Fluctus
Key Features
- Three FM operators in a circular modulation loop with additional cross-modulation path for deep sound sculpting
- Variable brightness control per operator for shaping harmonic overtone content without adjusting modulation depth
- Built-in effects chain with soft/hard saturators, multi-mode LP/HP filter, ping-pong delay, and phaser
- Optional 2x oversampling to reduce aliasing artifacts during aggressive FM modulation
- Over 60 factory patches covering electric pianos, metallic bells, evolving pads, and aggressive basses
- Native CLAP plugin support with polyphonic non-destructive modulation, plus AU and FL Studio native formats
- Scalable single-page interface (100% to 200%) with all parameters visible on one screen
Description
Fluctus by Nakst is a 3-operator FM synthesizer built around a unique loop configuration where each operator modulates the next in a circular chain. This design makes heavy modulation easily accessible, producing everything from glassy digital tones to aggressive metallic textures with minimal effort.
The three operators each feature ADSR envelopes, variable brightness control, and detune parameters. Operator 3 modulates Operator 2, Operator 2 modulates Operator 1, and Operator 1 feeds back into Operator 3, with an additional cross-modulation path from Operator 3 directly to Operator 1.
A suite of built-in effects rounds out the sound design options, including soft and hard saturators, a multi-mode lowpass/highpass filter, ping-pong delay, and phaser. Optional 2x oversampling keeps aliasing artifacts in check at higher modulation depths.
Fluctus was among the first synthesizers to ship with native CLAP plugin format support, embracing polyphonic non-destructive modulation from the outset. The streamlined single-page interface scales from 100% to 200% and keeps every control visible at once, making it approachable for producers new to FM synthesis.
Over 60 factory patches span classic FM electric pianos, evolving pads, metallic bells, and aggressive basses. The plugin requires roughly 20 MB of disk space and runs on Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), and Linux.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What plugin formats does Fluctus support?
Fluctus supports CLAP (with polyphonic non-destructive modulation), Audio Units (AU) for macOS, and the native FL Studio plugin format. It also runs as a standalone application. Note that it does not offer VST or VST3 versions.
Does Fluctus run on Apple Silicon Macs natively?
Yes. The macOS build of Fluctus includes native Apple Silicon support, so it runs without Rosetta translation on M-series processors. The macOS version is 64-bit only.
How does Fluctus compare to more complex FM synthesizers like FM8 or DX7 V?
Fluctus focuses on simplicity with just three operators in a fixed loop topology and a single-page interface, making it ideal for learning FM synthesis. More advanced FM synths offer additional operators, flexible algorithm routing, and larger preset libraries, but come with steeper learning curves.
Can Fluctus produce sounds beyond typical FM tones?
Yes. The built-in saturators, multi-mode filter, delay, and phaser extend its range well beyond raw FM output. Combined with the circular modulation loop and variable brightness controls, Fluctus can create warm pads, gritty basses, and textured soundscapes alongside classic FM bells and keys.
