FMD
Key Features
- FM-based harmonic distortion engine that modulates input audio with a sine wave for unique inharmonic overtones
- Integrated soft clipper combined with a Drive control for dialing in saturation intensity from subtle warmth to full destruction
- 4x oversampling mode (added in v1.3) to reduce aliasing artifacts at high drive settings
- Minimalist single-panel interface with Input, Output, Drive, and FM knob controls for fast workflow
- Pairs with Mensla's MS-2 FM synth plugin for layered acid and experimental sound design
- Pro version (Patreon) adds a lowpass filter with resonance, Linux support, and 4K scaling
Description
FMD by Mensla is a distortion plugin that uses frequency modulation to generate harmonics from any audio signal. The single FM knob modulates the input with a sine wave, producing everything from subtle saturation to aggressive, metallic textures depending on the source material.
The plugin pairs its FM engine with a soft clipper and a dedicated Drive control, letting you dial in precisely how much grit you want. Input and Output knobs give you full gain staging control, so even heavily distorted signals stay manageable in the mix.
What sets FMD apart from conventional distortion plugins is how it creates harmonics. Rather than waveshaping or tube emulation, it applies FM synthesis principles to incoming audio, generating inharmonic overtones and bell-like artifacts that standard saturators simply cannot produce.
The minimalist black-and-white interface keeps everything on a single panel with no menu diving. Version 1.3 added 4x oversampling for cleaner processing at high drive settings, and the option to toggle the built-in casino popup that appears after three minutes of use.
FMD pairs particularly well with Mensla's MS-2 FM synth for creating layered acid and experimental sounds. The plugin is available as VST3 on Windows and AU on macOS, with a Pro version on Patreon that adds a lowpass filter with resonance, Linux support, and 4K display scaling.
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Tips
- Experiment with the FM knob to find the right balance of harmonics for your sound.
- Use the drive control to add additional saturation and warmth to your signal.
- Pair FMD with other FM synth plugins like MS-2 to create complex and layered sounds.
- Utilize the soft clipper to manage the intensity of the distortion and prevent clipping.
- Explore different input signals to see how FMD transforms various types of audio.
- Consider supporting the developer on Patreon to access a version without the "casino" screen pop-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the casino popup in FMD?
FMD includes a slot-machine-style popup that appears after three minutes of continuous use. It does not affect the plugin's audio processing or functionality. Since version 1.3, you can toggle this feature off entirely.
How does FMD differ from a standard waveshaper or saturation plugin?
FMD uses frequency modulation rather than waveshaping or analog emulation to generate distortion. The FM knob modulates your input signal with a sine wave, creating inharmonic overtones and bell-like artifacts that traditional saturators cannot reproduce. This makes it especially useful for experimental and sound design work.
Can FMD be used for subtle processing or only aggressive distortion?
FMD handles both extremes well. At low FM and Drive settings it introduces a gentle saturation and harmonic shimmer. Pushing the FM knob higher produces increasingly aggressive, metallic textures that work well on drums and basslines.
What is FMD Pro and how is it different from the free version?
FMD Pro is available through the developer's Patreon and adds a lowpass filter with resonance control, Linux VST3 support, 4K display scaling, and custom button options. The core FM distortion engine is the same in both versions.
