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Exakt

FM Synthesizer Plugin

FM synths hold a special place in the history of synthesizers. Exakt, the intuitive and easy-to-use FM synthesizer plugin is designed to make FM synthesis more accessible.

As many vintage machines, Exakt has got 4 operators which can be arranged in various FM algorithms. Each operator has got different waveforms such as the basic sine, saw, square and triangle. Then apart from the 8 classic waveforms from the Yamaha TX81Z, four additional enhanced TX waveforms are included.

Each operator has got its own amplitude envelope generator supporting the 5 point TX envelopes. These envelopes have been modeled to mimic the TX characteristics. Additionally, up to 16 points can be added to the loopable envelopes in order to create complex shapes.

Combined with a flexible modulation matrix, a creamy chorus, gritty distortion and a stereo delay effect, Exakt has got sounds that can be used in all types of music.

Features

Like many vintage FM synthesizers, Exakt has got 4 operators ready to shape and sculpt your sonic creations.
Dive deep into FM synthesis and explore a diverse palette of waveforms. Apart form the basic sine, saw, square and triangle shapes, each operator has got the 8 classic waveforms from the Yamaha TX81Z, and four additional enhanced TX waveforms as well.

Each operator can be edited in its own color coded panel which also contains the dedicated amplitude envelope generator. The envelopes are modeled after the iconic TX envelopes, editing via drag and drop allows you to sculpt dynamic contours with ease. With support for up to 16 points in loopable envelopes, you can shape complex and evolving sounds.

The 4 operators can be arranged in several FM algorithms. The color coding for the operators helps to identify whether an operator is a carrier or a modulator.
Apart from the 8 algorithm arrangements known from the 4-operator (vintage) synths such as the TX81z, Exakt provides 8 additional interesting algorithms.
The feedback for operator D and the global FM amount can be adjusted.

All operator and and the 2 modulation envelopes support editing via drag and drop. The envelopes can contain up to 16 points and they can be looped. You can choose whether the envelope sustains or simply runs once.
Your favorite settings can be saved in envelope presets and each envelope can be copied to all others in order to support fast editing.

The modulation matrix offers extensive control over your sound design, being the key to to create evolving and responsive soundscapes.
The modulation sources including 2 LFOs and 2 dedicated mod envelopes can easily being routed to up to 17 destinations like operator, filter or pitch parameters. This feature provides flexible control over your sounds, enabling subtle adjustments or more complex modulations.

FM synthesis is notorious for being inaccessible and delivering unpredictable results.
Exakt helps you in this matter by continuously displaying the resulting waveform while you edit the parameters of the operators or select the different FM algorithms.
The waveform display reacts instantly when you adjust the level or the ratio of a modulator. This allows you to gradually approach your desired sound.

Part of the charm of vintage equipment was the imperfect conversion of the audio signal by the DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Many units used 12-bit conversion, and the DAC was often non-linear, producing certain artifacts, aliasing and subtle distortion that gave the unit its warmth and character.
Exakt emulates a 12-bit DAC and allows you to add the setting per preset.

Detailed Specs

  • 4 aliasing free Operators with classic and enhanced TX waveforms
  • 16 voice polyphony
  • Drag-and-drop envelopes with up to 16 points and copy and paste
  • Envelope loops
  • 16 FM algorithms with feedback on operator D
  • Linked editing of all 4 operators at once
  • Resonant filter with different lowpass, highpass and bandpass models
  • Formant filter with vowel emphasis
  • Visualization of the resulting waveform for immediate editing response
  • 2 LFOs syncable to host
  • 2 loopable modulation envelopes with up to 16 points
  • Mod matrix with many targets
  • Lush chorus, distortion and stereo delay effects
  • 12-bit DAC emulation
  • Sysex bank import from Yamaha 4 operator synthesizers (TX81z, DX21, DX100 and V50)
  • Over 170 ready to play presets organized in categories including presets from Venus Theory and Warkauze
  • Blur free vector graphics resizing
  • Runs on Windows (VST 2 and VST3) and Mac (Intel / ARM, AU, VST2 and VST3), 64 bit only.

Sound Demos

These short tracks showcase a few selected presets. All parts except a drumloop in track 2 have been made using only Exakt, the sound has been recorded directly, no additional effects or processing was used.

Requirements

In order to run Exakt on your computer you need to have the following in place. Exakt is available for Windows and Mac.

Windows
Windows 10/11, 64 bit DAW or host with support for VST2 and/or VST3
64 bit DAW or host with support for VST2 and/or VST3
macOS
OSX 10.15 (Catalina) and OSX 11 or higher (Intel or ARM)
64 bit DAW or host with support for VST2, VST3 and/or AU

Download

You can download the demo version for PC or Mac in order to try it on your system and in your DAW.
The unregistered version of Exakt can be used for an unlimited time. However, presets can't be saved and every 60 seconds the audio signal is muted for a short moment.
You will be asked for a serial number each time when you open Exakt in a new DAW session. You can unlock the full version by buying and entering a license code.

Current Version: 1.2.0 - Changelog

Windows: Exakt 1.2.0 Setup
macOS: Exakt 1.2.0 Installer for Intel
macOS: Exakt 1.2.0 Installer for ARM
PDF Manual (also included in the installers)

On Windows you may have to unblock the downloaded file. You can right-click the setup file and select "Properties". There is a "Unblock" checkbox at the bottom of the dialog.

Buy Exakt

If you buy Exakt, you will receive all future updates for free.
Please try the demo version on your system before you buy Exakt.

Buy Exakt - 29$

You will receive your serial number via email. Please make sure you enter a valid email address.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can get a full refund, no questions asked. You can return a product for up to 30 days from the date you purchased it.

If you own multiple computers, you may use the serial number on all of them, as long as you only use Exakt on one computer at a time.