First LOVE FM Synthesizer – FM Synthesis Made Fun?
New Icelandic synth manufacturer, Love Synthesizers, announce their debut synth, the First LOVE FM Synthesizer, and it aims to make FM synthesis both easy & fun. Challenge accepted!
We are starting to see new and exciting things ahead of Superbooth ’24. One such thing is the new FM Synthesizer from Love Synthesizers, called First LOVE. Very little is known about this little box other than the aim is to make FM synthesis both fun and super accessible.
UPDATE: May 6th, 2024 – More Details Emerge!
Since we first reported on the First LOVE FM synthesizer, we’ve been talking with the developers and can bring you more information on this fun, new instrument.
The device itself is 19cm x 24cm and the touchscreen size is 7″. The synthesis engine has four simultaneous timbres. Each of these uses their own MIDI channel or they can be stacked on one channel for bigger sounds. Each timbre can be either monophonic or polyphonic.
Connectivity is currently specified to be a couple of 6.4mm TRS Mono jacks, DIN-MIDI In and Thru plus USB-C. There will also be a built in speaker and headphone port.
Each timbre is a 4-operator FM engine with user-definable algorithms. Each engine features a sine wave with wavefolding to deliver more complex waveform shapes. The key to First LOVE FM’s unique approach it to morph between these four timbres. Users can control the speed of the morph via that central vertical waveform on the screen.
An effects section and player/looper function are both currently in development. Head on over to booth W250 at this year’s Superbooth to try the First LOVE FM Synthesizer out for yourself! A price hasn’t been set as yet, but is expected by the fall, after which they expect to start shipping within 6-9 months.
First LOVE FM Synthesizer
Original Article: May 3rd, 2024
With a design that instantly reminds you of a handheld games console, the First LOVE FM certainly has the cute factor in spades. There’s a pad-like control and two large buttons. Then there are what seem to be four rotary encoders. Each is emblazoned with a letter that together spells LOVE. Awww…
There’s a pink button with the globally accepted icon for the internet stamped into it. Does this hint at some sort of online cloud connection? Maybe for sharing or downloading content. And to round things off, there’s a small speaker grille. The screen looks intriguing. Four circular graphics and a vertical waveform.
One might assume the circular graphics are related to the four rotaries and that the vertical waveform represents the final output. But information is very thin on the ground. You can sign up for email updates on their website. Or, like me, you can head over to Superbooth this month and check it out in person.
As an avid lover of all things FM, I am deeply curious about this new instrument. As an avid critic of cute, toy like attempts at dumbing down FM synthesis, I am again deeply curious! I guess the proof of the pudding will be in the eating! Roll on Superbooth ’24!
- Love Synthesizers Website
- More Superbooth 2024 Content