Modulate the modulations to expand your sound design with Magnolia!

video upload by Frap Tools

"Today we want to transfer a classic 'modular' approach to Magnolia. In most keyboard synths, modulation sources like envelopes or velocity work directly over the sound parameters. However, Magnolia allows you to modulate even the modulation parameters themselves, which is a "patching" style very common in the modular synthesizer world. This video demonstrates a nested modulation that goes up to the fourth degree: the velocity modulates the envelope times, which modulate an LFO, which modulates another LFO, which modulates the cutoff frequency. The result is a very lively and animated patch, even with a simple sound."

00:00 Introduction
00:30 First modulation: LFO 1 over the cutoff frequency
01:53 Second modulation: LFO 2 over LFO 1 amp
03:46 Third modulation: Envelope over LFO 2 amp
05:04 Fourth modulation: Velocity over envelope decay time
06:00 Final touch
07:43 Closing remarks

Yes you can play Angine De Poitrine on a keyboard synth if you really want to

video upload by Frap Tools

"In today's video we'll mess around with the keyboard tracking to make Magnolia play quarter tones as popularized by the polka-dotted duo Angine De Poitrine. The result is really confusing for a keyboard player (as it should be), but it works and it's honestly quite fun!"

Signal Flow Superbooth Special: Buchla, Make Noise, Xaoc & much, much more!

video upload by Signal Sounds and Tom Churchill

https://www.signalsounds.com

"In this special episode recorded on location at Superbooth 2026 in Berlin, Tom and Luke discuss some of the new gear they checked out at the show, including the Buchla Ziggy, Make Noise Plexiphon, Xaoc Devices Budapeszt, Body Synths Laboratory, and Befaco/Mylar Melodies Random8, to name just a tiny handful. Apologies to anyone we left out - there’s simply too much to cover in a single episode!

Get in touch with questions, feedback and suggestions via signalflow@signalsounds.com

Some of the gear discussed:
https://www.signalsounds.com/buchla-z...
https://www.signalsounds.com/befaco-m...
https://www.signalsounds.com/make-noi...
https://www.signalsounds.com/frap-too..."

Let's explore in detail the mysteries of Magnolia's oscillator 1

video upload by Frap Tools

"Today we start exploring each section of Magnolia in a greater detail, showing some tips and tricks and explaining some design choices that did not make it into the feature-length tutorial. Let us start from Oscillator 1!"

00:00 Introduction
00:19 Linear Through-Zero FM
03:05 Wave folder
04:59 Flip Sync
08:22 Smooth FM
10:10 Keyboard tracking tricks
12:15 Secret tip: continuous pitch change over oscillator 1
14:28 Bye bye

You can find the referenced Frap Tools Magnolia TUTORIAL here.

Frequency Modulation Part 2: (Through-Zero) Linear FM | Frap Talks

video upload by Frap Tools

"Today we dive into one of the greatest topics of modular synthesis: Linear FM. What is Through-Zero? What is the difference between linear and exponential FM? How can we use it for sound design? All these questions and many more will find an answer in today's video!"

00:00 Introduction and Exponential FM recap
01:06 What is the difference between linear and exponential FM?
01:56 Linear FM sidebands
02:59 The problem with analog linear FM: Through-Zero linear FM explained
04:07 Linear FM deviation and index
06:13 BRENSO’s deviation parameter
08:00 Linear FM ratio
08:43 BRENSO with integer and non-integer ratios
09:54 Other waveforms
11:36 Double Through-Zero FM

Giovanni Grandi drone/ambient modular performance @ Spazio Gerra

video upload by Giovanni Grandi

"A drone/ambient modular performance built around a fed-back Strymon BlueSky shimmering reverb. Textures by Frap Tools Brenso oscillator processed through Fumana filterbank and Make Noise Morphagene.

The performance was recorded as part of the Giardiniera streaming concert in February 2021 at Spazio Gerra, Reggio Emilia.

Video by Ali Beidoun AKA ‪@fotoniknoise‬

#dronemusic #ambientmusic #modularsynth #live

Moments:

00:00 Starting drone
01:22 Shaping the reverb feedback with Frap Tools Fumana filterbank
04:00 Adding texture through Make Noise Morphagene
05:00 A hint of pulsation
06:27 Modulating FUMANA with a contact microphone for spectral transfer
07:49 The pulse is real
10:53 Further rhythmic development through Brenso's wavefolder"

How to program a cheesy ANALOG FM piano sound from scratch with the Frap Tools Magnolia!

video upload by Frap Tools

"In the latest video we saw how to reverse-engineer a preset, and today we'll see how to design a program from scratch! We chose a classic (and frankly, a bit overused) sound of FM synthesizers, the iconic FM piano popularized by the Yamaha DX-7. But this time, we'll make it 100% ANALOG! Follow along to learn how to implement this technique on Magnolia.

Magnolia: https://frap.tools/magnolia

00:00 Tuning the oscillators
03:18 Keytrack over the FM amount to mimic the index behavior
05:25 Velocity over the FM amount
07:24 refining the tuning, tracking
07:59 Keytrack over the FM decay
09:11 Adding some low-pass filter
09_55 Keytrack over the amplifier decay
10_16 detuning the patch
10:38 overload the filter and drive
11:40 stereo tracking
12:46 Three ways to add a tremolo (amplifier, drive, pan)
14:50 Adding chorus and delay
16:27 Closing remarks"

How to Reverse Engineer Any Magnolia Preset (No Screen Needed)

video upload by Frap Tools

"Factory presets are often treated as black boxes — especially on instruments without a visual interface.

Magnolia, despite its minimal display, provides all the information needed to fully understand and reconstruct a patch — if you know where to look.

In this video, we go through a structured method to reverse engineer any preset, starting from its architecture (single, dual, split), through performance settings like polyphony and arpeggiator, and finally into the details of sound design.

We’ll focus on how to identify modulation routings, distinguish default parameter values from modulation offsets, and interpret the instrument’s LED feedback to extract meaningful information.

The goal is not just to recreate presets, but to understand how they are built — turning Magnolia’s interface into a powerful analytical tool rather than a limitation.

Factory preset no. 001 by ‪@gattobus‬"

00:00 Introduction
00:54 Part and polyphony settings
02:32 Arpeggiator
02:43 Modulations
06:09 Sound design parameters
08:54 Modulation amounts
11:11 Remove the modulations to listen to the bare sound
12:18 Repeat everything for part B
16:42 Conclusion

A whole range of expertise packed into a synthesizer

video upload by Audiofanzine

"After 10 years of developing highly original premium modules, the Italian company Frap Tools is embarking on an ambitious and promising project: integrating all its expertise into a linear FM analog polyphonic synthesizer. Magnolia forever?"

0:00 Introduction
0:20 Overview
0:34 Construction
0:48 Controls
1:38 Connectivity
2:06 Sound Quality
2:47 Synthesis
3:27 East Coast & West Coast Oscillators
4:20 Analog Filters
5:13 Modulations
6:37 Effects
7:06 Arpeggiator/Sequencer
7:47 Verdict
8:32 Conclusion
8:55 Mid-credits
9:04 Sound Clips

From Precision to Character: 9 Ways to Warm Up Magnolia

video upload by Frap Tools

"Analog doesn’t automatically mean “warm” or “imperfect”.

Magnolia is an extremely precise analog synthesizer, designed to handle complex FM interactions. That same precision, however, can make it sound “cold” or even “digital” when used in more traditional subtractive patches.

In this video, we explore why that happens — and more importantly, how to introduce controlled imprecision to bring back movement, warmth and character.

The key idea: it’s much easier to make a precise instrument sound imperfect than the other way around.

We’ll look at several control points inside Magnolia that allow you to shape instability, drift and tonal density, turning precision into an expressive tool rather than a limitation.

MAGNOLIA: https://frap.tools/magnolia/

00:00 Introduction: why do some sounds feel warm and other cold?
03:00 The test patch
03:38 1) Detuning oscillator 2
04:19 2) Detuning the whole synthesizer
05:30 Detune and glide
06:26 3) Using a fluctuating random LFO to make the oscillators wiggle
07:24 4) Using the Polymove to randomize certain parameters
07:56 5) Using the keyboard tracking over the low-pass filter to dampen the sound
08:19 6) Playing with the gain staging to beef up the sound
09:19 7) Using a resonant high-pass filter to boost the low end
10:00 8) Adding a pinch of overdrive
10:23 9) Glueing everything with some chorus
11:07 Final remarks"

"A song for the sad ones" by gattobus (Frap Tools Magnolia)

video upload by gattobus

"The song can be downloaded here:



This song was born a few months ago while I was programming some patches for Magnolia. I'm not having a great time right now, but luckily, as sometimes happens, music has come to help me. This song carries hope and all my wishes for peace and serenity.

All synth sounds are from Frap Tools Magnolia.
Drums: Roland TR-8S with LinnDrum LM-1 samples
Mixed and mastered on Ableton Live 12."

Magnolia Gain Staging Explained: 5 Gain Stages That Shape Your Sound

video upload by Frap Tools

"Gain is not just about volume — it directly affects tone, harmonics and filter behavior.

In this video, we explore Magnolia's gain staging architecture and analyze its four main gain points (plus a bonus one), showing how each stage shapes the sound.

From the mixer to the amplifier, drive and post-drive section, you'll hear how different gain levels impact filters, saturation and overall character.

If you want to unlock Magnolia's full sonic potential, understanding its internal gain structure is essential.

🎛 More on gain staging: • The wonderful world of gain staging, or: h... [posted here]

00:00 Introduction – Magnolia's Gain Points Overview
01:07 1) Mixer – First Gain Stage
04:23 How Mixer Gain Affects Filter Response
07:28 2) Amplifier – Main Level Control
09:45 3) Drive – Harmonic Saturation Stage
10:55 4) Post Drive – Final Volume Shaping
11:44 General Observations on Magnolia's Gain Structure
12:55 Bonus Tip – Using the Wavefolder as Extra Gain
14:18 Closing Remarks"

Magnolia Polymove Explained: The Ultimate Randomization Tool

video upload by Frap Tools

"Looking to breathe life into your synth patches? In this video, we dive deep into Polymove, Magnolia’s custom modulation source that redefines randomization in sound design.

🔍 What is Polymove?
Unlike standard random generators, Polymove creates unique, independent values for every single voice and every destination it’s assigned to.

How it works in practice:

Multi-Destination Randomization: Assign Polymove to your filter cutoff and wavefolder simultaneously—striking a chord generates unique, unrelated values for both parameters on every note.

Unison Power: In a Unison mono lead, every stacked voice gets its own set of random values. This creates incredibly thick, organic textures that feel alive.

Infinite Variety: Use it subtly to emulate the "drift" of vintage analog gear, or crank it up for unpredictable, experimental soundscapes.

🎹 Mono vs. Legato Modes

Polymove adapts to your playing style based on your Part settings:

Mono: Generates fresh random values with every new note triggered. Legato: Generates new values only when you strike a key after all others have been released—ideal for fluid, evolving phrases."

Fraptools MAGNOLIA - (sounds only DEMO by gattobus)

video upload by gattobus and Frap Tools

"What is Magnolia? I’ve selected some patches I’ve created (except the second one, which is Giovanni’s from Fraptools) to give you an idea about it. Most of the sounds you hear are factory presets. I’m honoured and so proud to have been part of Magnolia’s creation. I tested the prototype for months and created some crazy programs with it.

Most of the FX you hear in the video are internal. No external FX were added except for a couple of patches; check the upper right corner of the screen for details."

Frap Tools Magnolia TUTORIAL

video upload by Frap Tools

Check with dealers on the right for availability and price. See additional demos here.

"Grab your favorite drink and enjoy this in-depth, knob-by-knob video tutorial of Magnolia, our brand new analog through-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer! Feel free to jump to any section through the timestamps."

00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:44 Programs
00:01:56 Panel Mode
00:02:40 Panel Lock
00:02:56 Initialize a program
00:03:23 Save and compare programs
00:03:55 Lists
00:05:17 Voices

CLICK FOR MORE »

Frap Tools MAGNOLIA – 8-voice analog thru-zero FM synthesizer – OUT NOW

video upload by Frap Tools

Check with dealers on the right for price and availability.

"Magnolia is an eight-voice analog through-zero linear FM synthesizer. Besides the classic analog polysynth sounds, its design allows programming some less conventional timbres closer to the world of modular synthesizers, and especially of the so-called “complex oscillators.”

Magnolia allows to bring modular synthesis techniques in the world of analog polysynths, with all the known advantages of the latter: polyphony, immediacy of use, powerful sound, and those little unpredictable details generally known as “analog warmth.”

Magnolia is a highly playable instrument thanks to its expressive Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and encourages sound exploration through its large and relaxing front panel.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Integrating a grand piano and a modular synthesizer for an electroacoustic piece.

video upload by Frap Tools

"The voyage is coming to an end! Today Francesco guides us through a captivating electroacoustic piece that integrates the sound and articulation of an electric piano into a complex patch. The piece is not simply a juxtaposition of piano and synthesizer, but rather a balanced environment where the acoustic and electronic sounds complement and influence each other."

Frap Tools: Finally we ACTUALLY PLAYED a modular synth!

video upload by Frap Tools

"In today's study, ‪@francescogennarimusic‬ guides us through the construction of a fully-functional polyphonic modular synthesizer that can be played with a keyboard AND sequenced at the same time! Check out the video to see how he managed to get FIVE voices, one of which with the unique character of formant oscillators."

Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:23 Modular performance
04:22 Track structure overview
04:49 4-Voice polyphonic synth routing
07:33 Usta sequencing and modulation
08:04 Formant oscillator with Falistri
10:27 Bass line
11:02 Effect section: Desmodus Versio as reverb
12:15 Effect section: FX AID XL as chorus

Original track 'Studio No.7' composed by @francescogennarimusic
Instagram: / fncgennari
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/francesco.gennari
Bandcamp: https://francescogennari.bandcamp.com...
Soundcloud: / user-351738626
‘Studi’ takes its cue from the tradition of the Étude, treating each track as a focused investigation into sound, structure, and technique.

Artwork by Daniel Hicks
Instagram: / mrmrsir
Website: https://danielhicksart.com/

Learn how to use feedback loops and filter layerings to enhance your composition | Studio no. 6

video upload by Frap Tools

"Francesco Gennari shows us a fresh new way of using wave folders and filters! Instead of being 'usual' blocks of a synth voice, here they become structural part of the whole composition. Take your time and watch the full video, because the patching style isn't obvious at all!

Original track 'Studio No.6' composed by @francescogennarimusic
Instagram: / fncgennari
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/francesco.gennari
Bandcamp: https://francescogennari.bandcamp.com...
Soundcloud: / user-351738626
‘Studi’ takes its cue from the tradition of the Étude, treating each track as a focused investigation into sound, structure, and technique.

Artwork by Daniel Hicks
Instagram: / mrmrsir
Website: https://danielhicksart.com/

Time stamps:
00:00 Introduction
00:17 Modular performance
03:11 Track structure overview
03:36 Usta sequencer routing
04:13 Voice 1: Piston Honda oscillator A + LPG
05:24 Voice 2: Piston Honda oscillator B + LPG
06:59 Voice 3 / Bass: Cunsa in self oscillation
07:58 Feedback loop with Wave Multiplier + Intellijel Planar 2
09:32 Cunsa filters: layering and modulation
11:11 Stereo space and feedback with Verbos Multi-Delay Processor"

Cross-spectral transfering

video upload by Frap Tools

"FUMANA has a special array of 16 bandpass filters exclusively built for spectral analysis. It can thus transfer the energy of the modulator signal to the exact portion of the carrier’s spectrum.

However, many traditional filter banks used just half of their bands to transfer the energy over the other half, like the odd over the even ones, or vice versa.

If you want to replicate this behavior with FUMANA, fear not: you just need a handful of patch cables, like in this video!"

Frap Tools: BRENSO | Full Demo and Review

video upload by Happy Mag

"The Frap Tools BRENSO is more than just a dual oscillator—it's a modern homage to the west coast synthesis tradition pioneered by Don Buchla in the 1970s. As a complex oscillator, BRENSO offers a dense web of internal modulation, wave shaping, and signal routing options that invite experimentation, creativity, and highly expressive sound design.

Let’s break down what makes BRENSO special—and why it’s a standout tool for modular synthesists and the perfect place to start Happy Mag's Synth Month 2025 journey!

🧠 What Is a Complex Oscillator?

In synthesis terms, “complex” usually refers to waveforms that go beyond simple shapes like sine, triangle, square, or sawtooth. These richer, more dynamic tones are achieved through audio-rate modulation—one oscillator affecting another at high speed to produce new, harmonically rich content.

To that end, BRENSO includes two triangle-core analog oscillators, each with four outputs. These oscillators are designed to interact, cross-modulate, and shape each other in ways that transform simple waveforms into entirely new sonic terrain.

🎨 We Love the Colour-Coded Interface!

One of BRENSO’s most elegant features is its colour-coded layout. This isn’t just for show—it reflects functional sections of the module, making navigation and patching intuitive:

🟢 Green Section – Frequency control for oscillator one
🟡 Yellow Section – Frequency control for oscillator two
⚪ White Section – Timbre shaping (via wavefolders and shapers)
🔴 Red Section – Amplitude control (via a four-quadrant multiplier for AM/RM)

These sections are organised spatially and visually, so once you understand the color scheme, you're halfway to mastering the module.

🔄 Modulation Without the Patch Cables

BRENSO encourages semi-normalled patching. Many modulation paths are internally routed by default using dashed lines on the panel. For example, the green sine wave is often pre-routed as a modulator for the yellow oscillator—no cable required.

This internal routing makes it easy to get rich interactions going quickly, but BRENSO never limits you: patching a cable into a jack overrides the normalization, giving you complete flexibility.

0:00 - Intro
0:04 - Review"