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FM Essential - US

FM Essential - US

by Yamaha Corporation of America

70 ratings
40 reviews
🎵 Music
Free

Details

Released
July 21, 2016
Updated
May 12, 2026

Developer

Yamaha Corporation of America
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About

This app is an FM tone generator and synthesizer for iPhone and iPad, offering real-time performance capabilities and voice editing. It includes a variety of presets, arpeggiator patterns, chord pads, and scales, along with drum functionalities. The app also supports external hardware integration and advanced sound manipulation through effects, EQ, and a ball controller.

✓FM tone generator
✓Real-time synth performance
✓Voice editing
✓Arpeggiator and chord pads
✓Effects and EQ edit
✓Ball controller for sound modulation
✓Step sequencer
Show original description

What users say about FM Essential

Reviews of FM Essential are mixed: the Music app is rated 3.0/5 from 70 App Store ratings. What users like most: fantastic sound quality, easy to use. Top complaints: app locked by hardware, connection issues. Summarized from real user reviews.

Positive things

  • 🎶Fantastic sound quality
  • 👍Easy to use
  • ✨Amazing synth capabilities
  • 💡Great FM synth app
  • 🎵Wonderful, flexible, intuitive synth
  • 🌟Incredible sound
  • 🎛️Replicates sounds nicely
  • 🔊Great sound with presets

Negative things

  • 🔓App locked by hardware
  • 🔌Connection issues
  • 💸Expensive hardware required
  • ❓Deceptive free app
  • 😩Limited functionality
  • 🚫No in-app purchase to unlock
  • ⏳Incompatible with some devices
  • 📉CPU heavy
  • 🪲LFO delay missing
  • ❌Demo mode limitations
See all reviews

What's New in FM Essential

1.1.9

May 12, 2026

Now supports iOS26.

User reviews

Most RecentHighest RatedLowest Rated

SEQTRAK should be unlocking this

Fantastic sound ,would be wonderful for ST owners
Ddiasporah

Tenori On apps bring it back please

Please bring back the two tenori on apps. Tnr-i was a great app. Many people will be thrilled if you do
KKrusecom

Cool app

I’m really enjoying this app
CAcool voice checking app

Cool app

I’m really enjoying this app
CAcool voice checking app

Ohh my god! Ohh my god!

I think this synth has restored my faith in humanity!

Total Chaos
Level- Ragnarok

Grade- A+
Stars- infinite
Yamaha We Owe You One!

We Truly Do!
Love and Hugs!🤗
DIDeathrow Inmates
See 35 more reviews

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User experience

🐞

Reported Bugs

6 issues

Does not unlock with USB-C adapter

Bug

App crashes when loading combinations

Bug

Preset menus crash the app

Bug

Combined Sounds no longer read from keyboard after iPad update

Bug

Instruments stop working if effect filters are turned off

Bug

Incompatible USB Device on MX displays

Bug
✨

Requested Features

9 requests

Unlock without hardware purchase

Feature

Allow in-app purchase to unlock

Feature

Bring back Tenori On apps

Feature

Fix LFO delay parameter

Feature

Add separate volume control for drums

Feature

Allow app to be used as a plugin

Feature

Fix AU host preset recall

Feature

Make app compatible with more devices

Feature

Fix instruments disabling when effects are off

Feature

FAQ

What does FM Essential do?

FM Essential is a synthesizer app for iPhone and iPad that features an FM tone generator. It allows for real-time synth performances and provides tools to edit voices. The app includes a variety of preset voices, arpeggiator patterns, chord pads, and scales, along with drum functionalities.

What are the key features of FM Essential?

Key features include an FM tone generator, 271 preset voices, 64 arpeggiator patterns, 20 chord pads, and 25 scales. It also offers drum parts, effects and EQ editing, a ball controller for sound modulation, and a step sequencer. Compatibility with Audio Bus and Audio Unit Extensions is also supported.

Is FM Essential free to use?

Based on the provided information, FM Essential is a free application. There are no mentions of in-app purchases or subscription models, indicating it is available at no cost.

What devices is FM Essential compatible with?

FM Essential is compatible with a range of iOS devices including iPhone 5S, 6/6 plus, 6s/6s plus and SE, iPod touch 6th Generation or later, iPad Air 1st Generation or later, iPad mini 2nd Generation or later, and iPad Pro.

Can I connect FM Essential to external hardware?

Yes, you can connect your iOS device with the Yamaha music synthesizer MX BK/BU series to play full preset voices and utilize the voice store function. This integration allows for enhanced performance and sound management.