M-VAVE releases FM1 Open, official firmware and SDK for the FM-1
The open-source firmware comes with a browser-based workbench and an SDK, after a wave of third-party firmware for the compact synth.
M-VAVE has released FM1 Open, an official open-source firmware for its compact FM-1 synthesizer, along with a browser-based workbench and a software development kit. A growing group of third-party developers had already put alternate firmware on the inexpensive synth, which made it a popular development platform. M-VAVE is now supplying its own framework instead of leaving that work unofficial, Synthtopia reported.
The firmware turns the FM-1 into an eight-track sequencer for melodies, bass lines, percussion and samples. Sound engines include DX7-style FM synthesis and sample playback, plus 303-style, 808-style, PSG and plucked-string options. Each track has its own sound settings, volume and loop length, along with mute, solo, and reverb and delay sends. There are eight sample slots for custom audio.
The workbench edits sounds, patterns and projects in the browser. It also manages samples, transfers projects to compatible hardware and flashes the firmware. A browser preview lets you try the interface without an FM-1 connected. The SDK and application source code are for developers building or extending FM-1 apps, subject to the project’s source and SDK terms.
FM1 Open is free. The source code is on GitHub now.
