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

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 »

Magnolia 8 Voice Synthesizer by Frap Tools at Superbooth25 | Interview with Simone | Audio Examples

video upload by Christian Halten

"In this short documentary (3'48") Simone of Frap Tools from Italy expands on the company's history and how the Magnolia 8 voice polyphonic thru-zero frequency modulation synthesizer came to life. The film contains short audio examples of the instrument as well. Filmed on 2025/05/09 at Superbooth25 in Berlin.

Cinematographer, Director and Producer Christian Halten"

12 synths, drum machines, FX & innovations you need to know from Superbooth 2025

video upload by MusicRadar Tech

"For a few years now, Berlin’s Superbooth show has been a focal point for music technology gear announcements, but the 2025 iteration took this to another level. The sheer volume and variety of new music making gear on display in and around the FEZ event space was beyond anything we’ve seen in previous years.

MusicRadar was on the ground to test everything we could get our hands on. As the show drew to a close Managing Editor Si Truss, Reviews Editor Simon Arblaster and Tech Channel Editor Matt Mullen found a quiet corner in the woods to sit down for a roundtable (sans table) discussion about their highlights from the 2025 Superbooth show floor."

In this video:
Frap Tools Magnolia – 02:03
Korg Berlin Phase8 – 05:40
Moog Messenger – 09:07
Erica Synths HexDrums – 12:16
1010music Bento – 14:58
Novation Launch Control XL 3 – 17:20
Neuzeit Instruments Drop – 19:12
Cre8audio Boom Chick – 20:51
Clank Uranograph – 22:38
Eternal Research Demon Box – 25:10
Polyend Mess – 27:20
Instruō Seashell – 29:52
Honourable mentions – 32:01

SUPERBOOTH 25: Frap Tools Magnolia

video upload by Sound On Sound magazine

"The Magnolia is the first keyboard synthesizer from Frap Tools, and sees the company bring the distinctive sound of their Eurorack modules to an eight-voice polysynth. We get a demo of the latest pre-production model."

MAGNOLIA, one of the HIGHLIGHTS of Superbooth

video upload by Hispasonic

Click CC for subtitles.

"We went inside the Frap Tools booth at the Berlin Superbooth to explore the Magnolia, a polyphonic synthesizer that has caught everyone's attention.

Magnolia stands out for its unique architecture, with two oscillators that break with convention: a through-zero oscillator that allows analog linear FM, evoking the classic timbres of Yamaha's FM synthesizers, but in a 100% analog format. It also features a more traditional oscillator with octave controls, variable waveform and a wave folder to add richness and timbral complexity. Want metallic sounds or subtractive textures? Magnolia dares to do both.

This synth also impresses with its polyphony and bithermality, allowing everything from dense sounds in dual mode to splits and morphing between presets. Each voice features two independent filters (low pass and high pass), extensive modulations with synchronizable LFOs, dedicated envelopes and an effects stage that includes analog distortion and digital slots for delays and modulations (still under development), as well as a built-in sequencer and expressive controls such as aftertouch, expression pedals and modulatable panning.

In this video you will hear sound demos that show the versatility of the Magnolia, from expansive stereo leads to vibrant textures with delayed vibrato. We also tell you details about its release, scheduled for late 2025 at an estimated price of 3995 €.

00:00 Intro
00:25 Sound Demo
04:29 Synthesis architecture
09:43 Availability and pricing"

Frap Tools Magnolia - A Bucchla Style Polysynth?.. from a modular manufacturer??

video upload by Starsky Carr

"A demo of the Magnolia from Frap Tools by the lovely Giovanni at‪@superboothberlin‬ 2025
Im, not doing a whole load of demos this year, just things that catch my eye, and this has been one of the stars of the show

It has such easy access to through zero FM and wavefolding, which enables it to go from very pleasant to a screeching maniac with a couple of twists!"

Frap Tools Magnolia | Analog Thru-Zero FM-Synthesizer | Superbooth 2025

video upload by Thomann Synthesizers

"The Frap Tools Magnolia is an 8-voice analog polysynth that marks the Italian brand’s debut in standalone keyboards. Unveiled at Superbooth 2025, it fuses Frap Tools' modular DNA with a modern, expressive design. Each voice features dual oscillators, combining West Coast-style thru-zero FM and wavefolding with East Coast-style PWM, and dual analog filters (HP/LP). Magnolia offers polyphonic aftertouch via a premium Fatar keybed, intuitive modulation routing with LED feedback, and flexible bi-timbral modes including splits, layers, morphing, and onboard sequencers. Expected to launch in summer 2025, it promises deep sound design with hands-on playability."

Frap Tools: Magnolia - SUPERBOOTH 2025

video upload by Bonedo Synthesizers

Superbooth 2025 Frap Tools Magnolia

video upload by Padawan Studio

"Superbooth 2025, first impressions on the Frap Tools Magnolia"

Sounds from Superbooth 2025: Frap Tools Magnolia

video upload by Perfect Circuit

"We're on the ground in Berlin at the year's biggest synth event. Stay up to date with all the latest gear news, announcements, and preorder info on our Superbooth coverage hub."