RTMS VAPolyFMWest is a new polyphonic AUv3 Synthesizer for iOS and macOS that combines FM and West Coast synthesis.
The most traditional synthesis method is subtractive synthesis, in which oscillators are routed through a filter, and their signals are shaped with an envelope and an LFO.
FM synthesis goes deeper, using operators, or West Coast synthesis, where filters are often dispensed with altogether because low-pass gates are used. The latest Synthesizer, VAPolyFMWest by Ryo Togawa, aka RTMS, combines these two types into a unique new synth.
RTMS VAPolyFMWest
FM synthesis and West Coast synths are not new topics for Ryo Togawa. With the VAPolyFMv2 and VAPolyWest, the developer already has two synthesizers that cover this synthesis method.
In RTMS VAPolyFMWest, the developers combine FM and West Coast Synthesis for the first time. It’s an 8-voice Synthesizer plugin (AUv3) for iOS and macOS.
At its core, it features four operators and eight selectable waveforms, which can be organized into eight FM algorithms with adjustable feedback and oscillator sync.
According to Ryo Togawa, they are inspired by the iconic rack-mount FM Synthesizer from the 1980s. Each operator has its own ADSR envelope with velocity control, plus controls for coarse tuning, fine tuning, detuning, waveform selection, and more.
Instead of routing the sound into a filter and then into the VCA, the VAPolyFMWest signal flows into a wavefolder and a lowpass gate with various modes, key components of West Coast synthesis.
The final sound can be refined with a built-in multi-FX processor that includes fully adjustable chorus, delay, flanger, EQ, compressor, and reverb.
More Features
Hidden on a second UI page is a 3-channel analog-style step sequencer with a piano roll and parameter automation. Here, you can easily program your notes and let the sequencer play your favorite melodies.
You can loop your sequences for up to 16 bars and create up to 8 clips, either free-running or synced to your host.
RTMS VAPolyFMWest also supports Ableton Link and audio file export thanks to a built-in recorder. Project files can be saved in iCloud Drive, so that the project can be accessed from iPhone, iPad, or Mac. So you can create patches on your iPad and use them on macOS as well.
First Impression
At first glance, a fun new Synthesizer from Ryo Togawa. Thanks for including macOS support. The concept isn’t entirely new, as it simply merges two previous Synthesizer apps from RTMS into one.
But definitely interesting, especially since we know that Ryo develops very good-sounding synthesizers.
RTMS VAPolyFMWest is available now for an introductory price of $5,99 instead of $14,99 until April 30, 2026. It runs as a standalone and AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPad/iPhone) and macOS (native Apple Silicon only).
More information here: RTMS /Apple App Store
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