Mortal FM Kombat: Plogue’s meticulous OPMZ Yamaha emulation totally slaps

We’re awash with emulations at the moment, but this one is on another level. The chip that powered everything from Yamaha’s little-known CX5M computer to the best 80s FM synths and video game masterpieces gets a long-awaited (unofficial) rendition on your computer, and it’s just about perfect — both as a instrument plug-in and an ultra-authentic player for classic games. And where this emulation started was physical, not virtual: a workbench, vintage gear and documentation, research, and physical labor.

Jordan Czamanski with his treasured Yamaha CS-30

Jordan GCZ, Mei Honeycomb, magic synths, and the jazz/techno divide

Timed with the release of Clairvoyant Dimensions, his new album with saxophonist Jeff Hollie, the JuJu & Jordash and Magic Mountain High mainstay talked at length about pressing record and jamming, the lesser-known synths behind the album’s shimmer, and the hilarious origin of the group’s name.

David Abravanel - June 30, 2026

Cubase is Japan’s biggest DAW, and you need to watch this Japanese review

Yamaha Vocaloid-based voices in Cubase? It better be able to sing in Japanese, right? Well, I’ve got some more on the engine, and the folks at SLEEP FREAKS have your Japanese-language review. Surprise: that is trippy as hell to watch with the machine learning English-language track. Jump into a must-watch set of tips and tricks for Cubase fans.

Peter Kirn - November 6, 2025

Cubase 15: Expression Maps, rich patterns, updated Modulators, plug-ins

Peter Kirn - November 5, 2025

Your iPad and iPhone just became a portal to endless DX7 sounds

Peter Kirn - September 11, 2025

No one shreds on keys like Mauritania’s Ahmedou Ahmed Lowla

Peter Kirn - September 5, 2025

Yamaha’s VL1 launched physical modeling; it’s time to give it its due

Peter Kirn - June 2, 2025

Paulee Alex Bow makes songs from transphobic, ableist hate mail

Peter Kirn - May 29, 2025

Yamaha’s SEQTRAK looks like a return to fun mobile music designs

Peter Kirn - January 16, 2024