The Fizmo is a 48-voice synthesizer which uses 2nd-generation Transwave technology to create very organic sounds unlike any other synth available. Every programming function has its own dedicated knob or button, and there is a limited but useful 4-character LCD display. The Fizmo features an Arpeggiator and 24-bit VLSI effects with 41 algorithms, including a Vocoder and the ability to process incoming audio through the Vocoder and effects.

Transwave synthesis uses wavetables of sound data with layered variations in harmonic structures such that their timbres progress naturally from one end to the other. This allows for sounds to modulate over time, or by velocity, wheel, pressure, or any number of other options.

There are 2 oscillators available for each of the 4 presets allowing for 8 unique oscillators at the same time, not to mention individual LFO and Noise generators for each Osc. Another wonderful feature is the ability to stack up to four individual presets together into one sound and map them across the keyboard. This synth is very capable of some very complex sounds.

The built-in Arpeggiator has 118 presets which can be easily edited to your liking, and 26 real-time control/editing knobs make mutating your sound a pleasure. All controls may be recorded in real-time to an external sequencer.

The Fizmo Rack is 5U rack-mount version of the Fizmo with more patches. The Fizmo will appeal to anyone who creates electronic music, particularly those into techno, trance, ambient or industrial. Sound designers and film composers would also enjoy this synth. The evolving motion and rhythmic patterns of its sounds created by the Transwave technology set this synth apart from the others. The Fizmo has been used by Eat Static.

Joseph

May 11, 2012 @ 3:46 pm

This is one of the most unique synthesizers I have had the pleasure of playing. The sounds and parameters are incredible, not to mention that the LFO's, effects, and onboard arpeggiators are savory. People that don't like the Fizmo don't know how to use synthesizers. It is a complex creative tool and instrument. With the right knowledge and understanding, it's user can accomplish incredible things.

John

May 10, 2012 @ 1:15 pm

Had this thing & hated it, absolutely hated it. I have no clue why they are so sought after now. It did sound original, but it wasn't very well rounded in it's capabilities. It always seemed like every patch you made more or less sounded like the last patch you made. Editing was a nightmare as well BTW, had to keep the manual in my lap every time and edit slow and painfully. Only owned one because it was 100 bucks, and at the time i was broke in my early 20's and this was all i had for a short period. Would only buy it again if it was next to free, and would only buy it to resell it.

gridsleep

April 12, 2012 @ 12:37 am

The need for a computer is not "a huge drawback." Who does not own a computer these days? Who, in wanting the weird and wonderful sounds the FIZMO, would not also have a computer centric studio? Some old Luddite with a stable of analogs with nary a MIDI in sight might well protest, but that's a different philosphy. Compare the Micro Q to the Microwave XT or to the Q itself. Is the uQ hugely disadvantaged because it has only seven knobs? Will the XT allow a naive fool to create beautiful sounds instantly merely because it has dozens of controls? Just about every modern synth needs a computer.

werner

April 10, 2012 @ 3:32 am

This synthesiser is extremely well made and heavy also. It is easy to program from the front panel if you have experience. I like that I have to think ahead of what I am doing to get predictable results but sometime I discover new and useful space and atmospherically interesting sounds quite randomly. This not a rompler or preset workstation. I would say the problem with these are that you can spend a lot of time exploring it's ability and for many Electronic Artists that is not always an option. Some people use 12 tubes of paint while others have a huge palette of colors- purple is GOOD!

lightman

January 22, 2012 @ 11:08 am

Forget the haters, this is an excellent synth that only needs two things to shine: A new power regulator (the standard one is flawed) and a user who is wise enough to judge it (or any synth for that matter) based on its sonic capabilities, not the presets or some OS shenanigans. Contrary to one of the many misconceptions about the Fiz, it's possible to create unique sounds for almost any type of production, even though it feels most at home among electronic styles. This is a piece of gear every synth enthusiast worth his salt should try at least once.

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