RTMS VAPolyFM is a new hybrid 6-operator FM Synthesizer AUv3 plugin for iOS (iPhone/iPad) and macOS (Apple Silicon).
FM synthesis has made a comeback in the last three years, not in the classic DX-7-style but in a more accessible, modern way. In hardware, Korg’s opsix Synthesizer impressively showcased this.
In software, numerous synths followed similar concepts: iceGear Nambu, Tracktion F.’em… The latest hybrid FM release comes from the developer Ryo Togawa and is called VAPolyFM.
RTMS VAPolyFM
VAPolyFM is a new 8-voice polyphonic FM Synthesizer with a hybrid architecture combining FM and subtractive synthesis elements.
The FM part offers six operators that can arranged in 32 different algorithms inspired by FM synths of the 1980s. Each operator features controls over the coarse, fine-tune, and detune a mode switch, and a level slider. There is also an 4-stage envelope for each operator.
Then, the subtractive section uses virtual analog synthesis and offers two oscillators, both resonant lowpass and highpass filters and two envelopes per voice.
Like the previous RTMS synths, the VAPolyFM includes a multi-FX processor with delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, EQ, and compressor. Also onboard is a step sequencer with a piano editor and parameter automation.
Further, VAPolyFM offers an audio recorder with audio export functionality to linear PCM formats (AIFF, WAV and CAF) and compressed format (AAC). It also supports iCloud Drive for project file backup so you can access them from your iPhone, iPad, and macOS.
The synth also supports Ableton Link and MIDI 2.0 with Bluetooth MIDI. RTMS ships the synth with 139 factory presets, which give an overview of its capabilities.
Yes, RTMS VAPolyFM is an AUv3 Synthesizer plugin. This function allows you to use it in multiple instances in Logic Pro for iPad and other iOS DAWs.
First Impression
I haven’t tested it myself, but at first glance, it looks like another solid Synthesizer from Ryo Togawa. It’s nice that it combines FM with classic subtractive synthesis, which makes it more flexible and interesting than classic DX7 synthesis. Plus points for macOS support.
RTMS VAPolyFM is available now for an introductory price of $5,99 instead of $14,99. It runs as a standalone app and AUv3 plugin on iOS (iPad, iPhone) and macOS (Apple Silicon only).
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