Twisted Electrons - Mega FM mk2

The new mk2 version of the MEGAfm now uses a pair of YM3438 chips, which could be found in the legendary Sega Megadrive 2, among others.

The MEGAfm offers 6 voices of crisp FM, 4 operators per voice, and 8 algorithms. With 2 YM3438 chips for a total of 12 voices spread over two outputs (or summed to one output).

Unlike most FM synthesizers which are very clean and digital, the YM3438 has a very characterful tone that allows for a wide range of sounds from beautiful plucked strings to growling distorted bass lines.

The mk2 version also features a flap on the bottom of the case for easy swapping of the chips, which are now socketed. This makes it easy to swap the YM3438 chips for other FM chips like the YM2612, or even modern alternatives.

Features:

• 12 voice polyphony
• Dual YM3438 FM chips (included)
• 8 algorithms
• 600 preset memories arranged in 6 banks
• Easy upload/download of banks to and from computers via SYSEX.
• Preset randomizer
• 4 voice modes (poly12, stereo/broadband6, special CH3 mode, 12 voice unison with detune button)
• Stereo or mono output (1 chip per channel or both chips summed)
• 32 sliders to control all 4 operators
• 3 LFOs for modulation of any parameter
• 7-mode arpeggiator with transposable step sequencer
• Vibrato
• MIDI clock on all LFOs, ARP, and vibrato
• All faders/knobs send MIDI
• DIN5 MIDI input with MIDI channel learn and through/out