Planetary FM – Experimental FM-Synthesizer
Name(s) of graduate(s):Lukas Kunkel
2026
Description
Planetary FM is an FM synthesizer that translates otherwise abstract FM connections into a physical, modular arrangement. It uses six modules that alter the sound image depending on their positioning. Users do not adjust the routing via numbers or display diagrams, but rather by arranging the modules using swiveling and telescoping arms. This creates a direct, tactile connection between structure and sound: changing the arrangement changes the sound.
The interface is deliberately reduced and prioritizes the sound-forming parameters through a clear hierarchy of color and shape. Screens show the waveform generated by each module, modulators and carriers are clearly labeled, making the signal roles in the patch immediately understandable. This significantly improves FM synthesis in terms of handling and learnability. This applies in particular to hands-on use in learning and teaching contexts.
Lukas Kunkel
2026
Description
Planetary FM is an FM synthesizer that translates otherwise abstract FM connections into a physical, modular arrangement. It uses six modules that alter the sound image depending on their positioning. Users do not adjust the routing via numbers or display diagrams, but rather by arranging the modules using swiveling and telescoping arms. This creates a direct, tactile connection between structure and sound: changing the arrangement changes the sound.
The interface is deliberately reduced and prioritizes the sound-forming parameters through a clear hierarchy of color and shape. Screens show the waveform generated by each module, modulators and carriers are clearly labeled, making the signal roles in the patch immediately understandable. This significantly improves FM synthesis in terms of handling and learnability. This applies in particular to hands-on use in learning and teaching contexts.
Link to Video