Frequency modulation is based on the interaction of several operators. A minimum of two, known as the modulator and carrier, are always interconnected.
The modulator signal modulates the carrier's frequency by a specific amount. The FM8's matrix allows you to connect any two operators quickly and easily as well as determining the modulation amounts for all connections.

The matrix brings a high degree of simplicity to the crucial task of handling the frequency modulation parameters. The matrix also provides a concise overview of all FM connections, meaning you don’t have to go from operator page to operator page collecting all a sounds' constituent parameter data.

Each operator has an individual detailed editing page allowing all its parameters to be adjusted quickly and conveniently. You can choose different waveforms, select different ways to adjust the operator’s frequency, control the responsiveness to MIDI velocity messages, set the panorama and the amplitude. Several modulation sources or alternatively different MIDI values such as aftertouch or modwheel can be used to modulate the amplitude.

The amplitude is generally shaped by the multi-breakpoint envelope: Add and delete breakpoints, set their level and control their transitions. You can either load a template or create your own shapes.

The Operator Overview Page displays all the operators' most important parameters simultaneously. This offers a very fast and convenient way to set up the basic structure of a sound and customize existing ones. Each individual oscillator also has a dedicated page presenting all its parameters and providing you with the opportunity to fine-tune your sound.

The Envelope Expert Page essentially offers the same functionality as the Operator Overview Page. It allows all the operators' envelopes to be viewed simultaneously. You can edit one envelope while still being able to see the others at the same time. You can also edit more than one envelope simultaneously by linking them in one or more groups. This feature allows envelopes to share the same structure and can be very useful, for example, to synchronize the amplitude progression of two operators. Alternatively, you can create one basic shape for several envelopes, unlink them and then modify each individual envelope. Again, the page also gives you a fast graphical overview of all envelopes and thus the overall amplitude response of the complete sound.

The Morph Square allows you to morph between four different of sounds. Each corner represents one timbre; by moving the morph handle you gradually morph one timbre into the other. All the FM8's presets have four timbres that have been selected to deliver maximum expressive variety.

Additionally, All movements can be automated via MIDI or a sequencer allowing you to morph the timbres remotely or according to a song structure. You can also randomize your sounds with the Morph Square, producing particularly playful and experimental results. The randomize function essentially picks a parameter somewhere "around" the actual morph handle.

The arpeggiator of FM8 is more than a mere step sequencer. It transforms your MIDI input into rhythmic lines and melodic patterns. You can tie steps to each other and accentuate individual steps. You can transpose the notes in semi-tones or shift their octave. Re-order the notes and choose different repeat modes for the notes played. And finally, combine all these options to achieve truly dynamic results.

The arpeggiator is equipped with a list of master controls. You can easily change the sequence's tempo and its shuffle amount. A notes’ length can be adjusted as well as its velocity. You can even split your keyboard, allowing you to trigger the arpeggiator’s patterns with one part of the keyboard while simultaneously playing chords or bass lines with the other part of the keyboard.
48 templates provide quick set-ups for new and exciting sequences. You can easily change these templates or save your own creations as templates for future use.

FM8 contains twelve high quality effects that offer huge scope in varying your basic synthesis sound:

These effects can easily be switched on or off; and you can simply crossfade between the wet and dry sound as the need arises. Again, 48 templates are included for quick and convenient use of effect settings. You can easily change these templates or save your own creations as templates for future use.

• Overdrive, Tube Amp and Cabinet: Make your sound warm, angry or distorted
• Shelving EQ and Peak EQ: Make the sound fit your mix
• Talk Wah: Makes your synthesizer speak
• Phaser and Flanger: Make your sound constantly moving
• Tremolo: Makes your sound tremble expressively
• Reverb: Makes your sound spatial
• PsycheDelay and ChorusDelay: Makes your sound echoic or diffuse or thick or all together