Tupos Audio has launched MPE FM, an FM instrument designed around expressive performance control and selectable two-, four-, and six-operator synthesis engines. The instrument provides per-note MPE control for pitch, pressure, and slide, alongside standard MIDI configuration options.
MPE FM presents its primary sound-design controls on the main interface, with separate views for areas including preset management, effects, sequencing, and routing. Assignable parameters display source badges beside their controls, indicating the modulation source currently assigned to each destination.
The instrument includes three FM engines. The two-operator engine provides a serial stack and a parallel configuration, while the four-operator engine includes eight algorithms. These cover configurations such as a serial operator chain, multiple modulators feeding a carrier, dual stacks, branched routings, parallel sine operators, and a chain with feedback on operator one. The six-operator engine provides 32 algorithms and its own feedback stage.
For routings not covered by the supplied algorithms, MPE FM includes a routing matrix. This offers access to a full modulation grid, including feedback connections, for creating custom FM signal paths.
Additional sound-shaping facilities include controls for FM tone, envelopes, and polyphonic effects. The effects section supports chains of up to eight slots, with individual controls for each effect and modulation assignment badges consistent with the rest of the instrument.
MPE FM supports per-note expression when used with compatible MPE controllers or keyboards offering polyphonic aftertouch. Its preset library includes routings such as pressure controlling modulation depth, velocity influencing timbral intensity, and slide controlling timbre. These assignments can be edited directly from the relevant controls.
Users without an MPE-capable controller can use velocity, mod wheel, channel aftertouch, and expression pedal input to control the same destinations across the voice. A Standard MIDI profile is available in the Settings section, alongside configuration options for audio, MIDI, and MPE setups, including profiles for common expressive-controller layouts.
The instrument also includes the following performance and pattern tools:
- An arpeggiator for generating rhythmic patterns from held notes.
- A sequencer with per-step velocity and note-length settings.
- A virtual keyboard for previewing sounds without external hardware. In plug-in mode, this keyboard plays MPE FM directly and does not transmit MIDI to the host or other plug-ins.
The preset browser allows factory and user sounds to be organised by category, with options to save, rate, and locate user variations from within the instrument.
MPE FM is available for €39.99. A 25% discount code, TUPOSMPEFMLAUNCH25, is available at checkout until October 10th, 2026. A 14-day free trial version is also available.
Set a dev alert for Tupos Audio.
What do you think?
We’d love to hear your thoughts about this news. Please leave a message in the comments section below.
