Chaos FM: 3-operator FM synth for electronic layers
Chaos FM is a three-operator FM synth with a GENERATE button that rolls a new, playable patch for the category you pick: lead, bass, acid, stab, pluck or FX. Code Chaos Audio, Tim Borchert's plugin label, built it for hitech and psycore. For bands it is a quick source of metallic leads, synth bass layers and stabs in industrial or electronic crossover songs. Windows only.
FM synths in a guitar mix, before mastering
FM sounds are bright and dense by nature, and in a metal mix they compete with cymbals and guitar fizz for the same upper range. A few habits keep them from becoming the harshest part of the master:
- Use the filter. Chaos FM has a zero-delay lowpass with envelope amount and drive. Closing it a little takes the edge off before any EQ is needed.
- Check unison in mono. Up to four unison voices with stereo spread sound wide on headphones; detuned voices can thin out when the mix is summed to mono.
- Keep synth bass and kick apart. In mono/legato mode with glide, a synth bass can follow the bass guitar. Check its relationship to the kick with the free Kick/Bass Scope.
- Save what GENERATE gives you. A rolled patch is gone once you roll again. Save it or print the part to audio before the mix goes out.
How to hear it first
There is no separate audio demo on this page. The quickest way to hear Chaos FM in your own song is the free demo on Gumroad: the full synth, with a short noise burst every 45 seconds. It runs on Windows only.
At a glance
| Detail | Chaos FM |
|---|---|
| Price | €19 on Gumroad, free demo available |
| Format | VST3 + Standalone |
| Windows | Windows 10/11: VST3 + Standalone |
| macOS | No macOS build at the moment. |
| Operators | 3 (carrier + 2 modulators), each with ratio, fine, level and full ADSR |
| Algorithms | 3, feedback on operator C |
| Filter | Zero-delay lowpass with envelope amount and drive |
| Voices | Up to 4-voice unison with stereo spread, mono/legato with glide |
| Presets | 12 factory presets plus GENERATE for Lead, Bass, Acid, Stab, Pluck and FX |
| Demo | The free demo is the complete plugin; it plays a short noise burst every 45 seconds. |
Checkout, payment and any applicable taxes are handled by Gumroad. Polished only links to it.
Tool, mix or master?
Synth layers change the balance of a band mix more than one might expect, especially in the top end. If you are unsure whether they sit right, the written audio audit at Polished checks the frequency balance before the master is made.
Mastering at Polished starts at €79 per track, all prices incl. 19% VAT, pay after delivery if you like. Request an audio audit.
Chaos FM FAQ
Does Chaos FM run on a Mac?
Is there a free trial?
What does the GENERATE button do?
More tools
Try Chaos FM free.
The free demo is the complete plugin; it plays a short noise burst every 45 seconds. Buying and downloading happens on Gumroad, under Code Chaos Audio.