OPL

When I started making music on a computer (MAO) in the early 90s, I swore by high-quality PCM, but I could only afford OPL in a crappy PC or small, not-so-great PCM (SB AWE32, Roland SC, MT, or Yamaha MU). Time passed, and I now have quality equipment (Roland Fantom, some boutiques, Aria, and other true analog and FM gear from the era like TX7/FB01), but for years I've been searching for those sounds that, I must say, have a certain charm.

I've tried and bought many products, like Porta FM or RYM2612 (which are not bad at all) and now OPL.

FM Lofi and Chiptune

Of course, you won't make Hans Zimmer music with this, but it sometimes adds a little something to mixes or even for making chiptune.

It's OPL 2, so an old generation with only 2 operators. We're far from DX7 sounds and even more from TG77 or FS1.

You'd almost believe it, but with a bitcrusher and a slight background of white noise, it really sounds like a Sound Blaster Pro (the worst).

Having only 2 operators allows for a simple approach to FM, and despite the many patches provided (some of which are really good), it's not uninteresting to try making your own sounds to playfully approach the FM spirit and understand a bit the influence of different parameters. Especially since the interface is clear (I wouldn't say intuitive, because FM is not the most intuitive synthesis) and pleasant to use.

So, the cherry on top is that, through a small bug, I ended up facing the support team, who are very friendly and very responsive. I was even very surprised.

Among the many patches (I haven't counted them, but there are really a lot), there are some very surprising quality sounds, not really chiptune/lofi. Others are faithful replicas of what we had back then. The basses are excellent, as are some keyboards and brass.

In Short

This virtual instrument, for Windows, Mac (ARM compatible), and Linux, gives me full satisfaction. I think it can suit anyone who is nostalgic, makes chiptune/lofi, or even more serious electro. It's very affordable and really pleasant to use.