# FM Essential - US

> iPhone/iPad FM synthesizer with real-time performance and voice editing. (iPhone/iPad app by Yamaha Corporation of America.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-essential-us/id1121442614 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Yamaha Corporation of America](https://appshunter.io/developer/408058585)
- Category: Music
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.01/5 from 70 App Store ratings · 40 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 16.0 · 88 MB
- Languages: English, Japanese
- Released: 2016-07-21
- Data updated: 2026-06-10
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-essential-us/id1121442614/reviews.md

## What is FM Essential?

Featuring an FM tone generator, FM Essential is a synthesizer app for the iPhone and iPad that provides for real-time synth performances and also lets you edit voices.
 
[Spec]
-FM sound
・Tone Generator: FM
・Part: 1
・Polyphony: 16
・Preset Voice: 271
・Arpeggiator patterns: 64
・Chord pads: 20
・Scales: 25
 
-Drum Part
Tone Generator: Audio
Part: 1
Drum Pad: 16
Drum Pad Set: 3
 
Functions
Plug into MX!
-You can play full 271 voices and voice store function if you connect your iOS with Yamaha music synthesizer MX BK/BU series.
 
Effects/EQ edit
-You can adjust parameters to edit effects and equalization.
 
Ball controller
-Touch and drag in ball controller to modulate the sound by simultaneously changing multiple parameters based on the ball position.
 
Step sequencer
-We can store the ball position in the currently selected scene box.
Arpeggiator and chord pads
-You can play Arpeggiator and Chord pads in addition to keyboard with various scales.
 
What's MX BK/BU/WH series? Find more here:
http://jp.yamaha.com/products/music-production/synthesizers/mx_bk_bu/?mode=series
 
[Support]
-Compatible with Audio Unit Extentions
 
-Compatible devices:
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,iPad Pro

## Key features

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

## Recent user reviews (10 of 40)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/fm-essential-us/id1121442614/reviews.md

### 4/5 — SEQTRAK should be unlocking this

*2025-02-20, version 1.1.8*

Fantastic sound ,would be wonderful for ST owners

### 5/5 — Tenori On apps bring it back please

*2025-01-13, version 1.1.8*

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

### 5/5 — Cool app

*2024-12-19, version 1.1.8*

I’m really enjoying this app

### 5/5 — Cool app

*2024-10-03*

I’m really enjoying this app

### 1/5 — Ohh my god! Ohh my god!

*2024-05-04, version 1.1.7*

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!🤗

### 2/5 — does not unlock with usb-c camera adapter

*2024-04-30, version 1.1.7*

bought an adapter just for unlocking the app. connecting with ipad air 4th gen w/ ios17. No joy.

### 5/5 — Cool app

*2023-06-23*

Really nice work

### 5/5 — easy to use great sound

*2023-01-26, version 1.1.6*

love it

### 1/5 — Fm essential

*2021-06-06, version 1.1.5*

This app don’t work, I bought two different usb and lighting adapters and it still didn’t work.

### 3/5 — Leave it to the dude

*2021-02-09, version 1.1.5*

Wearing two bracelets and Capri pants.

## Frequently asked questions about FM Essential

### 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.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.1.9 — 2026-05-12

Now supports iOS26.

### 1.1.8 — 2024-10-24

Now supports iOS 18

### 1.1.7 — 2024-03-27

Now supports iOS 17
Fixed a minor bug

### 1.1.6 — 2022-01-21

Now supports iOS 15

### 1.1.5 — 2021-01-27

Now supports iOS 14

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## More apps by Yamaha Corporation of America

- [Voice Editor Essential - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/voice-editor-essential-us/id441337665)
- [Multi Editor Essential - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/multi-editor-essential-us/id441338844)
- [Performance Editor Essential-U](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/performance-editor-essential-u/id444196587)
- [Disklavier Controller - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/disklavier-controller-us/id467490291)
- [AV CONTROLLER - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/av-controller-us/id467496375)
- [NETWORK PLAYER CONTROLLER - US](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/network-player-controller-us/id467502483)

All apps by Yamaha Corporation of America: https://appshunter.io/developer/408058585

## Related topics

[yamaha dx7](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/yamaha-dx7)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*