ToyBox Audio FM Zone melts deep FM synthesis and sample playback in a new, easy-to-use Synthesizer plugin for Mac, Win, and iPad: update 2.0 out now
In December 2024, Toybox Audio released the FM Zone, a hybrid Synthesizer that combines FM synthesis with samples.
At first glance, it appears to be a relatively simple synth, but once you delve into the user interface, you discover the actual depth of the FM Zone. Good news: version 2.0 is now available as a free update, introducing new features and a new UI option.
FM Zone 2.0
Toybox Audio today unveiled FM Zone 2.0, a free update for all existing users. FM Zone stood out for its very bright orange UI. For those who prefer a more subtle look, there is now an alternative.
The update introduces a high-contrast dark UI that I really like, making the synth look more elegant. This also comes with GUI improvements.
Alongside this, you can also explore new synthesis features. As a reminder, FM Zone has a massive modulation engine with nine envelopes. It’s now possible to work with envelope banks (A and B) for the nine envelopes.
Then, it’s possible to assign the main attack and release envelope to additional parameters, including spectrum, timber, filter cutoff, and level. More modulation options are always welcome.
Another new function is the ability to set the MIDI note off to stop the MSEG (multi-segment envelopes) from running. That’s not all. Last but not least, users can now explore six new reverb algorithms in the effects section.
An excellent free update with useful new features.
Toybox Audio FM Zone 2.0 is out now as a free update for existing users. The VST3/AU plugin is now available on the official website for $69 on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. The iPadOS version is on the Apple App Store for $12,99.
Article from December 6, 2024
FM synthesis became known primarily through the Yamaha DX-7, not for its simple programming but for the distinctive sounds it produced. FM has been making a big comeback for a few years now, not in the form of other DX-7-style systems but as part of new synth concepts.
The main aim is to bring new ideas into FM synthesis and make it more intuitive and accessible. A perfect example is the Korg opsix. The new Synthesizer release FM Zone from Toybox Audio follows the same path, offering FM synthesis with several twists and more hands-on.
Toybox Audio FM Zone
FM Zone is a new polyphonic “hybrid” Synthesizer that melts two sound generator concepts in a new engine. One is an advanced FM synthesis engine; the other is sample playback. Let’s start with the more advanced.
The synth part of the FM Zone is a powerful FM synthesis engine with a twist. More precisely, it’s not another classic DX7-style FM engine. Yes, it has operators and algorithms, but there are major differences.
Toybox Audio ships FM Zone with special algorithm types, which differ significantly from classical FM operators. You can choose here FM, supersaw, additive, physical modeling, ring mod, and more.
If you choose, for example, the analog algorithm, you get a mixture of FM and VA (virtual analog) operators. So you get a wide range of different operators with colorful, harmonically rich timbres.
Plus, the synth is fully tweakable with various parameters, including pitch, shape, spectrum, timbre, filter, and more. According to the developer, it uses state-of-the-art DSP with the latest ADAA anti-aliasing techniques for rich analog sounds without digital artifacts, even when pushed into extreme territories.
Colorful Filtering
Another highlight of the synth section is the built-in filter, which is also not weak. It comes with many different filter types, including Sallen Key, OTA, Ladder, and usual ones like wave folder, frequency shifter, etc.
Next is the sampler engine, the second sound engine of the Toybox Audio FM Zone. It ships with onboard samples that can be mixed into the synthesis part. These can be long samples or shorter to add attack samples over a sound. Pitch, filter, level, and other parameters give you full control over the sounds.
A lovely add-on is the vocoder mode, which allows you to infuse the tonal characteristics of the loaded samples into the synth engine’s output.
Modulation is also onboard. Toybox Audio FM Zone features not one but nine multi-segment envelopes, one for each of the nine main controls. They are fully customizable with the graphic editor and offer an intuitive “auto curve” function.
If that was a bit too many features, don’t worry. FM Zone comes with over 400 ready-to-use high-quality presets from professional sound designers. They range from bass, leads, and massive pads up to drum kits.
First Impression
In terms of features, it is an inspiring, deep Synthesizer. It is deep but still intuitive and easy to use. I like that they are trying to offer something new with the operators in FM synthesis. Instead of giving classic waves or sine-only, these extra synthesis options in the operators make it a little FM powerhouse.
The only criticism at first glance is the GUI, which is the same for all plugins but in a different color (Thump One, Buzz Zone…). It looks like all three plugins are the same but a different skin.
Toybox Audio FM Zone is available now for a limited time at an introductory price of $32 instead of $69. It runs as a VST3 and AU plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows. The iPad (iOS) version is on the Apple AppStore for $9,99 and runs only on iPad as a standalone synth and AUv3 plugin.
More information here: Toybox Audio / AppStore
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