6 Best FM Synths For Killer Sound Design (2025 TOP PICKS)

FM synthesis is one of the most creative and unique ways to design sounds in music production (check out the last article we posted for the breakdown).

It can give you glassy, crystal-clear bells, deep, punchy basses, and sick evolving pads that you just can’t get from analog synths or basic subtractive synthesis. 

That’s why, as a producer, knowing the best FM synths is a must. 

With the right one, you’ll be able to create sounds that stand out in any mix, program patches that match your unique style, and push your sound design to the next level.

Luckily, I’m breaking down the best FM synths in the game 一 each one packed with features that make FM synthesis more powerful and fun to use, like:

• Six-operator FM engines for deep sound design ✓
• Looping envelopes to add rhythmic movement ✓
• Multi-mode filters to sculpt your tone ✓
• Built-in effects like chorus, reverb, and delay ✓
• Advanced modulation with LFOs and step sequencers ✓
• Poly patches with high-voice polyphony ✓
• Easy-to-navigate interface ✓
• Custom FM matrices for unique modulation routing ✓
• Velocity-sensitive keys for expressive playing ✓
• MIDI CC support and full DAW integration ✓
• Much more ✓

When you know the best FM synths inside and out, you’ll never get stuck with flat, lifeless sounds again.

You’ll be able to create your own patches from scratch, build textures that evolve over time, and dial in tones that cut through the mix.

Plus, with tons of modulation, powerful effects, and flawless workflow, you’ll have everything you need to make your sound bigger, better, and more unique than ever.

Native Instruments FM8: The FM Synth That Still Sets the Standard

If you’re looking for an FM synth that delivers deep sound design while still being easy to play around with, Native Instruments FM8 is one of the best options out there. 

It’s actually my personal favorite when it comes to FM synthesis.

It takes everything that made traditional FM synths great and enhances them with a modern workflow, so it’s great for both newbies and experienced producers.

FM8 features a six-operator FM engine with an advanced FM matrix, which lets you freely route operators in any way you want, like:

• Stacking to create massive, layered sounds
• Modulating to generate harmonically edgy tones
• Using them as independent sound sources to create intricate textures

Each operator has full pitch, amplitude, and waveform control, and you can adjust individual modulation depths to fine-tune how much one operator affects another.

Unlike older FM synths that were limited to basic sine waves, FM8 gives you access to 32 different waveforms per operator.

This means you can successfully build much more harmonically complex patches right from the start, which is huge, especially if you want sounds that go beyond the typical FM basses/bells. 

One of FM8’s strongest features is its multi-stage envelopes, which offer looping envelopes for creating rhythmic, evolving textures. 

Each operator has its own ADSR envelope, but you also get a global envelope that can control multiple aspects of the sound at once. 

The LFO section gives you two LFOs, each with dedicated routing options so you can add subtle pitch drift or create wild modulation effects (dealer’s choice).

FM8’s envelope editor lets you create custom multi-point envelopes with up to 32 breakpoints, all of which can be tempo-synced.

It’s an absolute game changer for designing motion-heavy patches.

Another super awesome feature is the Morph Square, which lets you blend up to four different patches in real time.

It’s perfect for morphing sounds dynamically in both live performances and studio sessions, so when it comes to flexibility, it seriously cannot be beat.

You can set four different patches, then smoothly transition between them using X/Y controls to create evolving, animated sounds without even touching a knob.

FM8 also comes with an effects section loaded with high-quality reverb, delay, chorus, and a multimode filter. 

The multimode filter is also super useful because it includes low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and notch filtering, giving you a lot of tonal shaping options inside the synth itself.

You don’t even need external plugins, which is awesome.

It also supports velocity and aftertouch, which means your patches can be super dynamic depending on how you play them.

For example, if you’re using a MIDI controller with aftertouch, you can map it to modulate vibrato, filter cutoff, or operator levels.

One of my personal favorite things about FM8 though is its huge preset library, with over 1,200 factory patches (mind-blowing, right?).

It covers everything from vintage FM keys to cutting-edge digital textures. 

Side note, you also get full MIDI CC support 一 making it easy to integrate with external controllers for hands-on control. 

So remember, you can map any parameter to a knob, fader, or mod wheel, which gives you real-time control over FM modulation depth, LFO speed, and filter cutoff.

Bottom line, when it comes to the best FM synths in the game, you can’t make a list without mentioning FM 8, that’s for sure.

NOTE: If you want to learn everything about FM synthesis, I got you.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Six-operator FM engine for deep sound design
• 32 waveforms per operator for a wide variety of tones
• Advanced FM matrix for flexible modulation routing
• Multi-stage envelopes and looping envelopes for evolving sounds
• Two LFOs with dedicated routing for advanced modulation
• Morph Square for real-time blending of four patches
• Built-in effects, including a multimode filter with multiple types
• Velocity and aftertouch support for expressive playing
• 1,200+ preset library for instant inspiration
• Easy-to-navigate interface
• One of the best FM synths around

Korg opsix native: The Altered FM Synth for Your DAW

If you’re looking for a software FM synth that takes FM synthesis beyond its traditional limits, Korg opsix native is one of the best options out there. 

It brings the full power of six-operator FM synthesis straight into your DAW, while also adding tons of extra features that make sound design more versatile than ever. 

Unlike most other FM synths, opsix native isn’t locked into just FM synthesis because it can act as a standard FM modulator, but it can also function as a: 

• Ring modulator
• Filter
• Wavefolder
• Even an effect processor

This means you can design sounds that go way beyond what you’d expect from FM sound, which is outstanding in my opinion.

One of the first things you’ll notice about opsix native is its Operator Mixer, which makes programming FM synthesis much more visual. 

Instead of working with confusing number tables or fixed algorithms like in traditional FM synths, you can adjust each operator’s level and function with sliders that light up depending on whether they’re carriers or modulators. 

It’s much easier to see exactly what’s affecting the sound, whether you’re tweaking harmonic content or completely transforming a poly patch into something gritty.

The modulation options inside opsix native are next-level, too.

You get three EGs (envelope generators), three LFOs, and 12 virtual patch slots 一 giving you complete control over how your sound evolves over time. 

The envelopes are also loopable, so you can create rhythmic movement within a sound without even touching the sequencer. 

Speaking of which, the built-in step sequencer isn’t just for programming melodies; it also lets you control things like velocity, gate time, and playback timing per step. 

If that’s not enough movement, the Motion Sequencer allows you to automate up to six different parameters at once so you can create sounds that shift and morph over time.

Opsix native also comes with an advanced effects section, where you can load up to three high-quality effects at once.

You can choose from 30 different effect types like shimmering reverb, analog-modeled distortion, delays, phasers, and more (everything is built right in).

One of my favorite features has to be the Randomize function thought because it lets you instantly generate completely new patches with one click. 

You can randomize everything or just specific parameters, so whether you need a spark of inspiration or just want some fresh ideas, it’s an incredibly fun way to explore FM synthesis without overthinking it.

All-in-all, Korg opsix native is an FM synth that removes the complexity of traditional FM synthesis while still giving you more control than ever. 

So if you want a powerful yet intuitive software FM synth that can create classic FM tones, aggressive digital textures, and experimental sounds, this one is a must-have.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Six operator modes beyond FM (Ring Mod, Filter, Wavefolder, and more)
• Operator Mixer makes FM routing visual and intuitive
• Three loopable EGs and three LFOs for deep modulation
• 12 virtual patch slots for flexible sound design
• Step sequencer and Motion Sequencer for evolving patterns
• Advanced effects section with 30 high-quality effects
• Randomize function for instant inspiration
• Seamless DAW integration and high-quality sound engine
• One of the best FM synths around

Tracktion F.’em: The Deepest FM Synth You’ll Ever Use

If you want an FM synth that gives you complete control over every part of your sound, Tracktion F.’em is one of the most advanced options out there (amazing name, right?).

It’s built with a four-layer system, and each layer has its own 11-operator FM engine, which lets you stack and mix different FM sounds together for insanely deep sound design. 

Each layer functions independently so you can blend completely different FM tones in one patch, whether it’s layering evolving pads, stacking percussive transients, or designing hybrid textures.

Unlike traditional FM synths that lock you into pre-set algorithms, F.’em has a fully customizable FM matrix to route any operator to any other however you want.

You’re not stuck with fixed modulation paths.

You can create simple, straightforward FM patches or dive deep into chaotic, evolving modulations that wouldn’t be possible on other FM synths.

Each of the eight synthesis operators comes with multiple waveforms, including sine, saw, and square, plus dedicated amp and pitch envelopes and its own LFOs.

You’re able to shape every single part of the sound exactly how you need. 

On top of that, there are two multi-sample operators, which let you blend real samples into your patches, and a noise operator that adds grit and texture. 

You also get two multi-mode filters per layer, and you can run them in series or parallel 一 giving you more ways to sculpt your sound. 

And they all include low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch, and comb filtering, along with resonance and drive controls to push the sound even further.

The modulation system is one of the deepest you’ll find in any synth, featuring 32-stage tempo-synced envelopes and Flow LFOs with up to eight steps per cycle.

You can set these to control pitch, filter cutoff, waveform blending, or even FM modulation depth, which makes F.’em an absolute powerhouse.

Each layer also has its own four-slot effects processor and arpeggiator, so you can add even more depth to your patches, which I personally love.

But my favorite thing about F.’em would have to be the custom FM matrix…

It gives you a level of flexibility that most other FM synths just don’t have, which makes it perfect if you love experimenting with FM synthesis in new ways.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Four-layer system with 11-operator FM engines per layer
• Custom FM synthesis matrix
• 8 synthesis operators with dedicated envelopes and LFOs
• Two multi-sample operators to blend real audio with FM sounds
• Noise operator for extra grit and texture
• Two multi-mode filters per layer with series/parallel routing
• 32-stage tempo-synced envelopes and Flow LFOs for deep modulation
• Built-in effects and arpeggiator per layer
• Easy-to-navigate interface
• It’s one of my favorite FM synths in the whole world
• One of the best FM synths around

Arturia DX7 V: The Classic FM Synth Reimagined

If you’re a fan of the iconic Yamaha DX7 but want some modern enhancements, Arturia DX7 V is a must-have FM synth for your collection, hands down.

It faithfully recreates the original’s six-operator FM architecture, so you can play around with those signature glassy and punchy sounds that defined ’80s music. 

Each operator offers 25 different waveforms, which can expand your sound design possibilities way beyond the original’s sine waves. 

The 32 available algorithms determine how these operators interact as well, giving you a wide range of tonal variations to explore. 

Whether you want warm, evolving pads, metallic, bell-like plucks, or fat, punchy basses, these algorithms let you structure your FM sound in ways that weren’t even possible on the original DX7.

One of the standout features is the inclusion of a multi-mode filter for each operator, which lets you sculpt your sound with precision using: 

• Low-pass filters
• High-pass filters
• Band-pass filters
• Notch filters

The envelope section has also been modernized as well with ADSR and multi-segment envelopes that are both syncable and loopable.

So, when it comes to dynamic control over your sound’s evolution, it doesn’t slack at all.

Unlike the original DX7, which had a pretty rigid envelope system, the DX7 V lets you create complex, evolving movements that respond to tempo sync and modulation.

Speaking of modulation, the advanced modulation matrix is another huge upgrade…

You can assign LFOs, velocity, aftertouch, or external MIDI sources to modulate any parameter for way more control over how your sound reacts/moves. 

If you like playing around with intricate modulation routing like I do, this feature is a game changer.

The built-in effects section takes things even further, with four effects slots that can be arranged in series or parallel. 

You get high-quality reverb, delay, chorus, distortion, and more, meaning you can process and polish your sounds right inside the synth without needing extra plugins.

Personally, one of my favorite features has to be the vintage and modern DAC modes. 

You can switch between the gritty, lo-fi edge of the original DX7 or go for a cleaner, high-fidelity version that is perfect for various music production styles/vibes/needs.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Faithful recreation of the classic six-operator FM architecture
• 25 waveforms per operator for expanded sound design
• 32 algorithms to define operator interactions
• Multi-mode filters on each operator for precise sound shaping
• Advanced modulation matrix for complex parameter routing
• Built-in effects section with flexible routing
• Easy-to-navigate interface
• Vintage and modern DAC modes
• One of the best FM synths around

Dexed: The Free FM Synth That Doesn’t Slack

If you want a free way to get into FM synthesis, Dexed is one of the best options out there for sure. 

It’s a software FM synth that perfectly emulates the Yamaha DX7, so you get that vintage hardware FM sound without needing the actual synth itself.

It uses a six-operator FM engine (just like the original DX7) which lets you create everything from smooth pads to metallic bells and basses. 

And just like DX7 V, you’ll get 32 different algorithms for arranging the operators.

Each operator comes with looping envelopes, so you can create rhythmic or evolving sounds that shift over time. 

And then there’s the multi-mode filter that gives you more control over the final tone, which is something the original DX7 didn’t have. 

One of the best things about Dexed is that it fully supports DX7 sysex patches, so you can load thousands of original patches from the past or save your own. 

There’s also full MIDI CC support, which lets you map Dexed’s parameters to your MIDI controller for hands-on tweaking, like all the other best FM synths we’re talking about.

My favorite feature has to be the real-time VU meters for each operator…

They make it easy to see which ones are active while you’re designing sounds, so you always know exactly what’s happening inside your patch.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Free software FM synth with a true DX7 sound
• Six-operator FM engine for deep sound design
• 32 algorithms for arranging operators in different ways
• Looping envelopes to create evolving or rhythmic sounds
• Multi-mode filter for shaping the final tone
• Easy-to-navigate interface
• Full DX7 sysex support for loading classic patches
• MIDI CC support for easy controller mapping
• Real-time VU meters to visualize active operators
• One of the best FM synths around

Korg Volca FM: A Compact Powerhouse for Classic FM Sounds

I know today’s article has been all about software FM synths, but I thought I’d include a hardware FM synth for those of you who love having real gear at your fingertips. 

The Korg Volca FM is a small but mighty FM synth that gives you all the essential tools to create sounds straight from the golden era of FM synthesis. 

It’s got a six-operator FM engine and supports 32 different algorithms, just like the classic DX7, but in a compact, battery-powered unit. 

If you’re into sequencing, the built-in 16-step sequencer lets you program loops with ease, and the Motion Sequencing feature lets you automate knob movements.

With them, your sounds constantly evolve instead of staying static. 

One of the best things about this synth is that it’s fully compatible with Yamaha DX7 patches so you can load up thousands of vintage FM sounds using SysEx data.

The Warp Active Step feature is another fun addition… It lets you remove or reorder steps in your sequence to create unpredictable, off-grid rhythms. 

Plus, there’s a built-in chorus effect that adds width and warmth to your sounds (making them feel more dynamic).

You also get MIDI in, which means you can hook it up to a full-sized keyboard or DAW to expand your setup. 

My favorite thing about the Korg Volca FM (aside from the overall FM capability) has to be the Velocity Sensitivity, which isn’t common in other synths like this. 

It makes your patches more expressive when played from an external controller. 

Quick mention, another two killer hardware synths would have to be Yamaha Montage and Elektron Digitone so give that a go too.

Why It’s One of the Best FM Synths:

• Portable, battery-powered FM synth
• Six-operator FM engine with 32 algorithms
• Fully compatible with DX7 patches via SysEx and FM chip
• 16-step sequencer with Motion Sequencing
• Warp Active Step feature of Volca FM
• Built-in chorus effect for added width and warmth
• Velocity sensitivity for expressive playing
• One of the best FM synths around

Final Thoughts

And there you have it: all the very best FM synths in the industry. 

Each and every one is packed with unique features, incredible modulation options, and deep sound design capabilities. 

Plus, they can help you seriously shape your own custom tones, push FM synthesis to new heights, or recreate the legendary sounds of the past with a modern twist.

So, it all boils down to your personal preference, workflow, and the type of sound you want to create (remember to get as crazy as you want though!).

If you want something classic and true to traditional FM synthesis, options like Arturia DX7 V or Dexed are perfect. 

But if you’re after a more flexible approach with expanded modulation and effects, Tracktion F.’em and Korg opsix native take things way further. 

Just remember not to limit yourself to one type of FM synth or stick to presets forever. 

Otherwise, you’re missing out on some of the most exciting sound design opportunities out there.

And, as a special bonus, you’ve got to check out these Free Serum Essentials. 

Inside, you’ll get access to the most clean, polished, and professional Serum presets for every genre you can imagine.

And the best part is that every preset inside is fully loaded with macros and flexible parameters so you can tweak, customize, and truly make each sound your own. 

Since Serum has FM synthesis built right into its Warp mode, you can use these presets as a starting point, then apply FM modulation and waveform shaping to push the sounds even further.

Trust me, you do NOT want to miss out on this legendary free pack.

Bottom line, when it comes to the best FM synths that we talked about today, the sound design possibilities are truly endless. 

It’s all about playing around with different operator routings, layering dynamic modulation, and shaping your patches in a way that feels unique to you. 

Plus, learning how to use FM matrices, tweak envelopes and LFOs, and take advantage of built-in effects will completely change the way you go about FM synthesis. 

By doing that, you’ll be well on your way to creating pro-level FM sounds like a boss.

Until next time…