OctaFM by Borenstein
WHAT IF YOUR DRUMS DIDN’T NEED SAMPLES?
OctaFM is an eight-voice FM drum rack that generates every sound through pure synthesis. Built around Ableton’s Operator, each voice is a fully tweakable FM engine with expressive macro control. Add eight step-sequenceable, velocity-sensitive global effects and four MIDI randomization macros, and you have a drum system that’s as dynamic as it is versatile.
Inside you’ll find:
- 8 FM drum voices powered by Operator synthesis (no samples)
- 8 global effects with per-step, velocity-sensitive control
- 4 MIDI randomization macros for evolving grooves and fills
- 3 main versions: OctaFM 16 (16 macros), OctaFM 8 (8 macros), OctaFM 2 (2 macros)
- Bonus rack for loading your own samples or instruments
- Macro presets for sounds and MIDI patterns
- Master project with example sequences and quick reference guide
Perfect for Push 3 Standalone and Ableton Move (control mode), OctaFM turns your hardware into a dedicated FM drum machine.
Compatible with Ableton Live 11/12 Suite, Push 3 (Controller & Standalone), and Ableton Move (control mode)
FM drum synthesis. Fully alive.
USER GUIDE: OctaFM Reference Manual
OctaFM by Borenstein
WHAT IF YOUR DRUMS DIDN’T NEED SAMPLES?
OctaFM is an eight-voice FM drum rack that generates every sound through pure synthesis. Built around Ableton’s Operator, each voice is a fully tweakable FM engine with expressive macro control. Add eight step-sequenceable, velocity-sensitive global effects and four MIDI randomization macros, and you have a drum system that’s as dynamic as it is versatile.
Inside you’ll find:
- 8 FM drum voices powered by Operator synthesis (no samples)
- 8 global effects with per-step, velocity-sensitive control
- 4 MIDI randomization macros for evolving grooves and fills
- 3 main versions: OctaFM 16 (16 macros), OctaFM 8 (8 macros), OctaFM 2 (2 macros)
- Bonus rack for loading your own samples or instruments
- Macro presets for sounds and MIDI patterns
- Master project with example sequences and quick reference guide
Perfect for Push 3 Standalone and Ableton Move (control mode), OctaFM turns your hardware into a dedicated FM drum machine.
Compatible with Ableton Live 11/12 Suite, Push 3 (Controller & Standalone), and Ableton Move (control mode)
FM drum synthesis. Fully alive.
USER GUIDE: OctaFM Reference Manual
OctaFM Demo ONE
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Playlist
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OctaFM Demo ONE
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OctaFM Demo TWO
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Additional information
| Ableton Live Compatibility | Ableton Live 11 Suite, Ableton Live 12 Suite |
|---|---|
| Min. Requirements | Ableton Live Suite 11.3.5 |
PRICE: £20.00
Product reviews
5 out of 5
2 reviews
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February 5, 2026
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
Beyond all my expectations
I had the privilege of being part of the beta test for Ableton’s Octa FM, and honestly, it opened up a whole new playground for me. It delivers drum rhythms I simply could not have created before, blending that unmistakable FM punch with a surprising amount of flexibility. The sound feels crisp, modern, and full of character, yet still rooted in the classic FM spirit. What really stands out is how fresh and inspiring it feels — every session pushed me to experiment, tweak, and discover grooves that came out alive, dynamic, and totally unique. Octa FM is not just another FM instrument, it is a creative rhythm machine
Instant quality and ready to perform
I recommend this product
December 25, 2025
This reviewer bought this product from our store.
It is truly remarkable. Reminds me of something David Bowie would use if he was alive today.
I recommend this product
OctaFM by Borenstein
What if your drum rack didn’t rely on samples at all? What if every kick, snare, and hi-hat was sculpted in real-time through pure FM synthesis, responding to your touch with the expressiveness of a living instrument?
OctaFM is an eight-voice FM drum and instrument rack that replaces static samples with dynamic synthesis. Built entirely around Ableton Live’s Operator, each of the eight voices is a fully tweakable FM engine, giving you hands-on control over tone, timbre, and texture. Whether you’re crafting crisp 808-style kicks or designing otherworldly metallic percussion, OctaFM puts the power of frequency modulation directly under your fingers.
But OctaFM goes beyond sound generation. Eight global effects can be step-sequenced and respond to velocity, letting you apply precise amounts of processing on a per-step basis. Four MIDI randomization macros introduce rhythmic variation, unexpected fills, and evolving grooves, making it easy to escape the grid and discover new patterns. This is FM drum synthesis designed for performance, experimentation, and total sonic control.
Core Architecture
At the heart of OctaFM are eight independent FM voices, each powered by its own instance of Ableton’s Operator synth. Unlike sample-based drum racks, every sound is generated through synthesis, giving you complete control over harmonic content, envelope shaping, and modulation depth.
The eight global effects system is where OctaFM truly shines. Each effect can be step-sequenced with velocity-sensitive wet/dry control, meaning you can apply subtle saturation on one step and aggressive distortion on the next. This level of per-step effect control turns your drum patterns into dynamic, evolving textures that shift and morph across a sequence.
Four MIDI randomization macros add another layer of creative possibilities. These intelligent randomization tools can introduce subtle timing variations, trigger probability, velocity shifts, and rhythmic mutations, helping you break out of rigid patterns and discover unexpected grooves.
Three Versions, One Vision
Your purchase includes three distinct versions of OctaFM, each optimized for different workflows and hardware controllers:
OctaFM 16 offers the deepest level of control with sixteen tweakable macros covering multiple parameters per drum voice. This is the sound designer’s version, perfect for detailed FM sculpting and precise tonal shaping.
OctaFM 8 provides eight macros, one per voice, with each macro controlling one to three linked parameters. This version is ideal for Push 3 (both controller and Standalone modes) and Ableton Move in control mode. When used on Push 3 Standalone, OctaFM 8 transforms Push into a fully-fledged hardware FM groove rack, with one encoder dedicated to each voice.
OctaFM 2 features just two macros: one dedicated to the kick, and one that shapes all remaining voices. This streamlined version is designed for dramatic, performance-ready sound changes, letting you go from subtle to wild with the turn of a single knob.
As a bonus, OctaFM includes a fourth version without the FM voices. This allows you to load your own drum samples or Live instruments while still taking advantage of the eight global effects and MIDI randomization system. It’s the perfect hybrid approach for producers who want to combine their favorite samples with OctaFM’s powerful sequencing and effects architecture.
Push 3 Standalone Power
OctaFM is fully compatible with Push 3 Standalone mode, turning your Push into a dedicated hardware FM drum machine. With OctaFM 8, each of the eight encoders controls one voice, giving you instant tactile access to your sounds without a computer. Step-sequence your patterns, tweak your FM parameters, and apply effects, all from the Push hardware.
This standalone capability makes OctaFM perfect for live performance, studio jams, and hardware-centric workflows. No laptop required, just pure hands-on FM drum synthesis.
Ableton Move Integration
OctaFM is also designed for Ableton Move in control mode, bringing FM drum synthesis to your pocket-sized production tool. The eight-macro layout of OctaFM 8 maps perfectly to Move’s interface, letting you perform and produce with FM drums on the go.
What’s Included
OctaFM comes with everything you need to start creating immediately:
- Four rack versions: OctaFM 16, OctaFM 8, OctaFM 2, plus the bonus user-sample version
- Macro variations (presets): Sound presets and MIDI/groove presets for all versions
- Master project: Example sequences demonstrating OctaFM 16, 8, and 2 in action
- Built-in quick reference guide: Comprehensive documentation directly inside the Live project
How to Use OctaFM
Load any version of OctaFM onto a MIDI track in Ableton Live. If you’re using Push 3 or Ableton Move, select OctaFM 8 for optimal controller mapping. Begin by exploring the included presets to hear the range of sounds possible with FM drum synthesis.
Create a MIDI clip and start programming your drum pattern. As you sequence, experiment with the eight global effects, drawing in automation or using the step-sequencer to modulate wet/dry amounts per step. Use the four MIDI randomization macros to introduce variation, whether you want subtle humanization or radical rhythmic mutations.
For sound design, dive into the macro controls and adjust each voice’s FM parameters. With OctaFM 16, you have access to multiple parameters per voice for deep editing. With OctaFM 8 or 2, you can quickly shape your entire kit with streamlined controls. Save your custom settings as macro presets for instant recall.
Ideal For
- Electronic music producers seeking fresh, synthesized drum sounds beyond typical sample libraries
- Sound designers exploring FM synthesis for percussive applications
- Push 3 Standalone users wanting a dedicated hardware FM drum machine
- Ableton Move users looking for expressive, portable drum synthesis
- Live performers who need dynamic, real-time control over drum tones and effects
- Producers who want to escape the limitations of static samples and create evolving, organic rhythms
Technical Requirements
- Ableton Live 11 or 12 Suite (full version required for Operator synth)
- Push 3 (controller or Standalone) or Ableton Move for optimal hardware integration
- Mac or Windows operating system
OctaFM by Borenstein – where FM synthesis meets rhythm, and every beat is alive.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: OctaFM is an eight-voice FM drum and instrument rack for Ableton Live that generates all sounds through pure synthesis using Operator. It includes eight global effects with step-sequencing and velocity sensitivity, four MIDI randomization macros, and comes in three versions (16, 8, and 2 macros) plus a bonus user-sample rack. Fully compatible with Push 3 Standalone and Ableton Move in control mode.
A: No, OctaFM is not a Max for Live device.
A: Yes! OctaFM is fully compatible with Push 3 Standalone mode. The OctaFM 8 version is especially optimized for standalone use, with each of Push’s eight encoders controlling one FM drum voice, turning your Push into a dedicated hardware FM drum machine.
A: You can explore more of Borenstein’s tools and devices here: Borenstein
Important Information
Initial Release – December 2025
Our Products are generally provided as Zip file downloads which in all cases will need to be extracted and saved to your hard drive prior to installation. Details on the different file type provided and what to do with them are below.
.alp Files – These are Ableton Live Packs and will either install directly into the Packs Section of the browser of Ableton Live or ask you to save them to your hard drive. For packs that install to the library, when you double click on them you will see a pop up window asking you to confirm that installation is ok as the files are described as “Legacy”. This is fine and you are ok to proceed, the packs are created using the format for an earlier version of Live and so remain compatible with the current version.
.amxd files – These are individual MaxforLive Devices and can be stored anywhere on your hard drive. We’d advise creating a folder for them and then adding that folder as a location within the Places section of Lives Browser.
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