Skein FM synth plugin interface by Glitchmachines

Skein: FM Synth for Sound Design by Glitchmachines

Rated 4.8/5 on Plugin Boutique (6 ratings)

Skein is an FM synthesizer plugin from Glitchmachines, built for experimental sound design and electronic music production. It runs as a VST3 or AU plugin on Windows and macOS.

VST3AUWindowsmacOS

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01Overview

Skein is aimed at producers who want to create unusual tones rather than classic digital FM sounds. Its four operators include skew controls and noise, and a modulation matrix with per-cell modulation lets you route sources to targets in detail. Four LFOs, four 32-step sequencers, four envelopes and two multi-mode filters add further shaping options, while a four-slot effects chain covers distortion, bit crushing, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb and buffer effects. The developer positions it as an instrument for sonic experimentation first.

Best for

Experimental sound design
Percussive FM tones
Evolving textures
Complex modulation patches
Electronic music production

Developer: Glitchmachines
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Four FM operator modules with Skew and noise controls
FM matrix with per-cell modulation and per-operator feedback
Eight overwritable factory FM algorithms
Four LFOs with 15 wave shapes and oscilloscopes
Four 32-step sequencers with 10 utility functions
Four multi-mode amplitude envelopes with Perc mode
Two serial or parallel multi-mode filters
Quad effects chain with 7 effects and reorderable FX Chain
Poly mode with 12 voices and monophonic mode with glide
160 presets across four preset banks

03In depth

FM Operators and Modulation Matrix

Skein uses four operator modules. Each includes white noise generators, a dual oscillator mode and a Skew control that bends the waveform, which the developer says gives a more complex tone close to a sawtooth wave.

The modulation system runs through Mod Selectors placed below each target parameter, including all 16 matrix cells. Clicking a selector opens a Mod Panel with access to four LFOs, four mod sequencers, four amplitude envelopes, four randomizers, velocity and key tracking. Eight factory FM algorithms can be overwritten with your own.

Sequencers, LFOs and Effects

The four sequencers hold up to 32 steps each, with a vertical grid resolution menu and 10 utility functions for faster editing. The LFOs offer 15 wave shapes and integrated oscilloscopes that show how the four LFO modules interact.

The Quad Effects Chain holds four multi-effects processors with local randomizers, and its order can be changed in the FX Chain interface. Two multi-mode filters can run in serial or parallel, with lowpass, highpass, bandpass and notch modes. Poly mode provides 12 voices, and monophonic mode includes glide.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Glitchmachines
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, AU
Operating systems	Windows, macOS

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is Skein?

Skein is an FM synthesizer plugin by Glitchmachines, focused on experimental sound design and electronic music production. It has four operators, a modulation matrix and a multi-effects chain.

What formats and operating systems does Skein support?

Skein is available in VST3 and AU formats and runs on Windows and macOS. The developer lists Windows 11 and macOS 11 or later as supported versions.

What do I need to use Skein?

Skein needs a VST3 or AU compatible host, such as Ableton Live or Logic Pro. The listed requirements include at least 4 GB of RAM, an Intel i5 or equivalent CPU and about 1.5 GB of disk space.