René Ceballos shared this quick demo of XFM – a polyphonic, 32-voice, 6-operator FM synthesizer stereo module that you can build yourself.

The module receives MIDI messages from a controller/sequencer, produces audio and delivers it via digital (SPDIF) and analog outputs. The sound range XFM can create and its feature set have a very broad intersection with most pure-FM synthesizers of the past (Yamaha DX series, OPL chip series, TX81Z/802/816 modules, etc.).

XFM Synthesizer Features:

32-voice polyphonic

Polyphonic or Monophonic Legato modes

6 operators per voice

Variable modulation algorithm

8 waveforms per operator

A 6-segment Envelope Generator for each operator

6-segment Pitch Envelope Generator

Per-voice LFO with Triangle, Square, Sine, S&H waveform

Per-operator adjustable LFO sensitivity for pitch and volume

Per-operator adjustable velocity tracking, keyboard tracking

Monophonic/Polyphonic portamento

Extensive MIDI implementation (pitch bend, mod wheel, aftertouch, sustain, breath ctl, foot ctl, volume, pan, etc.)

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Stereo Chorus

256 programs memory

MIDI in, thru

48kHz samplerate

Samplerate-grade modulations

Stereo, 24-bit SPDIF digital out

Stereo, 16-bit analog out

Battery friendly, low power operation

Fully programmable (connecting it to a PC via USB)

Extremely low latency (< 1ms)

See the futur3soundz site for details on the project.