FM synthesis and MPE are a natural match, since small changes in modulation can transform a tone. Tupos Audio has released MPE FM, an expressive FM instrument that treats per-note control as a core feature. The launch was reported by Audio Plugin Guy at the end of September.
Three engines
MPE FM offers three operator engines:
- A two-operator engine with serial and parallel configurations.
- A four-operator engine with eight algorithms.
- A six-operator engine with 32 algorithms and its own feedback stage.
A modulation matrix that includes feedback connections lets you build custom FM routings beyond the preset algorithms.
Expression built in
The instrument responds to per-note pitch, pressure and slide, the three dimensions of MPE. Players without an MPE controller are not left out: velocity, mod wheel, channel aftertouch and an expression pedal can drive the same destinations. That makes it a practical way to try polyphonic expression before buying hardware. If you want to understand what those dimensions mean, Expressive E's MPE primer is a good starting point.
Performance tools
There is an arpeggiator, a step sequencer with per-step velocity and note length, and a virtual keyboard. Up to eight effect slots can be chained, and a preset browser sorts factory and user sounds by category, with saving, rating and variation search.
Price and trial
MPE FM costs €39.99. A 14-day free trial is available. Launch pricing included a 25% discount code that ran until October 10, so check the developer for current offers. The announcement does not state which plugin formats are supported, so confirm compatibility with your DAW during the trial.
Why it is worth a look
Many MPE-capable synths are large, expensive or built around wavetables and subtractive sound. A focused FM instrument at this price fills a gap, especially for players with a LinnStrument, a Seaboard or an Osmose who want bell-like, metallic and evolving tones that respond to pressure and slide.
FM feedback and operator levels reacting to finger pressure can feel very different from a filter sweep, so test with an expressive controller if you can. Use the free trial to check CPU use and how the matrix maps to your gestures before buying.