FM Essential - US

I use this app to live record into GarageBand, and it comes in handy for making sound effects. However, just recently I opened the app to discover that the instruments suddenly stop working if you turn off both effect filters in the EFX/EQ module. I used to be able to leave the instruments completely dry so that I could hear the raw sound accurately and make precise adjustments. Now, the program disables instruments completely if the effects are turned off, or even if they’re set to “thru.” I even reinstalled the app and encountered the same problem. Pleas fix this rather serious obstacle.

First off, the app in its unlocked state is pretty interesting in its own right, particularly if you've owned a DX7 or similar synth. The supplied patches are 'meh', but will whet your appetite. The kink comes when you try what's described in the above review. The keyboard specialist at the retailer I visited knew all about the app, but pitched it as something that was slaved to a particular keyboard. Yours. You buy an MX## and you can use the supplied cable to interface with your iOS device and unlock the 250+ additional voices. When I asked him if he could unlock it with a display synth he said no, it wouldn't work apart from that keyboard. Not to say the app's not cool, just that it's a fail as described above. Likewise not to say I wouldn't get an MX88 later and use this - I own and enjoy lots of YamaStuff.

FM GO Promo Want the the full version? Here's your chance. First, Download the free version of FM Essential to your iOS device, then visit an authorized Yamaha dealer and connect your iOS device to a Yamaha MX synthesizer to unlock the full version. There is no purchase required to download FM Essential. Once the full version is downloaded and unlocked, it stays fully enabled on your device – even when the MX is no longer connected! That's right, you can walk out of the store with the full version loaded on your iOS device. But you might want to stay and have some fun playing with the MX and FM Essential! Update: Take your Apple Camera kit adapter and ask the store to lend you a USB to connect and you will be set! Then have a blast playing the instrument using the phone/keyboard combo on the fly. The sales guy didn't know about the app or the offer, but we both were excited and surprised with the possibilities offered using the app/keyboard combo. I do not work for Yamaha. But, they should have someone go to stores...

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I agree with the folks that are annoyed that you require an MX to unlock this app. I have an MX49BK and I can’t get it to unlock the app on iPhoneX! It unlocks on my iPad Pro 9.7” but after a while it tells me that the iPad hardware is not compatible when connected to the MX. So I can use the iPad standalone with all the features but it’s nice to be able to select voices and features directly from the iPad and play them on the MX. Either charge something to unlock the full version or just unlock it regardless of whether you own an MX or not. I also own a Montage 7 (FANTASTIC! by the way) and got the MX to take with me when I travel.

Great sound with lots of great presets to use as starting points. Very flexible and easy to use. Definitely recommend if you own a compatible Yamaha product!!