FB-7999
Key Features
- Two digital oscillators with 32 waveforms sampled from the DW-6000 and DW-8000 hardware
- Modeled analog VCF filter with two ADBSSR envelopes (six parameters each) for detailed sound shaping
- Up to 64-voice polyphony with Poly and Unison modes, far exceeding the original 8-voice hardware
- SysEx import/export and DW-8000 tape dump import for loading original hardware patches directly
- Built-in pseudo-stereo delay processor for adding width and spatial depth
- MTS-ESP dynamic micro-tuning support for alternative tuning systems and experimental work
- Native C++ engine with low CPU consumption and a resizable, hardware-faithful interface
Description
FB-7999 by Full Bucket Music is a detailed software emulation of the legendary KORG DW-6000 and DW-8000 hybrid synthesizers from the 1980s. These hardware units paired digital waveform oscillators with analog filters, producing a distinctive sound that defined an era of electronic music.
The plugin features two digital oscillators offering 32 different waveforms (16 from each original hardware model), routed through a modeled analog VCF filter with two six-stage ADBSSR envelopes for precise sound shaping. Polyphony extends far beyond the original hardware's 8-voice limit, reaching up to 64 voices for dense pad work and layered textures.
Full Bucket Music built FB-7999 in native C++ for minimal CPU impact, and the plugin supports SysEx import and export so existing DW-6000 and DW-8000 patch libraries transfer directly. A DW-8000 tape dump import feature was added in a later update, further bridging the gap between hardware and software.
The characteristic warmth of early digitally controlled oscillators gives FB-7999 a lo-fi quality that works particularly well for synthwave, retro soundtracks, and atmospheric pads. Users who owned the original DW-8000 have noted that the emulation captures the hardware's tone and behavior faithfully.
The resizable interface mirrors the original hardware aesthetic with a dark grey panel, red LCD screens, and teal labels. Additional features include MTS-ESP dynamic micro-tuning support, a built-in pseudo-stereo delay, MIDI Learn for all parameters, and full MIDI CC control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I load my original KORG DW-6000 or DW-8000 patches into FB-7999?
Yes. FB-7999 supports SysEx data import and export, allowing you to transfer patches directly from the original DW-6000 or DW-8000 hardware. Version 1.1 also added DW-8000 tape dump import for loading cassette-based patch backups.
What plugin formats does FB-7999 support?
On Windows, FB-7999 is available as VST2, VST3, CLAP, and AAX in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. On macOS, it supports VST2, VST3, AU, CLAP, and AAX as a Universal Binary 2 build (Intel and Apple Silicon native).
How does FB-7999 compare to the original KORG DW-8000 hardware?
FB-7999 faithfully emulates the digital waveform oscillators and analog filtering of the original hardware. It extends the DW-8000's 8-voice polyphony to 64 voices and adds modern conveniences like a resizable GUI, MIDI Learn, and micro-tuning support while preserving the signature hybrid tone.
Does FB-7999 work with Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The macOS version is compiled as a Universal Binary 2, which means it runs natively on both Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4) processors without needing Rosetta 2 translation.
