Exakt Lite

FM Synthesizer Plugin

Unlock the power of FM synthesis with Exakt Lite, the intuitive and easy-to-use FM synthesizer plugin designed to ignite your creativity. From the iconic digital tones of the first FM era to rich, warm and organic soundscapes, Exakt Lite can create a wide range of versatile sounds.

Like many vintage machines, Exakt Lite has got 4 operators which can be arranged in FM algorithms. Each operator has got different waveforms such as the basic sine, saw, square, triangle and the classic waveforms from the Yamaha TX81Z.

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.

Combined with a flexible modulation matrix and a creamy chorus, Exakt Lite 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 classic waveforms from the Yamaha TX81Z.

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.

The 4 operators can be arranged in 8 FM algorithms. The color coding for the operators helps to identify whether an operator is a carrier or a modulator.
interesting algorithms.
The feedback for operator D and the global FM amount can be adjusted.

All operator and and the modulation envelopes support editing via drag and drop. The envelopes contain 5 points. You can choose whether the envelope sustains or simply runs once.
The envelope shape can be copied and pasted to every other operator or modulation envelope.

The modulation matrix offers extensive control over your sound design, being the key to to create evolving and responsive soundscapes.
The modulation sources including an LFO and a dedicated mod envelope 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.

Detailed Specs

4 aliasing free Operators with classic TX waveforms
12 voice polyphony
Drag-and-drop envelopes with copy and paste
8 FM algorithms with feedback on operator D
Linked editing of all 4 operators at once
Resonant filter with different lowpass, highpass and bandpass models
Visualization of the resulting waveform for immediate editing response
LFO syncable to host
Modulation envelope
Mod matrix with many targets
Lush chorus effect
Over 60 ready to play presets organized in categories
Blur free vector graphics resizing
Runs on Windows (VST 2 and VST3) and Mac (Intel / ARM, AU, VST2 and VST3), 64 bit only.

Sound Demo

This short track is a demo of a few selected presets. All parts except a drumloop have been made using only Exakt Lite, the sound has been recorded directly, no additional effects or processing was used.

Requirements

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

Windows
Windows 10/11, 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

This download is free, no strings attached.

Current Version: 2.2.0 - Changelog

If you like Exakt Lite, you might consider also looking at its bigger synth brother Exakt.
Exakt has got more waveforms and FM algorithms, loopable envelopes with up to 16 points, 2 LFOs, 2 modulation envelopes, 16 voices, chorus, distortion, delay effects and much more.

Windows: Exakt Lite 2.2.0 Setup
macOS: Exakt Lite 2.2.0 Installer for Intel
macOS: Exakt Lite 2.2.0 Installer for ARM
PDF Manual (also included in the installers)

On Windows you 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.