Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 3 stores. Prices updated .

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Tracktion F.'em Synth". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Unleash the full potential of your sonic creativity with the Tracktion F.'em Synth, a powerhouse of modulation and synthesis innovation. This 11-operator FM synthesizer is a game-changer for musicians and sound designers alike, offering an unparalleled level of customization. Its freely configurable architecture allows you to craft any sound imaginable, from the most delicate textures to the most intense bass lines.

The F.'em Synth stands out with its hybrid design, incorporating FM, virtual analog, and sample-based synthesis. The dual multimode filters with overdrive and a comprehensive effects section ensure you have all the tools needed to create unique soundscapes. Dive deep into sound shaping with the modulation matrix, boasting up to 200 entries and a separate modifier matrix with 32 modification algorithms.

Each of the four layers in F.'em is equipped with four effect slots, providing ample space for your creative ideas to flourish. The 32-stage tempo-synced envelopes and two Flow LFOs with customizable shapes are perfect for intricate rhythmic configurations, making complexity not just possible, but beautifully executed. The operator matrix, in addition to the noise and multisample operators, delivers a dynamic and versatile range of sounds that rival legendary synths.

For those who prefer simplicity, the quick-edit panel and macros allow for effortless control, ensuring that both novice and experienced users can enjoy the F.'em's full capabilities without getting lost in the details.

Key Features:

  • 11-operator freely configurable FM synthesizer
  • Hybrid design: FM, VA, and sample-based synthesis
  • Dual multimode filters with overdrive
  • 4 layers, each with 4 effect slots
  • Modulation matrix with up to 200 entries
  • 32-stage tempo-synced envelopes and 2 Flow LFOs
  • Comprehensive effects section and quick-edit panel
  • Freely configurable operator matrix with no fixed algorithms

Owner's manual

Tracktion F.'em Synth User Manual

Product specs

Software Type Synth Library
Platform Mac, PC, Linux
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, VST, AU, Linux VST
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core 2 Duo / AMD Athlon 64 X2 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 8 or later

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Tracktion F.'em Synth's sound engine?

The Tracktion F.'em Synth features an 11-operator FM synthesis engine, allowing for complex sound design and modulation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for creating unique tones and textures.

Is the Tracktion F.'em Synth compatible with my DAW?

The Tracktion F.'em Synth is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX, VST, and AU formats, which includes popular software like Ableton Live, Pro Tools, and Logic Pro.

What are the system requirements for running the Tracktion F.'em Synth?

For Mac, it requires OS X 10.11 or later with an Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4GB RAM. For PC, it requires Windows 8 or later with an Intel Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor and 4GB RAM.

How does FM synthesis differ from other types of synthesis in the Tracktion F.'em Synth?

FM synthesis in the Tracktion F.'em Synth involves modulating the frequency of waveforms to create complex sounds, offering a different approach compared to subtractive synthesis, which typically uses filters to shape sound.

Can I use the Tracktion F.'em Synth on Linux systems?

Yes, the Tracktion F.'em Synth is compatible with Linux systems, supporting the Linux VST format for seamless integration into your workflow.

TracktionSoftware

TracktionSoftware

Tracktion F.'em Synth Patch Demo

Video thumbnail for Tracktion F.'em Synth Patch Demo by TracktionSoftware

Tracktion F.'em Synth Patch Demo

TracktionSoftware

TracktionSoftware

Video thumbnail for Tracktion F.'em Synth Overview by TracktionSoftware

Tracktion F.'em Synth Overview

TracktionSoftware

TracktionSoftware

Video thumbnail for Tracktion F.'em Synth Introduction by TracktionSoftware

Tracktion F.'em Synth Introduction

TracktionSoftware

TracktionSoftware

Video thumbnail for Writing and Demoing the @TracktionSoftware  F'em Plugin! by Sarah Longfield

Writing and Demoing the @TracktionSoftware F'em Plugin!

Sarah Longfield

Sarah Longfield

Video thumbnail for Introduction to F.'em Synth by TracktionSoftware

Introduction to F.'em Synth

TracktionSoftware

TracktionSoftware

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tracktion F.'em Synth.

Features and functionality

  • F.'em features a "Flow LFO," an LFO sequencer/performance control, offering unique modulation options compared to other FM synths.

    Source
  • F.'em allows for independent operator frequency detuning using floating point numbers, adding flexibility in sound design.

    Source
  • Users highlight the tedious modulation assignment process due to a large list, and desire direct operator feedback adjustment on the FM matrix.

    Source

Comparisons

  • FM Lab, a Steinberg and Yamaha collaboration, is suggested as an alternative option, available for $60, offering competition in the FM synth market.

    Source
  • F.'em is likened to a TX816 with enhanced capabilities, offering deep layering and hybrid synthesis unlike the simpler FM8, akin to a TX81Z.

    Source
  • The Opsix is noted for a closer resemblance to the original Yamaha sound, while F.'em offers a larger modulation range and layering capabilities.

    Source
  • Owners note FM8's potential abandonment by Native Instruments, impacting future updates, while F.'em remains actively supported.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • F.'em's ability to handle complex, layered patches makes it suitable for users seeking detailed sound design beyond basic FM synthesis.

    Source
  • F.'em's harsh, digital sound quality makes it suitable for hard dance music, though it can be softened with external filters for versatility.

    Source
  • While F.'em might not be the easiest for beginners, it is preferred by users focused on experimental patch design over preset use.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The CPU demand of F.'em varies with patch complexity, potentially stressing DAWs with single-core biases like Logic Pro, even on powerful systems like the M4 Mac.

    Source
  • A user experienced CPU spikes on a default sound in FL Studio, but not in Reaper, suggesting potential DAW-specific issues.

    Source
  • F.'em's ease of understanding and organization is favored over FM8's dated interface by several users.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • F.'em Synth has been available for under $30 at certain retailers, suggesting potential for future discounts below typical promotional prices.

    Source

User experience

  • A user highlighted that F.'em's factory presets are geared toward EDM/experimental sounds rather than classic FM tones.

    Source
  • Despite complexity, F.'em is considered more intuitive than FM8, with a better workflow for creating custom patches.

    Source
  • F.'em is praised for stability under heavy load, contrasting with FM8's crashing issues in certain DAWs like Studio One.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tracktion F.’em review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Tracktion's F.'em Synth offers a deep, powerful FM synthesis experience that could alter the landscape of digital synths. Its extensive modulation capabilities and user-friendly routing matrix stand out, making sound design both intricate and rewarding. However, the complexity may overwhelm casual users, and its CPU demands could hinder performance on lower-end systems. Overall, it's a compelling tool for serious sound designers, but not for the faint of heart.

positive

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

More Tracktion Synth Plugins

u-he Repro

$49.00 - $149.00

# 6

Rank

Madeon Disclosure The Midnight
11 artists using
u-he Zebra2

$49.00 - $199.00

# 13

Rank

Oneohtrix Point Never Hans Zimmer Armin Van Buuren
43 artists using
u-he Bazille

$108.50 - $129.00

# 19

Rank

Christopher Franke The Thrillseekers TehCarterPSpartan
6 artists using

Accessories & Related Items

Artist usage

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides