From impulse purchase to pocket studio: The M-Vave FM-1
Summary
The M-Vave FM-1 is a low-cost, pocket-sized synthesizer that has attracted community-made firmware projects, including a version that runs Doom. M-Vave has released development tools and open-sourced the application layer, but flashing custom firmware can erase data or leave the device unusable if an update fails.Key Facts
- The FM-1 costs about $59.72 after fees and has 27 physical piano keys and a 1.54-inch TFT display.
- Community members began reverse-engineering the device’s firmware in July, and custom firmware projects appeared by September.
- On October 17, M-Vave announced FM1 Open, which includes an SDK, a browser-based workbench, and stock firmware version 15.
- M-Vave published the application source under the GPLv3 license and included a browser-based emulator.
- The FM-1’s stock synthesizer engine remains a closed binary; only the application layer is open.
- The device uses a single flash bank, so an interrupted firmware update can make recovery difficult.
- Flashing firmware wipes saved projects and settings, which users should back up first.
- A force-flash tool in the FM1 Workbench restored the author’s device to stock version 15 after a failed attempt to install custom firmware on version 14.
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