DAFM synth - GENESIS YM2612 / YM3438

Name: DAFM synth - GENESIS YM2612 / YM3438
SKU: 13274
Price: 269.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.69 (12 reviews)

(12 Reviews)

DAFM Synth is a FM multitimbral synthesizer serie based on mythical YAMAHA chips used for home consoles, arcades and 80s PCs sound.

Designed by KASSER SYNTHS in Spain

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DAFM Synth is a FM multitimbral synthesizer serie based on mythical YAMAHA chips used for home consoles, arcades and 80s PCs sound.

What is it? Sound synthesis through Frequency Modulation (FM) allows to obtain unique sounds that defined a whole musical generation during the 80's and 90's The model Genesis uses the YM2612 (or YM3…

What is it?

Sound synthesis through Frequency Modulation (FM) allows to obtain unique sounds that defined a whole musical generation during the 80's and 90's The model Genesis uses the YM2612 (or YM3438) yamaha chip that was used in the SEGA Genesis / Megadrive home console.

NEW Version 1.77 includes presets from iconic Genesis/Megadrive videogames like Sonic the Hedgehog 1, 2 and 3; Streets of Rage 1 and 2; Toe Jam & Earl, Panic on Funkotron; Ecco the Dolphin; Time Trax; Thunderforce IV and Chakan - The Forever Man in the bank 0. Bank 1 is used for loading up to 128 presets from the SD Card. Check the Datasheet below for the details.

Version 1.69 now with MIDI CC messages implementation to control all the YM2612 / YM3438 parameters. Check the Datasheet below for the MIDI CC implementation chart.

The DIY kit version is also for sale on Tindie: DAFM synth Genesis YM2612/YM3438 DIY kit

Why did you make it?

This synthesizer is the perfect mix for lovers of retro video games, and makers who want to introduce themselves in the musical experimentation.

What makes it special?

The YM2612 has six channels with four operators per channel. The operators can interact according to eight different algorithms. Attack-Decay-Sustain-Release (ADSR) envelopes, frequencies and low frequency oscillators (LFOs) can be modified to obtain the whole range of FM sounds.

The YM2612 chip has a peculiar form of crossover distortion in the output, which has become known as the "ladder effect" among fans. The YM3438 is a modified CMOS version of the YM2612 with a louder and cleaner sound output and no "ladder effect". The DAFM Synth can be purchased with the YM2612 or the YM3438 chip. Nostalgic retrogamers would choose the noisier YM2612 chip. The YM3438 would be the first choice for the FM-synthesis lovers. In any case, there is an option to dim the OLEDs to reduce noise at the sound output.

The synthesizer is operated through 2 rotary encoders and has a complete menu that is shown in 4 blue OLED displays. Thanks to the beautiful tactile keyboard of 12 notes you can try the different patches as they are created. There is also the possibility of changing the octave and thus test the full sound spectrum of the Yamaha chip. Once created, the presets can be saved in the RAM memory or in a SD card as DMP files that can be opened with VGM trackers like Deflemask.

The stereo sound output is 3.5 mm audio jack, has a MIDI input to connect a keyboard, sequencer or any MIDI instrument and can be powered with a USB Type B cable (5V).

Disclaimer: Please note that the sound chips used in the DAFM Synth may have been resurfaced at the origin. At KASSER SYNTHS, we ensure that every chip undergoes thorough testing and functions perfectly in our synthesizers, providing the best possible performance and sound experience.

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Review Breakdown

Average Ratings

Product: (4.92)

Documentation: (4.08)

Shipping: (4.75)

Communication: (5.00)

Jp | July 8, 2024

Genesis sounds

It does exactly what I wanted, which is to play Deflemask patches on the real hardware for that sweet YM2612 grittiness and ladder effect.

Kasser also very quickly provided support and a repair when my unit had an issue.

Alex | Sept. 17, 2022

Great retro synth with some minor rough UI edges

I've been waiting for someone to wrap a synth around a YM2612 in a cost-effective and compact way, and this synth delivers. Its built-in patches in particular are spectacular - they really cover a lot of the bases for someone interested in the sounds of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive.

The synth's user interface is extremely minimalist, which is a strength (it doesn't take up a lot of room, and the knobs are certainly stylish) but can also be a bit of a pain, particularly when it comes to interacting with the SD card.

After playing with this synth for a little while, I've figured out some things that were either quirks of the UI or stuff that the manual left slightly under-specified. This is more to make sure that people can get the most use out of this synth without getting frustrated by its quirks. For reference, I'm running the YM3438 version with firmware v1.98.

There's a more detailed explanation of these findings on the Mod Wiggler forum: https://www.modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3830114#p3830114 but I'll summarize them here:

1. Make sure your SD card works. I had some SD cards that the synth would neither read nor write, and others that it would. Make sure saving patches (pressing the right knob while the lower-right quadrant of screen 6 is selected). You should see six files written to the root of the SD card, named Patch01.dmp - Patch06.dmp. (I'd love for some kind of visual or auditory confirmation that patches were saved or loaded here, but c'est la vie)
2. Loading patches seems to work only if you save the current preset to a slot first (click the right knob while the upper-right quadrant of screen 6 is selected, which will make the little number at the tail of the arrow disappear, _then_ load patches by clicking the right knob while the lower-left quadrant of screen 6 is selected)
3. To bank switch, send a bank MSB CC command (CC#0) followed by a program change command. Don't send a bank LSB CC command - it seems to trip the synth up a bit if you do.

Overall, I love this synth! I hope these tips help others bypass some potential frustration.

William | Jan. 5, 2021

Sega Genesis goodness

The only way to really get that authentic Genesis sound. Make your own Sonic the Hedgehog basslines.

The configuration menus are a bit abstract and mysterious but I feel like I'll get the hang of them eventually.

Tyler | Dec. 1, 2020

Great FM

This is a fantastic FM, especially for the price. The operator screens are easy to navigate and it's pretty clear what you're doing and controlling. The build is high quality and it looks awesome.

The instructions could be a little more fleshed out. I still don't think I understand how to properly save and load patches.

The sound is great and full. There's a lot of range and customization here. No issues hooking it up to my MicroKorg with the Midi in. The presets are varied and interesting.

Shipping from Spain to US took 3 weeks and once it leaves the office in Spain there's no tracking. It shows up when it shows up. It was packed well and arrived unscathed.

Overall there's no better FM option sub $500 USD.

Eduardo | Oct. 7, 2020

A Wonderful Synth

If you are old enough to have played a MegaDrive/Genesis when you were a kid and loved the sound, this is the FM synth to make your own music.

Yuya | March 14, 2020

Very good product

I think it is a very good product!
It would be nice if there was a mixer screen that could adjust the volume of the six sound sources.

Matthew | Feb. 13, 2020

Super great purchase and customer service.

Loving this thing! Was super happy to get to pick everything that went into this order and get a little synth that's exactly how I want it to look. Sound wise the thing is a ton of fun. I had a small problem with mine but the customer service and response time on everything was amazingly painless. Got me sorted out quickly and easily. Would not hesitate to recommend buying from to anyone.

Didrik | Sept. 26, 2019

Great value for a really cool synth

I've had the synth for about two weeks now with the YM-2612 configuration and have mostly used it synced via midi to my DAW which works without a flaw! I really love this synth and have spent many hours tweaking sounds and created some, subjectively, great tracks. It's really nice to be able to control the 6 channels thru separate midi-channels so arranging gets easy and monitoring the different sounds is a breeze. Since I'm no expert on the YM-2612 chip it's hard to say if some "features" are quirks with the chip or if it's something with the synth or maybe my interface, this is mostly related to voice conflicts on MIDI-triggers, but I haven't found anything I can't work around.

The interface is really cool with a nice intuitive design so I always know what I'm doing and where I'm at, though scrolling thru the pages can take some time.
The customisation options for the build is a really nice touch and I love the way this synth looks.

Shipping was a no hassle affair and the creator has been helpful with some questions regarding this synth.

Here's my wishlist for some things that would push this synth up to five stars:
*Some kind of numerical representation on the ATDDR-page of what my values are at while changing them, would be very helpful when trying to copy settings from VOPM and other plug-ins.
*Pitch bend range control (is it possible on the YM-chip?)
*Channel pan L/R for some stereo, and even better, pan MIDI-control
*Autoload of last dumped patches from the SD-card after reset and maybe some kind of multiple library function for patches on the SD-card for easier switching between sounds.

But really, this synth does what it advertises and it does it well. If you want to make some cool FM-chiptunes, just buy it already!

Ryan | July 2, 2019

Great for those who want to learn more about FM synthesis!

This is a great little synth with a lot of very thoughtful features (such as loading deflemask instruments) - the particular reason that I bought it is that I wanted to get a better feel for creating sounds with FM synthesis (I'm fine with subtractive but had always had a problem with creating pleasing FM sounds).

With DAFM synth, I've achieved this, thanks to the very thoughtful interface with the 4 OLED/2 Rotary Encoder/button setup. This synth would also be great for those that are really into that nostalgic videogame sound, as it's not 'modern', clean FM synthesis, but the nasty good stuff from the 80s-90s thanks to the DAC. I'm really a fan of this thing and am excited to use it in my songs!

The seller's communication was friendly and top-notch - he really cares and hopes that you'll enjoy this product. I'm sure you will. Thanks!

Robin | March 18, 2019

A terrific synthesizer!

This is a fun and quirky synthesizer, well-constructed and delivered quickly. I love the old Genesis vibes. Thank you!

Jeremy | Feb. 5, 2019

A great, unique synthesizer. Well built and functional.

I am really enjoying my first few hours with the DAMF Synth. To be able to make music from the legendary chip that was in the Sega Genesis is a dream come true. The layout and functionality is pretty intuitive and I got used to the scrolling and select system within the first hour of use. Extremely good value for money considering the amount of sounds you can make on the unit. The only drawback is the 3.5 mm plug is situated really close to the top piece of acrylic glass and I am going to have to make more room there (cut the acrylic) as to be able to fit any 3.5mm plug. However that little issue doesn't kill my vibe at all and I am really happy with this unit. Communication with the seller has been great and very helpful with the questions I had. No review on documentation because he says it is being written ATM. Thanks Kasser.

Response from KASSER SYNTHS | Feb. 19, 2019

Thanks Jeremy for your review and helping me improving this great and unique synthesizer. I have noted down your suggestions and they will be included in the next lots. User quick guide has been created and can be found in the Specs and Docs section.

Marshall | Feb. 4, 2019

A unique and well-designed piece of equipment

As a longtime LSDJ user and having come up as a child in the Nintendo side of the 8-bit and 16-bit eras--and grown fond of their respective sounds in the process--I only quite lately discovered the peculiarities of the Sega Genesis's own sound capabilities and began tinkering around with Deflemask. So lately, in fact, that it was almost immediately into my search for more hardware oriented approaches to this area of chipmusic production that I discovered the DAFM. This was quite fortuitous also because I had been looking into other FM synths and synth modules but wasn't quite sure I wanted to open such a can of worms when the constraints and character of the Genesis's particular approach to FM synthesis was what originally appealed to me. In any case, I believe the DAFM has settled the matter for me for some time to come.

Operating the synth does require some menu-diving, in a sense, but that's part and parcel with any approach to FM outside of a more limited hardware approach or without bringing software into the picture; however, the interface on this is handled with a fair bit of elegance. While I haven't yet gotten the opportunity to fully explore its MIDI options, I've been given to understand that they too are handled rather elegantly, with MIDI channel 1 utilizing the first channel of the chip (of six, given the nature of these particular sound chips) for the first voice in polyphony through the chip's six channels or with the remaining five voices utilized by their respective channels on the chip and through MIDI. This should work quite well for achieving most of the sorts of voices or parts one might need for a given composition or performance or what-have-you without making it overly complicated to achieve at least some amount of polyphony for a single voice without completely sacrificing the availability of other monophonic voices.

Suffice to say, I'm looking forward to delving further into this device and see much promise in its capabilities. Apart from the device itself, the creator has proven plenty communicative. Despite DHL having apparently lost my original order, I got a new one sent promptly enough after his having followed up on the matter (after my having brought his attention to the long period of idleness in the delivery tracking). I might have given a lower rating on documentation simply for the near-complete lack of any, but for some scattered demonstration videos; however, the device is so intuitive and its creator so willing to provide support that I'm finding myself so far with little need for further documentation (though I imagine further video demonstrations are forthcoming, at least, for those who might need it).

Anyway, a great product and communication, and if you're looking to incorporate the true chip sound of the 16-bit era in your music, this is quite probably the best and simplest way to go about it.

Response from KASSER SYNTHS | Feb. 19, 2019

Thanks Marshall for your nice and fair review. I am really glad the issue related to the shipment of the unit was solved and you can finally enjoy the FM synthesis through the original SEGA Genesis / Megadrive sound chip.

User quick guide is already finished and stored under the Specs and Docs section.

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