Yamaha FB-01

Yamaha FB-01 Image

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.

46 Visitor comments
B.A. Black
November 21, 2011 @ 9:18 am
I don't know where the FB01 editor for OSX is that people were talking about here earlier. You might have to check around on some French forums or something, since the developer is French. BUT! I did find another FB01 editor for OSX (10.6) :

https://github.com/norrby/vagform/downloads

it seems you have to make sure you are in midi channel 2. otherwise works fine.
bunnycat
October 14, 2011 @ 4:38 pm
Could someone post a link to the open source OSX FB-01 sound editor? Can't seem to find it....
Paul FitzZaland
July 24, 2011 @ 2:05 pm
The FB-01 I used in my high-school music comp. classes circa 1989 is still a centerpiece in my studio. The crisp, crunchy sounds are a nice counterpoint to the smoother, dirtier tones of my analogue gear. The FB-01's FM basses sound terrific underneath Juno-6/106 pads!

I just acquired a couple new FM keyboards, a PSR-36 and a PSS-480, and while the ability to edit/synthesize sound may be pretty rudimentary, these 'toy' keyboards can generate some very useful and musically interesting sounds. A real deal at $20 a piece!

Don't underestimate these 'cheap' old FM synthesizers.
Encona
May 28, 2011 @ 2:29 pm
Without doubt, the biggest synth bargain it's possible to get these days. Editing is either odd or fun (you'll whizz through it if you have ever used a DX series), sound is INSANE. Will stick by this over the Virus B, MS2000, Prophecy or Ion any day of the week for basslines. It's so easy to coax thunderous, wondrously digital madness out of it.
Has plentiful presets, (that you'll probably spend a good few hours re-enacting megadrive songs on), highly limited front panel control but there's decent editors about. Just got my second, got one pumping out 8 drum sounds and one 8 synths. BUY ONE.
Vukan
April 26, 2011 @ 8:13 am
Some of the best FB-01 Factory Presets you can heare @ YT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqIOTwUjlks
 
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  • Demos & Media

  • YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 1     - Yamaha FB-01 Overview

    YouTube Thumbnail
    Video 2     - FB01 custom sounds example

    Manual - Download the original owner's manual from SoundProgramming.net.

  • Specifications
  • Polyphony - 8 Voices
  • Oscillators - Digital 4-operator FM synthesizer
  • #Instruments - 8 Part multi-timbral
  • Filter - None
  • Effects - None
  • Keyboard - None
  • Memory - 240 presets, 96 user
  • Control - MIDI (8 parts)
  • Date Produced - 1986 - 1987

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