A $60 Elektron Machinedrum?! (M-Vave FM1 Hortator)

video upload by AutoHot

You can find the M-VAVE FM-1 on Amazon.

"M-VAVE FM-1 running the Hortator custom firmware! Can a $60 groovebox sound like the legendary Elektron Machinedrum? Here is a raw techno sound demo.

With the Hortator firmware, the M-Vave FM1 turns into a powerful 8-track drum machine featuring 45 drum engines — including 21 models inspired by the Elektron Machinedrum.

In this first live jam session, I explore punchy kicks, FM textures, and industrial electronic grooves built entirely on this compact synth.

🔗 Get the Hortator Firmware:
https://deadactive.github.io/hortator/

🎛 Gear & Details:
• Synth: M-VAVE FM-1 (FM1)
• Firmware: Hortator Custom OS
• Style: Hardware Techno / Industrial Jam"

M-Vave FM-1: Turning the synth into an Elektron Machinedrum! Hortator firmware review
video upload by AutoHot

"An Elektron Machinedrum for pennies? New Hortator firmware for the M-Vave FM-1. Eight tracks of drums, inside the M-Vave FM-1. A stunning Elektron Machinedrum-style drum machine from the M-Vave FM-1: Exploring the Hortator firmware. 45 drum engines in three banks: 21 measured from the Machinedrum (13 TRX, 8 EFM), 10 modern, 14 classic. 151 factory presets, 128 user slots. The Elektron spirit is definitely present in this firmware.

Transforming the budget M-Vave FM-1 synthesizer into a full-fledged drum machine in the style of the legendary Elektron Machinedrum!

In this video, we explore the alternative Hortator firmware from DEADACTIVE. It completely transforms the functionality of this small synthesizer, turning it into a powerful 8-track drum machine similar to the renowned Elektron Machinedrum, with authentic electronic sound and flexible control.

Hortator Architecture and Sound Engines:
8 drum tracks inside the compact M-Vave FM-1.
45 Drum Engines in 3 banks:
21 engines lifted from the Elektron Machinedrum (13 TRX models and 8 EFM models);
10 modern engines (Modern);
14 classic engines (Classic).

Memory and Preset System:
151 Factory Presets — ready-made patterns and timbres covering all 45 engines;
128 User Slots — for storing your own sounds, parameter chains, and custom settings.

🔗 Link to Hortator firmware (Custom firmware by DEADACTIVE):
https://deadactive.github.io/hortator/

⏱️ Timecodes:
00:00 — Introduction: Hortator firmware for M-Vave FM-1
00:25 — The secret of the factory firmware v16 (where the 8-track multitrack is hidden)
01:10 — Preparing for the firmware and setup (testing the new camera and microphone)
02:20 — Installing Hortator via the web interface in Chrome
03:25 — First launch: orange screen and track control logic
04:05 — Setting sequence length and switching presets on tracks
05:45 — Selecting the kick, adjusting effects and volume on track 1
07:18 — Quick track switching with buttons, snares and Hats
08:35 — Additional Features: Octave Button, Ratchets (up to 4 hits), and Probability
10:50 — Arpeggiator Menu (Arp), Parameters, and Chaos
12:45 — Creating a Sequence from Scratch: Live Beat Speed ​​on the Keyboards
14:10 — Switching Presets on the Fly and Randomizing Steps
16:15 — Editing Sounds Within a Pattern: Elektron Model: Cycles and Machinedrum Vibes
17:28 — Global Parameters: BPM, Swing, and MIDI Channels
18:55 — Saving Projects (Banks A, B, C, D)
19:55 — MIDI Control Idea via an External Controller (Akai MIDImix)
20:25 — The Reload Trick: A Clean Slate and Instant Jam
22:00 — Adding Bass to Sequence
22:20 — Preview of the next review: DUB firmware on a black M-Vave FM-1
23:35 — Comparison of approaches: generative DUB vs. manual control in Hortator
24:30 — Who is this firmware suitable for and is it worth turning the FM-1 into an Elektron drum machine?
26:05 — Lightning-fast sequencer workflow and deep track editing
27:10 — ⚠️ Important safety instructions: how to avoid getting a brick (softbrick)
28:35 — Real-life experience of unbricking via a USB flash drive and Open M-Vave
30:15 — Results, impressions, and conclusions"