ALM FMco is a new compact, 2-operator FM synth voice for Eurorack, inspired by their popular Akemie modules.
FM synthesis is most commonly implemented using six operators, like in the legendary Yamaha DX-7, Korg opsix, and others. The latest “quality standard” is 8 operators, as seen in the ASM Leviasynth.
2-operator FM synthesis also exists, and its appeal lies in its direct and less cryptic nature. ALM’s new FMco is a synth voice that implements this for Eurorack.
ALM FMco
FMco is a new compact 8HP FM synth voice for Eurorack. According to the ALM developers, it’s inspired by their popular Akemie modules but tuned for more immediate use and a more modern sound.
At its core is an original 2-operator FM synthesis DSP engine with eight operator wave shapes, with direct control and CV control with two attenuators. A dedicated encoder control lets you tune the two operators quickly, easily, and accurately.
There is also an FM index offset control with manual and CV control, an attenuverter, and ratio control with a lock switch for both free and precise operator ratios.
Even though FMco is a monophonic digital voice, it has a voltage-controllable chord mode with inversion, allowing you to create chords with up to four voices.
Voice Design
Part of the voice structure is also a decay envelope, which can be triggered by a gate signal via the trigger input. You can route to both the FM depth and VCA output level, allowing the FMco to function as a full synth voice. Yes, there is also a VCA onboard.
Further, it has L&R stereo outputs with a stereo widening effect. On the side of ALM FMco, there is also a USB-C port for quick, easy ‘drag and drop’ firmware updates.
First Impression
At first glance, it’s a straightforward FM synth voice that lets you get very hands-on with FM sound design. It’s great that everything is implemented in a very analog style, without menu diving or a thousand other functions.
ALM FMco is available now for $299/£239.
More information here: ALM Busy Circuits
Available from my partner
As if knowing the quality of a chord, a key(prolly unrelated to the randomly picked chord), then a scale (oh lawd) will do you any good if you dont know how they function together. And i dont know if its the customers asking for this or the brands thinking theyre hooking people up, but the result is is people not using their ear and thus not becoming musicians. Pretty clear when you skip to the bit where he’s cycling thru the voicings and it sounds like… not music.