"Meticulous blending of adaptability and ease-of-use characterizes Pivot, a FM synth plugin crafted by the creator of a highly-regarded hardware music instrument"
In the world of electronic music, the latest addition to the synthesizer landscape is Pivot, a no-nonsense FM synthesizer plugin developed by Fors. This innovative tool, designed to be approachable and user-friendly, captures the essence of frequency modulation synthesis while simplifying the process for musicians.
At its core, Pivot is based around three operators, providing a balance of complexity and simplicity. This setup, without any pre-defined algorithms, allows users to create complex timbres quickly and intuitively, making it easier to program[1][2].
One of the standout features of Pivot is its morphing filter. The 4-pole resonant filter can continuously change between low-, high-, and band-pass modes, providing an intuitive way to carve out frequencies and enhance the user experience[1][3].
To further expand the possibilities, Pivot includes two LFOs and two ADSR envelopes. The flexible mod matrix allows routing to up to six destinations, offering a wide range of sound exploration without the need to navigate overly complex interfaces[1][3].
For those new to FM synthesis, Fors has released a free Lite version of Pivot with only two operators and no mod matrix. This provides a gentle introduction to FM synthesis, allowing users to familiarize themselves with the basics before moving to the full version[2][3].
Priced at £29, the full version of Pivot is available now from the Fors site. An introductory price of £21.80 is available until 20 July. Pivot is compatible with VST3, AU, and Clap formats for PC, Mac, and Linux[4].
Ess Mattisson, the founder of Fors, previously worked on designing the synth engine of the original Digitone at Elektron, and also in DSP development at Modbap Modular[5]. This background in FM synthesis is evident in Pivot, as it aims to capture the essence of what makes frequency modulation synthesis so appealing[6].
In conclusion, Pivot offers a unique and approachable take on FM synthesis, making it an excellent choice for musicians looking to harness the power of this intriguing sound design technique without the typical complexity. With its user-friendly interface and intuitive features, Pivot truly makes sound design a "truly explorable process" with no upfront decisions[7]. Unfortunately, Fors does not offer a demo version of Pivot at this time.
The innovative tool Pivot, developed by Fors, utilizes technology to capture the essence of frequency modulation synthesis, providing a simplified process for musicians. This technology empowers users to create complex timbres quickly and intuitively through its balance of complexity and simplicity.
