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Practical notes for the M-VAVE FM-1, the pocket 6-operator FM synth. Written while learning one unit on stock firmware V15.
Tutorials
- Using the sequencer: record patterns, long notes, pattern length, Chain and voice binding, plus a 3-pattern song to build.
- Getting the long reverb back after V15: why the reverb tail seems to vanish after updating, and the measurements that show it.
- Updating V14 → V15 from Linux: no Windows or macOS app needed.
What V15 changed (2026-07-30)
From M-VAVE’s own release note, linked from m-vave.com/download:
| Area | Change |
|---|---|
| Display | Brighter base LED backlight |
| Global | Voice reset per bank (A–D); Glide 0–1 s (mono voices only, GLOB page 2) |
| Sequencer | Long notes, Step count, Chain 1–16 (SEQ page 1); voice binding per pattern (SEQ page 2) |
| Edit | Init voice, rename, copy & replace (EDIT → GLOBE sub-page, page 2: K1 / K2 / K3); long-press an OP button to mute it |
| FX & ENV | Ranges went from 0–10 to 0–100. Old values are not converted, see the reverb page |
| MIDI | Note-on with velocity 0 now counts as note-off. Effect CCs use the 0–100 scale |
Earlier versions:
- V13 (2026-07-03):
- ARP and the sequencer sync to the BPM.
- The sequencer can transpose.
- Global velocity setting.
- The MIDI channel defaults to ALL.
- Program Change selects voices.
- ARP rates 1/1 and 1/2 added.
- V09 (2026-06-24):
- ENV on/off switch.
- Rests and note replacement in the sequencer.
Custom firmware
Two community firmwares need stock V15 first:
- Baud Girl FM-1+VA adds a virtual-analog engine and a 64-step sequencer.
- Felucca by Hügelton Instruments is a multi-engine groovebox, currently in beta.
Not affiliated with M-VAVE, Baud Girl or Hügelton Instruments. M-VAVE and FM-1 are trademarks of their owners. Corrections welcome via issues.