M-VAVE is officially embracing the explosion of alternate firmware for its compact FM-1 synthesizer by introducing FM1 Open, an official open-source firmware project.
The release includes an open firmware, a browser-based workbench for editing sounds and projects, and a software development kit intended to help users and developers create new applications for the hardware.
The announcement follows a growing community of third-party developers who have released alternate firmware for the inexpensive synth, transforming the FM-1 into a popular development platform. Rather than limiting development to unofficial projects, M-VAVE is providing its own framework for extending the instrument’s capabilities.The open firmware features:
- Eight-track sequencer for arranging melodies, bass lines, percussion and samples.
- Multiple sound engines, including DX7-style FM synthesis and sample playback.
- Additional synthesis options including 303-style, 808-style, PSG and plucked-string sounds.
- Independent sound settings and volume controls for each track.
- Per-track loop lengths, with mute and solo functions.
- Reverb and delay sends for track-level effects routing.
- Eight sample slots for incorporating custom audio.
- Browser-based workbench for editing sounds, patterns and projects.
- Browser-based preview that allows users to explore the interface without connecting an FM-1.
- Tools for managing samples and transferring projects to compatible hardware.
- Firmware flashing through the workbench.
- Application source code and a companion software development kit for developers.
- Support for building and extending FM-1 applications, subject to the project’s source and SDK terms.
Availability:
FM1 Open is available as a free firmware and development project from M-VAVE. The source code is available now on GitHub.
This is the future: putting out versatile hardware to match a price point, giving users some good basic tools out of the box, and leaving the hardware unlocked so technically inclined musicians can repurpose it. The money from now on is in manufacturing with consistency and good QC, and a nice physical user interface that’s flexible enough for others to use. M-VAVE really have th balance right: a nice screen, enough micro-encoders to have music options without trippng your fingers, 16 steps on the white keys, and 12 mode buttons. Their pro/elite mini-keys keyboards offer more and larger knobs plus some faders, while keeping the same basic architecture.I’m really happy to see this cheap and cheerful little synth break out and become an overnight success.
This s#|t is crazy!!!!