.
Like the original, it has four operators that you can combine, using eight distinct FM algorithms. Each of the four operators has a wide range of parameters, including frequency, inharmonics, detune, level, velocity, and an ADSR envelope with attack velocity.
You can also boost either the carrier or the modulator. Alongside this, you have a syncable multi-wave LFO with speed control that modulates the amp (AM) and pitch (PM).
Additionally, there is a common section with various parameters, including global volume, tune, and more.
A big and welcome feature of the new FB-02 plugin is the ability to import and export original SysEx. This allows you to program your own sounds for the FB-01 and import them into the hardware.
Anyone who owns a Yamaha FB-01 knows how horrendous it is to program. This makes it child’s play.
Further, it ships with the original factory ROM and additional new sounds available in the program browser. Full Bucket Music FB-02 also supports MTS-ESP microtuning by ODDSound and MIDI learn. Plus, the user interface is fully resizable.
First Impression
The 10-year was worth it. Finally, there’s a free editor for my Yamaha FB-01. And on top of that, an emulation. Awesome! Thank you, Björn.
Full Bucket Music FB-01 is now available as a free download. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. If you enjoy the plugin, please consider donating to support the development and updates.
More information here: Full Bucket Music
What a brilliant freebie from Full Bucket 🙂
BTW; Fantastic demo track, wish it was available for download as MIDI file…
Full Bucket should get an award of some kind. Their synths sound amazing!