pskonsult PX1 is a new dual-layer DX-7-style FM Synthesizer plugin for iOS and macOS with built-in macro controls and reverb.
Well, in this age of AI and prompting instead of weeks of hand-coding, apps from new developers pop up daily in the App Store. Now there’s a new synth again.
Peter Sjorgen, aka pskonsult, has released PX1, his first Synthesizer for iOS. However, the developer isn’t a newbie as he’s been active in the Reason Rack Extension field since 2023.
pskonsult PX1
PX1 is a new dual-layer FM Synthesizer for iOS and macOS, a port of the pskonsult synth for Reason Rack Extension, initially released in 2023. A time before AI and vibe coding. So I assume this isn’t a slop.
PX1 features two 6-operator FM engines heavily inspired by classic 1980s digital synths. Or, without any concealment, a software replica of the Yamaha DX-7.
Each engine features six operators with the classic 32 algorithms and per-operator control over the envelopes (4 rates + 4 levels) and pan for detailed stereo placement. However, it is not a simple DX-7, but one with two layers.
Two completely independent FM voices run side by side. You can easily stack them or also use them more creatively. For example, add a subtle variation on the second and use the spread control to place them across the stereo field.
Alongside the classic dual-layer DX-7-style engine, it also has a built-in LFO with triangle, saw, square, and random waveforms that can be mapped to the pitch or amp. Sound polishing can be done using the built-in reverb, with size, damp, and amount controls.
The synth also features five macro controls for quick changes without diving deep: brightness, touch, attack, spread, and decay. Other features include a random patch generator, various play modes (mono, legato, portamento), keyboard scaling, and more.
Full parameter automation is supported so you can record knob movements in your DAW and play them back.
First Impression
It’s great that a Reason Rack Extension user has found their way into the iOS world. Two DX-7 synths in one synth with macro control isn’t exactly groundbreaking. The RE version of the synth sounds very nice, and I think the iOS app does too.
The price, considering the number of DX-7 FM synths available on the App Store, is a bit too high. $9.99 max, in my opinion. The UI could also be improved, as it’s a bit too large for iOS. Nevertheless, welcome, Peter Sjorgen, to iOS.
pskonsult PX1 is available now for $14,99. It runs as a standalone app and an AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPhone/iPad) and macOS (native Apple Silicon).
Not sure if there is/was a connection, but the PX1 Rack Extension (and this new app) is a DEAD ringer for the earlier Reason PX7 (DX7 clone) Rack Extension. I suspect there’s possibly a common developer for both products.
Ah…and after only a little researching, I’ve learned that yes, both were developed by Peter Sjorgen/pskonsult.
or maybe read the first part of the article hehe 😉
As a faithful follower of Synthanatomy, of COURSE I read that Peter Sjorgen/pskonsult developed the PX1 in the first part of your article. BUT you didn’t mention anything about PX7 Rack Extension, and that was my real question. Maybe I should have emphasized my discovery was that he developed BOTH the earlier PX7 and the newer PX1.
Anyway, I enjoyed the PX7 enough, I might just have to pick up the PX1 app for my ipad.
oh yeah sorry. There is also a PX1 as Rack Extension as well as the PX7. I just wrote about the PX1 Rack Extension
I have it for reason and it’s pretty authentic compared to other emulations. Good starting presets as well.