Tindie

Once you master the four screen + dual knob navigation, you will be well on your way to making some beautiful retro FM sounds.

Ian | Aug. 1, 2024

Incredible sounding, highly programmable synth!

For DAFM synth - BLASTER YMF262 (OPL3)

The DAFM Blaster offers a wide range of sonic possibilities that are not easily accessible on other synths that utilize the Yamaha OPL3. I have been able to create some exciting sounds with this powerful little synth. I find that saving patches is not straightforward, and I hope that this feature is streamlined in future. This synth sounds significantly better than anything produced by Korg and others in recent years. I look forward to what this company makes in the future.

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.

Ryan | Jan. 25, 2023

Flexible and Fun FM Synth

I'm impressed with how much is squeezed into this little box.

The availability of 8 separate FM channels with four operators each is impressive, and the fact that each channel is polyphonic really opens up the possibilities. The menus are very well designed and easy to navigate, though the preset saving/loading (menu 6) could be a little more intuitive, and I'd really love a way to access the instrument presets directly from the device without the need to summon them from an external MIDI device.

Would also be great to see a bit more flexibility in the algorithm and LFO sections. The ability to select different waveforms for each operator would be great, and it'd be nice if the LFOs were not so 'global', but these might be due to hardware limitations of the YM2151 chip.

Overall a great device. Very happy with it.

https://youtu.be/rQvBhxPB6ks

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.

Hugo | Nov. 8, 2021

Good product

The kit is easy to build, straightforward. The documentation is enough to leave you with the minimum to fiddle around. Can wait to use it with an more advanced midi interface.

Gregory | Oct. 30, 2021

Very cool OPN2 synth board!

I will start out by saying this kit is 110% worth the wait to get one! I have been waiting a while to try to get one of these and had missed the boat on restock a couple of times, as they sell out fast, and I understand why. It is beautiful...a work of art, it's easy to build, well made, well thought out. I love the OLED screens, and having one dedicated to each operator makes it both visually pleasing and easy to use. OPN2 hardware this well developed has been rare to find, it sounds so good, and is loads of fun just playing around experimenting with the different sound possibilities. I had a YM2612 chip already from a failed Sega Genesis, so ordered the YM3438 kit and added jumpers in series with the 2.2k resistors so I can easily switch between the two. Both sound excellent, with the 2612 with that thick twangy classic Genesis/Megadrive sound everyone loves, and is definitely the choice for retro style sound patches. The 3438 is much smoother and purer sounding and is definitely the best for making the most realistic instrument sounds, which the OPN2 is quite capable of with a bit of experimenting. I really love the built in touch keyboard for testing sounds! It has a little delay on the last note or two furthest from the touch controller board, but overall is very responsive and is great for travel where I can bring it along easily and kill time testing new sound patch configurations. My only critique would be that the user interface has a little bit of a learning curve, as the documentation is very much a "quick start" and doesn't really have any details of interface operation, especially with how to navigate the banks and presets and how to save presets. I eventually figured it out, but an extra page with some screenshots and maybe some step by step would make it easier to learn.
I absolutely love this kit and this synth design concept! I would love to see a similar kit for the SN76489 to complete the Genesis/Megadrive sound collection. Being able to make full Genesis style music with this kit and a MIDI capable SN76489 board playing off a MIDI sequencer would be awesome. A OPL2 "SoundBlaster" YM3812 based kit would be another one I would love to see and would buy yesterday if you ever make one! The multiple operator waveform choices gives it it's own unique sound that would be a great addition to the collection.

Bergon | Sept. 27, 2021

Clean & Nasty

For DAFM synth - BLASTER YMF262 (OPL3)

Already happy owner of Arcade 2151 I wanna gave a try to this new one:
If it shares same (elegant)design with other Kasser synths, Blaster is quite different:
with OPL3 chip less algorithms, less lfos options but MORE Operator waveforms than usual sinusoidal found in "classic" FM (Genesis, Arcade,DX7 etc)
Iam surprized by the way it sounds: very clean and dynamic tone.(16bit FM?)
I create biggest bassline instantD&B ever! or pur kind of lovely fizzly Sinus tone really sweet with arpeggios.
For an experimental music lover it's a VERY nice tool!
It's a Unique sounding machine, still Raw & Basic 4OP design but with these Alternat OP.Waveforms it results in new timbres seriously badass!!!
just (as usual) add a bit of a good external FX :)

About SD card bank: you can Only save the all 6 presets you have in memory(= bank 0), if you want more you have to manage them externaly,
load them on SD card and recall them with CC0 value 1 (to acces bank 1) then ProgramChange Data to load presets (Not yet tested).
All in all it's a creative synth, trippy and fun to use.
Just it would be VERY nice to have a clever way to save more presets directly then to have the ability to mute some midi channels?

Robert | June 24, 2021

impossibly cryptic O.S

It's sounds GREAT,
It has cc control.
It's very small.

It's harder to program than a DX100 made 30 years ago.
The displays are SO small, its the only thing in my studio that I can't see without glasses/magnifying glass, (I have lots of equipment).
No preset names.
Impossibly difficult O.S, I use the Cirklon to program it instead, works well, although not all cc parameters are there and some cc's don't work.
I can not work out how the preset system works + crashes when I try to save to an SD card.
Can someone PLEASE explain properly how the presets and memories work?

Michael | May 12, 2021

Incredible Product

I absolutely love this. Nice synth! Here's the highlights:
- All parameters have easy knob control, hence its easy even for a novice to sound synthesis like me, to create interesting tones.
- Amazing build quality & aesthetics (it just looks sexy)
- Beautiful high quality sound

Rocco | April 20, 2021

DAFM rules

I was looking for a small self-build project that combined soldering and music making. the DAFM is just right for this, although for my part I have finished the construction far too quickly. so I'm looking for the next kit again. the DAFM kit definitely arouses interest in more kits. the pcb looks good in black and i am very satisfied with the quality, especially with the soldering points through the pcb. assembly instructions are well illustrated and the individual points are well described for what the components are required for. only I am missing a more detailed instruction manual especially for the midi control if one is not familiar with it. The DAFM worked straight away. am delighted. for my terms there is a bit of noise, but with a denoise module you can get the signal well.

Raphael | March 4, 2021

Great little Monster

After receiving my ARCADE YM2151 then spent a few hours with it, I have to say that Iam very happy with this synth!
At first shipping was quick and secure. The build quality is top, Look is so sexy!
The choice of the YM2151 (with it's dedicated DAC on the output) seems to be a marvellous choice:
You will have all those sharp, glassy, raw, belly, metalic, percussive, strange & pure sounds that only FM synthesis can do :)
Add an FX and you'll be in synth paradise!
The synth is easy to program, after a few moments you'll understand how FM synthesis works.
Only the Load/save preset Menu Page is still obscure to me otherwise the user interface is lovely.

If you are looking for a 4 op FM synth then don't hesitate, the ARCADE YM2151 is THE choice.
Great job Kasser people, kind regards from SOuth of France :)

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.

Richard | Nov. 28, 2020

An excellent kit, extremely well made and documented

I bought this to make a Christmas present for a friend who makes music with MIDI equipment, and who like me, grew up with the Sega Megadrive (or Genesis for you folk outside the UK...).

The board is lovingly made, it's great to look at and work with. The components are clearly very high quality, and work exactly as intended. I had 1 tiny issue (which was completely my fault) but got great support from the maker.

I bought the kit alone as I want to create a personalised 3D printed case with my friend's nickname on it, so I've added some risers underneath the OLED screens just to lift them up from the surface of the board.

Can't wait for my friend to unwrap his completely unique, and very cool present.

Gracias Amigos!

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.

Steven | Aug. 24, 2020

highly recommended, both the upgrade kit AND the DAFM synth.

For DAFM synth - Upgrade KIT

My (older) DIY DAFM kit didn't support the newer firmware, so I was missing out on the latest and greatest features.
I messaged the seller and got word back that a chip with more memory was required and that an upgrade kit would come available soon.

I ordered as soon as it became available, because I LOVE the DAFM synth.

Unfortunately the chip was DOA, it wouldn't work. Tried to reflash, but my ft232 didn't detect the chip.
Abraham from Kasser Synths helped me troubleshoot and we came to the conclussion the chip was borked.
He send me a new one (and added the optional serial flasher at no cost). This level of support is what makes a great product even better. I would give 3 thumbs up if I had that many. If you have the DIY kit, do yourself a favor and get this upgrade, it's more then worth it !! Thanks again Abraham!

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.

Chris | Oct. 12, 2019

Re-living my childhood through this amazing synth!

Superb unit, very well designed and has a solid build quality. I really love the little screens and some of the imagery and icons are really nice. It sounds great, just want to explore more!

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!

Steven | July 28, 2019

amazing kit

My presale question was answered quickly, parsel arrived in mere days. Components come packed in numbered bags, so no unnecessary searching for stuff when following the build guide. Components are spaced far enough so no expert soldering level is needed. What more can I say, this is an absolute stunner. I'm even hesitant to print a 3D case, as the components on the board give it an awesome look.

Subtracted one star for not being open source code, but don't let that stop you from buying, this is an awesome bit of kit!! 2 thumbs up from me :)

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!

Alexander | July 1, 2019

Good product, fantastic support

The kit is very well-documented and easy to assemble (I hadn't touched a soldering iron in 30 years or so and managed to build this). The finished synth has a unique design and a really great graphical user interface. Those tiny screens are a real looker.
Product support is fantastic, too. I found the unit didn't support for velocity sensitivity and contacted the creator on this issue, and received an updated ROM with lots of new features only some days later. I can only recommend this, it's a fun project to assemble and seeing it working was so satisfying. :-)

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