Frap Tools 'Magnolia': An 8-Voice Analog Thru-Zero FM Synthesizer
After turning heads with pre-production units that stole the show at SUPERBOOTH25 (May 8–10, FEZ-Berlin, Germany) and later showcasing the 8-Voice Analog Thru-Zero FM Synthesizer in its final form at Buchla & Friends 2026 (January 24–25, C&I Studios, Los Angeles, CA), Frap Tools—previously known for Eurorack modules, accessories, and professional 500-series audio compressors—is proud to announce that its first standalone instrument is now shipping.
Magnolia delivers a polyphonic, bi-timbral analog synthesizer experience. Beyond classic analog polysynth sounds, it allows for programming less conventional timbres closer to modular synthesis, especially the so-called "complex oscillators."
Musically, Magnolia brings modular synthesis techniques to the analog polysynth world—offering all the advantages of polyphonic analog instruments: immediate playability, rich sound, and the subtle unpredictabilities affectionately known as "analog warmth." Its 61-key FATAR keybed (from Italy) supports velocity and polyphonic aftertouch, making it highly expressive and playable from the first note. Dynamic interaction is a core focus, with multiple physical access points built into its design: Pitch and Modulation wheels, a Macro knob (assignable to any parameter), a Morph knob (to gradually transform between two settings), and two expression pedal inputs.
Magnolia also offers an extensive modulation setup: 16 modulation sources, 38 modulation destinations (each with an LED to indicate activity), three LFOs, three envelopes, and the standout PolyMove feature. PolyMove acts as a refined random generator, creating independent random control signals for every voice and destination—ideal for animating sounds from subtle variations to complete chaos.
The instrument's name and front panel proudly highlight its FM (Frequency Modulation) capabilities. While FM is often associated with carriers, operators, and complex formulas—popularized by '80s digital synths like the Yamaha DX7, which commercialized the algorithm developed by John Chowning at Stanford University in 1967—Magnolia approaches FM more directly: its two oscillators per voice combine an "East Coast" oscillator with PWM and a "West Coast" oscillator featuring linear Thru-Zero FM (TZFM), wavefolder, and flip sync, complemented by an orange TZFM knob for hands-on tweaking. The result is a raw, in-your-face FM sound that is incredibly fun to play.
For those wondering, "thru-zero" refers specifically to analog oscillators, signifying true analog FM capabilities.
"We created Magnolia to bring our iconic modular analog sound into a straightforward instrument that could play chords and 12-note music immediately," says Frap Tools Product Designer and Founder Simone Fabbri. He continues: "Inside, you'll find all our signature tools—analog triangle-core oscillators, thru-zero FM, wavefolders, analog distortion, and a wild, resonant filter. It's a powerful instrument capable of everything from soft, glass-like pads to earth-shattering distorted leads. The hands-on modulation matrix lets you connect 16 modulation sources to 32 destinations with a simple push and twist. Every circuit is designed from scratch—Magnolia is essentially a condensed version of our Eurorack modules, with no stock ICs. We're thrilled—and admittedly a bit jittery—to release it. It's been a long journey with many challenges, but seeing it in stores is incredibly rewarding. We thank all our supporters and hope Magnolia will be loved by many musicians!"
Frap Tools is an Italian company that has been manufacturing Eurorack modules and accessories alongside professional audio compressors in the 500-Series format for 10 years. Individuality is central to the company's ethos, evidenced by the refined analogue circuitry and bold graphic design deployed in its products. Pushing onwards and upwards, it is now venturing into the world of high-end keyboard synthesizers, starting with Magnolia.
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