Quasar

nzimasUpdated Nov 3, 20262 on GitHub

Alt Firmware
firmware
groovebox
drums

Quasar by nzimas is firmware that turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-track drum-synth groovebox for experimental IDM, modeled on SOMA Laboratory's Pulsar-23 with an audio engine written from scratch. Each track has its own engine profile with macros, routes and sound families, plus a phrase generator with polymeters and a live BREAK function. A performance mode allows temporary edits to be restored afterward.

Compatible with

FM-1M-VAVE

Links

Source Install in browser Website

Installing third-party firmware can brick your unit and may void its warranty. Back up first and follow the project's instructions.

Similar Alt Firmware

JIANT FM
firmwarejuanjiant-bit.github.io
JIANT FM is free, open-source alternate firmware by juanjiant-bit for the M-VAVE FM-1, based on Felucca with a song system adapted from SLOOP. It combines eight synthesis engines, including analog, six-operator FM, phase distortion, chiptune, formant voice, organ, noise and DRUM-X synthesized drums. DRUM-X morphs between two sound states, while sound randomization and macro controls encourage live experimentation. Its thermal-color interface visualizes each track as an animated organism and displays live graphs for modulation and effects. Sequencing includes parameter locks, ratchets, probability, automation and recordable punch-in effects, with eight songs organized into four sections each. Distortion, delay, chorus and five reverb models extend the sound. A browser emulator and editor are available. The project is in development and has not yet been thoroughly tested on hardware. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
Sloop
firmwaregithub
Sloop is free, open-source alternate firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1, based on Felucca. It turns the instrument into a four-track groovebox with three synth tracks and a 16-sound drum machine. Nine synthesis engines cover analog, four-operator FM, phase distortion, three-oscillator synthesis, tonewheel organ, formant voice, granular synthesis, lo-fi chip sounds and sampling. Designed for live performance, it combines loop recording and overdubbing with step sequencing, per-step levels and ratchets, swing, polymeters, one-key chords and 16 punch-in effects. Sections A–D can be performed live and recorded into a song. A browser-based editor provides parameter control, a drum grid, preset management and sample upload; firmware installation is also available through the browser over USB. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
Skiff
firmwaregithub
Skiff turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-track groovebox built on Felucca. Fourteen synth and drum engines share eight voices, with full on-device editing for six-operator FM sounds and animated envelope displays. A sequencer of up to 64 steps supports chords, ratchets, trigger conditions, microtiming, and parameter locks. A shared pattern pool, per-track song lists, and scenes support arrangement and live launches. Performance layers provide staged mutes, effect throws, and momentary effects, while recording supports overdub, step entry, and capturing the last loop played. A browser editor handles sounds, sequences, mixing, projects, and backups over USB MIDI. Skiff also provides stereo USB audio and six screen themes. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
X0X
firmwaregithub
X0X is a beta groovebox firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1 and a fork of Felucca. It combines TR-909 and TR-808 drum engines, two TB-303-style parts with TB-3PO acid generators, and an eight-slice breakbeat generator. All five parts can run together, with 16 patterns, per-part step lengths and rates, song mode, and recorded knob movements. Shared reverb and digital or tape delay sends feed a master compressor with kick-keyed pumping, a resonant filter, and a limiter. A browser emulator lets you try the firmware without an FM-1. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
FM1-Sampler
firmwaregithub.com
FM1-Sampler pairs the M-VAVE FM-1 with an Android phone to create an eight-track sampler and audio looper. The phone runs the sound engine, while the FM-1 provides the keys, encoders, display and USB audio output. Its sample modes cover melodic playback, one-shots, looping, sliced kits, granular textures and Paulstretch, with controls for sample boundaries, pitch, time stretching, envelopes and modulation. Record from the phone microphone, import audio files or browse the bundled sample library, then build loops and overdub individual tracks. An arpeggiator, reverb and delay sends, and tape-style speed, saturation, lo-fi and wobble controls support performance and sound design. Setup requires both the companion Android app and the matching FM-1 firmware. Loop clips are not stored as a complete project; individual loops can be saved to the library.
AMB-1
firmwaregithub.com
AMB-1 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a generative ambient instrument built around slowly changing musical layers. Breathing voices, bell patterns on loops of unequal length, a gliding bass and quiet percussion combine through tape echo and reverb. Pieces and scales provide starting points for music that develops without a conventional fixed arrangement. Players can add or remove notes, freeze a passage and adjust individual voices as the sound evolves. The controls encourage tending an ongoing texture, with room for both subtle changes and larger shifts in direction. A browser emulator and illustrated manual support learning the instrument, while screen-reader integration reports its controls and musical state over USB. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
FMini-1
firmwaregithub
FMini-1 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a monophonic synthesizer inspired by the Minimoog Model D. Three oscillators, a ladder filter and envelope controls provide hands-on subtractive synthesis, with effects, an arpeggiator and a sequencer. A browser emulator previews the instrument, and a patch editor provides a larger interface for managing sounds.
Tonitor
firmwaregithub
Tonitor is alternative firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1 by Nuno Zimas, built for electroacoustic experimentation, live ambient music and sound exploration. Six tracks combine independently chosen engines and sounds with free loop recorders, each supporting up to ten overdubs and its own loop length. Four engines cover six-operator FM, gesture-driven lo-fi synthesis, an eight-oscillator instrument inspired by the LYRA-8, and noise, logic operations and manipulated buffers. Generative paths bias new sounds toward ambient or experimental textures. Per-track envelopes, resonant filtering, granulation, bit and sample-rate reduction, and shared effects shape sustained notes and layered gestures. Sixty-four session slots store the performance state. The interface uses large text, high contrast and a distinct colour for each track to support low vision. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
OberVave
firmwaregithub
OberVave turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into an eight-voice analog-style polysynth inspired by classic American polyphonic synthesizers. Each voice has two oscillators with hard sync and cross-modulation, a multimode filter with a lowpass-to-highpass morph, two envelopes, and an LFO. Poly, dual, unison, and mono modes include glide, with adjustable vintage drift and stereo spread. An arpeggiator, 32 programs, USB MIDI, chorus, tempo-synced delay, and plate reverb complete the instrument. Built on Dinghy, it is host-tested, but the developer reports that it has not yet been run on an FM-1. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
Caravel
firmwaregithub
Caravel turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a multi-engine synthesizer and sequencer with four tracks. Its sound sources span virtual analogue, FM, phase distortion, physical modelling, organ, vocal, sample, granular and drum engines, alongside SEM-style sounds, HADES bass voices and an experimental drone engine. Modulation, per-track filters, voice reservations and note latching support shaping and combining parts. The step sequencer supports chords, conditional steps, ratchets, parameter locks, automation, and live or step recording. Grouped on-screen controls make the four knobs’ assignments visible, while the browser editor manages sounds and projects. A playable browser emulator lets you explore the instrument. USB audio and USB/TRS MIDI connect it to other gear. The project specifies test-environment use for its USB identifiers.
ChoralRoot FM-1
firmwaregithub.com
ChoralRoot FM-1 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a chord instrument for harmonies, strumming and accompaniment. Root notes and chord-quality controls work together to produce chords, extensions and voicings, with an independent bass part adding weight beneath them. Arpeggiation and performance modes offer different ways to animate the harmony. A looper captures chord progressions for overdubbing and live playing, while the sound engines provide editable timbres for the arrangement. The panel brings chord selection and performance gestures together in a compact layout. A browser emulator and editing tools support exploring the instrument, with a web installer for loading it onto hardware. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
Mutable Dreams
firmwaregithub
Mutable Dreams turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a six-voice instrument for generative ambient music and rhythms. Assign any track to percussion, FM, virtual analog or harmonic synthesis, a modal resonator, or the custom Choir engine. Editable Biomes provide complete arrangements to explore, while sound presets change a voice without replacing its rhythm. Euclidean patterns, probability, swing, accents, repeats and shared scales shape the interplay between tracks. Per-track filters, envelopes and granular sends feed a shared cloud that can be frozen, reversed and transposed. Four live macros reshape a pattern, and contextual held-button help explains the controls. Dense combinations switch to ECO processing to keep playback within the FM-1’s limits. A browser instrument runs the same sound engine and supports keyboard play and patch-file import and export, but browser edits stay local and cannot be sent to the hardware. The FM-1 stores one personal patch; granular recordings are not saved.
Melodee
firmwaregithub.com
Melodee turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a multi-engine groovebox for sound design, pattern creation and song arrangement. Synth sounds, preset banks, modulation and effects share a workflow built around playing, recording and developing musical ideas on the instrument. Pattern and song tools support moving from a short phrase to a longer arrangement, while sound editing provides control over the character of individual parts. A web editor offers another way to work with the device, and an illustrated manual explains its controls and musical workflow. A browser-based installer handles loading the application and accessing its installation tools. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
HYP-1
firmwarerustypawz.github.io
HYP-1 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a generative techno and acid instrument. A breathing pad, deep drone, evolving 303-style bass line, and noise bed play over a six-lane drum sequencer. Each voice has dedicated sound controls, with envelopes and LFOs for the pad and drone. Ten pieces hold their own settings and drum patterns, while five styles reshape the voices and groove. Drum-to-voice links connect rhythmic triggers to the pad, drone, and acid parts. Performance controls provide bar-aligned breakdowns, builds, pattern changes, and momentary or locked effects. A browser emulator lets you try it without hardware. HYP-1 is a RedtailWorks project forked from AMB-1 by Charles Vestal.
Felucca
firmwarehugelton.itch.io
Felucca is free, open-source alternate firmware by Hügelton Instruments for the M-VAVE FM-1. It turns the instrument into a four-track synthesizer with three synth parts and a GM drum track, sharing eight voices. Nine engines cover virtual analog, FM, phase distortion, chiptune, sampling, formant vocals, ring modulation, tonewheel organ and granular synthesis. Each track has a 64-step sequencer, with live loop recording and overdubbing. An arpeggiator, scale quantization, effects and a browser-based editor expand the workflow. USB handles MIDI and firmware installation without extra hardware. The developer labels Felucca as beta; the official M-VAVE updater can restore the stock firmware. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
CoralFlower
firmwaregithub
CoralFlower turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into a chord instrument inspired by the Telepathic Instruments Orchid. Chord-type keys transform played roots into chords with an optional independent bass part, using two keyboard layouts and 27 scales. An arpeggiator offers nine patterns, including strumming, while a looper records chord progressions with overdub, undo, and timing correction. Virtual-analog and FM engines provide editable chord and bass sounds. Six reorderable effects shape the output, and USB MIDI sends chord and bass notes on separate channels. A pixel flower or coral grows from the notes you play. It is built on ChoralRoot and Felucca, with a browser version for trying it before installation.
LOOM-8
firmwaregithub
LOOM-8 turns the M-VAVE FM-1 into an eight-track groovebox combining synthesis, sample playback, break slicing and drum kits. A step sequencer supports parameter locks and performance tricks, while arpeggiator, strum and hold players offer different ways to turn notes into patterns. Weave crosses patterns by bar, step, or by combining one pattern’s rhythm with another’s notes. Scenes, song arrangements and a conductor track shape longer performances. Momentary effects, send effects, a mixer with EQ and master compression provide performance and mixing controls. The project website includes a playable browser emulator, sample tools and project backup tools. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
Hortator
firmwaredeadactive.github.io
Hortator is beta drum-machine firmware by DEADACTIVE for the M-VAVE FM-1, built on Felucca. Eight tracks combine drum models and samples with a sequencer of up to 64 steps per track, independent lengths, divisions, and swing. Accents, probability, ratchets, live recording, and recorded knob movements shape patterns, while Grids generates mapped or Euclidean rhythms. A track-keyed compressor, two LFOs per track, resonators, distortion, a slicer, and delay, reverb, and chorus support sound design and performance. An ACID bass voice can run on up to two tracks. USB audio and MIDI connect it to other gear. The website lets you play the firmware in a browser. It is untested on most hardware and may be unstable. Compatible with: 0x856014 and newer 0xB36014 chip.
ORBIT
firmwaregithub
ORBIT is a four-track groovebox firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1, based on SLOOP and Felucca. Three synth parts and a drum machine share a workflow built around sound editing, Event Tape, and a mixer. Event Tape lets you copy, lift, and rearrange sequencer events. Synth parts share an eight-voice budget across engines including analog, FM, sampling, and granular synthesis. Patterns support up to 64 steps, chords, ratchets, microtiming, and parameter locks. User macros, sample chopping, section chains, insert and performance effects, USB audio, and MIDI extend the instrument. Installation has been verified on an FM-1; hardware timing and recovery testing remain incomplete.
fm1-dock
firmwaregithub.com
fm1-dock is modular firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1 that lets you keep several instruments on the device and switch between them from a HOME menu. Synth modules live in flash storage alongside the host, so changing instruments does not require reinstalling the firmware. The included instruments cover simple waveform synthesis, richer synthesizer voices and keyboard performance. Additional modules can be deployed over USB. A browser console provides module management, device status, logs and load information, while a browser emulator offers a way to explore the interface. Safe-boot and USB rescue controls provide separate ways to start the host when a module cannot load.