Pivot

No-nonsense FM Synth

Pivot is an FM synth with three operators, one multi-type filter and zero algorithms, designed to be straightforward and joyous to use. Years of research, development and deep love of FM synthesis has gone into picking just the right balance of flexibility and simplicity.

It marks another milestone in a long journey of making FM synthesizers that deviate from the norm. Much like its predecessors, it does not aim to replicate or succeed anything but to explore FM in a slightly different way.

Lagom

In Swedish, this means 'just right', and it's exactly how we feel about 3OP FM. It's a great balance of being able to make complex timbres while being quick to program.

Zero algorithms

Instead of choosing between a range of pre-defined algorithms, Pivot lets you continuously route the top modulator's output between the other pair. This makes sound design a truly explorable process where you don't have to make any decisions up front.

Best of both worlds

The raw FM tones are paired with a multi-type filter featuring a 4-pole Morphing SVF (LP/BP/HP), a 2-pole lowpass Acid filter with adjustable drive and a bipolar feedback Comb filter.

Matrix modulation

Modulate the FM controls to your heart's content with 2 LFOs, 2 ADSR envelopes, a random value generator and MIDI+MPE sources in a flexible mod matrix routing with up to 6 destinations at once.

All the tuning, everywhere

Pivot supports MPE continuous pitch bend, CLAP Note Expressions and ODDSound MTS-ESP for all your tuning and bending needs.

... and yes, you can change the color theme.

Want to make your own?
-> theme creator

To sum it up

3-Operator FM
4-pole resonant morphing filter
2-pole overdriven Acid filter
Bipolar feedback Comb filter
Stereo Widener effect
Stereo Distortion effect
Variable oscillator fidelity
Two-voice Unison
Portamento

Tuning support via:
MPE Continuous Pitch Bend
ODDSound MTS-ESP
CLAP Note Expressions

Up to 16 voice polyphony
2 × Variable waveshape LFOs
2 × Auxiliary ADSR envelopes
1 × Random source
Modulation matrix
+ Scalable interface
and custom color themes

Demos are boring

So we made a free version instead.

Pivot-Lite is a smaller version of Pivot with two operators, one morphing filter and zero cash. It's a great way to dip your toes into FM synthesis with its simple structure but still almost all the bells and whistles from its bigger sibling. It may not have a mod matrix, but it has a lot of love to give.

Once you're ready to take the leap, sounds made in the Lite version can be loaded into Pivot as well. Together they form the perfect pair for FM exploration and we think you’ll find yourself reaching for one or the other depending on the occasion.

Comparison

3-Operator FM

4-pole resonant morphing filter

2-pole overdriven Acid filter

Bipolar feedback Comb filter

Stereo Widener effect

Stereo Distortion effect

Adjustable oscillator fidelity

Two-voice Unison

Portamento

Up to 16 voice polyphony

2 × Variable waveshape LFOs

2 × Auxiliary ADSR envelopes

1 × Random source

Modulation matrix

Tuning support

Scalable interface

Custom color themes

Want to learn more?

Check out the Pivot and Pivot-Lite guides.

Compatibility

Pivot and Pivot-Lite are instrument plugins that run in a compatible host application such as a DAW. They have been tested in most major DAWs that support the CLAP, VST3 and AUv2 plugin formats.

macOS

macOS 10.13 or newer
Apple Silicon / Intel
CLAP, VST3 and AUv2

Windows

Windows 10 or newer
x86 Intel / AMD
CLAP and VST3

Linux

Ubuntu 22 or newer
x86 Intel / AMD
CLAP and VST3

DRM free

There is no license authorization, online requirement or other forms of DRM measures taken in Pivot. We believe that users should be treated with respect and trust.