Yamaha • FB-01
The FB-01 is simply an inexpensive, 8 part multitimbral digital FM synth module. It's only a 4-operator synth which is less than, say a DX-7. This simply means its sounds are not quite as good. You will need an external MIDI system exclusive editor to edit the patches. This can be accomplished by a dedicated editor program like Unisyn, or by creating SysEx control messages within your sequencing program. The FB-01 has a lot of organ, piano, brass, bass, guitar, percussion, and lead sounds. Basically this is a good source of typical FM-sounds at a low price. It is used by Hardfloor and Moog Cookbook.
If you want your FM synthesis to sound as raw as an old arcade game like Marble Madness then it is ideal. Also if you like the DX100 or DX21 keyboard... this module has nearly the same sound engine... plus multi-timbral features for 8 seperate voices playing at once.
To be honest, I think it sounds thin by DX7 standards... That's a result of only being 4 op FM. It has a tendancy for the sound to almost vanish in a mix it kind of just blends in with whatever else is going on in the track. The presets are not astounding but it does have some good chopper type Bass sounds and a couple of leads that are OK... the real power comes when you start to actually create your own sounds with it. I also tend to run it through a couple of filters, that actaully beef it up a bit.
Get one very cheap! Maximum £30 or £40 and you got a bargain. Otherwise leave it alone and put the money towards something more powerful.
Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)