Release Date: April 3, 2026
Version: 1.3.0
Developer: Sonicbits
Developer Website: sonicbits.com/plugins/exakt
Format: VSTi, VSTi3
Bit Depth: 64-bit
Tablet: present
System Requirements: Windows 10/11
Requires R2R – System installed
Size: 19 MB
FM synthesizers hold a special place in the history of synthesizers. In the world of sound design, few techniques represent innovation and sonic complexity as profoundly as frequency modulation. While traditional synthesis often relies on filtering static waves, FM synthesis begins where motion is born.
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Exakt captures the very essence of this technology: the art of transforming simple waves into complex timbres through high-speed interaction of operators. From crystalline metallic chimes to deep, evolving textures, FM synthesis makes modulation the primary architect of sound.
Silk is a virtual analog synthesizer plugin dedicated to a single waveform: the sawtooth, one of the most widely used and widespread waveforms for creating sounds using subtractive analog and virtual analog synthesis.
Exakt
FM synthesizers hold a special place in the history of synthesizers. In the world of sound design, few techniques represent innovation and sonic complexity as profoundly as frequency modulation. While traditional synthesis often relies on filtering static waves, FM synthesis begins where movement is born. Exakt captures the very essence of this technology: the art of transforming simple waves into complex timbres through high-speed operator interaction. From crystalline metallic chimes to deep, evolving textures, FM synthesis makes modulation the primary architect of sound.
Operators
Like many vintage machines, the Exakt has four operators that can be arranged in various FM algorithms. Each operator offers different waveforms, such as basic sine, sawtooth, square, and triangle. In addition to the eight classic waveforms from the Yamaha TX81Z, four more enhanced TX waveforms are included. Each operator has its own amplitude envelope generator, supporting five-point TX envelopes. These envelopes have been modeled to emulate the characteristics of the TX. Additionally, up to 16 points can be added to the looping envelopes to create complex shapes.
Algorithms and Modulation
Combined with a flexible modulation matrix, creamy chorus, gritty distortion, and stereo delay effects, the Exakt offers sounds suitable for any music. Dive deep into FM synthesis and explore a diverse palette of waveforms. Each operator can be edited in its own color panel. The envelopes are modeled after the iconic TX envelopes, and drag-and-drop editing makes it easy to sculpt dynamic contours.
These four operators can be organized into several FM algorithms. Color-coded operators help identify whether an operator is a carrier or a modulator. In addition to the eight algorithms familiar from four-operator (vintage) synthesizers, Exakt offers eight more interesting algorithms. Operator D has feedback, and the global FM count can be adjusted.
Envelopes and Control
All operators and the two modulation envelopes support drag-and-drop editing. Envelopes can contain up to 16 points and can be looped. You can choose whether the envelope is persistent or simply runs once. Your favorite settings can be saved as envelope presets, and each envelope can be copied to all others for quick editing. The modulation matrix provides extensive control over your sound design, key to creating evolving and responsive soundscapes. Modulation sources, including two LFOs and two dedicated module envelopes, are easily routed to 17 destination parameters.
Accessible FM
FM synthesis is notorious for its inaccessibility and unpredictable results. Exakt helps with this by continuously displaying the resulting waveform while editing operator parameters or selecting different FM algorithms. The waveform display instantly responds to adjustments to the modulator level or gain, allowing you to gradually refine your sound.
DAC Emulation
Part of the charm of vintage equipment lies in the imperfect conversion of the audio signal by the DAC (digital-to-analog converter). Many devices used 12-bit conversion, and the DAC was often nonlinear, resulting in certain artifacts, aliasing, and subtle distortion that add warmth and character to the device. Exakt emulates a 12-bit DAC and allows you to add customization for each preset.
Detailed Features
• 4 non-aliasing operators with classic and enhanced TX waveforms
• 16-voice polyphony
• Drag-and-drop envelopes (up to 16 points), copy and paste
• Loopable operator envelopes
• 16 FM algorithms with feedback Linked editing of all 4 operators simultaneously
• Resonant filter with various low-, high-, and band-pass models
• Formant filter with vowel emphasis
• Visualization of the resulting waveform for instant editing feedback
• 2 LFOs synced to the host
• 2 loopable modulation envelopes with a range of up to 16 points
• Mod matrix with multiple targets
• Lush chorus, distortion, stereo delay, and reverb effects
• 12-bit DAC emulation
• Sysex Bank import from Yamaha 4 operator synths (TX81Z, DX21, DX100, and V50)
• Over 190 ready-to-play presets, organized by category
• Resizable vector graphics without blur
• Runs on Windows (VST 2 and VST3) and Mac (Intel / ARM, AU, VST2, and VST3), 64-bit only
Silk
Silk is a virtual analog synthesizer plugin dedicated to a single waveform: sawtooth, which is one of the most widely used and widespread waveforms for creating sounds using subtractive analog and virtual analog synthesis. Silk features two sawtooth oscillators, each generating a unison sound from seven combined voices. These parts in this “multi-saw” can be distributed and merged, resulting in a very rich, airy, and bright sound with many interesting harmonics. An additional noise oscillator can add a bit of dirt.
Multi-Saw Oscillators
Two multi-saw oscillators form the sonic heart of Silk. They operate in unison mode with seven detonated voices. These voices can be tuned from the base frequency, and the volume of these parts can be adjusted relative to the main voice using the blend knob. Both oscillators are customizable and their range can be adjusted, allowing you to create rich sounds in conjunction with the noise oscillator, perfect for thick leads, pads, and bass.
Multi-Mode Filter
In addition to resonant low-pass, high-pass, and band-pass filters, Silk also features a formant filter. Selecting one of the vowel settings emphasizes the corresponding frequencies. Using this filter, you can create choral sounds. Changing the cutoff frequency for the formant filter transforms the sound into a different vowel. Changing the resonance value changes the slope of the emphasized frequencies.
Silk Modulation
The modulation matrix provides extensive control over your sound design, key to creating evolving and responsive soundscapes. Modulation sources, including two LFOs and two dedicated modulation envelopes, can be easily routed to eight targets, such as the parameters of the multi-saw and noise oscillators, the filter cutoff and resonance, or the pitch. This feature provides flexible control over sounds, allowing for subtle adjustments or more complex modulations.
Features :
• 2 free multi-saw oscillators with aliasing
• Noise oscillator
• Resonant filter with modes:
– Low pass 6, 12, 18, and 24 dB/oct
– High pass 12 dB/oct
– Bandpass
• Formant filter with preset vowel settings
• 2 ADSR modulation envelopes
• 2 host-syncable LFOs
• Flexible 8-slot mod matrix
• Effects section with two-stage chorus, stereo delay, and reverb
• 16-voice polyphony
• 140 ready-to-play presets organized by category
• Modifiable vector interface
• Runs on Windows (VST2 and VST3), as well as Intel and ARM Mac (AU, VST2, and VST3), 64-bit only
