# KQ Tixie — 4-OP FM Synthesizer > 4-operator FM synthesizer for iOS, emulating 1980s vintage hardware sounds. (iPhone/iPad app by Ryouta Kira.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-tixie/id6754209839 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Ryouta Kira](https://appshunter.io/developer/862984358) - Category: Music - Price: $8.99 - Rating: 5.00/5 from 6 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 12.4 · 6 MB - Languages: American English - Released: 2026-06-18 - Data updated: 2026-08-23 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-tixie/id6754209839/reviews.md ## What is KQ Tixie? KQ Tixie is a 4-operator FM synthesizer for iPhone and iPad that faithfully recreates the sound and behavior of classic FM instruments from the 1980s. Experience the iconic character of vintage FM synthesis with a modern touch interface, MPE support, and AUv3 compatibility. FM synthesis generates sound mathematically rather than playing back recorded samples. 4-operator FM is not simply a smaller version of 6-operator FM. With fewer operators, sound design becomes more immediate and intuitive, making it easier to reach the sound you want without unnecessary complexity. Despite its streamlined architecture, 4-operator FM is capable of producing powerful basses, sparkling bells, rich electric pianos, cutting leads, and many of the iconic sounds that defined an era. KQ Tixie faithfully recreates the character and workflow that make 4-operator FM unique. It's not about having fewer operators—it's about a more refined design. 4-operator FM is another evolution of FM synthesis. Features - Faithful recreation of classic 4-operator FM synthesizers from the 1980s - Import SysEx data from supported hardware synthesizers and reproduce their sounds accurately - Includes thousands of patches - User-friendly sound editor designed for efficient patch creation and editing - Layer up to 8 sounds simultaneously - Supports MPE (Pitch-bend, Aftertouch, and MIDI CC#74) - Real-time performance controls for expressive sound shaping - Built-in effects inspired by the Yamaha V50 and Korg DS-8 - AUv3 Instrument support - iCloud support - Patches edited in KQ Tixie can be transferred to compatible DX-series synthesizers (excluding the DX7 and DX9), earlier EOS-series synthesizers, FB-01, Reface DX, and SEQTRAK. * - Users can download a VST3 Wrapper for supported Macs. *The Reface DX and SEQTRAK engines cannot reproduce the operator waveforms or feedback behavior. Choose KQ Tixie if you want: - The sound of Yamaha DX100, TX81Z, V50, FB-01. - 4-operator FM synthesis with all eight operator waveforms. - Built-in effects inspired by the Yamaha V50 and Korg DS-8. - Compatibility with SysEx data from supported hardware synthesizers. Compatible synthesizers include - Yamaha FB-01 - Yamaha DX21 / DX27 / DX100 / DX11 / V50 / TX81Z / WT11 - Yamaha EOS YS200 / YS100 / B200 / DS55 / TQ5 - Korg DS-8 / 707 Names of hardware synthesizers and manufacturers mentioned in this description are trademarks of their respective owners. The developer of this app is independent of those companies. This app and its accompanying description include AI-generated text. ## Key features - 4-operator FM synthesis recreation - MPE and AUv3 support - Import SysEx data - Thousands of patches included - Layer up to 8 sounds - Real-time performance controls - Built-in effects ## Chart rankings - #192 in Top Paid · Music (US App Store) ## Recent user reviews (6 of 6) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-tixie/id6754209839/reviews.md ### 5/5 — Awesome *2026-07-05* Sounds great and I can add patches to my dx 11. Loads of presets, 8 layers, easy to edit simple layout. Perfect FM synth ### 5/5 — Fabuleux *2026-06-25* Une interface claire (même sur un iPhone 👍), un son excellent, une quantité incroyable de presets, le tout pour un prix vraiment raisonnable, que dire de plus ? ### 5/5 — Very helpful and patient developer *2026-06-24* The developer was very nice in their response and tried to offer some help. Therefore I’m upgrading my rating to 5 stars. I like the sounds but the navigation and files management could be better. **Developer response:** Thank you for reviewing. I am sorry for confusion. Simply, just "Save" to save patches, tap on the patch name to load a patch. In the patch manager screen, tap on "Edit" to sort / delete patches. Currently, KQ Tixie only exports files in its original format. So you cannot export patches in .syx format. In the past version 1.1, the selected folder was not highlighted. So the screen was confusing. I also updated the web document. Could you check it out? ### 3/5 — Where’s the thousands of presets *2026-06-23* Disappointed that there’s not thousands of presets as advertised, I will give a better review when this is true. **Developer response:** Tap on the patch name on a layer or on the edit screen, then select Preset > Classic Corner > FB-01/TX81Z. Thousands of presets are there. See YouTube video. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eKw1TjZa-zk ### 1/5 — Very confusing files management *2026-06-22* Very confusing files management. Seems unnecessarily complicated. Unclear relationship to iCloud, exporting, backing up, saving individual, patches, sets, etc. Very poorly documented in the online manual. This manual basically is a spec sheet, it only states what given function does, but does not explain how to use it. **Developer response:** Thank you for reviewing. I am sorry for confusion. Simply, just "Save" to save patches, tap on the patch name to load a patch. In the patch manager screen, tap on "Edit" to sort / delete patches. Currently, KQ Tixie only exports files in its original format. So you cannot export patches in .syx format. In the past version 1.1, the selected folder was not highlighted. So the screen was confusing. I also updated the web document. Could you check it out? ### 5/5 — FB-01 Heaven *2026-06-19* Ryouta Kira nails the oft maligned FB-01 (and the TX-81Z) with this app. Minimalist and beautiful. Now, if KQ could reproduce the TX802 with its Performance Mode (which no one has to date, on any platform), all would be right with the world. Well, almost. Well done! ## Frequently asked questions about KQ Tixie ### What kind of sounds can I create with KQ Tixie? KQ Tixie excels at recreating the distinctive character of 1980s FM synthesis. This includes shimmering bells, electric pianos, basses, leads, and many other signature sounds that defined the era. ### Can I import sounds from hardware synthesizers into KQ Tixie? Yes, KQ Tixie allows you to import SysEx data from supported hardware synthesizers. This enables you to reproduce their sounds accurately within the app. ### How many sounds can I layer at once in KQ Tixie? KQ Tixie allows you to layer up to eight sounds simultaneously. This feature provides extensive possibilities for creating complex and rich sonic textures. ### Does KQ Tixie support MPE? Yes, KQ Tixie fully supports MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression). This includes support for pitch-bend, aftertouch, and MIDI CC#74, allowing for more expressive control over your sounds. ### Is KQ Tixie compatible with other music software? KQ Tixie supports AUv3 Instrument functionality, making it compatible with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) on iOS that support this standard. It also offers iCloud support for patch management. ### What is the price of KQ Tixie? KQ Tixie is available for a one-time purchase of $5.99. This grants you full access to all its features without any recurring subscription fees. ### How often is KQ Tixie updated? The latest version, 1.1.3, was released on June 25, 2026. While specific update frequency isn't detailed, the app has received updates, indicating ongoing development. ### What devices can I use KQ Tixie on? KQ Tixie is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It is designed to run on Apple's mobile operating system. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 1.3 — 2026-08-06 - Added an oscilloscope. Enable it from Settings. - Added support for transferring similar patches to Reface DX / SEQTRAK. - Effects are now treated as EOS effects when importing patches. If you prefer the previous behavior, open Options from Import Patches/Performances and turn off Treat Effects as EOS. ### 1.2.5 — 2026-07-24 - Fixed an issue on Mac where the Received count in Send Dump Request remained at 0 and did not update. - Added DX100 to the Send Dump Request menu. ### 1.2.4 — 2026-07-21 - Reverted the Distortion effect to match version 1.2.2. ### 1.2.3 — 2026-07-20 - Increased the intensity of the Distortion effect. - Adjusted the Gate Rev., Reverse Gate, Early Ref., Feedback Gate, Feedback Reverse, and Feedback E/R effects. ### 1.2.2 — 2026-07-19 - Improved EOS integration. - Fixed an issue where the Pitch Bias setting could not be loaded when its value was +50 or -50. - Improved the keyboard display when using a small buffer size. - Other fixes. ## More apps by Ryouta Kira - [KQ MiniSynth Legacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-minisynth-legacy/id1070850573) - [KQ Dixie Legacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-dixie-legacy/id1330269027) - [MIDI Recorder with E.Piano](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/midi-recorder-with-epiano/id1448577506) - [KQ Unotone Legacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-unotone-legacy/id1478535391) - [Piano Modoki](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/piano-modoki/id1509387368) - [KQ Sampei Legacy](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kq-sampei-legacy/id1626784865) All apps by Ryouta Kira: https://appshunter.io/developer/862984358 --- *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 2026-08-23.*