Back in 2001, this desktop powerhouse brought the legendary DX7's six-operator FM synthesis into the groovebox era, blending metallic digital bite with hands-on analog-style tweaks that classic FM rigs could only dream of.
At its core is a 16-voice polyphonic FM engine with 32 algorithms for complex harmonics, paired with a resonant multi-mode filter—lowpass, highpass, bandpass, or band reject at 12/18/24 dB/oct slopes—that finally gives FM tones the warm shaping they lacked back in the day. A dedicated filter envelope joins the standard ADSR for amp control, while six LFOs with 21 waveforms modulate pitch, filter, or more; portamento, poly/mono/unison modes keep things versatile. Sixteen realtime knobs let you dial in FM parameters, envelopes, LFO, filter, and effects on the fly, with 13 types like distortion, delays, reverb, chorus, phasers, and overdrive. It adds a sub-synth with 32-voice AWM2 samples for drums, percussion, bass, and rhythms across three tracks, all sequenced via a classic 16-step x 4-track engine (one FM, three rhythm) that chains into songs up to 10 patterns long—edit pitch, gate, velocity per step, even record Free EG automation for parameter sweeps. Compact at 13.3" x 8.2" x 2" and just 3.5 lbs, it packs a mini keyboard, 4-digit LED display, 51 switches, data wheel, stereo outs, headphones, and MIDI I/O; 256 presets and 128 user patterns include scene memory for instant A/B sound switches.
Over two decades on, players still dig its intuitive interface for live looping and beatmaking, especially those squelchy basses, bells, and dance leads that nod to DX7 glory while feeling fresh—though some wish track mutes were quicker to access. It's a secret weapon for FM fans craving tactile control without the steep learning curve.
