The M-Vave FM-1 is a compact FM synthesizer featuring six operators, 32 algorithms, 128 presets, an arpeggiator and a 16-step sequencer.

But – with the recent rise of alternate firmware distributions – it also can be a groovebox, a multi-engine instrument and more, using alternate firmware.

The FM-1 is a pocket-sized synthesizer, built around a six-operator FM sound engine. It provides 32 FM algorithms and 128 presets, along with an arpeggiator and 16-step sequencer for creating and performing patterns.

It’s also a hardware platform that third parties are creating alternate firmware for. Here are several examples:

Felucca Firmware – Multi Sequencer, 9 Engines, Scale Model

Here’s a demo of the Felucca alt firmware, via Stanley Gurvich:

Baud Girl Firmware Update

The Baud Girl firmware is focused on live performance, quality-of-life features, and the addition of a brand-new Virtual Analog engine. Here’s an overview via DECIMA1:

Groove OS for FM-1

Groove OS is designed to turn your FM-1 into a groovebox. Here’s a demo via Grzegorz Bojanek:

Lunar Modulator

Lunar Modulator is open firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1 that turns it into a multi-engine instrument:

• five sound engines with more than 160 models, shapes and patches between them;
• four effects;
• next, a step sequencer with parameter locks.

Sloop Firmware

SLOOP turns the pocket FM synth into a free 4-track groovebox: three synth layers plus a drum machine, built on the Felucca engines (VA, 4-op FM, phase distortion, organ, formant, granular, sampler, lo-fi) with chorus, delay and reverb. Here’s a demo via Darren Lock:

X0X for the M-VAVE FM-1

XoX is a standalone groovebox firmware for the M-VAVE FM-1. It features: a TR-909, a TR-808, two TB-303s with TB-3PO acid generators, and a breakbeat generator, with 16 patterns (each part can play its own), a song mode, recorded knob moves, shared reverb / tape delay sends on every part, and a master compressor with kick-keyed pump, a sweepable filter and a limiter.

Pricing & Availability:

The M-Vave FM-1 synthesizer is available for about $80 on Amazon.

Let us know if you’ve tried any of the alternate firmware options in the comments!