Kodamo EssenceFM Update v7.0 Makes This 300-Voice Digital Poly More Powerful Than Ever
Don't overlook this 6-op monster.
[13 May 2025] A new update for the Kodamo EssenceFM adds a 16-track step sequencer, second LFO and more to the already powerhouse FM synth.
Kodamo EssenceFM
Kodamo EssenceFM Update v7.0
There are a lot of synthesizers out there. With so many choices, not every synth can get the attention it deserves, especially when it comes from an independent manufacturer without big bucks for marketing. Kodamo’s EssenceFM is one such synth. A 300-voice FM poly with some unique features and parameters, it often tends to get overlooked for other, more well-known FM instruments. IYKYK though.
Kodamo continues to update the firmware, and it’s just dropped update v7.0, which adds some useful new functionality. The biggest feature is a 16-track, 128-step sequencer, which gets stored with each performance. You can record by entering notes on the touchscreen or via MIDI and it will even work with external MIDI devices.
Also new is a second LFO, the ability to save and recall effects presets, free-running envelopes, the modulation matrix can now modulate itself, and much more.
The update is free to download for all owners. Head over to the instrument’s firmware page for more information (link below).
Kodamo products are available at Thomann*.
Kodamo EssenceFM hybrid synthesizer open for pre-orders
[21 January 2020] We originally saw the EssenceFM synthesizer at Synthfest in France last June and we were quite stunned by this 300-voice FM synthesizer with a touchscreen interface. They are looking to ship the first units in February and have open pre-orders to get the ball rolling.
EssenceFM
As is the trend at the moment, Kodamo hopes the synth will make FM synthesis more accessible. Some other manufacturers have attempted this by putting a load of knobs and sliders out on the front panel. Kodamo has gone the touch-screen route to offer a more visual approach to the complex magic that lies beneath an FM synth.
EssenceFM is a 6-operator FM synth that can layer up sounds made from 12, 18, 24 or more operators to fill up to 300 note polyphony. You are free to design your own algorithms and envelopes via the touch-screen display. There are 24 customisable waveforms, built-in effects and microtuning. But it’s not all FM; you also get a resonant filter to scrape away at those harmonics.
EssenceFM navigates via 4 modes:
- Performance – is where everything plays together with the fullest polyphony and is ideal for MPE controllers.
- Patch – where you split and layer voices, detune and use the arpeggiator.
- Voice – Individual layers with envelopes, frequency and ratio parameters and filters.
- Global – all the boring stuff.
The interface is colourful and fruity and offers the approach perhaps of a large workstation keyboard. The depth and detail is comprehensive and offers a deep programming experience. The fact that you can design your own algorithms, waveforms and envelopes is something I’ve never seen before in an FM synth. It’s perhaps not going to be as intuitive as an FM synth with all the parameters out on knobs, this is a bit more intentional, a bit more of a programming environment perhaps. It’s a lot of synthesizer though and the price of €1290 doesn’t seem too bad for the power that’s on offer.
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2 responses to “Kodamo EssenceFM Update v7.0 Makes This 300-Voice Digital Poly More Powerful Than Ever”
I would love yo try out these synths
How much fir preorder of Xerxes abd Kodamo