Traktion has recently announced the release of their 11-operator FM synthesizer, F.em. According to Traktion, F. ’em is not just one of the most powerful FM synths ever made but also one of the most versatile. 

F. ’em features a freely configurable 11 operator matrix and can function as an FM, VA, and sample-based instrument. It also has the added bonus of a dual multimode filter along with a complex effect section. Instead of classic LFOs, F. ’em includes two eight-step flow LFOs that allow eight different waveforms to be selected. These can be switch-modulated by any source, and each waveform can also be freely drawn. Traktion also paid attention to the envelopes of F. ’em as each includes up to 32 stages that can be tempo synched. 

F. ’em is definitely geared towards versatility thanks to eight synchronizable wave, two sample, and a noise operator. The freely configurable oscillator matrix also allows F. ’em to create FM sounds that Traktion believes are virtually indistinguishable from the Yamaha TX81Z, DX7, and even the GS1. Considering that the latter is a 200-pound synth with only sixteen units sold, this is sure to interest FM fans. 

Although F. ’em has a multitude of available parameters, it was also designed to be immediately enjoyable and easy to use. Along with macros for controlling all fundamental parameters, its rich multi-effect section is also very accessible and tweakable. Users can activate and deactivate all layers in a snap or play around with the arpeggiator.

F. ’em requires a DAW host software to run and 1.5 GB of available disk space for installation. It is compatible with macOS 10.11 or later, Windows 8 & 10 64-bit, and has also been tested on Ubuntu 18.04 64-bit. The regular price is $179, but it is currently available at an introductory price of $107. A free 90-day trial is also available for those who want to put F. ’em to the test before buying. Listen to the sounds of F. ’em in the preset patch demo below and let us know in the comments or forum what your impressions are.