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."

Frap Tools Magnolia Prototype Sounds only

video upload by AMAZONA Music Mag

Frap Tools Magnolia, 8-voice analog thru-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer | Project update

video upload by Frap Tools

Click CC at the bottom of the player for subtitles.

"Magnolia will be an 8-voice analog through-zero FM synthesizer, which we built to create sounds from the modular world through a classic keyboard interface.

Waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear through-zero FM unlock every sound associated with the 'West Coast' synthesis world. But that's not all! Fat resonant filters and powerful analog oscillators allow more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds as well.

A vast and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the twist of a knob, but it is always easy to keep track of what's going on thanks to LEDs on every source and destination. An arpeggiator and a sequencer complement the machine.

We are announcing and showcasing two pre-production units. We aim to release the final version at the end of summer, and it will show some differences. It may have a more refined interface, it will feature digital effects, and some of the features currently under evaluation may disappear.

We've been working on it for the last year, and we're eager to show it to the world!"

Follow-up to this post where you'll find additonal pics.

Update: press release follows:

Frap Tools to take on high-end keyboard synthesizer market with ‘West Coast’ MAGNOLIA making its public debut at SUPERBOOTH25

MEDOLLA, ITALY: Frap Tools, hitherto known as a manufacturer of Eurorack modules and accessories alongside professional audio compressors in the 500-Series format, is proud to venture into the world of high-end keyboard synthesizers with its introduction of MAGNOLIA — announced as an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER built to unlock every sound associated with ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis through a classic keyboard interface — anchored around showcasing two pre-production units at SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany…

As an 8-VOICE ANALOG THRU-ZERO FM SYNTHESIZER, MAGNOLIA unlocks every sound associated with the so-called ‘West Coast’ modular synthesis world with waveshapers, wavefolders, and, most importantly, analog linear TZFM (Through-Zero Frequency Modulation) Indeed, its intentions are made clear from the outset by the on point wording worked tastefully into its (initial) top panel design. No need to necessarily remain there, though, for fat resonant filters and powerful analogue oscillators also allow for more traditional subtractive synthesis sounds. And although a deep and flexible modulation section encourages complex patches with the push of a button and twist of a knob, switching modulations on and off with the TOGGLE function, it is always easy to keep track of what is going on thanks to the inclusion of LEDs (Light-Emitting Diodes) on every source and destination.

Digging deeper, MAGNOLIA features eight analogue voices with two oscillators — carrier and modulator — and 24 dB/oct resonant HIGH-PASS and LOW-PASS filters; the carrier oscillator has a through-zero core for precise, sideband-rich analogue FM (Frequency Modulation) sounds, so crystal-like pads to growling basses are available to all with the greatest of ease, while FM can be applied to the filters. Furthermore, sculpting sounds that have not been heard before on analogue polysynths are now perfectly possible, thanks to MAGNOLIA’s unique signal flow — think continuously variable waveform shapes and a wavefolder circuit per voice!

Those two oscillators are derived from Frap Tools’ BRENSO (https://frap.tools/products/brenso/), a Euroack module readily representing its creator’s primary analogue source of articulated waveforms whose degree of entanglement can be precisely set by the musician. MAGNOLIA’s Oscillator 1 is the ‘West Coast’ one with TZFM, wavefolder, and FLIP SYNC, while Oscillator 2 is the ‘East Coast’ one, with PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) and fine-tune. Whether wanting experimental FM sounds or punchy synth brass, they are always at anyone’s service. Speaking of Frap Tools’ unique modular soul, MAGNOLIA’s filter section is derived from CUNSA (https://frap.tools/products/cunsa/) — itself a quadruple analogue ping-able multimode resonant filter, saturator, mixer, and oscillator, no less!

Musically, MAGNOLIA sports a keyboard from fellow Italians FATAR, with polyphonic aftertouch capabilities for enhanced expressiveness, while a per-part ARPEGGIATOR and per-part 16-step SEQ (sequencer) serve to creatively complement the synthesizer still further. Features briefly worth drawing attention to here by way of ending on some more high notes include MAGNOLIA’s bi-timbral programs (with SINGLE, MORPH, DUAL, and SPLIT MODES); all-analogue signal path; three loop-able DAHDSR (DELAY, ATTACK, HOLD, DECAY, SUSTAIN, and RELEASE) envelopes; three digital LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators); and 512 preset memory slots.

Anyone attending SUPERBOOTH25, May 8-10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany can get up close and personal with two MAGNOLIA pre-production units by swinging by Booth B049 there. Their creators will be showcasing them personally, eager to show the results of their hard work, while providing a passionate warm welcome. Frap Tools aim to release MAGNOLIA as a production product by the end of summer, albeit with some differences evident by then. The interface will likely be more refined, featuring digital effects, while some features currently under evaluation could conceivably be removed."

New Magnolia Keyboard Synth by Frap Tools Coming to SUPERBOOTH

via Frap Tools

Update: video here

"And here's what we'll bring to Superbooth: Magnolia is the prototype that kept us busy over the last year. It's gonna be an 8-voice analog throuhg-zero FM polyphonic synthesizer. At its heart, all the sounds you've met in our modules: Brenso, Cunsa, and so on. We could say a 'west coast polysynth', but it's capable of analog subtractive synthesis as well. We'll bring two pre-production units at @superbooth_berlin , so come check them out and stay in touch for some video and audio stuff!"

CLICK FOR MORE »